cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Obstructive sleep apnea oral appliance therapy and severity of condition

Abstract Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an oral appliance can effectively treat severe obstructive sleep apnea. Design. The study was conducted at a tertiary care military facility with an accredited sleep laboratory. Results of the treatment of the first 25 patients with obstructive sleep apnea referred for oral appliance therapy were retrospectively analyzed. Each patient received a mandibular advancement appliance and underwent polysomnography 2 weeks after delivery of the appliance. Patients were divided into two groups: those with slight-to-mild obstructive sleep apnea who had a respiratory disturbance index less than 21, and those with more severe disease. Treatment was considered to be successful if the posttreatment respiratory disturbance index was less than 5. Results. Nine (90%) of the 10 patients with slight-to-moderate disease were successfully managed with the oral appliance. Of the 15 patients in the moderate-to-severe group, 9 (60%) were successfully managed. Conclusion. Oral appliances have commonly been recommended only for mild obstructive sleep apnea. This study indicates that they may also have a role to play in selected cases in which the condition is more severe. There is a paucity of information about long-term success. This short-term (2-week) study should be followed by others evaluating the effect over longer periods.
You Are What You See and Choose: Agreeableness and Situation Selection

Agreeableness positively predicts subjective well-being, but why does it do so? Recent theorizing has highlighted possible substrates related to emotion regulation. Following suit, the present studies focus on the situation selection stage of the emotion regulation sequence. Undergraduate participants reported on their agreeableness levels and completed a picture-viewing task (Studies 1 and 2) or a media choice task (Study 3). Studies 1 and 2 found that the tendency to view negative pictures for a longer period of time than positive pictures was evident at low levels of agreeableness and absent at high levels. The Study 3 paradigm asked individuals whether they typically choose to expose themselves to positive or negative stimuli across diverse media sources. Preferences for positive media were more pronounced at higher levels of agreeableness. The results have systematic implications for understanding the emotional lives of disagreeable versus agreeable people.
Maternal Mthfd1 disruption impairs fetal growth but does not cause neural tube defects in mice

Background: MTHFD1 encodes C1-tetrahydrofolate synthase, which is a folate-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the formation and interconversion of folate-activated one-carbon groups for nucleotide biosynthesis and cellular methylation. A polymorphism in MTHFD1 (1958G→A) impairs enzymatic activity and is associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, but the mechanisms are unknown. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether disruption of the embryonic or maternal Mthfd1 gene or both interacts with impaired folate and choline status to affect neural tube closure, fetal growth, and fertility in mice and to investigate the underlying metabolic disruptions. Design: Dams with a gene-trapped (gt) allele in Mthfd1 and wild-type dams were fed a control or folate- and choline-deficient AIN93G diet (Dyets Inc). Litters were examined for gross morphologic defects, crown-rump length, and resorptions. Folate status and amounts of folate-related metabolites were determined in pregnant dams. Results: Reduced folate and choline status resulted in severe fetal growth restriction (FGR) and impaired fertility in litters harvested from Mthfd1gt/+ dams, but embryonic Mthfd1gt/+ genotype did not affect fetal growth. Gestational supplementation of Mthfd1gt/+ dams with hypoxanthine increased FGR frequency and caused occasional neural tube defects (NTDs) in Mthfd1gt/+ embryos. Mthfd1gt/+ dams exhibited lower red blood cell folate and plasma methionine concentrations than did wild-type dams. Conclusions: Maternal Mthfd1gt/+ genotype impairs fetal growth but does not cause NTDs when dams are maintained on a folate- and choline-deficient diet. Mthfd1gt/+ mice exhibit a spectrum of adverse reproductive outcomes previously attributed to the human MTHFD1 1958G→A polymorphism. Mthfd1 heterozygosity impairs folate status in pregnant mice but does not significantly affect homocysteine metabolism.
Orchestral performance and the footprint of mindfulness

Two studies were designed to test the hypothesis that actively creating novel distinctions and sonically portraying them during the performance of orchestral music is preferable to attempting to re-create a past performance. The data suggest that orchestral musicians preferred creating music when they were encouraged to mindfully incorporate subtle nuances into their performance. When audience members were played recordings of both types of performance, a significant majority expressed a preference for the performances that were created in a mindful state. Individual attention to novel distinctions and subtle nuances appears to alter the process of creative ensemble performance and lead to music that is more enjoyable to perform and hear.
Role of T cells and gamma interferon during induction of hypersensitivity to lipopolysaccharide by toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 in mice.

