cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhanced noradrenaline response in cardiomyopathic hamsters: possible relation to changes in adrenoceptors studied by radioligand binding

To assess the possible relation between catecholamine responses and adrenoceptor affinity and density, we compared the effect of noradrenaline, isoprenaline and ouabain on the right ventricular muscle strips from normal and cardiomyopathic hamsters with alpha 1- and beta-adrenoceptor characteristics assessed by radioligand binding methods. At concentrations of 1.28, 2.56, 5.0 and 10 x 10 (-6) mol . litre (-1) noradrenaline raised isometric tension by 27 +/- 4, 39 +/- 5, 52 +/- 5 and 61 +/-6% in normal animals (n = 6). Corresponding increase of 65 +/- 8, 92 +/- 8, 109 +/- 9 and 115 +/- 10% occurred in cardiomyopathic hamsters (n=11, all P less than 0.02). The responses to isoprenaline (Emax =82%) and ouabain did not differ between the two groups of hamsters. [3H]-prazosin, a new radioligand, and [-3H]-dihydroalprenolol were used to assess alpha 1- and beta-adrenoceptors in cardiac membranes. By Scatchard analysis, the KD values for both ligands did not differ between normal and cardiomyopathic hamsters, but the maximum number of binding sites was higher in the myopathic group: 5.5 vs 3.9 fmol . mg [-1] protein for [3H]-prazosin and 27 vs 20 fmol . mg [-1] protein for [-3H]-dihydroalprenolol (both P less than 0.05). Histochemically, oxidative and glycolytic activity were normal but lysosomal acid phosphatase was high. Possible explanations for the raise response to noradrenaline in cardiomyopathic hamster include and increased concentration of noradrenaline in the synaptic cleft due to defective neuronal uptake and / or stimulation of an augmented population of alpha 1-(postsynaptic) adrenoceptors.
A Critical Evaluation of The Braak Staging Scheme for Parkinson’s Disease

Braak and colleagues have proposed that, within the central nervous system, Parkinson's disease (PD) begins as a synucleinopathy in nondopaminergic structures of the lower brainstem or in the olfactory bulb. The brainstem synucleinopathy is postulated to progress rostrally to affect the substantia nigra and cause parkinsonism at a later stage of the disease. In the context of a diagnosis of PD, made from current clinical criteria, the pattern of lower brainstem involvement accompanying mesencephalic synucleinopathy is often observed. However, outside of that context, the patterns of synucleinopathy that Braak described are often not observed, particularly in dementia with Lewy bodies and when synucleinopathy occurs in the absence of neurological manifestations. The concept that lower brainstem synucleinopathy represents "early PD" rests on the supposition that it has a substantial likelihood of progressing within the human lifetime to involve the mesencephalon, and thereby cause the substantia nigra pathology and clinical parkinsonism that have heretofore defined the disease. However, the predictive validity of this concept is doubtful, based on numerous observations made in populations of aged individuals who, despite the absence of neurological signs, have brain synucleinopathy ranging up to Braak stages 4 to 6 at postmortem. Furthermore, there is no relation between Braak stage and the clinical severity of PD. We conclude that the relation between patterns of abnormal synuclein immunostaining in the human brain and the disease entity now recognized as PD remains to be determined.
Treatment of panic disorder in older adults: a pilot study comparison of alprazolam, imipramine, and placebo.

Objective: Several studies have documented that a variety of pharmacological compounds are quite effective in controlling acute symptomatology of panic disorder in the general population. However, there is a paucity of such studies in the management of panic disorder in older adults (ages 55 and above). The purpose of this study was to gather pilot data in older patients with panic disorder to begin to assess the efficacy of two commonly-used antipanic medications, imipramine and alprazolam. Method: Twenty-five (n = 25 (23 females; 2 males); 18 completers, 7 dropouts) older panic disorder (DSM-III-R) patients (age range = 55-73; mean = 61.24) were studied in an eight-week randomized, parallel-groups, double-blind, placebo-controlled, flexible dose design. Outcome was assessed weekly by global change ratings (Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Scales; Physicians' Global Impression ratings) and panic diaries. Because of small sample size, we present data descriptively. Results: Subjects in active medication groups evidenced reductions in panic attacks and in levels of overall anxiety and depression. Therapeutic dosages were approximately half those commonly used in younger panic disorder patients. Conclusion: Our data suggest the comparable efficacy of alprazolam and imipramine in the short-term treatment of older adults with panic disorder. There is clearly the need for a larger scale placebo-controlled study, preferably comparing imipramine andlor alprazolam with one of the SSRIs, to substantiate our findings.
Performance Comparison and Feedback Controller Design of Network Controlled Systems with Continuous Loss of States

