cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functional Compression Through Graph Coloring

Motivated by applications to sensor networks and privacy preserving databases, we consider the problem of functional compression. The objective is to separately compress possibly correlated discrete sources such that an arbitrary but fixed deterministic function of those sources can be computed given the compressed data from each source. We consider both the lossless and lossy computation of a function. Specifically, we present results of the rate regions for three instances of the problem where there are two sources: 1) lossless computation where one source is available at the decoder; 2) under a special condition, lossless computation where both sources are separately encoded; and 3) lossy computation where one source is available at the decoder. For all of these instances, we present a layered architecture for distributed coding: first preprocess data at each source using colorings of certain characteristic graphs and then use standard distributed source coding (a la Slepian and Wolfs scheme) to compress them. For the first instance, our results extend the approach developed by Orlitsky and Roche (2001) in the sense that our scheme requires simpler structure of coloring rather than independent sets as in the previous case. As an intermediate step to obtain these results, we obtain an asymptotic characterization of conditional graph coloring for an OR product of graphs generalizing a result of Korner (1973), which should be of interest in its own right.
FPGA implementation of the LRU algorithm for video compression

Cache based vector quantization algorithms (CVQ) have been shown to be efficient in constant quality and fixed bit rate video transmission applications. However, real time implementation of CVQ requires an efficient implementation of a stack replacement policy such as the least recently used (LRU) algorithm. The authors present an FPGA implementation of the LRU algorithm in CVQ for video compression. >
Direct Model Reference Adaptive Control in Infinite-Dimensional Hilbert Space

Though great advances have been reported in adaptive control of single-input/single-output (SISO) systems and some multi-input/multi-output (MIMO) systems, some precise a priori structural information of the plant (at least the order) is needed for most of the methods proposed. This is unsatisfactory in some applications because of unmodeled dynamics and structure and noisy operating environment. In fact, in many high performance control system designs, as for example the control of large space structures, the distributed nature of the plant must be taken into account. These distributed parameter systems are frequently modeled by partial differential equations. Therefore, they must be analyzed in the appropriate infinite-dimensional state space.
Family Correlates of Daughter’s and Son’s Locus of Control Expectancies during Childhood

ABSTRACTChildren who expect they can bring about good outcomes and avoid bad outcomes tend to experience more personal successes. Little is known about factors that contribute to these ‘control expectancies’. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether children's internal control expectancies occur in the context of parents’ internal control expectancies, low family strain, and high family cohesiveness and whether these factors are more strongly related to daughters’ than sons’ control expectancies. A community sample of 85 children aged 9–11 years and their parents (85 mothers; 63 fathers) completed rating scales. Fathers’ more internal control expectancies and mothers’ reports of fewer family strains were associated with daughters’ but not sons’ greater internal control expectancies, and greater family cohesiveness was related to both daughters’ and sons’ internal control orientations. These findings suggest that family factors may contribute to children's, particularly daughters’, develop...
Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy with Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum

The epidemiological, clinical, and molecular genetic aspects of hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy and agenesis of the corpus callosum (HMSN/ACC) are reviewed by neurologists at McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
Light-Emitting Diodes as Supplemental Lighting in Viticulture Field Research

A light-emitting diode (LED) system was evaluated as a tool for field research to investigate light effects on grapevines. Preliminary laboratory trials were conducted to develop response curves for photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and temperature as a function of distance from the LED light source. LED panels were subsequently deployed in a three-year field study of three light-exposure treatments on developing fruit clusters of Vitis vinifera cv. Cabernet Sauvignon: 1) clusters exposed to direct sunlight, 2) clusters shaded by the canopy, and 3) canopy-shaded clusters exposed to supplemental LED light. Laboratory trials and vineyard field studies demonstrated that LED panels could provide supplemental light to grapevines over a broad range of PAR, up to and exceeding the photosynthetic light saturation point for exterior leaves, by adjusting the distance of the LED panel to the target. Although bench trials indicated significant convective heat close to the LED panel, field studies detected few temperature differences among cluster treatments. Varying results were primarily attributed to temperature measurement locations related to experimental objectives; bench trials measured target surface temperature, but field studies monitored whole cluster temperature. LED panels were effectively deployed to provide supplemental light to shaded grape clusters without significantly altering cluster temperature.
Sample entropy-based analysis of differential and traditional training effects on dynamic balance in healthy people

The authors applied algorithms based on the sample entropy (SampEn) measurements to analyze the evolution of regularity in center of pressure displacements on the medialateral (ML) and anteroposterior (AP) axes after the application of 2 balance training methods: differential and traditional. A total of 14 young healthy participants took part in this study undertaking 5 SampEn measurements, a pre- and posttest, and 3 retests on dynamic balance and monopodal support. Results show a SampEn increase in the ML axis over the medium term (4 weeks) with both training methods. Over the short term (1 week), only traditional training shows a SampEn increase in the ML axis. In the AP axis, the traditional training method also shows a SampEn increase over the medium and short terms. A higher irregularity of the COP displacements is also present in the same axis, far from the higher regularity observed in the AP axis. These findings suggest a variability strategy related with the postural control during supports.
Angular distributions for the electron-impact single ionization of sodium and magnesium