The superantigenic function of toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1) is generally regarded as an important determinant of its lethal effects in humans or experimental animals. This study examined the role of superantigenicity in a BALB/c mouse model of lethal TSST-1-induced hypersensitivity to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In this model, TSST-1 greatly potentiated both LPS-induced lethality, as well as LPS-induced serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) activity. Although BALB/c-SCID mice were resistant to these LPS enhancement effects of TSST-1, BALB/c-SCID mice reconstituted with T cells were completely susceptible to the enhancement effect of TSST-1 on LPS-induced serum TNF-α. Mice pretreated with cyclosporine (Cs) or neutralizing antibodies against gamma interferon (IFN-γ) did not develop lethal LPS hypersensitivity when injected with TSST-1, and these agents reduced the enhancement effect of TSST-1 on LPS-induced serum TNF-α by 99 and 85%, respectively. Cs pretreatment also completely inhibited the known capacity of TSST-1 to amplify LPS-induced levels of IFN-γ in serum. In contrast, mice given Cs after a priming injection of TSST-1, but before LPS, still exhibited lethal hypersensitivity to LPS. Cs given after TSST-1 also did not inhibit enhancement of LPS-induced serum TNF-α by TSST-1 but inhibited the enhancement effect of TSST-1 on LPS-induced serum IFN-γ by 50%. These experiments support the theory that TSST-1-induced hypersensitivity to LPS is mediated primarily by IFN-γ derived from superantigen-activated T cells.
The E864 lead-scintillating fiber hadronic calorimeter

Abstract A large hadronic lead scintillating fiber calorimeter has been built and integrated into the AGS experiment E864 [C. Pruneau et al., E864 Collaboration, Proc. 6th Internal. Conf. on Calorimetry in High Energy Physics, 1996, Frascati, Italy; F. Rotondo et al., E864 Collaboration, Proc. Quark Matter'96, Heidelberg, Germany, 20 May 1996] spectrometer to provide an independent measurement of the mass of particles produced in heavy ion collisions. The “spaghetti-type” calorimeter design and construction techniques are described in detail. Results from a prototype and the full implementation of the calorimeter are reported. The hadronic energy resolution of the calorimeter is found to be 6E/E = 0.035(± 0.005) + 0.344(± 0.008)/trE/GeV, in very good agreement with a FLUKA calculation. The hadronic time resolution is measured to be better than 400 ps. The combined calorimeter energy and time signals provide for a mass determination with good resolution. The mass resolution scales as δm/m = 0.026 + 0.347/√E(GeV) for velocities v/c
Theoretical Efficiency for Triplers Using Nonideal Varistor Diodes at Submillimeter Wavelengths

The theoretical efficiency for frequency triplers multiplying from 300 to 900 GHz has been calculated for nonideal GaAs Schottky diodes operating in the varistor mode. The maximum efficiency is determined to be about 7 percent, only slightly smaller than that for ideal varistors. Guidelines for optimum bias conditions and embedding network impedances have been determined using the large-signal analysis computer program of Siegel and Kerr.
Why Near-Miss Events Can Decrease an Individual's Protective Response to Hurricanes

Prior research shows that when people perceive the risk of some hazardous event to be low, they are unlikely to engage in mitigation activities for the potential hazard. We believe one factor that can lower inappropriately (from a normative perspective) people's perception of the risk of a hazard is information about prior near-miss events. A near-miss occurs when an event (such as a hurricane), which had some nontrivial probability of ending in disaster (loss of life, property damage), does not because good fortune intervenes. People appear to mistake such good fortune as an indicator of resiliency. In our first study, people with near-miss information were less likely to purchase flood insurance, and this was shown for both participants from the general population and individuals with specific interests in risk and natural disasters. In our second study, we consider a different mitigation decision, that is, to evacuate from a hurricane, and vary the level of statistical probability of hurricane damage. We still found a strong effect for near-miss information. Our research thus shows how people who have experienced a similar situation but escape damage because of chance will make decisions consistent with a perception that the situation is less risky than those without the past experience. We end by discussing the implications for risk communication.
Extinction of drug cue reactivity in methamphetamine-dependent individuals

Conditioned responses to drug-related environmental cues (such as craving) play a critical role in relapse to drug use. Animal models demonstrate that repeated exposure to drug-associated cues in the absence of drug administration leads to the extinction of conditioned responses, but the few existing clinical trials focused on extinction of conditioned responses to drug-related cues in drug-dependent individuals show equivocal results. The current study examined drug-related cue reactivity and response extinction in a laboratory setting in methamphetamine-dependent individuals. Methamphetamine cue-elicited craving was extinguished during two sessions of repeated (3) within-session exposures to multi-modal (picture, video, and in-vivo) cues, with no evidence of spontaneous recovery between sessions. A trend was noted for a greater attenuation of response in participants with longer (4-7 day) inter-session intervals. These results indicate that extinction of drug cue conditioned responding occurs in methamphetamine-dependent individuals, offering promise for the development of extinction- based treatment strategies.
Gene Genealogies, Cryptic Species, and Molecular Evolution in the Human Pathogen Coccidioides immitis and Relatives (Ascomycota, Onygenales)