This paper considers the problem of global stabilization in network control systems (NCS) with continuous/consective loss of states. In this context, data packets loss is an important issue that must be adequately addressed. Compared with random data packets loss, continuous (arbitrary) data packets loss is much more challenging to deal with because it requires to consider the maximum degree of continuous loss of states that a system can tolerate. Specifically, we address three important issues, including (i) comparison of two NCS models, (ii) determination of longest continuous state loss which a NCS can tolerate, and (iii) development of a NCS controller under continuous state loss. Several illustrative examples are given as well.
A conjecture on integration in finite terms with elementary functions and polylogarithms

In this abstract, we report on a conjecture that gives the form of an integral if it can be expressed using elementary functions and polylogarithms. The conjecture is proved by the author in the cases of the dilogarithm and the trilogarithm [3] and consists of a generalization of Liouville's theorem on integration in finite terms with elementary functions. Those last structure theorems, for the dilogarithm and the trilogarithm, are the first case of structure theorems where logarithms can appear with non-constant coefficients. In order to prove the conjecture for higher polylogarithms we need to find the functional identities, for the polylogarithms that we are using, that characterize all the possible algebraic relations among the considered polylogarithms of functions that are built up from the rational functions by taking the considered polylogarithms, exponentials, logarithms and algebraics. The task of finding those functional identities seems to be a difficult one and is an unsolved problem for the most part to this date.
Using a Musicianship Portfolio as Assessment of Music and Education Course Objectives in a “Music for Elementary Teachers” Course

This study explores the use of a portfolio to document and assess development of musicianship in a university course on elementary music methods for early childhood and elementary education majors. The researcher develops and implements the portfolio during two semesters, and students complete a survey regarding the perceived usefulness of the assignment. Survey feedback suggests an appreciation on the part of students regarding the usefulness of the portfolio relative to their learning in the course. Students indicate that the portfolio helped them to understand what musicianship is and become aware of and grow in their own musicianship. The results also suggest that the portfolio was a valuable tool for students to synthesize their learning in the course. The majority of students respond that they believed musicianship was an important part of the course; this belief could be due in part to the experience of creating the portfolio.
Risk factors for rapid repeat pregnancy among adolescent mothers: A review of the literature

Abstract Study Objective To review risk factors for rapid repeat pregnancy that have been studied among adolescents, and to determine which of these factors serve as useful predictors for second pregnancy. Design A Medline search of journal articles from 1966 to 1997 identified English language articles addressing repeat pregnancy among adolescents. All relevant citations within these articles were also included. Main Outcome Measures Risk factors that were correlated with rapid repeat pregnancy in studies using rigorous statistical analysis were considered to be significant. Results Significant predictors of rapid repeat pregnancy included younger age, low socioeconomic status, low education of teen's mother or head of household, marriage, intended or desired first pregnancy, and use of a contraceptive method other than Norplant postpartum. Conclusions There is little consensus as to which risk factors are the most important predictors of recidivism. With as many as half of teenage mothers conceiving again within two years, the identification of “high-risk” teens may be less important than the development of intervention strategies for all these young women.
A Systematic Approach to the Evaluation of RCRA Disposal Facilities under Future Climate-induced Events

The ability of near-surface disposal facility cover designs to meet percolation performance criteria can be influenced by naturally occurring climatic mechanisms as well as anthropogenic forcing. This study was conducted to determine the effect of climate-induced events on percolation based, probabilistic distributions derived from historical climate data. Water balance predictions were evaluated using the HELP model, employing several variations of degradation in a traditional RCRA disposal facility cover design over a 100-year simulation period. Results demonstrated that changes in precipitation and temperature can influence performance. The analysis also revealed that when both precipitation and temperature are increased, warmer temperatures tend to offset some of the impact from greater precipitation. ©2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Learning effects of asynchronous learning networks: a comparison of groups and individuals solving ethical case scenarios

The field experiment described in this paper explores self-reported learning and actual learning outcomes when asynchronous learning networks (ALN) vs. manual methods are used in the individual and group solution of ethical scenarios. A 2/spl times/2 factorial design crosses two modes of communication (manual vs. asynchronous computer conference) and two types of teamwork (individuals working along vs. individuals working in groups). The results of this field experiment suggest that the use of ALNs can be as effective as a traditional or face-to-face medium for conducting collaborative activities, such as the discussion and solution of cases in groups. Teamwork combined with asynchronous support can enhance the perception of learning. However, individual work in interaction with online materials negatively affects the perception of learning and subsequent exam performance.
Real-time digital filters for ECG signals: evaluation and new designs

The authors preset an approach to design and implement real-time digital filters for low-pass filtering, base-line drift removal, and AC noise cancellation in electrocardiogram (ECG) signal conditioning. These filters have been implemented on a digital signal processor (DSP), the Motorola DSP56001. Two adaptive digital filters are introduced to cancel AC noise. One is designed for a fixed, known AC frequency, while the other one is adaptable to AC frequency changes. Both filters do not require auxiliary inputs. The filters have been evaluated with synthetic ECG signals corrupted with various noises. >
Advanced power conversion using a switch matrix

