cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of bradykinin receptor antagonism on ACE inhibitor-associated angioedema.

Background The B 2 receptor antagonist icatibant is approved for treatment of attacks of hereditary angioedema. Icatibant has been reported to decrease time-to-resolution of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor-associated angioedema in 1 study of European patients. Objective We sought to test the hypothesis that a bradykinin B 2 receptor antagonist would shorten time-to-resolution from ACE inhibitor-associated angioedema. Methods Patients with ACE inhibitor–associated angioedema (defined as swelling of lips, tongue, pharynx, or face during ACE inhibitor use and no swelling in the absence of ACE inhibitor use) were enrolled at Vanderbilt University Medical Center from October 2007 through September 2015 and at Massachusetts General Hospital in 2012. C1 inhibitor deficiency and patients with bowel edema only were excluded. Patients were randomized within 6 hours of presentation to subcutaneous icatibant 30 mg or placebo at 0 and 6 hours later. Patients assessed severity of swelling using a visual analog scale serially following study drug administration or until discharge. Results Thirty-three patients were randomized and 31 received treatment, with 13 receiving icatibant and 18 receiving placebo. One patient randomized to icatibant did not complete the visual analog scale and was excluded from analyses. Two-thirds of patients were black and two-thirds were women. Time-to-resolution of symptoms was similar in placebo and icatibant treatment groups ( P = .19 for the primary symptom and P > .16 for individual symptoms of face, lip, tongue, or eyelid swelling). Frequency of administration of H1 and H2 blockers, corticosteroids, and epinephrine was similar in the 2 treatment groups. Time-to-resolution of symptoms was similar in black and white patients. Conclusions This study does not support clinical efficacy of a bradykinin B 2 receptor antagonist in ACE inhibitor-associated angioedema.
Childhood asthma is a risk factor for the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Purpose of reviewThis review will catalog the many recent longitudinal studies that have investigated the relationship between asthma and lung function, or the persistence and trajectories of lung function deficits.Recent findingsRecent work has reported on 50-year follow-ups of some prominent popul
Cognitive dysfunction in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Objective To determine the frequency of cognitive dysfunction in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in a Pakistani population, presenting at a tertiary care Rheumatology setting. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Division of Rheumatology, Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore, from March to June 2016. A total of 43 consecutive patients, who fulfilled the 2012 SLICC (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics) classification criteria for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), were enrolled. Cognitive function was assessed using Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) questionnaire. Demographic data and disease dynamics were collected in a proforma. Cognitive dysfunction was defined as score Results Out of 43 enrolled patients, 95.3% were females and 4.7% were males, with mean age of 28.72 ± 9.25 years and mean formal education duration of 10.98 ± 3.29 years. The mean disease duration was 24.21 ± 30.46 months. Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) were present in all patients and anti-ds DNA in 93% patients. Cognitive dysfunction according to MoCA score was found in 65.1% (n=28) patients. For patients with disease duration more than two years, cognitive dysfunction was found in 60% patients [p>0.05] and for duration of formal education less than 12 years in 74.1% patients [p>0.05]. Conclusion In this study, two third of SLE patients had Cognitive dysfunction. Hence, there is an increasing need to recognise and initiate early therapy for this overlooked aspect of SLE with an aim to achieve better quality of life.
The Clinical Practice of Complementary, Alternative, and Western Medicine

The clinical practice of complementary, alternative, and Western medicine , The clinical practice of complementary, alternative, and Western medicine , کتابخانه دیجیتالی دانشگاه علوم پزشکی و خدمات درمانی شهید بهشتی
Human Serum Albumin-Delivered [Au(PEt3)]+ Is a Potent Inhibitor of T Cell Proliferation.