Previous genealogical analyses of population structure in Coccidioides immitis revealed the presence of two cryptic and sexual species in this pathogenic fungus but did not clarify their origin and relationships with respect to other taxa. By combining the C. immitis data with those of two of its closest relatives, the free-living saprophytes Auxarthron zuffianum and Uncinocarpus reesii, we show that the C. immitis species complex is monophyletic, indicating a single origin of pathogenicity. Cryptic species also were found in both A. zuffianum and U. reesii, indicating that they can be found in both pathogenic and free-living fungi. Our study, together with a few others, indicates that the current list of known fungal species might be augmented by a factor of at least two. However, at least in the C. immitis, A. zuffianum, and U. reesii complexes, cryptic species represent subdivisions at the tips of deep monophyletic clades and thus well within the existing framework of generic classification. An analysis of silent and expressed divergence and polymorphism values between and within the taxa identified by genealogical concordance did not reveal faster evolution in C. immitis as a consequence of adaptation to the pathogenic habit, nor did it show positive Darwinian evolution in a region of a dioxygenase gene (tcrP gene coding for 4-HPPD) known to cause antigenic responses in humans. Instead, the data suggested relative stasis, indicative of purifying selection against mostly deleterious mutations. Two introns in the same gene fragment were considerably more divergent than exons and were unalignable between species complexes but had very low polymorphism within taxa.
Design of an Acoustic-Homing Autonomous Surface Vessel

We designed, built, and conducted trials on an acoustic-homing autonomous surface vessel. After characterizing the performance of a commercially available kayak hull, we installed power, propulsion, and control systems for autonomous operation. The acoustic tracking payload was built up from basic components. We overcame hardware limitations in the microcontrollers and demonstrated acceptable average accuracy in locating the acoustic target. This project demonstrated the feasibility of the overall goal of using a small surface vessel to follow a submerged acoustic beacon.
Responses Of Interest Rates In Mexico To U.S. Monetary Policy

This paper examines potential responses of interest rates in Mexico to the U.S. monetary policy. The regression is cointegrated in that the dependent and independent variables have a long-run stable relationship. The GARCH or ARCH model is applied to estimate regression parameters. The results show that the T-bill rate, the cost of funds rate, and the time-deposit rate in Mexico are significantly affected by the change in the U.S. federal funds rate. In addition, these interest rates are negatively associated with real M2 and real tax revenues and positively affected by the real exchange rate, real government spending, and the expected inflation rate.
Saquinavir as Fortovase: Why Does It Matter?

Saquinavir, the first HIV protease inhibitor approved for treating HIV infection, was initially available as Invirase, which was the mesylate salt of
Culture of Established and Potential Species—Ornamental Fish

Healthy cultured aquarium fish are preferred over wild fish that might have diseases, parasites, or injuries from being captured or drugged. If well nourished, they can be just as colorful as wild fish. Time from spawning to marketing is shorter than for food fish, and price per kilogram is much higher. Some very rare species can sell for thousands of dollars each. The bulk of the U.S. freshwater ornamental fish industry and several wholesalers are based in Florida. Stocks in most traditional collecting areas have diminished, and legal restrictions are rapidly curbing the indiscriminate collecting methods of the past.
The Meaning of Democracy

Let me first raise the question, what is democracy? What is the meaning of this term that so profoundly affects our way of life? The definition may seem a little formal or even forbidding, but in view of all the loose uses of the word, it is important to set forth what we understand.' Democracy is a form of political association in which the general control and direction of the commonwealth is habitually determined by the bulk of the community in accordance with understandings and procedures providing for popular participation and consent. Its postulates are: 1. The essential dignity of man, the importance of protecting and cultivating his personality on a fraternal rather than upon a differential basis, of reconciling the needs of the personality within the framework of the common good in a formula of liberty, justice, welfare. 2. The perfectibility of man; confidence in the possibilities of the human personality, as over against the doctrines of caste, class, and slavery. 3. That the gains of commonwealths are essentially mass gains rather than the efforts of the few and should be diffused as promptly as possible throughout the community without too great delay or too wide a spread in differentials. 4. Confidence in the value of the consent of the governed expressed in
Expression of the aggA locus of Pseudomonas putida in vitro and in planta as detected by the reporter gene, xylE