We present angular distributions for the electron-impact single ionization of sodium and magnesium at intermediate incident electron energies. The results are obtained from a full-dimensionality solution of the two-active-electron time-dependent Schr\"odinger equation using the time-dependent close-coupling method. We compare calculated angular distributions with existing measurements. We find good overall agreement with measurements over a range of incident electron energies in both cases. We also calculate angular distributions for ejection configurations in which no measurements are currently available.
Exploring Variations in State Laws Providing Protections for Persons With Disabilities

Political scientists are relative newcomers to the study of disability policies and their impacts. Only in the last decade have political scientists joined other social scientists in the disciplines of psychology (e.g., Vash 1981; McDaniels 1976), sociology (e.g., Albrecht 1976) and economics (e.g., Berkowitz Johnson and Murphy 1976; Levitan and Taggart 1977) in studying policies intended to aid persons with mental and physical disabilities, what Driedger (1989) has termed "the last civil rights movement." Hahn (1985: 87) contends that the relatively new attention given by political scientists to the study of disability policy results from a perceptual shift in orientations to disability:
Efficient capture of magnetic microbeads by sequentially switched electroosmotic flow—an experimental study

Magnetophoretic separation is a commonly used immunoassay technique in microfluidic platforms where magnetic microbeads (mMBs) coated with specific epitopes (antibodies) entrap target pathogens by antigen-antibody kinetics. The mMB-cell complexes are then separated from the continuous flow using an external magnetic field. The goal of this study was to design and test a microfluidic device for efficient separation of fluorescence-tagged mMBs driven by electroosmotic flow (EOF) under steady (time invariant) and switched (time varying) electric field conditions. The EOF was driven at electric fields of 100–180 V cm−1. The mMBs were captured by a neodymium (NdFeB) permanent earth magnet. The capture efficiency (η c) of these mMBs was improved by sequential switching of the applied electric field driven-EOF. The fluorescent images of the captured mMBs, obtained using an inverted epifluorescence microscope, were quantified using image processing tools. In steady EOF, induced by constant electric field, the number of captured mMBs decreased by 72.3% when the electric field was increased from 100 V cm−1 to 180 V cm−1. However, alternating the direction of flow through sequential switching of EOF increased the η c by bringing the escaped mMBs back to the capture zone and increasing their residence time in the area of higher magnetic fields. The average increase in η c was 54.3% for an mMB concentration of 1 × 106 beads ml−1 (C 1) and 41.6% for a concentration of 2 × 106 beads ml−1 (C 2). These improvements were particularly significant at higher electric fields where the η c with switching was, on average, ~70% more compared to flow without switching. The technique of sequential switching demonstrates an efficient method for capture of mMBs for application in magnetophoretic immunoassay.
The Economics of Skin Cancer: An Analysis of Medicare Payment Data.

Purpose:The incidence and cost of nonmelanoma skin cancers are skyrocketing. Five million cases cost $8.1 billion in 2011. The average cost of treatment per patient increased from $1000 in 2006 to $1600 in 2011. We present a study of the economics and costs of skin cancer management in Medicare pati
Language and gender in female celebrity chef cookbooks: cooking to show care for the family and for the self

ABSTRACTFramed within Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), this study examines women’s relationship to their cooking practices in cookbooks by three female celebrity chefs: Giada De Laurentiis, Ree Drummond, and Ina Garten. Prevalent in all of the cookbooks is a discourse that continues traditional gender roles of women being predisposed to care, cook, and serve others. At the same time, alternative discourses of achievability, self-fulfillment, and femininity are offered with ‘easy’ and ‘delicious’ recipes, enabling women to be competent in the kitchen, and by extension, in life. Cooking is a way to care for the self and realize happiness. Examining the recipe narrative and supporting text, this article shows how these complex and competing discourses are part of the construction of hegemonic femininity.
Design of a laboratory electric vehicle powertrain system

Engineering students at James Madison University have the opportunity for extra-curricular project work on electric vehicle systems. The focus of one such project is the development of a laboratory powertrain system that is typical to a range of electric vehicles. The system is comprised of components typical to an electric vehicle powertrain including a battery pack, battery management system (BMS), motor, and controller of specifications similar to those commonly found on existing electric vehicles. The system is mounted to an equipment cart and provides visual access to major and minor components as well as the wiring harness. The purpose of the laboratory powertrain system is to allow students to further understand details of the integration of subsystems within an electric motorcycle. This paper describes the design, construction, and testing of the laboratory system. The design process follows a bottom-up approach that includes assembly of the battery pack, integration of a BMS to regulate the pack, and integration of a system level controller to manage vehicle functions and drive the electric motor. Results of the project include documentation of the system design, system schematics, and data obtained from charging and discharging tests performed on the laboratory system.
Effect of wild feces detection in Oncomelania hupensis environments on surveillance of infection source of schistosomiasis