To obtain an efficient AC-to-AC (or DC) power conversion topology, one with minimum size and weight, all energy storage elements should be removed. The result is a switch matrix power converter that only has power switches and snubbers. This resulting topology was evaluated and found promising for many applications. It features unity power factor by design, variable output voltage and frequency, low harmonic generation, and bidirectional power flow. This flexible power conversion topology consists of a switch matrix connected between the AC input and AC (or DC) output. Each switch on-time is selected based upon input AC voltage and current and pulse-width modulated in accordance with developed algorithms. The output voltage can be preset from zero to 0.866*Vin or can be modulated during operation. The output frequency can be preset from zero Hz (DC) to a fraction of the switching frequency or can be slaved during operation. This paper presents a description of the switch matrix power converter based on a compilation of the work done by Venturini, Ishiguro and Holmes. It illustrates the basic components required and switching sequences necessary for efficient operation. It also presents simulated waveforms resulting from a Basic program written to verify the performance capabilities of this advanced power conversion technique.
In vitro bactericidal and associated metabolic activities of mouse spleen cells.

Spleen cell suspensions from AKR and CD-1 mice are able to kill Escherichia coli in vitro. The optimal ratio of splenocytes to bacteria for this activity is 1: 1. Incubation of these cells with inert polystyrene latex spherules (0.81 μm diameter) results in a fourfold increase in glucose-1-14C oxidation. Under these conditions, there is also a 2.5-fold increase in both reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity and formate oxidation. Spleen cell fractions have been shown to have significant peroxidase activity. This has been quantitated by the guaiacol oxidation method. The 20,000 × g pellet fraction of spleen cell homogenate can kill E. coli when H2O2 and chloride ions are added and the reaction is carried out at pH 5.5 and 37 C.
Image analysis and 3-D visualization of intracerebral brain hemorrhage

A new 3D technique for the human spontaneous intracerebral brain hemorrhage (ICH) region segmentation and quantification is presented in this paper. The ICH primary region segmentation algorithm uses the K-means histogram-based clustering algorithm. The ICH edema region segmentation algorithm employs an iterative morphological processing of the ICH brain data. A volume rendering technique is used for the effective 3D visualization of ICH segmented regions. A computer program is developed for use in the human spontaneous ICH study involving large number of patients. Some experimental measurements and visualization results are presented which were computed on real ICH patient brain data. >
Gene therapy for Parkinson’s disease

Significant progress has been made in the field of gene therapy for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Successful vehicles for gene transfer into the central nervous system have been developed and clinical efficacy and safety have both been shown in various animal models of PD. Further optimisation of dosing, timing and location of gene therapy delivery as well as the ability to regulate and prolong gene expression will be important for the commencement of human trials. Current gene therapy models for PD have focused on two treatment strategies. One is the replacement of biosynthetic enzymes for dopamine synthesis and the second strategy is the addition of neurotrophic factors for protection and restoration of dopaminergic neurones. Concepts of neuroprotection and restoration of the nigrostriatal pathway will become important themes for future genetic treatment strategies for PD and may include, in addition to neurotrophic factors, genes to prevent apoptosis or detoxify free radical species. This review will highl...
A comparison between predicted and measured sea echo Doppler spectra for surface wave radar

Development of the Surface Wave Radar test bed at Cape Bonavista, Newfoundland was initiated in 1985. The facility has been used to investigate all aspects of surface wave radar and to provide data for evaluating and developing models of radar performance. Trials have been conducted at the site that demonstrate beyond-the-horizon detection of aircraft to 300 km, surface targets to 500 km, and icebergs to 300 km. The need to predict surface wave radar performance under differing tasks, system parameters and environmental conditions has led to the development of a generalized computer simulation package. An integral part of the development has been the testing and progressive refinement of different components of the simulation package based on experimental results and other advances. The simulation software includes modules that provide estimates of transmission loss, sea clutter, and external noise levels. Of interest in this paper are the sea clutter models and in particular two additional scattering features that are predicted and have been observed to occur outside of the Bragg resonant region. The first of these additional scattering features is referred to as 'off resonance first order clutter' whilst the second is referred to as 'the second-part of second order clutter'. This latter clutter has been predicted to occur when scattering from the ocean occurs from both behind and in front of the transmit point. The scattering mechanism can be visualized as being similar to a repeated first order scatter. Results are presented that illustrate the effect of this scattering mechanism and how it influences the ocean spectrum for surface wave radar. >
Release of Sporangiospores by a Strain of Actinoplanes

Dehiscence of Actinoplanes sp. 7–10 sporangia is triggered by wetting of the spores. This process requires time because of the hydrophobic nature of the sporangial envelope; it can be speeded up and enhanced by a wetting agent. Once wetted, the spores swell, usually ripping the sporangial wall, and escape as motile elements when functional flagella are synthesized. Flagellation and motility are separate phenomena, both of which lose intensity with age. Spores from old sporangia can regain motility when supplied with an exogenous carbon source, but, when provided only with water, phosphate buffer, or amino acids, flagellation takes place without motility. Deflagellation-reflagellation experiments indicated that functional flagella can be reformed only in presence of both amino acids and glucose which must be added within 180 min of deflagellation. Inoperative flagella were formed in the presence of inhibitors of nucleic acid synthesis, such as 6-azauracil, but inhibitors of protein synthesis, such as chloramphenicol, did not interfere with reflagellation. Flagellated spores remained so after germination.
Comparison of sensory gating to mismatch negativity and self-reported perceptual phenomena in healthy adults.