In vitro agglutinability by Pseudomonas putida, isolate Corvallis, with a plant root surface agglutinin is correlated with rapid adhesion of cells of the fluorescent pseudomonad to bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) root surfaces. Agglutinability in P. putida cells is regulated by nutrient status as well as growth phase. Cells grown in three different nutrient complex media are agglutinable at early and mid-late logarithmic phase but become nonagglutinable at stationary phase. Cells grown in a minimal medium are weakly agglutinable, but the addition of lysine, aspartic acid, or histidine increases agglutinability. Cells in the same minimal medium supplemented with bean root surface components grow in a highly agglutinated state. Previous data indicate both agglutination and rapid adhesion to roots by P. putida Corvallis involves the aggA locus, which contains two putative open reading frames (ORF), ORF-AGG1 and ORFAGG2, on complementary strands. Sequence and deletion analyses suggest ORFAGG1 is the most probable ORF responsible for agglutination and adhesion. Chimeric fusion of an Escherichia coli lac promoter with ORFAGG1, but not with ORFAGG2, complemented agglutinability of an aggA::Tn5 P. putida Agg mutant, providing further evidence that ORFAGG1, not ORFAGG2, is responsible for agglutination. Heterologous expression of ORFAGG1 yields a 50-kDa precursor and a 48-kDa mature periplasmic protein. Fusions of ORFAGG1 and ORFAGG2 to the reporter gene, xylE, and detection of the reporter enzyme, catechol-2,3-oxygenase reveal an active promoter in the 5' noncoding region of ORFAGG1. The ORFAGG1 promoter is active during growth of the cells in liquid culture and is regulated by growth medium. Greatest activity of the catechol-2,3-oxygenase is observed in stationary phase when the cells are nonagglutinable. Expression of the ORFAGG1 promoter is detected in P. putida cells extracted from the root surface of bean at 48 and 72 hr after inoculation.
Arrhythmogenic and metabolic remodelling of failing human heart.

Heart failure (HF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The global burden of HF continues to rise, with prevalence rates estimated at 1-2% and incidence approaching 5-10 per 1000 persons annually. The complex pathophysiology of HF impacts virtually all aspects of normal cardiac function - from structure and mechanics to metabolism and electrophysiology - leading to impaired mechanical contraction and sudden cardiac death. Pharmacotherapy and device therapy are the primary methods of treating HF, but neither is able to stop or reverse disease progression. Thus, there is an acute need to translate basic research into improved HF therapy. Animal model investigations are a critical component of HF research. However, the translation from cellular and animal models to the bedside is hampered by significant differences between species and among physiological scales. Our studies over the last 8 years show that hypotheses generated in animal models need to be validated in human in vitro models. Importantly, however, human heart investigations can establish translational platforms for safety and efficacy studies before embarking on costly and risky clinical trials. This review summarizes recent developments in human HF investigations of electrophysiology remodelling, metabolic remodelling, and β-adrenergic remodelling and discusses promising new technologies for HF research.
Advances in pediatric anesthesia

Advances in many aspects of pediatric anesthesia have resulted in a significant reduction in morbidity and mortality in children. Research and development have created vast improvements in pharmacology. Sophisticated monitoring and improvements in equipment evolved from advances made in scientific technology. Recognition of the psychological needs of children of all ages likely has reduced the incidence of lasting psychological effects after hospitalization. Finally, these important advances have made pediatric anesthesia a safer and more compassionate specialty.
Truth or Truthiness: Distinguishing Fact from Fiction by Learning to Think Like a Data Scientist

Teacher tenure is a problem. Teacher tenure is a solution. Fracking is safe. Fracking causes earthquakes. Our kids are over-tested. Our kids are not tested enough. We read claims like these in the newspaper every day, often with no justification other than 'it feels right'. How can we figure out what is right? Escaping from the clutches of truthiness begins with one simple question: 'what is the evidence?' With his usual verve and flair, Howard Wainer shows how the sceptical mindset of a data scientist can expose truthiness, nonsense, and outright deception. Using the tools of causal inference he evaluates the evidence, or lack thereof, supporting claims in many fields, with special emphasis in education. This wise book is a must-read for anyone who has ever wanted to challenge the pronouncements of authority figures and a lucid and captivating narrative that entertains and educates at the same time.
63. Donne’s a Valediction: Forbidding Mourning

(1943). 63. Donne’s a Valediction: Forbidding Mourning. The Explicator: Vol. 1, No. 8, pp. 62-62.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Based Interventions for Borderline Personality Disorder and Mood Disorders

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a well-established treatment approach for treating patients suffering from a range of emotional problems including a number of mood and anxiety disorders. The basic treatment approach highlights the importance of increasing patients’ structured self-awareness in order to help them identify maladaptive cognitive processes and behavioral patterns that influence emotional distress. CBT promotes patients use of skills-based interventions that challenge thoughts and support intentional shifts in behavior in order to decrease distress. Given CBT’s effectiveness in treating a range of emotional disorders, it has been applied to the treatment of more complicated clinical profiles, such as patients suffering from characterological disorders like borderline personality disorder (BPD). Both Schema-Focused Therapy (SFT) as well as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) are evidence-based intensive psychotherapeutic treatments derived from CBT but adapted to treat patients with BPD. Less intensive applications of CBT for BPD have proven to be effective and are more practical in generalist clinical settings. We will outline the limitations associated with more specialized forms of treatment and further propose a return to the basics of CBT using the Flexible CBT model in order to treat patients with complicated clinical profiles seeking treatment in a typical clinical setting.
From IRIOP to the JOB Annual Review: The past and future of a venerable outlet

Summary As incoming co-editors, we introduce the 2017 International Review of Industrial and Organizational Psychology (IRIOP) Annual Review Issue. We begin this editorial with a brief history of IRIOP, from its creation as a book series in 1986 to the present issue—its fifth as an annual Journal of Organizational Behavior publication. We also summarize several changes we will be implementing, including expanded page limits for submissions and a name change. Most importantly, we then introduce the six manuscripts that appear in this issue. These papers, selected by former editors Gerard Hodgkinson and Kevin Ford, carry on the tradition of high-quality, impactful reviews that IRIOP has published for the past 30 years. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mentee Missteps: Tales From the Academic Trenches.