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of wild feces detection in Oncomelania hupensis environments on the surveillance of infection source of schistosomiasis, and find the weakness in schistosomiasis control in Hubei Province, so as to put forward the targeted strategies and measures. METHODS Four environments with O. hupensis snails in endemic areas of Hubei Provinces, where human and livestock often haunted, were selected according to the river systems, namely the Juzhanghe River beach in Jingzhou City, Changjiang River beach in Jiayu County, Hanbei River beach in Tianmen City, and Changshou River beach in Zhongxiang City, then the snail survey and wild feces detection were implemented in the selected environments. RESULTS There were O. hupensis snails, livestock, wild feces of cattle or sheep as well as positive cattle feces found in all the 4 environments, and the positive rate of schistosome miracidium incubation was 47.62%. CONCLUSIONS The schistosome miracidium positive rate of wild feces of cattle is high in the environments with snails in endemic areas of Hubei Province, which has high risk for schistosomiasis transmission.
History and Development of Prostate Cryoablation

Cryoablation is one of several therapeutic interventions that can result in thermal tissue destruction. This technique has well- documented scientific evidence supporting its efficacy as a treatment modality in the treatment of both benign and malignant diseases [1–3]. The operative mechanism produced by freezing is the extraction of heat from the targeted tissue that initiates a series of destructive events. The severity of the freezing process has long been recognized to result in a tissue response varying from inflammation to total destruction. Histologically freezing produces an area of central necrosis with a surrounding peripheral rim in which cell death is apparent [4, 5]. Successful tissue destruction resulting from cryoablation is founded on two scientific principles; first the cellular response to freezing itself and second to operative procedural factors. Freezing tissue induces cell death by setting off a cascade of events that include freeze rupture, necrosis and apoptosis. As ice forms in the targeted tissue, water is extracted from the extracellular space forming pure crystalline ice leaving behind hyperosmotic fluid in the extracellular compartment. As a consequence of this physical event, intracellular water moves to the extracellular space followed by cell shrinkage and damage to the intracellular matrix including proteins resulting from the increased salinity. In an anatomic constrained structure such as the prostate which is not totally encapsulated the expanding ice front and the spear-like ice crystals destroy both prostate cells and the capillary endothelial lining, the latter impairing the vascular tree after thawing [6]. In addition to the physical rupture of targeted tissue cells from the intracellular ice crystal formation apoptosis has been linked to thermal injury [7]. Hollister et al. have reported that after a freezing insult, prostate cancer cells die at temperatures consistent with the freeze-zone margin [8]. Induction of the apoptotic event is said to be associated with an intrinsic mitochondria induced mechanism characterized by the upregulation of cellular Bax, the pro-apoptotic protein [9]. More recently, prostate cancer cell apoptotic induction has been reported to be facilitated through an extrinsic pathway involving the interaction of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand with its ligand in the plasma membrane [10].
Diminishing returns: Russia’s participation in the World Trade Organization

AbstractRussia’s 2012 accession to the World Trade Organization was widely expected to spur economic growth and modernization, by helping the country abandon its import-substitution model and fully integrate into the global economy. However, thus far, Russia’s compliance record with its WTO commitments has been mixed, and WTO membership has given Russia limited economic benefits and few political gains. In analyzing why, this article uses neoclassical realism as a framework for assessing Russia’s behavior in WTO trade disputes and negotiations. During Russia’s economic recession, the regime of President Vladimir Putin advanced protectionist policies and maintained statist control over the heights of the economy, while using rhetorical strategies to counter accusations from Western powers that Russia had violated WTO norms. Russia’s struggling economy weakened its status as a global economic power, and it was viewed as unqualified to sit among the core group of negotiators in the WTO.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF STUDENTS: INVESTIGATION OF INTEREST AND SOCIAL SUPPORT IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION SETTING

Background: Situational interest is believed to be critical in enhancing physical activity engagement among high school students. Besides, social support is associated with situational interest. The purpose of this study was to examine indicators of situational interest, and the relationship between social support and situational interest. Methods: This study was done with high school students (N = 477) enrolled in physical education classes in Kenya. Data were analyzed using simple correlation, independent t-test, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling. Results: Regression results show that the five indicators predicted about 73% of the variance in situational interest. Confirmatory factor analysis support four indicators (optimal challenge, attention demand, exploration intention and enjoyment) of situational interest. There is no relationship between students’ interest and gender. Situational interest is influenced with both teacher and peer support. Personal interest is associated with situational interest. Conclusion: Students’ physical activity motivation is associated with situational interest. Findings partially support previous studies that point to five indicators of situational interest. Establishing learning environment that uphold teacher and peer support might help trigger and maintain situational interest. Students’ past experiences could influence situational interest. Article visualizations:
Role of Prokaryotic Chaperonins in Protein Folding