To better understand the possible functional significance of electrophysiological sensory gating measures, response suppression of midlatency auditory event related potential (ERP) components was compared to the mismatch negativity (MMN) and to self-rated indices of stimulus filtering and passive attention-switching phenomena in an agerestricted sample of healthy adults. P1 sensory gating, measured during a paired-click paradigm, was correlated with MMN amplitude, measured during an acoustic oddball paradigm (intensity deviation). Also, individuals that exhibited less robust P1 suppression endorsed higher rates of ‘‘perceptual modulation’’ difficulties, whereas component N1 suppression was more closely related to ‘‘over-inclusion’’ of irrelevant sounds into the focus of attention. These findings suggest that the ERP components investigated are not redundant, but correspond to distinctFpossibly relatedFpre-attentive processing systems. Descriptors: Auditory evoked potentials, Sensory gating, Attention, Auditory perception, Auditory stimulation
Ozone uptake to the polar snowpack at Summit, Greenland

Abstract The uptake of atmospheric ozone to the polar, year-round snowpack on glacial ice was studied at Summit, Greenland during three experiments in 2003, 2004, and 2005. Ozone was measured at up to three depths in the snowpack, on the surface, and above the surface at three heights on a tower along with supporting meteorological parameters. Ozone in interstitial air decreased with depth, albeit ozone gradients showed a high variation depending on environmental conditions of solar radiation and wind speed. Under low irradiance levels, up to 90% of ozone was preserved up to 1 m depth in the snowpack. Ozone depletion rates increased significantly with the seasonal and diurnal cycle of solar irradiance, resulting in only 10% of ozone remaining in the snowpack following solar noon during summertime. Faster snowpack air exchange from wind pumping resulted in smaller above-surface-to-within snowpack ozone gradients. These data indicate that the uptake of ozone to polar snowpack is strongly dependent on solar irradiance and wind pumping. Ozone deposition fluxes to the polar snowpack are consequently expected to follow incoming solar radiation levels and to exhibit diurnal and seasonal cycles. The Summit observations are in stark contrast to recent findings in the seasonal, midlatitude snowpack [Bocquet, F., Helmig, D., Oltmans, S.J., 2007. Ozone in the mid-latitude snowpack at Niwot Ridge, Colorado. Arctic, Antarctic and Alpine Research, in press], where mostly light-independent ozone behavior was observed. These contrasting results imply different ozone chemistry and snowpack–atmosphere gas exchange in the snow-covered polar, glacial conditions compared to the temperate, mid-latitude environment.
Adiaspiromycosis in Bullfrogs (Rana Catesbeiana)

Rare pulmonary infections associated with adiaspiromycosis have been reported in squirrels, armadillos, mice, rats, muskrats, beavers, rabbits, mink, martins, skunks, weasels, fox, Japanese pika, Australian hairy-nosed wombats, raccoons, goats, dogs, and humans. Pulmonary adiaspiromycosis is associated with inhaled conidia of soil fungi Chrysosporium (Emmonsia) parvum or Chrysosporium parvum var. crescens, with resultant pulmonary granulomas. In this report, we describes adiaspores of Chrysoporium sp. found in skeletal muscles of bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana). Bullfrogs were obtained from a small farm pond, and rear legs were skinned in preparation for cooking. Discoloration of leg muscles was observed, and affected tissues were presented to the Clemson University Animal Diagnostic Laboratory for examination. Muscles of 6 rear legs contained randomly scattered flattened dark red to blue irregular lesions up to 1 cm in diameter. Affected muscle was fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, embedded in paraffin, sectioned at 5 μm, stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE), and examined by light microscopy. Multiple thick-walled oval organisms up to 240 μm in diameter were randomly scattered throughout the leg muscles (Fig. 1). Cell walls of the organisms stained palely eosinophilic with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) reaction and dark black with Grocott’s methenamine silver (GMS). Cytoplasm stained
The ex ante aggregation of opinions under uncertainty

This paper presents an analysis of the problem of aggregating preference orderings under subjective uncertainty. Individual preferences, or opinions, agree on the ranking of risky prospects, but are quite general because we do not specify the perception of ambiguity or the attitude toward it. A convexity axiom for the ex ante preference characterizes a (collective) decision rule that can be interpreted as a compromise between the utilitarian and the Rawlsian criteria. The former is characterized by the independence axiom as in Harsanyi (1955). Existing results are special cases of our representation theorems, which also allow us to interpret Segal’s ( 1987) two-stage approach to ambiguity as the ex ante aggregation of (Bayesian) future selves’ opinions.
Neuropeptide Y-like signalling and nutritionally mediated gene expression and behaviour in the honey bee