Mentorship takes many forms, from personal and professional counseling to clinical and research guidance. The wisdom and guidance of experienced mentors not only help mentees ascend the academic ladder, but may also prevent burnout. Given the importance of this relationship, it is imperative that mentees put their “best foot forward.” Unfortunately, young physicians are rarely taught what is expected of them as mentees, and mentors vary in discussing “menteeship” with proteges.
Prognostic Impact of Elevated Pretransplant Serum Ferritin in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Abstract Iron overload is a well-established adverse prognostic factor in patients who undergo hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) for thalassemia and appears to play a similar role in patients with acute leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome. We report the results of a large study of consecutive patients undergoing myeloablative allogeneic transplantation to assess the influence of pretransplantation ferritin on treatment-related mortality (TRM), graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and survival. Pretransplantation ferritin, obtained within 100 days preceding transplant, was available on 222 consecutive patients ≥18 years of age undergoing allogeneic HSCT from 10/20/2000 to 12/04/2006. Transplantation was performed for various disorders (AML n= 105, ALL= 44, CML= 25, MDS= 19, NHL=18, and other= 11) and mainly with busulfan-based preparation (n=153). One hundred twenty four donors were siblings and 98 unrelated. The median patient age was 43 years. Median ferritin level was 1433 ng/ml (range 7–17029). Seventy-five patients had ferritin levels >1910 ng/ml. Median follow-up for surviving patients was 2.5 years. Recursive partitioning analysis identified significantly lower survival for patients with serum ferritin >1910 ng/ml as shown: ESTIMATED SURVIVAL BY PRETRANSPLANTATION FERRITIN LEVEL Download : Download high-res image (97KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure Age, gender, disease, disease status at transplant, interval from diagnosis to transplant, number of prior chemotherapy regimens, prior radiation therapy, ferritin, albumin, AST, Alkaline phosphatase, LDH, preparative regimen and CD 34+ dose elevated were assessed. In a multivariable model for survival, elevated ferritin was a significant,independent,adverse prognostic factor for survival (p=0.011, HR=1.68). The addition of albumin, a negative acute phase reactant, did not change the prognostic impact of elevated ferritin. Patients with ferritin >1910 ng/ml had a higher incidence of TRM(p=0.046), as illustrated below: INCIDENCE OF TRM BY FERRITIN LEVELS Download : Download high-res image (83KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure This siginificantly higher incidence of TRM occured despite a significantly lower incidence of chronic GVHD (p=0.019) and a trend towards a lower incidence of acute GVHD (p=0.10) in patients with elevated ferritin levels. The incidences of hepatic venoocclusive disease and relapse mortality were not different between the two groups. Conclusions: Elevated ferritin is an independent adverse risk factor in a large group of patients undergoing myeloablative transplantation for various diseases. Higher TRM occured despite the association of elevated ferritin with a significantly decreased incidence of chronic GVHD, consistent with an immunosuppressive effect demonstrated in other settings. Trials should be undertaken to analyze the benefit of iron chelation therapy prior to BMT in patients with iron overload.
Force-assisted ultrasound imaging system through dual force sensing and admittance robot control.

Ultrasound imaging has been a gold standard for clinical diagnoses due to its unique advantages compared to other imaging modalities including: low cost, noninvasiveness, and safeness to the human body. However, the ultrasound scanning process requires applying a large force over extended periods of time, often in uncomfortable postures in order to maintain the desired orientation. This physical requirement over sonographers’ careers often leads to musculoskeletal pain and strain injuries. To address this problem, we propose a cooperatively controlled robotic ultrasound system to reduce the force sonographers apply. The proposed system consists of two key components: a six-axis robotic arm that holds and actuates the ultrasound probe, and a dual force sensor setup that enables cooperative control and adaptive force assistance. With the admittance force control, the robotic arm complies with the motion of the operator, while assisting with force during the scanning. We validated the system through a user study involving expert sonographers and lay people and demonstrated 32–73% reduction in human applied force and 8– 18% improvement in image stability. These results indicate that the system has the potential to not only reduce the burden on the sonographer, but also provide more stable ultrasound scanning.
Open Data Kit 2.0: A Services-Based Application Framework for Disconnected Data Management