Using a modular library format in conjunction with cell viability (MTS) and flow cytometry assays, 90 cationic complexes [AuPL]n+ (P = phosphine ligand; L = thiourea derivative or chloride) were studied for their antiproliferative activity in CD8+ T lymphocyte cells. The activity of the compounds correlates with the steric bulk of the phosphine ligands. Thiourea serves as a leaving group that is readily replaced by cysteine thiol (NMR, ESI-MS). Taking advantage of selective thiourea ligand exchange, the fragments [Au(PEt3)]+ and [Au(JohnPhos)]+ (JohnPhos = 1,1′-biphenyl-2-yl)di-tert-butylphosphine) in compounds 1 and 2 were transferred to recombinant human serum albumin (rHSA). PEt3 promoted efficient modification of Cys34 in HSA (HSA-1), whereas use of bulky JohnPhos as a carrier ligand led to serum protein nonspecifically modified with multiple gold adducts (HSA-2) (Ellman’s test, ESI-TOF MS). HSA-1, but not HSA-2, strongly inhibits T cell proliferation at nanomolar doses. The potential role of HSA as a...
NeuroBlock: A block-based programming approach to neurofeedback application development

Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) applications are gaining popularity as Electroencephalography (EEG) hardware becomes more accessible. BCI technology is used for various purposes such as neurophysiological evaluation, device control, user-state monitoring, and cognitive improvement. Although BCI software platforms exist, there are few systems designed to assist novice programmers with creating BCI applications. We present “NeuroBlock”, a block-based programming approach to neurofeedback application development. Motivated by insights presented in BCI and visual languages literature, our system enables novice programmers to build applications that adapt to users' affective state. We evaluated the system's appropriateness by tasking novice programmers with developing neurofeedback applications inspired by previous BCI studies. Our exploratory study with 40 participants demonstrates that novice programmers are capable of developing neurofeedback applications using NeuroBlock. Furthermore, participants had a positive perception of NeuroBlock's usability.
Africanizing Philosophy: Wiredu, Hountondji, and Mudimbe

Philosophy has led the fight to resituate African identity in general, and African knowledge in particular, in the postcolonial age. This fight has been led by three philosophers, Kwasi Wiredu, Paulin J. Hountondji, and Valentin Y. Mudimbe. Together, they gave philosophy attention and showed how indigenous African knowledge can be made central to proper philosophizing.
Contaminant-associated health effects in fishes from the Ottawa and Ashtabula Rivers, Ohio

Abstract The health of resident fishes serves as a biologically relevant barometer of aquatic ecosystem integrity. Here, the health of the Ottawa River and Ashtabula River (both within the Lake Erie Basin) were assessed using morphological and immunological biomarkers in brown bullheads (Ameiurus nebulosus) and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Biomarker metrics were compared to fish collected from a reference site (Conneaut Creek). Data utilized for analyses were collected between 2003 and 2011. Fish collected from all three river systems had markedly different contaminant profiles. Total PCBs were the dominant contaminant class by mass. In bullhead, PCBs were highest in fish from the Ashtabula River and there were no differences in fish collected pre- or post-remediation of Ashtabula Harbor (median = 4.6 and 5.5 mg/kg respectively). Excluding PCBs, the Ottawa River was dominated by organochlorine pesticides. Liver tumor prevalence exceeded the 5% trigger level at both the Ashtabula (7.7%) and Ottawa Rivers (10.2%), but was not statistically different than that at the reference site. There was no statistically significant association between microscopic lesions, gross pathology and contaminant body burdens. Collectively, contaminant body burdens were generally negatively correlated with functional immune responses including bactericidal, cytotoxic-cell and respiratory burst activity in both species. Exceptions were positive correlations of HCB and heptachlor epoxide with respiratory burst activity in largemouth bass, and HCB with respiratory burst activity in bullhead and ΣBHC for all three functional assays in bullhead. Data here provide additional support that organochlorine contamination is associated with immunomodulation, and that species differences exist within sites.
Use of both quantitative and qualitative methods to improve assessment of resting energy expenditure equation performance in hospitalized adults.

Summary Objective To introduce the use of qualitative assessment in energy expenditure (EE) equation research to improve the understanding of performance of the equations in the clinical setting. Patients and Methods Hospitalized individuals who had an indirect calorimetry (IC) measurement during their hospital stay from 2010 to 2012 were included in the study (n = 59). An additional 1000 patients hospitalized during this time were used to limit the IC cohort to a more “clinically relevant” BMI range (n = 46). The following estimation equations were assessed: Harris–Benedict, 25 kcal/kg using actual body weight, Mifflin St. Jeor, Ireton-Jones, Penn State, and Owen. Bland–Altman plots with Loess curves were generated to compare estimated basal caloric needs between EE equations and IC values. Results This study found a large amount of variability with all EE equations. As the mean calorie level increased, the Harris Benedict, Mifflin St. Jeor, Penn State, and Owen equations all tended to increasingly under-predict caloric need. Conclusion In a research setting a qualitative assessment of EE equations can provide a more comprehensive understanding of equation performance by complementing traditional quantitative methods. The addition of a Loess curve to the Bland–Altman plot further enhances qualitative assessment.
The Clinical Classification and Causes of Menorrhagia