Previous research has led to the idea that derived traits can arise through the evolution of novel roles for conserved genes. We explored whether neuropeptide Y (NPY)-like signalling, a conserved pathway that regulates food-related behaviour, is involved in a derived, nutritionally-related trait, the division of labour in worker honey bees. Transcripts encoding two NPY-like peptides were expressed in separate populations of brain neurosecretory cells, consistent with endocrine functions. NPY-related genes were upregulated in the brains of older foragers compared with younger bees performing brood care ('nurses'). A subset of these changes can be attributed to nutrition, but neuropeptide F peptide treatments did not influence sugar intake. These results contrast with recent reports of more robust associations between division of labour and the related insulin-signalling pathway and suggest that some elements of molecular pathways associated with feeding behaviour may be more evolutionarily labile than others.
Symptom induction by Cowpea chlorotic mottle virus on Vigna unguiculata is determined by amino acid residue 151 in the coat protein

The type strain of Cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV-T) produces a bright chlorosis in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata cv. California Blackeye). The attenuated variant (CCMV-M) induces mild green mottle symptoms that were previously mapped to RNA 3. Restriction fragment exchanges between RNA 3 cDNA clones of CCMV-T and CCMV-M that generate infectious transcripts and site-directed mutagenesis indicated that the codon encoding amino acid residue 151 of the coat protein determines the symptom phenotypes of CCMV-T and CCMV-M. Amino acid 151 is within an α-helical structure required for calcium ion binding and virus particle stability. No differences in virion stability or accumulation were detected between CCMV-T and CCMV-M. Mutational analysis suggested that the amino acid at position 151 and not the nucleotide sequence induce the symptom phenotype. Thus, it is likely that subtle influences by amino acid residue 151 in coat protein–host interactions result in chlorotic and mild green mottle symptoms.
Perception vs. Reality: The Relationship Between Organized Crime and Human Trafficking in Metropolitan Atlanta

Since the enactment of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, there has been an increase in both media and scholarly discussions of human trafficking. Although most of these discussions have framed human trafficking as a crime committed primarily by organized crime groups, there has been very little empirical research examining the link between human trafficking and organized crime. In an effort to start to address this gap in the research, we conduct an exploratory study to determine if there is a link between human trafficking and organized crime in one of the Southeast’s human trafficking hubs – Atlanta, Georgia. We collected data on 24 federal human trafficking cases that were indicted in metropolitan Atlanta between 2000 and 2013. Then, we conducted a content analysis of the court documents for each federal human trafficking case and classified the relationship between organized crime and human trafficking using one of three categories: nonexistent, organized criminal network, organized criminal syndicate. For the majority of the human trafficking cases (n = 16), we found that there was no relationship between organized crime and human trafficking. For the cases that did show a relationship between organized crime and human trafficking, we found evidence of organized criminal networks in eight of the cases and evidence of an organized criminal syndicate in only one case.
Regulation of ANG II-receptor subtype and its gene expression in adrenal gland.

We have previously demonstrated that two isoforms (AT1A and AT1B) of the angiotensin II (ANG II) type 1 (AT1) receptor exist in the rat kidney and are differentially regulated by a low-sodium diet. The present experiment was designed to test the hypothesis that sodium deficiency upregulates AT1A and AT1B gene expression in the adrenal gland by activating the AT1 receptor. Wistar rats (7 wk old) were divided into four groups (n = 10 each) and fed normal sodium (0.5%; NS), NS plus 3 mg.kg-1.day-1 losartan (DUP-753; i.e., DUP), low sodium (0.07%; LS), and LS plus DUP. After 2 wks, body weight and mean arterial pressure were not different (P > 0.05). Northern blot analysis showed that the ratio of AT1A: glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) mRNA in the adrenal gland was increased (P < 0.001) by 172% in LS but was unchanged in NS + DUP and LS + DUP vs. NS. The ratio of adrenal AT1B:GAPDH mRNA was increased (P < 0.001) by 245% in LS and unchanged in NS + DUP and LS + DUP vs. NS. Radioligand binding indicated that AT1 receptors (fmol/mg protein) in the adrenal gland were increased in LS (141 +/- 17; P < 0.001) vs. NS (54 +/- 3), NS + DUP (43 +/- 5), and LS + DUP (56 +/- 6). We conclude that sodium deficiency increases both AT1A and AT1B gene expression and elevates the AT1 receptor density in the adrenal gland. Blockade of the binding of ANG II to the AT1 receptor by losartan prevents the increases in AT1A and AT1B mRNA expression and the AT1 receptor density induced by sodium depletion, suggesting that these changes in the adrenal gland are mediated by activation of the AT1 receptor. These results will provide a basis for future experiments to further elucidate transcriptional regulation or functional activity of each of the receptor subtypes.
Bayesian Games with Baire Class 1 Payoff Functions