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the role of prokaryotic in protein folding. The important role that molecular chaperones play in mediating cellular protein folding and assembly has only recently come to light. This is remarkable, given the fundamental biological significance of protein folding. However, the long-held view that both in vitro and in vivo protein folding are spontaneous processes provided an elegantly simple explanation of a very complex problem. Indeed it is astonishing that the Escherichia coli protein GroEL, which has been studied for over two decades, has only in the past few years been demonstrated to mediate the folding of a large fraction of cytosolic proteins. Understanding of protein folding and oligomeric assembly has been primarily derived from three lines of investigation: the analysis of the assembly of the enzyme ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase in chloroplasts, the analysis of protein folding in mitochondria, and the in vitro reconstitution of a pathway of chaperone-mediated protein folding, which appears to occur generally in the cytosol of bacteria and eukaryotic cells. Detailed models for the GroEL/ GroES reaction cycle have been proposed and are now being tested experimentally. The three-dimensional structure of GroEL, enables knowledge based mutagenesis to be carried out, providing us with more specific information on the structure-function relationships within GroEL.
Other CVD Polymers

In addition to the Parylene family, there are several classes of polymer that have been shown to form thin film by evaporation or via chemical vapor deposition routes. Among them, rigid-rod aromatic polymers, due to their structure, possess several very attractive properties that have a great potential for many applications such as protective coating. They possess high thermal stability, high glass transition temperature, high hardness, insolubility to common solvents, and oxidation resistance. Although these films possess very desirable properties, only limited work has been reported in this area of research. In this Chapter, we will describe a selective group of polymeric films deposited via different types of vapor deposition techniques.
Religiosity prevalence and its association with depression and anxiety symptoms among Hispanic/Latino adults.

Objectives Religion plays an important role in the lives of people in the United States. We examined the prevalence of religiosity among Hispanic/Latinos in four regions of the United States and looked at its correlation to depression and anxiety symptoms. Design The population-based Hispanic Community Health Study/ Study of Latinos enrolled a cohort of Hispanic/Latino adults (N = 16,415) ages 18–74 in four US cities from June 2008 to June 2011. Participants with complete data on religiosity (i.e., religious affiliation, frequency of attending religious activities and importance of religion), depression (assessed with the CESD-10), and trait anxiety (assessed with the STAI-10) were included in the present study. Distribution of religiosity is described by sociodemographic characteristics. Associations between religiosity with depression and anxiety were examined with logistic regression models controlling for sex, age group, education, Hispanic/Latino background, clinical center, and nativity. Results The majority of the population (89.5%) reported having a religious affiliation. Weekly attendance at religious activities was reported by 41.6% of participants, while 20.6% did not attend any religious activities. Religion was very important to 63.9% and not at all important to 6.7% of the population. The CES-D scores and trait anxiety scores were not significantly related in the overall group to frequency of attending religious activity or perceived importance of religion. However, in age-stratified analyses, among older individuals (65+ years old) reporting “never” participating in religious activities compared to more than once per week was associated with an 80% higher likelihood of having high depressive symptomatology. Similarly, in the older age group, no religious affiliation or reporting that religion is “not at all important” was associated with greater anxiety symptomatology. Conclusion Religiosity varied by Hispanic/Latino background. Lack of religiosity was associated with elevated depressive or anxiety symptomology in older adults but not in young or middle-aged adults.
Detection of Environmental Influences on Wildlife: California Quail as an Example

Population modeling often requires prior evaluation of potential environmental influences on the population. A common approach is to attempt to detect covariability between time series of population and environmental data by computing correlations. Problems associated with that approach include the effects of intraseries correlation on significance of computed correlations and the fact that the available population series is often not the variable affected by the environment. We discuss methods for dealing with intraseries correlation and a method for obtaining a recruitment series from an abundance series. These are demonstrated in examples from our work on the influence of the environment on reproduction in populations of California quail. We have detected an influence of winter precipitation on recruitment in semi-arid regions of California. Ongoing work focuses on: (1) detection of density-dependence and, (2) how remotely forced spatial variability in the environment influences quail populations.
Structural Relationships in Macromolecular Complexes Determined By Photochemical Crosslinking