While harder to define, document, or diagnose, heavy menstrual bleeding still represents a significant cause of concern, imposition, and morbidity. As noted in Chap. 2, much of this occurs at a stage of life where its impact on education, productivity, or family relationships can have lifelong consequences. It is for this reason that The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and others have recommended that menstruation be viewed as a “vital sign” [1].
#NeverTrump: Why Republican members of Congress refused to support their party’s nominee in the 2016 presidential election:

In an election characterized by countless headlines, the refusal of Republicans to support their party’s nominee was a constant topic of discussion in 2016. Our paper looks to explain why Republica...
Perinatal substance use, residential instability, and negative behavioral outcomes among adolescents: Lessons from the maternal lifestyle study.

PROBLEM Both housing instability and prenatal substance use are known risk factors for behavioral problems among adolescents. METHODS The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between residential instability (residential mobility and homelessness) and delinquent behaviors among adolescents enrolled in the maternal lifestyle study (MLS), a 16-year research study that explored short-term and long-term effects of in-utero exposure to cocaine and/or opiates (N = 736). Logistic regression was used to measure the association between housing problems with youth crimes, school delinquency, and substance use at 11, 15, and 16 years of age. FINDINGS Both high-frequency residential mobility and homelessness were associated with deviant behaviors across the entire sample of children born with in-utero cocaine/opiate exposure and those without. CONCLUSIONS Psychiatric nursing care of youth should include a comprehensive assessment of residential instability to identify risk and target potential interventions.
A novel application of the integra camino bolt for the drainage of chronic subdural hematoma: A technical note

Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a common neurosurgical pathology associated with older age and complicated by antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapies. With improving medical care in an aging population, the incidence of cSDH will likely increase over the next 25 years, placing a burden on health care costs. Consequently, a simple and inexpensive treatment option is desirable. As such, we report a basic, but novel, technique to drain cSDH with an Integra Camino bolt. This technique was employed in two patients, where the significant resolution of cSDH and associated clinical symptoms were observed without complications.
Leo Kanner and autism: a 75-year perspective.

In 1943, Leo Kanner published the first systematic description of early infantile autism. He concluded that this was a neurodevelopmental disorder and that ‘these children have come into the world ...
Aging Resistant TiO2/silicone Rubber Composites

Abstract We have recently shown [1,2] that one component room temperature vulcanized (RTV-1) silicone rubbers (SIR) based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) can be rapidly degraded by low voltage (LV) energized aqueous salt solutions by previously unreported aging mechanisms related to the formation of hypochlorous acid in high voltage (HV) transmission line applications. In this study, we are showing how to improve the resistance of the rubbers to extreme environmental aging by embedding TiO2 micro-particles. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were conducted to determine the combined effect of TiO2 and different concentrations of hydrophobic PDMS methyl groups on surface hydrophobicity of a TiO2/PDMS composite. In addition, the effects of both TiO2 and silica on the diffusivities of LV aqueous salt components in the PDMS were predicted and related to unique interfacial interactions between the particles and the methyl groups of the PDMS. Rutile TiO2 reoriented methyl groups away from the particles reducing the diffusivities of water and hypochlorous acid. This effect shielded the PDMS network against environmental chain scissions. On the other hand, silica attracted the groups accelerating acid and water migrations and thus enhancing damage to the network. In the experimental part, TiO2/RTV was subjected independently to hypochlorous acid and electrolyzed LV aqueous salt. As expected, TiO2 greatly increased the contact angle, reduced the surface energy and improved the hydrophobicity of the composite, mitigating the negative effect of the reduced concentrations of methyl groups. As a result, aging damage to the rubber was dramatically reduced by about 50% in highly oxidative environments.
FUNCTIONAL EQUATIONS OF FREDHOLM-TYPE AND NONLINEAR BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEMS

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on functional equations of Fredholm-type and nonlinear boundary value problems. It presents some existence theorems for a functional equation of Fredholm type in case the kernel, ker L , of the linear mapping is nontrivial. It also presents results on nonlinear boundary value problems in ordinary and partial differential equations without proof. In the partial differential equations case, the linear Fredholm mapping L is defined with a domain D ( L ) contained in Y instead of being contained in the smaller space X . The chapter presents the abstract results in this generality so as to cover both partial and ordinary differential equations case.
George Kelly’s Anticipation of Psychology

George Kelly was my teacher in those first graduate seminars in the mid-1950s that mattered most to me, my guide in the first exciting professional encounters with clients that opened so many vistas, and my personal friend in the too few years of his life that followed. More than anyone, he excited me most about the possibilities for psychology—a psychology that was then (as he more than anyone recognized) so barren and schizoid, insisting that its own practitioners were hypothesis-testing wisdom-seeking scientists while its “subjects” and “testees” were the reflexive victims of a unidirectional causation, “shaped” relentlessly by an external environment that would not let them reciprocate. His wisdom and extraordinary good sense in the face of neglect by a seemingly impervious academic establishment seemed impressive (sometimes heroic) from the start.
Multi-scale thermal response modeling of an AVCOAT-like thermal protection material

Abstract A multi-scale modeling approach based on the stochastic Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) and walker methods is developed to understand the complex flows and thermophysical phenomena through a syntactic foam TPS, similar to AVCOAT. Using novel, unstructured adaptive mesh refinement/Octree grids and newly developed subsonic boundary conditions, the counter-flow transport of boundary layer and pyrolysis gases through the porous microstructure is modeled for the first time. Permeability of the microstructure models having porosities of 0.71 and 0.86 is computed in the DSMC simulations and compared to a fibrous TPS material. The rigorous development of a stochastic based thermal response model that can couple convective, conductive, and radiative heat transfer through a porous material having non-uniform thermophysical properties and high temperature gradients is presented and compared with a one-dimensional finite-volume approach. The material thermal response is found to be dominated by conduction, yet, the interactions between boundary layer and pyrolysis species on the actual 3-D geometry, which cannot be considered in traditional material response solvers, may in fact cause them to underpredict the TPS material temperature.
Neuropeptide PEN and Its Receptor GPR83: Distribution, Signaling, and Regulation

Neuropeptides are chemical messengers that act to regulate a number of physiological processes, including feeding, reward, pain, and memory, among others. PEN is one of the most abundant hypothalamic neuropeptides; however, until recently, its target receptor remained unknown. In this Review, we summarize recent developments in research focusing on PEN and its receptor GPR83. We describe the studies leading to the deorphanization of GPR83 as the receptor for PEN. We also describe the signaling mediated by the PEN-GPR83 system, as well as the physiological roles in which PEN-GPR83 has been implicated. As studies have suggested a role for the PEN-GPR83 system in food intake and body weight regulation, as well as in drug addiction and reward disorders, a thorough understanding of this novel neuropeptide-receptor system will help identify novel therapeutic targets to treat pathophysiological conditions involving PEN-GPR83.
The Acquisition of Person Knowledge.

How do we learn what we know about others? Answering this question requires understanding the perceptual mechanisms with which we recognize individuals and their actions, and the processes by which...
Clinical Update in Pediatric Sepsis: Focus on Children With Pre-Existing Heart Disease

SEPSIS REMAINS one of the most common causes of childhood morbidity, mortality, and higher healthcare costs, with over 75,000 hospital admissions in the United States and an estimated 4 million cases worldwide per year. While standardized criteria to define sepsis are in flux, the general concept of sepsis is a severe infection that results in organ dysfunction. Although sepsis can affect previously healthy children, those with certain pre-existing comorbid conditions, including congenital and acquired heart disease, are at higher risk for both developing sepsis and having a poor outcome after sepsis. Multiple specialists including intensivists, cardiologists, surgeons, and anesthesiologists commonly contribute to the management and outcome of sepsis in children. In this article, the authors examine the evolving epidemiology of pediatric sepsis, including the subset of patients with underlying heart disease; contrast pediatric and adult sepsis; review the latest hemodynamic guidelines for management of pediatric septic shock and their application to children with heart disease; discuss the role of mechanical circulatory support; and review key aspects of anesthetic management for children with sepsis.
Acute and Chronic Carbon Monoxide Toxicity from Tobacco Smoking.