This paper considers Bayesian games where a player's payoff function is a Baire class 1 function. A Baire class 1 function (Baire (1905) is defined as a pointwise limit of a sequence of continuous functions and include semicontinuous functions, step functions, functions of bounded variations, and monotone functions. Bayesian games with Baire class 1 payoff's generalize the canonical model of Milgrom and Weber (1985) and encompass a large class of auction games and mechanism design problems. A Bayesian game with Baire class 1 payoff's has a Bayesian equilibrium via continuous approximations when the better reply security condition of Reny (1999) is satisfied. This continuous approximation approach can be regarded as a generalization of the path-following method to games with discontinuous payoff's. Using the continuous approximation method, we characterize the optimal auction mechanism with heterogeneous objects and multidimensional types with continuous distributions by unifying Myerson (1981), Mussa and Rosen (1978), and Rochet and Chone (1998). We illustrate the method by solving an example where the buyers private values are uniformly distributed on a square.
How illegal drug use, alcohol use, tobacco use, and depressive symptoms affect adolescent suicidal ideation: a secondary analysis of the 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Survey

The purpose of this study was to identify the major risk factors among adolescents who have either contemplated or attempted suicide. Along with successful suicides, suicide attempts and contemplation are coexisting factors that are prominent in the adolescent population and therefore warrant major concern. A secondary data analysis of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) was completed to explore the factors that may influence adolescents' thoughts or actions about suicidal behavior. The YRBS represents high-school students throughout 50 states. Nine questions from the YRBS were used to elicit information about the relationships among the risk factors: (1) Suicidal thoughts and attempts; (2) illegal drug use; (3) alcohol use; (4) tobacco use; and (5) depressive symptoms. Statistically significant relationships among the risk factors were found for adolescents. Adolescents considered suicide (15.8%); attempted suicide at least once (7.8%); were injured while attempting suicide (n = 2.7%). Our findings support the idea that illegal substance use can lead to suicidal thoughts and actions. Depression had a positive relationship with suicidal ideations, supporting similar studies suggesting that depression leads to suicidal action.
Notes on the Types of Some Simuliidae (Diptera) Described by Enderlein

Descriptive information is given on the type specimens of 12 species of Simuliidae described by Enderlein. As a result of this study there are 10 new synonymies of names of the genus group, and 4 new specific synonymies. Six lectotypes are selected.
Facilitating Development of Multiple-Species Conservation Reserves and Habitat Conservation Plans: A Synthesis of Recommendations

The purpose of this paper is to outline briefly the process that workshop participants undertook to first identify and then resolve major issues hindering the development and implementation of MS-HCPs. In addition, a brief outline of
Detection and delineation of oral cancer with a PARP1 targeted optical imaging agent

Earlier and more accurate detection of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is essential to improve the prognosis of patients and to reduce the morbidity of surgical therapy. Here, we demonstrate that the nuclear enzyme Poly(ADP-ribose)Polymerase 1 (PARP1) is a promising target for optical imaging of OSCC with the fluorescent dye PARPi-FL. In patient-derived OSCC specimens, PARP1 expression was increased 7.8 ± 2.6-fold when compared to normal tissue. Intravenous injection of PARPi-FL allowed for high contrast in vivo imaging of human OSCC models in mice with a surgical fluorescence stereoscope and high-resolution imaging systems. The emitted signal was specific for PARP1 expression and, most importantly, PARPi-FL can be used as a topical imaging agent, spatially resolving the orthotopic tongue tumors in vivo. Collectively, our results suggest that PARP1 imaging with PARPi-FL can enhance the detection of oral cancer, serve as a screening tool and help to guide surgical resections.
Do Combined Heat and Power plants perform? Case study of publicly funded projects in New York

Abstract We investigate lower than expected capacity factors of Combined Heat and Power plants using a publicly available dataset of hourly performance for plants in the state of New York. Low utilization of a CHP indicates underperformance. We examine possible causes of this underperformance including economic arbitrage, poor maintenance and operational practices, oversizing of plants, and reliability and resiliency needs. Based on seasonal and weekday/weekend capacity factor averages, we find that there is not enough evidence to support the economic arbitrage cause. Out of 99 plants in the dataset, 64 plants have average capacity factor below 60%, indicating they are either oversized and/or poorly maintained. This suggests that the current practice of one-time fixed incentive ($/kW) favors investment in capacity with no incentive for utilization (unlike a production credit which incentivizes generation $/kW h). From a policy perspective, this paper recommends better pre-engineering assessment for correct sizing, as well as revision of incentives based on performance. Additional information should be collected so that a more accurate ongoing analysis of the societal benefits of CHP projects can be made. Lastly, the energy efficiency gap may be smaller than is commonly assumed and other options should be explored to meet energy efficiency goals.
High-Amplitude Atlantic Hurricanes Produce Disparate Mortality in Small, Low-Income Countries.