Structural relationships in protein-nucleic acid complexes and in a protein-nucleotide complex have been investigated by photochemical crosslinking. Crosslinking is achieved by direct irradiation of the complexes with a mercury lamp that gives predominantly 253.7 nm radiation. Six complexes of aminoacyl transfer RNA synthetases with specific transfer RNAs have been photo-joined. The areas on the nucleic acid involved in crosslinking have been determined. When combined with a model for the three dimensional transfer RNA structure, these data give a picture of how the enzymes orient on the tRNAs. In addition, photo-crosslinking of ATP to synthetases has been achieved. (This nucleotide is used by all aminoacyl tRNA synthetases to drive the aminoacylation reaction.) This photo-reaction was studied in some detail with Ile-tRNA synthetase from E. coli B. It was found that the entire ATP molecule (base and phosphate moieties) is stably attached to the enzyme. Moreover, crosslinkage occurs at a unique, specific site. The peptide fragment to which the ATP is photo-joined has been isolated and sequenced, thus localizing in the primary structure the position of some of the residues that line the ATP receptor site.
Selective inversion recovery quantitative magnetization transfer imaging: Toward a 3 T clinical application in multiple sclerosis.

Background:Assessing the degree of myelin injury in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is challenging due to the lack of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods specific to myelin quantity. By ...
Microfluidic device for the analysis of MDR cancerous cell-derived exosomes' response to nanotherapy

Exosomes are membrane-enclosed extracellular vesicles which have been indicated as important biomarkers of cancerous cell functionality, such as multiple drug resistance (MDR). Nanoparticles based chemotherapy is a promising strategy to overcome MDR by interfering the production and composition of exosomes. Therefore, tumor-derived exosomes post-treatment by nanotherapy are implied to play critical roles of biomarkers on cancer MDR analysis. However, the efficient isolation of such exosomes from extracellular environment for their therapeutic response analysis remains challenging. In this study, we presented a microfluidic device featured exosome specific anti-CD63 immobilized ciliated micropillars, which were capable to isolate cancer-derived exosomes from cell culture medium. The captured exosomes can be recovered intact by dissolving the cilia on the micropillars using PBS soaking. Owing to the immobilized antibody in the microfluidic device, nearly 70% of exosome from the biofluid could be isolated. So the secreted exosomes of the MDR and ordinary human breast cancer cells pre-treated by free drug or nanotherapy could be isolated with high purity. The drug contents of the isolated exosomes were measured to analysis of the exosomal pathway response of MDR cells to different chemotherapeutic formulations. Such analyses and further definition of the biomarkers of these exosomes could benefit the future investigations of accurately and reliably determine design principle, functional activity, and mechanisms of nanotherapy for MDR overcoming.
Ziconotide Intrathecal Therapy

Ziconotide is a non-opioid, potent intrathecal analgesic with mechanism of action involving interruption of spinal neurotransmission approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2004 for the treatment of severe refractory chronic pain. Presented are pertinent diagnoses and proper patient selection for ziconotide therapy, guidelines for treatment, and current evidence for analgesic efficacy and safety for intrathecal use.
Steroids do not alter pancreatic blood supply in hypovolemic dogs: implications on steroid action in acute pancreatitis.

A recent report from our laboratory showed that pancreatic inflammation induced by hypovolemic shock can be explained to some extent by spoliation in pancreatic perfusion as revealed by electromagnetic flow determinations on the gastroduodenal artery (GDA). On the other hand, when given early in the course of hypovolemic shock, methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS) alleviated pancreatic inflammation as evidenced by gross and histological findings.
On the Cross-Application of Calibrated Pathloss Models Using Area Features: Finding a way to determine similarity between areas

Pathloss-model calibration, or tuning, is the practice of refining the nominal parameters of a model according to measurement samples collected in a specific area. It is widely used by mobile providers because it can reduce error up to tens of decibels depending on the model category. It comes, however, at the expense of both time and monetary resources. Given the prohibitive amount of resources required to calibrate all deployment areas, a model calibrated in one area can be applied to another area that has no measurement data. We refer to this practice as model cross-application. How well the model predicts will depend on the similarity between the two areas.
GP82 Prevalance rates for avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) in tertitary feeding clinic in UK