Introduction Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced from incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons and is a by-product of tobacco smoking. Chronic cigarette smokers often have carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) concentrations as high as 10%. We report a case of severely elevated COHb and polycythemia because of tobacco smoking and provide a review of the literature regarding elevated COHb in smokers. Materials and methods A comprehensive search of PubMed and Google Scholar was performed looking for articles on tobacco smoking and CO, COHb, CO poisoning, cigarettes, pipes, cigars and water pipes/hookah smokers. Result COHb levels in frequent cigarette smokers generally range from 4.2% presmoking to 8.6% postsmoking. A heavy cigarette smoker presented twice with symptoms of CO toxicity and was found to have levels 21.8 to 24.2%. Cigar smokers have been found to have COHb ranging as high as 13.0 to 38.6% in case reports. Waterpipe or "hookah" smokers generally have COHb levels 10.1% +/-2.5% and case reports, and series of even higher levels associated with CO toxicity symptoms are common. Waterpipe smokers have been found to have COHb levels as high as 39.2% after smoking. Conclusions Many active duty military and military veterans are tobacco smokers and these patients and their health care providers should be aware of the adverse effects of CO toxicity from tobacco smoking. Patients may have symptoms such as headaches, syncope, and ataxia in the setting of acute CO toxicity; however, the chronic effects of CO may not be completely understood. Future work could explore chronic CO toxicity and its effects on strength and exercise tolerance in military personnel and provide education to service members, veterans, and health care providers.
Prophetic Perfectionism: The Afterlives of Nat Turner and John Brown

Recent fiction, film, art, and scholarship on nineteenth-century American abolitionists Nat Turner and John Brown shed light on the politics of their prophetic religion. Both men led violent rebell...
Thermal Control of T-cell Immunotherapy

Genetically engineered T-cells are being developed to perform a variety of therapeutic functions. However, no robust mechanisms exist to externally control the activity of T-cells at specific locations within the body. Such spatiotemporal control could help mitigate potential off-target toxicity due to incomplete molecular specificity in applications such as T-cell immunotherapy against solid tumors. Temperature is a versatile external control signal that can be delivered to target tissues in vivo using techniques such as focused ultrasound and magnetic hyperthermia. Here, we test the ability of heat shock promoters to mediate thermal actuation of genetic circuits in primary human T-cells in the well-tolerated temperature range of 37-42 C, and introduce genetic architectures enabling the tuning of the amplitude and duration of thermal activation. We demonstrate the use of these circuits to control the expression of chimeric antigen receptors and cytokines, and the killing of target tumor cells. This technology provides a critical tool to direct the activity of T-cells after they are deployed inside the body.
Longitudinal Comparison of Visual Acuity as Measured by ETDRS Chart and by Potential Acuity Meter in Eyes with Macular Edema and Its Relationship with Macular Sensitivity and Thickness

Purpose:To conduct a longitudinal comparison of visual acuity measured by the ETDRS chart and by the Potential Acuity Meter (PAM) in eyes with macular edema under medical treatment for edema and its relationship with macular sensitivity and thickness Methods:Patients with macular edema (ME) are enrolled in an ongoing prospective study. Patients have follow up visits every 2-4 weeks. At the initial and each follow up visit, best refractive correction for all patients is determined using the ETDRS protocol, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) is assessed using the ETDRS chart as well as by the PAM. Macular sensitivity and thickness are measured by an automatic fundus perimetry/tomography system [OPKO/OTI]. The relationships between BCVA measurements with each of the two systems and macular sensitivity/ thickness are evaluated using mixedeffect modeling. Results:Thirty-eight eye-visits of 14 patients are included in the study. Five patients (10 eyes) had one follow up visit after the initial one. Ages range from 49 to 84 years (median: 66 yrs). BCVA using the HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH QUICK SEARCH: [advanced] Go Author: Keyword(s): Year: Vol: Page: Institution: Johns Hopkins University Sign In as Member
Influence of antiviral treatment on the efficacy and prognosis of compensated Hepatitis B cirrhosis