In resource-constrained communities, organizations often use information and communication technologies to amplify their limited resources to improve education, health, and economic opportunity. Over two-thirds of the world's population have mobile phones, yet less than half are connected to the Internet [23]. Organizations helping disadvantaged populations often rely on mobile devices as their primary computing resource because of their availability in resource-constrained contexts. However, to reach under-served populations, mobile applications often operate in areas with no connectivity or challenged network environments. Unfortunately, many mobile application frameworks are generally not well-suited for long periods of disconnected data collection and management. Furthermore, mobile application frameworks are generally aimed at users with significant technical skills and resources. In this paper, we discuss our experiences building, deploying, and refining the Open Data Kit (ODK) 2.0 tool suite. ODK 2.0 is a modular application framework that facilitates organizations with limited technical capacity to build application-specific information services for use in disconnected environments. We discuss ODK 2.0's flexible abstractions that enable users of varying technical skill levels to create customizable mobile data management solutions. We present ODK 2.0 case studies involving multiple organizations and discuss lessons learned from building a service-based mobile application framework for disconnected data management.
Knowledge, Expertise, And Professional Practice in the Sociology of Michael Schudson

Although we often do not think of him this way, Michael Schudson can be seen as a moderate, critical-yet reasonable sociologist of knowledge. This identity reveals itself most clearly in his very first work, his doctoral dissertation, completed in 1976 and published in full in 1990. The second part of this essay argues that in his later career Schudson turned his gaze from questions of knowledge per se to questions of occupational expertise. I frame this turn towards the normative by recounting what we might call the Schudson–Carey debate over the nature and desirability of journalistic and professional expertise. I then tie this debate into current battles over the status of journalistic professionalism in the digital age. I conclude the essay by arguing that, while normative debates over the status of journalistic expertise remain important in 2017, these claims are also confronting a radically altered socio-technical environment. In our current unsettled times, Schudson’s sociologist of knowledge may—a...
NPQ(T): a chlorophyll fluorescence parameter for rapid estimation and imaging of non‐photochemical quenching of excitons in photosystem‐II‐associated antenna complexes

In photosynthesis, light energy is absorbed by light-harvesting complexes and used to drive photochemistry. However, a fraction of absorbed light is lost to non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) that reflects several important photosynthetic processes to dissipate excess energy. Currently, estimates of NPQ and its individual components (qE , qI , qZ and qT ) are measured from pulse-amplitude-modulation (PAM) measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence yield and require measurements of the maximal yield of fluorescence in fully dark-adapted material (Fm ), when NPQ is assumed to be negligible. Unfortunately, this approach requires extensive dark acclimation, often precluding widespread or high-throughput use, particularly under field conditions or in imaging applications, while introducing artefacts when Fm is measured in the presence of residual photodamaged centres. To address these limitations, we derived and characterized a new set of parameters, NPQ(T) , and its components that can be (1) measured in a few seconds, allowing for high-throughput and field applications; (2) does not require full relaxation of quenching processes and thus can be applied to photoinhibited materials; (3) can distinguish between NPQ and chloroplast movements; and (4) can be used to image NPQ in plants with large leaf movements. We discuss the applications benefits and caveats of both approaches.
Location of glomerular immune deposits, not codeposition of immunoglobulin G, influences definitive renal outcomes in immunoglobulin A nephropathy.

Background It has been suggested that the prognosis of immunoglobulin (IgA) nephropathy (IgAN) is adversely affected if there is codeposition of IgG in the glomeruli or if immune deposits are present in the glomerular capillary walls. We sought to understand how these variables affect clinical outcome. Methods A total of 80 IgAN biopsies were retrospectively divided into groups: (i) IgA without IgG deposition versus IgA + IgG and (ii) immune deposits restricted to the mesangium versus mesangium and peripheral capillary walls (PCWs). The association of these groups with the composite primary outcome of renal replacement therapy, renal transplant, death or doubling of serum creatinine (SCr) concentration was determined. The change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was also assessed. Covariates examined were age, sex, race, SCr and proteinuria level at biopsy and at follow-up, duration of follow-up, treatment, Oxford score and presence of crescents. Results IgG codeposition showed a trend toward endocapillary hypercellularity (P = 0.082); there were no other baseline differences between the IgA (n = 55) and IgA + IgG (n = 25) groups. At a median follow-up time of 29 months, the combined primary outcome was reached in 24 patients, 16 with IgA and 8 with IgA + IgG (P = 0.82). Patients with immune deposits in the PCWs (n = 21) presented with higher baseline proteinuria than those with deposits limited to the mesangium (n = 59; P = 0.025), were more likely to have crescents/segmental glomerular necrosis on biopsy (P = 0.047) and were more likely to reach the combined primary outcome (P = 0.026). Biopsies with crescents/segmental glomerular necrosis were associated with endocapillary hypercellularity (P < 0.001). Conclusions In this multicenter IgAN cohort, IgG co-deposition and the location of glomerular immune deposits in the PCWs were both associated with greater histologic activity on renal biopsy, but only the location of glomerular immune deposits in the PCWs was associated with a significantly increased risk for end-stage renal disease, transplant, death and/or doubling of SCr.
Bronies on the Iron Throne: Perceptions of Prosocial Behaviors and Success