OBJECTIVES: Hurricanes cause substantial mortality, especially in developing nations, and climate science predicts that powerful hurricanes will increase in frequency during the coming decades. This study examined the association of wind speed and national economic conditions with mortality in a large sample of hurricane events in small countries. METHODS: Economic, meteorological, and fatality data for 149 hurricane events in 16 nations between 1958 and 2011 were analyzed. Mortality rate was modeled with negative binomial regression implemented by generalized estimating equations to account for variable population exposure, sequence of storm events, exposure of multiple islands to the same storm, and nonlinear associations. RESULTS: Low-amplitude storms caused little mortality regardless of economic status. Among high-amplitude storms (Saffir-Simpson category 4 or 5), expected mortality rate was 0.72 deaths per 100,000 people (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.16-1.28) for nations in the highest tertile of per capita gross domestic product (GDP) compared with 25.93 deaths per 100,000 people (95% CI: 13.30-38.55) for nations with low per capita GDP. CONCLUSIONS: Lower per capita GDP and higher wind speeds were associated with greater mortality rates in small countries. Excessive fatalities occurred when powerful storms struck resource-poor nations. Predictions of increasing storm amplitude over time suggest increasing disparity between death rates unless steps are taken to modify the risk profiles of poor nations. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;page 1 of 6). Language: en
The Effect of a Unique Pacifier on Anterior Open Bite and Overjet in the Primary Dentition: A Pilot Study.

Purposes Pacifiers are the most common device used by children to satisfy their sucking needs. Because of their design, reports of anterior open bite and increased overjet are common. The purposes of this pilot study were to measure the effects of a unique pacifier in toddlers who have existing open bites and increased overjets; and secondly to determine the feasibility of recruiting and retaining toddlers for a six-month study. Methods Toddlers with existing open bite and increased overjet currently using a conventional pacifier were recruited from a university pediatric dental clinic. Baseline information was obtained. Visual examination and intraoral measurements were obtained. The study pacifier was introduced to replace the existing pacifier. Follow-up data was collected at three and six months post-intervention. Results Eight of the 11 toddlers (73 percent) completed the study. Recruitment was challenging because of the inclusion criteria and transportation; retaining participants required numerous reminders to parents. There was a significant difference between initial and final open bite and overjet measurements. Conclusion It is feasible to recruit and retain toddlers but it required significant staff interventions. There was a significant improvement in reducing existing open bite and overjet with the pacifier after six months.
Comparative Study of Recovery of Salmonella javiana from Mozzarella Cheese by Two Official Analytical Procedures.

The Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) and the Canadian Health Protection Branch (CHPB) methods for detection of Salmonella spp. were compared for recovery of Salmonella javiana from experimentally contaminated mozzarella cheese. Ten trials were conducted with two levels of random surface contamination of cheese. Five samples per level of contamination were randomly chosen and analyzed by each method. The results showed that there was no significant difference between the two methods (P < 0.05). When S. javiana was directly added to shredded cheese and analyzed immediately, the recovery was identical with both methods; 7 of 10 samples were positive by each method. However, when the directly contaminated cheese was stored for 7 days and analyzed by both methods, the results differed. The AOAC method showed only 3 positive samples, whereas the CHPB yielded 6, compared to 7 positive samples before storage by both methods. During preenrichment the pH decreased to a greater extent with the AOAC method (7.4 to 4.4) than with the CHPB method (7.6 to 5.7) in 24 h; this pH decrease resulted in I log higher number of S. javiana counts in the latter (10 6 CFU/ml and 10 7 ml).
Health Supply Utilization at a Boy Scout Summer Camp: An Evaluation for Improvement and Preparedness

Objective To describe the health conditions treated by a health services center at a Boy Scout summer camp and make recommendations for appropriate resources and supplies. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of health center utilization at a Boy Scout camp in central Missouri during the summers of 2012 and 2013. Health logbook data were compiled and analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistics. Results During the study period 19,771 camp participants made 1586 visits to the health care center. The overall incidence rate of health center visits was 6.20 visits per 1000 camp days. Two-thirds of visits were for illness and the remainder for injury. Over 90% of patients were returned to camp, 7.3% were transferred to another health facility, and 1.6% were advised to leave camp and return home. The most common treatments were rehydration (17.8 %) and administration of analgesics (13.4%) and topical creams (12.3%). Conclusions Summer camps need to be prepared for a wide range of conditions and injuries in youth campers, leaders, and staff members. Over 90% of presenting complaints were managed on site, and the majority of conditions were easily treatable minor injuries and illnesses. We provide recommendations for appropriate medical supplies and suggest opportunities for improvement to aid health centers in planning and treatment.
Dilemmas of Social Reform (Poverty and Community Action in the United States)