We present the prevalence rates of Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) in our tertiary feeding service. ARFID is a relatively recent DSM –V diagnostic category that describes children with complex feeding disorders. Previous diagnoses of ‘feeding disorders of infancy or early childhood’ in the DSM-IV were limited and excluded children who maintained a healthy weight in the context of problematic eating behaviours. According to the DSM V in 2013 ARFID describes those children with an apparent lack of interest in food, food-avoidance based on its sensory characteristics and/or concerns about the aversive consequences of eating due to persistent failure to meet appropriate nutritional and/or energy needs are all symptomatic of ARFID. The prevalence rates of ARFID are currently unknown. In specialist psychiatric and medical settings it is estimated to be between 5–13%. The clinical characteristics of children with complex feeding difficulties are currently poorly described in the literature, making it difficult to identify and plan necessary services. Our service is a tertiary multidisciplinary feeding service that receives on average 250 referrals per annum. Of those referrals, 150 are referred to r the Complex Feeding Clinic and the others are for medical, dysphagia or videofluroscopy clinics. The Complex Feeding Service is formed of a Consultant Paediatrician, Psychologist, Occupational Therapist, Dietictian and Speech and Language Therapist. We accept referrals for children both locally and regionally, on the provision that there is a named local professional to liaise with. Our referral criteria includes children up to 18 years old with complex feeding difficulties which may cause psychosocial or nutritional impairment. Such feeding difficulties may be related to: an underlying ASD diagnosis, a developmental feeding disorder, medical disorder, sensory selectivity and/or anxiety around foods. The children who attend our clinic may be fed by enteral means or have a selective eating pattern (not otherwise stated). We chart the emergence of this diagnosis within our cohort of patients and track its increasing use since it was included in the DSM V in 2013. We also analyse the following characteristics within the cohort of children receiving this diagnosis: gender, age, with/without a diagnosis of ASD or other co morbid neurodevelopmental issues, nutritional adequacy, diet range and fed by enteral means i.e. NG/PEG.
Risk Behaviors of High School Students Who Report Knowing Someone Who Self-Harms.

Self-harm involves the direct and deliberate destruction of body tissue without suicidal intent and is identified as a maladaptive attempt to cope with stressful emotions. This descriptive, correla...
Hearing outcomes in children of diabetic pregnancies.

Abstract Objective Children of diabetic pregnancies (CDPs) face numerous risk factors for hearing loss (HL). The objective of this study was to investigate the hearing outcomes of CDPs on a population scale. Methods Using the Audiological and Genetic Database, the prevalence, severity, and progression of HL in CDPs was compared against children of non-diabetic pregnancies (CNDPs) who served as controls. Results Among 311 CDPs, 71.1% demonstrated evidence of HL compared to 45.5% in CNDPs (p 0.05). CDPs were more likely to have bilateral HL (81%) and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) (8%) relative to CNDPs (p Conclusion Children of diabetic pregnancies face increased risks of developing HL, particularly bilateral and sensorineural hearing loss. Given these findings, we recommend close audiologic follow-up for these children, especially those with complicated birth histories or additional medical problems.
Mesenchymal stem cells for sensorineural hearing loss: a systematic review of preclinical studies

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most common form of hearing loss that is routinely treated with hearing aids or cochlear implants. Advances in regenerative medicine have now led to animal studies examining the possibility of restoring injured hair cells with mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) administration. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to collate the existing preclinical literature evaluating MSCs as a treatment for SNHL and quantify the effect of MSCs on functional hearing. Our protocol was published online on CAMARADES. Searches were conducted in four medical databases by two independent investigators. Twelve studies met inclusion and were evaluated for risk of bias using SYRCLE. Rodent models were commonly used (n = 8, 66%), while auditory brainstem response (ABR) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) were the most frequent measures assessing hearing loss. MSCs were derived from multiple tissue sources, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord blood and the dose ranged from 4 × 103 to 1 × 107 cells. Treatment with MSCs resulted in an improvement in ABR and DPOAE (mean difference-15.22, + 9.10, respectively). Despite high heterogeneity and multiple “unclear” domains in the risk of bias, this review provides evidence that MSCs may have a beneficial effect in hearing function.
P19 Emotion- and Stress-Related Eating is Related to Weight Status Among College Students

Background The Transactional Model of Stress and Coping proposes that stress occurs when one perceives that a particular stressor outweighs one's resources to cope. Emotion- and stress-related eating may be used as a measure to cope, which can lead to an increase in caloric intake and weight gain. Objective The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between constructs of The Transactional Model of Stress and Coping and weight status among college students. Study Design, Setting, Participants Six hundred and ninety college students participated in an online survey. Outcome Measure/Analysis The survey included the Emotion- and Stress-related Eating and the Appraisal of Ability and Resources to Cope sub-scales from the Eating and Appraisal Due to Emotions and Stress (EADES) Questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), self-report of height and weight, and demographic questions. Responses were captured on a 5 point Likert scale where lower scores represent greater emotion- and stress-related eating, lower appraisal of skills and resources to cope, and less stress. Logistic regression analysis was used to test the relationship between weight status and emotion- and stress-related eating, appraisal of resources to cope, and PSS while adjusting for demographics. Results In univariate analysis, when compared with healthy weight students, overweight/obese students had significantly lower Emotion-and Stress-related Eating scores (3.3 ± 0.7 vs 3.7 ± 0.8, P Conclusions Overweight and obese college students report more emotion- and stress-related eating compared to normal weight students; however, their perceived stress levels were similar. Emotion- and stress-related eating should be included in educational interventions.
Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia is Associated with Increased Plasma Immunoglobulin G Agonist Autoantibodies Targeting the 5-Hydroxytryptamine 2A Receptor