Geek culture is full of stories in which heroes receive their due reward, often embodied in the form of a woman alongside property, status, and wealth. These narratives are often translated into a perception of action and reward within communities: just as Jaime Lannister is expected to be rewarded for his rescue of Brienne or Littlefinger for his “rescue” of Sansa Stark, so too do geek men expect to be rewarded for their “white knighting.” White knights, or men to the rescue, are a common form of advocate in geek communities. The very concept of white knighting is tied to rewards and spoils and is often used in contradictory ways within social groups. This chapter will trace how the belief that men should be rewarded for their “good behaviour” is often a point of internal conflict within masculine geek groups when issues dealing with women or marginalized groups arise. For many the just rewards should be delivered to the dominant group simply because they are the good guys. But when conflict arises and some men splinter to support women they are seen as acting against the good of the group, or selfishly hogging the anticipated rewards of attention and female flesh for themselves in an inherently hypocritical move.
Meta-analysis of targeted small-group reading interventions.

Abstract Small-group reading interventions are commonly used in schools but the components that make them effective are still debated or unknown. The current study meta-analyzed 26 small-group reading intervention studies that resulted in 27 effect sizes. Findings suggested a moderate overall effect for small-group reading interventions (weighted g = 0.54). Interventions were more effective if they were targeted to a specific skill (g = 0.65), then as part of a comprehensive intervention program that addressed multiple skills (g = 0.35). There was a small correlation between intervention effects and group size (r = 0.21) and duration (r = 0.11). Small-group interventions led to a larger median effect size (g = 0.64) for elementary-aged students than for those in middle or high school (g = 0.20), but the two confidence intervals overlapped. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Causation of Acute Flaccid Paralysis by Myelitis and Myositis in Enterovirus-D68 Infected Mice Deficient in Interferon αβ/γ Receptor Deficient Mice

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) caused a large outbreak in the summer and fall of 2014 in the United States. It causes serious respiratory disease, but causation of associated paralysis is controversial, because the virus is not routinely identified in cerebrospinal fluid. To establish clinical correlates with human disease, we evaluated EV-D68 infection in non-lethal paralysis mouse models. Ten-day-old mice lacking interferon responses were injected intraperitoneally with the virus. Paralysis developed in hindlimbs. After six weeks of paralysis, the motor neurons were depleted due to viral infection. Hindlimb muscles were also infected and degenerating. Even at the earliest stage of paralysis, muscles were still infected and were degenerating, in addition to presence of virus in the spinal cord. To model natural respiratory infection, five-day-old mice were infected intranasally with EV-D68. Two of the four infected mice developed forelimb paralysis. The affected limbs had muscle disease, but no spinal cord infection was detected. The unique contributions of this study are that EV-D68 causes paralysis in mice, and that causation by muscle disease, with or without spinal cord disease, may help to resolve the controversy that the virus can cause paralysis, even if it cannot be identified in cerebrospinal fluid.
Discovery and validation of a quantitative, stromal-associated imaging biomarker of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

228Background: As pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains highly lethal, biomarkers are needed to identify patients who may benefit from specific therapeutic strategies. We previously descr...
Antidepressant Combinations: Widely Used, but Far from Empirically Validated:

This paper reviews the evidence on combining antidepressants (ADs) for treatment of major depressive disorder. Although widely used and usually safe, the efficacy of even the most widely prescribed combinations of ADs has not been established by properly controlled, adequately powered, clinical trials. This stands in contrast to several adjunctive strategies for AD nonresponders, including adjunctive lithium, thyroid hormone, or newer-generation antipsychotics. The wide use of AD combinations no doubt reflects the limited efficacy of commonly used ADs and the unmet need for effective strategies for patients with treatment-resistant depression. Although of unproven efficacy, potential merits of combining selected ADs include: (1) avoiding discontinuation-emergent symptoms and cross-titration schedules, (2) at worst, the second AD should be as effective in combination as it would be as a monotherapy following a switch, and (3) the possibility of complementary neuropharmacologic effects that may enhance efficacy or improve tolerability. The dearth of controlled studies of such a commonly used strategy for such a highly prevalent condition is symptomatic of shortcomings in the way clinically relevant research is funded, points to the need for industry-academic-federal collaborations, and underscores the need for large, practice-based, research groups that can efficiently complete publicly funded studies of high public health impact.
NLMPC: A Platform for Optimal Control of Feed- or Product-Flexible Manufacturing

Nonlinear model predictive controllers (NLMPC) using fundamental dynamic models and online nonlinear optimization have been in service in ExxonMobil Chemical since 1994. The NLMPC algorithm used in this work employs a state space formulation, a finite prediction horizon, a performance specification in terms of desired closed loop response characteristics for the outputs, and costs on incremental manipulated variable action. The controller can utilize fundamental or empirical models. The simulation and optimization problems are solved simultaneously using sequential quadratic programming (SQP). In the paper, we present results illustrating regulatory and grade transition (servo) control by NLMPC on several industrial polymerization processes. The paper outlines the NLMPC technology employed, describes the current status in industry for extending linear model predictive control to nonlinear processes or applying NLMPC directly, and identifies several needs for improvements to components of NLMPC.
Adrenal Gland Biopsy

Adrenal gland lesions are common; however, not all lesions require biopsy. Located deep within the upper abdomen, the adrenal gland can be a technically challenging organ to biopsy. This chapter reviews the indications, different techniques, potential complications, and results of adrenal biopsy.
Human errors are symptoms of a mismatch between pilots, machines and the operating environment.