(1976). Dilemmas of Social Reform (Poverty and Community Action in the United States) Journal of Economic Issues: Vol. 10, No. 4, pp. 981-984.
Finite element simulation of gap opening between cladding tube and spacer grid in a fuel rod assembly using crystallographic models of irradiation growth and creep

Abstract A physically-based crystal plasticity framework for modeling irradiation growth and creep is interfaced with the finite element code ABAQUS to study the contact forces and the gap evolution between the spacer grid and the cladding tube as a function of irradiation in a representative section of a fuel rod assembly. Deformation mechanisms governing the gap opening are identified and correlated to the texture-dependent material response. In the absence of coolant flow-induced vibrations, these simulations predict the contribution of irradiation growth and creep to the gap opening between the cladding tube and the springs and dimples on the spacer grid. The simulated contact forces on the springs and dimples are compared to available experimental and modeling data. Various combinations of external loads are applied on the springs and dimples to simulate fuel rods in the interior and at the periphery of the fuel rod assembly. It is found that loading conditions representative (to a first order approximation) of fuel rods at the periphery show higher gap opening. This is in agreement with in-reactor data, where rod leakages due to the synergistic effects of gap opening and coolant flow-induced vibrations were generally found to occur at the periphery of the fuel rod assembly.
Researching Race and Social Class in Language Acquisition and Use

A combination of interdisciplinary research traditions intersect in the present review. Language scholars who study race and social class have been intellectually cut off from most linguistic studies of language acquisition, but the relationship between these topics is made explicit in this review. The discussion begins with a brief survey of early research in the respective fields, and readers should likewise consult other reviews within this volume regarding related topics (see, for example, reviews by Chen, Dogancsy-Aktuna, Bortoni-Ricardo, Goldstein, May and Norton).
Pollution and regional variations of lung cancer mortality in the United States

Abstract Introduction The aims of this study were to identify counties in the United States (US) with high rates of lung cancer mortality, and to characterize the associated community-level factors while focusing on particulate-matter pollution. Methods We performed a descriptive analysis of lung cancer deaths in the US from 2004 through 2014. We categorized counties as "clustered" or "non-clustered" – based on whether or not they had high lung cancer mortality rates − using novel geospatial autocorrelation methods. We contrasted community characteristics between cluster categories. We performed logistic regression for the association between cluster category and particulate-matter pollution. Results Among 362 counties (11.6%) categorized as clustered, the age-adjusted lung cancer mortality rate was 99.70 deaths per 100,000 persons (95%CI: 99.1–100.3). Compared with non-clustered counties, clustered counties were more likely in the south (72.9% versus 42.1%, P 0.01) and in non-urban communities (73.2% versus 57.4, P 0.01). Clustered counties had greater particulate-matter pollution, lower education and income, higher rates of obesity and physical inactivity, less access to healthcare, and greater unemployment rates ( P 0.01). Higher levels of particulate-matter pollution (4th quartile versus 1st quartile) were associated with two-fold greater odds of being a clustered county (adjusted OR: 2.10; 95%CI: 1.23–3.59). Conclusion We observed a belt of counties with high lung mortality ranging from eastern Oklahoma through central Appalachia; these counties were characterized by higher pollution, a more rural population, lower socioeconomic status and poorer access to healthcare. To mitigate the burden of lung cancer mortality in the US, both urban and rural areas should consider minimizing air pollution.
Fast polarization for non-stationary channels

We consider the problem of polar coding for transmission over a non-stationary sequence of independent binary-input memoryless symmetric (BMS) channels {W i }∞ i=1 where the i-th encoded bit is transmitted over W i . We show, for the first time, a polar coding scheme that achieves the average symmetric capacity Ī({W i }∞ i=1 ) def= lim N→∞ 1/N NΣ i=1 I(W i ) assuming that the limit exists. The polar coding scheme is constructed using Arikan's channel polarization transformation in combination with certain permutations at each polarization level and certain skipped operations. This guarantees a fast polarization process that results in polar coding schemes with block lengths upper bounded by a polynomial of 1/e, where e is the gap to the average capacity. More specifically, given an arbitrary sequence of BMS channels {W i }N i=1 and Pe, where 0 i }N i=1 such that N  κ/(Ī N − R)μ where μ is a constant, κ is a constant depending on Pe and μ, and I N is the average of the symmetric capacities I (W i ), for i = 1, 2, …, N. We further show a numerical upper bound on μ that is: μ  10.78. The encoding and decoding complexities of the constructed polar code preserves O(N log N) complexity of Arikan's polar codes.
5 D 3 — 5 D 4 Cross-Relaxation of Tb 3+ Pairs in CsCdBr 3 Crystals

The 5D3- 5D4 cross-relaxation process of Tb 3+ in CsCdBr3 has been evaluated by an analysis of the decay curves of the 5D3 and 5D4 emission. The temperature dependence of the cross-relaxation rate can be explained by assuming phonon-assisted processes. The results show that the larger amount of Tb3+ ions is incorporated in pairs into the CsCdBr3 lattice.