Aims To test whether plasma autoantibodies targeting the 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor increase in COVID-19 infection; and to characterize the pharmacologic specificity, and signaling pathway activation occurring downstream of receptor binding in mouse neuroblastoma N2A cells and cell toxicity of the autoantibodies. Methods Plasma obtained from nineteen, older COVID-19 patients having mild or severe infection was subjected to protein-A affinity chromatography to obtain immunoglobulin G fraction. One-fortieth dilution of the protein-A eluate was tested for binding to a linear synthetic peptide QN.18 corresponding to the second extracellular loop of the human 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor. Mouse neuroblastoma N2A cells were incubated with COVID-19 IgG autoantibodies in the presence or absence of selective inhibitors of G-protein coupled receptors, signaling pathway antagonists, or a novel decoy receptor peptide. Results 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor autoantibody binding occurred in 17 of 19 (89%) patients with acute COVID-19 infection and increased level was significantly correlated with increased severity of COVID-19 infection. The agonist autoantibodies mediated acute neurite retraction in mouse neuroblastoma cells by a mechanism involving Gq11/PLC/IP3R/Ca2+ activation and RhoA/Rho kinase pathway signaling occurring downstream of receptor binding which had pharmacologic specificity consistent with binding to the 5-HT2A receptor. A novel synthetic peptide 5-HT2AR fragment, SN..8, dose-dependently blocked autoantibody-induced neurotoxicity. The COVID-19 autoantibodies displayed acute toxicity in bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (stress fiber formation, contraction) and modulated proliferation in a manner consistent with known 'biased agonism' on the 5-HT2A receptor. Conclusion These data suggest that 5-HT2AR targeting autoantibodies are highly prevalent may contribute to pathophysiology in acute, severe COVID-19 infection.
AT1R-Ab: A New Player in Pediatric Heart Transplant AMR?

Purpose Angiotensin II type 1 receptor antibodies (AT1R-Ab) are associated with non-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mediated antibody mediated rejection (AMR) and graft failure in adult renal transplantation. They can be stimulated by ventricular assist device (VAD) support, but data regarding AT1R-Ab in pediatric heart transplantation (HT) are scarce. The purpose of this study is to describe the incidence of non-HLA mediated AMR and identification of AT1R-Ab in a pediatric HT cohort. Methods We performed a single-center retrospective review of children who underwent primary HT from July 2016 to July 2020. AMR was defined by the presence of complement deposition (+C4d) on heart biopsy. Non-HLA mediated AMR was defined by the absence of donor-specific HLA antibodies (HLA-DSA). AT1R-Ab testing was defined as 17 positive (ELISA). Results There were 100 patients who underwent primary HT during the study period (median age 4.5 years). There were 19 episodes of AMR in 17 patients. HLA-DSA were present in 12 episodes (63%) and absent in 7 (37%) episodes. Non-HLA mediated AMR occurred earlier post-HT compared to AMR with HLA-DSA (median 7 days vs 244 days, p = 0.04). Four patients with AMR in the absence of HLA-DSA were tested for AT1R-Ab; 3 were positive and 1 was borderline. Of the 3 patients with positive AT1R-Ab, 2 were previously supported on VAD, 2 had symptomatic AMR, 2 subsequently received losartan, and none have had recurrence of AMR (Table). Conclusion Non-HLA mediated AMR accounted for 37% of AMR episodes and occurred earlier post-HT compared to AMR with HLA-DSA in a single-center cohort. AT1R-Ab were present in 3 of 4 patients with non-HLA mediated AMR in whom AT1R-Ab testing was performed. In light of the recent data regarding AT1R-Ab in renal transplantation, investigation of the prevalence and clinical significance of AT1R-Ab in pediatric HT, particularly in early non-HLA mediated AMR and in those bridged to HT with VAD, is warranted.
Close proximity of tryptophan residues and ATP-binding site in Escherichia coli primary replicative helicase DnaB protein. Molecular topography of the enzyme.

Abstract The binding of fluorescent nucleotide analogs to the Escherichia coli primary replicative helicase DnaB protein causes strong quenching of protein tryptophan fluorescence. It results from the efficient fluorescence energy transfer (E) from tryptophans to analogs bound in the nucleotide-binding site, indicating that protein tryptophans are "clustered" in close proximity to the binding site. This is in contrast to the lack of detectable energy transfer to the fluorescent single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) derivative, suggesting a distant separation between two function-linked structural elements of the enzyme, the nucleotide- and ssDNA-binding sites. The dependence of E upon the average number of bound nucleotides/DnaB hexamer is nonlinear, implying a larger separation between tryptophans and the bound nucleotide in the low affinity sites. Spectroscopic studies reveal that tryptophan residues are located on the surface of the DnaB helicase in a hydrophobic cleft, whereas the environment of the tyrosines is heterogeneous, with 6 out of 10 tyrosine residues located on the surface of the helicase. The efficiency of the fluorescence energy transfer from the tyrosines to tryptophans suggests that the "centers of mass" of the residues are separated, possibly reflecting the separation of the nucleotide- and ssDNA-binding sites, with tyrosines constituting part of the ssDNA-binding region.
Distributional consequences of neutral shocks to economic activity in a model with efficiency wages and overeducation