The author suggests that errors should be the starting point for analysis of aviation mishaps. The analysis should focus on human, automation, and environment interaction and determine any mismatch among these factors. Language: en
Measurement, Tower, and Site Design Considerations

Although the number of sites making eddy covariance CO2 flux measurements throughout the world has increased rapidly over the last two decades it is still a challenge to define and build a new system. There are myriad options for tower design and placement and a steadily growing range of instrument options and configurations. Selecting among these options is based on finding an optimal solution that best achieves the precision and accuracy required to satisfy the scientific objectives for a site and often for the lowest installation and operational costs. Site design is only the first step to ensuring accuracy and precision of the results.
Robotics at a Biomedical Cyclotron Facility

We work in a research group at the Brookhaven National Laboratory, and one of this group’s primary missions is that of studying normal and abnormal physiological brain functions. The physical tools for carrying on these studies include two medical cyclotrons, a radiopharmaceutical chemistry laboratory, the Positron Emission Transaxial Tomograph (PETT), and several digital computers. In our group are chemists, physicians, engineers, computer scientists, and a variety of professional technologists. Others involved in the research program are the human and baboon subjects whose brain functions we measure.
Developments in Eigenvalue Estimation

The area of decision-theoretic multiparameter estimation in multivariate statistics has been one of intense activity and wide interest over the past few years. Many classical procedures revolve around the eigen structures of random and parameter matrices. Invariance and other considerations tend to focus a great deal of attention on the eigenvalues. The purpose of this paper is to review some of the work relating to eigenvalue estimation.
Restoring longleaf pine wiregrass ecosystems:: Hexazinone application enhances effects of prescribed fire

A longleaf pine wiregrass ecosystem in the sandhills of north central Florida, upon which turkey oak gained dominance following a wildfire, was treated with applications of hexazinone (1.1 or 2.2 kg/ha) in May 1991. All applications successfully reduced competition from oaks in the overstory and understory (mortality >80%), resulting in progressive increases in the foliar cover of wiregrass, all graminoids and forbs through time. Broadcast application caused a decline in forb cover and species richness during the initial growing season, which recovered by the following year. The 2.2 kg/ha spot application resulted in an increase in species richness, while evenness declined with the continuing expansion of wiregrass. The entire site was then burned in June 1995 by prescribed fire, which caused a widespread decrease in the cover of oaks, shrubs, wiregrass, all graminoids and forbs and plant species richness. In the following year, forb cover increased and oak cover remained significantly lower on plots treated with the combination of hexazinone plus fire than on fire-only plots. The overall cover of forbs, graminoids, shrubs and longleaf pines continued to increase through time. Broadcast application initially exposed a greater number of understory plants to direct contact with herbicide, posing a higher mortality risk than may be acceptable in restoration efforts. Although recovery occurred in subsequent years, the lower selectivity of broadcast application makes it a less suitable restoration technique. Spot application of hexazinone was more selective in its effects upon the plant community. The 2.2 kg/ha spot application produced increases in the cover of wiregrass, all graminoids and forbs and the highest levels of species richness and diversity. The 2.2 kg/ha application rate was also most effective in controlling woody plant competition and is therefore recommended for restoring longleaf pine wiregrass ecosystems in sandhills and similar environments. Hexazinone application followed by prescribed fire accelerates the rate of ecosystem restoration over that achievable by using fire alone. The ecological benefits of controlling competition and rebalancing floristic composition rapidly achieved through this combination of treatments would likely require many cycles of prescribed fire, if used as an individual treatment, over a period of several decades.
Determinants of Elliptic Operators

As noted in Chapter 23, the (regularized) determinant of a non-negative operator B can be defined in terms of the ζ-function of B by the formula In det B = −ζ(0). This definition can be used whenever the ζ-function ζ (s) =∑λ i −s can be analytically continued to the point s = 0. We now show that for a nonnegative elliptic operator, the poles of the analytic continuation of ζ(s) coincide with the values that k takes in the asymptotic expression (27.9) for tr exp(−tB), namely, s = −n/r, −(n − 2)/r, and so on, and that the residue of ζ(s) at s = k is Γ −1(k)Φ −k (B), where Γ is the usual Γ-function. Furthermore, ζ(s) is analytic at s = 0, and ζ(0) = Φ 0 (B) − l(B) Because of this we can define det B using the ζ-function.