This paper shows that the existence and persistence of 'overeducation' can be explained by a simple extension of the efficiency wage model. When calibrated to fit the amounts of overeducation found in most empirical studies, the model implies that both the relative wage and the relative employment rate of high-skill workers will depend inversely on the aggregate level of activity. The model may help explain the patterns of rising wage inequality that have been observed in many countries since the early 1970s.
Quantity yields quality when it comes to creativity: a brain and behavioral test of the equal-odds rule.

The creativity literature is in search of a viable cognitive measure which can provide support for behavioral observations that higher ideational output is often associated with higher creativity (known as the equal-odds rule). One such measure has included divergent thinking: the production of many examples or uses for a common or single object or image. We sought to test the equal-odds rule using a measure of divergent thinking, and applied the consensual assessment technique to determine creative responses as opposed to merely original responses. We also sought to determine structural brain correlates of both ideational fluency and ideational creativity. Two-hundred forty-six subjects were subjected to a broad battery of behavioral measures, including a core measure of divergent thinking (Foresight), and measures of intelligence, creative achievement, and personality (i.e., Openness to Experience). Cortical thickness and subcortical volumes (e.g., thalamus) were measured using automated techniques (FreeSurfer). We found that higher number of responses on the divergent thinking task was significantly associated with higher creativity (r = .73) as independently assessed by three judges. Moreover, we found that creativity was predicted by cortical thickness in regions including the left frontal pole and left parahippocampal gyrus. These results support the equal-odds rule, and provide neuronal evidence implicating brain regions involved with "thinking about the future" and "extracting future prospects."
ChiMS: Open-source instrument control software platform on LabVIEW for imaging/depth profiling mass spectrometers

ChiMS is an open-source data acquisition and control software program written within LabVIEW for high speed imaging and depth profiling mass spectrometers. ChiMS can also transfer large datasets from a digitizer to computer memory at high repetition rate, save data to hard disk at high throughput, and perform high speed data processing. The data acquisition mode generally simulates a digital oscilloscope, but with peripheral devices integrated for control as well as advanced data sorting and processing capabilities. Customized user-designed experiments can be easily written based on several included templates. ChiMS is additionally well suited to non-laser based mass spectrometers imaging and various other experiments in laser physics, physical chemistry, and surface science.
Dynamic amplifiers: settling, slewing & power issues

The settling behavior and power consumption of dynamic opamps are considered. The dynamic opamp is compared with a class A opamp for different clock frequencies. A single pole model in a closed loop configuration is used to estimate slewing and settling behavior. SPICE simulation results agree with theoretical predictions. It is shown that for the same power consumption dynamic opamps settle much faster than class A opamps. Dynamic opamps are particularly well suited for ultra low power switched-capacitor designs.
Characteristics and genotype profiles of antiretroviral-naïve patients entering a Southern US HIV outpatient clinic 2009-2012.

The US city of New Orleans was ranked second in the nation for estimated HIV case rates in 2011. Opt-out testing was established at the Interim Louisiana Hospital in New Orleans in 2013. The majority of new diagnoses were referred to the HIV outpatient program. We conducted a retrospective chart review of newly referred antiretroviral-naive patients establishing HIV care between January 2009 and June 2013 to characterise demographic and genotype profiles to assist in clinical management and needed services. Of the eligible 226 patients, 68% were men, and 88% were African American. Nearly half of the study patients were younger than 35 years of age. Forty-six percent had an initial CD4 count 100,000 copies/mL. The antiretroviral class with the most common major mutation was the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) where K103N was the most common major NNRTI mutation at presentation. We observed that male patients showed more advanced disease with later presentation to care, confirming the need for earlier HIV diagnosis. When considering initial antiretroviral therapy, baseline genotype information is encouraged, particularly if considering a NNRTI-based regimen.
Spectrophotometric Determination of Protein Concentration

The concentration of a purified protein in solution is most conveniently and accurately measured using absorbance spectroscopy. The absorbance, A, is a linear function of the molar concentration, C, according to the Beer-Lambert law: A = epsilon x l x c, where e is the molar absorption coefficient and l is the cell path length. This unit provides protocols for calculation of epsilon for a folded or unfolded protein, making use of the average epsilon values for the three contributing chromophores in proteins (the side chains of Trp, Tyr, and Cys). A basic protocol describes how to measure the concentration of a protein using the calculated epsilon and the Beer-Lambert law. A sensitive method is provided for measuring the concentration of proteins that contain few if any tryptophan or tyrosine residues, and a simple method is provided for estimating total protein concentration in crude extracts.