Objective To analyze the efficacy and prognosis of different antiviral agents on compensated hepatitis B cirrhosis.Methods Eight hundred and sixty-five cases of Hepatitis B patients with compensated cirrhosis were randomly divided into five groups:A group(n =143,subcutaneous injection interferon 3 million U every other day for 48 weeks),B group(n =171,orally treatment with lamivudine 100 mg/d for 48weeks),C group(n =137,orally treatment with adefovir 10 mg/d for 48 weeks),D group(n =83,oral treatment with entecavir O.5 mg/d,for 48 weeks) and E group(n =331,treated with general hepatoprotective drugs).Clinical symptoms and signs,changes in liver function were observed and prothrombin time activity degrees (PTA),quantitative HBV-DNA,HBeAg seroconversion and HBeAg/HBeAb conversion situation were detected.Results There were significant differences on HBeAg seroconversion between A group and other four groups after treated for48 weeks(31.5％ vs 13.5％,22.6％,18.1％,5.7％,x2 =58.56,P ＜0.01) and at the end of follow up (33.1％ vs 14.2％,23.3 ％,23.6％,6.4％,x2 =52.87,P ＜ 0.01).Patients' condition in A,B,C,D groups progressed slowly,and their incidence rates of decompensate cirrhosis were significantly lower than that in group E(x2 =122.41,P ＜ 0.01).The incidence rate of liver cancer in group A was significantly lower than that in B,C,D,E groups (x2 =19.61,P ＜ 0.01).Conclusion Antiviral therapy of interferon and nucleoside drugs can slow the progression of compensated Hepatitis B cirrhosis and reduce the incidence rates of decompensate cirrhosis.And interferon can significantly reduce the incidence rate of liver cancer. Key words: Cirrhosis; Antiviral gents; Prognosis
Warren Buffett: A Practical Understanding of Financial Literacy Extended to Managing Investments

2020 has been a time of unprecedented change. Financial markets and consumer confidence have collapsed. The unemployment rate has reached double digits; the United States appears headed into a recession. Financial planning is in more demand as individuals and financial markets react to the COVID-19 pandemic. The increased demand highlights financial literacy concerns around managing investments. Since investment financial decision making can be a complex web with multiple factors, industry practitioners take various approaches to it. Often, people involved in the market make irrational decisions that violate sound judgment and basic economic investment principles. Therefore, financial advisors need to become leaders in adopting new research into practice that can advance financial literacy knowledge. Warren Buffett offers unconventional success to the fundamental approach to managing investments. Despite his success and large following in the investment world, Buffett’s approaches have not been passed to Americans. In this article, we use a thematic qualitative study to analyze Buffett’s approaches to managing investments by examining 11 years of his comments via the Warren Buffett Archive. Our analysis yields eight critical findings that are well-suited for industry, practitioners, and investors to make better, more informed investing decisions; two findings are uncommon approaches to managing investments.
The sounded-word aesthetics: Black girl covenant and the fire commandments

My article ‘The Sounded-Word Aesthetics’ explores the ways that Black girls make spirit felt as found in the music created in Saving Our Lives Hear Our Truths (SOLHOT). SOLHOT is a collective space...
The Vision Detroit Project: Visual Burden, Barriers, and Access to Eye Care in an Urban Setting.

Purpose: Vision loss and blindness are among the top ten disabilities in the United States, yet access and utilization of eye care remains low. Vision Detroit aimed to address eye-care disparities ...
Cognitive Science V. Test Bias Detection Methods: Winner Take All

It is difficult to both believe in the major tenets of cognitive science and maintain that the way we detect bias in standardized examinations is reliable. We look for bias by looking statistically at each question individually in an examination. Our bias detection routines do not deal with question placement effects. That means we either must assume, even in the face of evidence and theory, that the test backdrop itself either does not matter or that is the same for every child. If we are trying to detect bias, we clearly know that what a question assumes is not the same for every child, so why should we think that placement effects are going to be the same? We already have a good deal of evidence to show that question placement materially affects the outcome of a variety of instruments, including standardized tests. Happily there is a way to deal with testing that not accords with the tenets of cognitive science but also furthers our real educational goals.
Mass Involuntary Migration and Educational Outcomes

This paper studies the effects of large scale forced migration on educational attainment of individuals who were in the school going age when they were forced to migrate. When British left the colonized Indian subcontinent in 1947, two independent states were created: India and Pakistan. Millions of individuals found themselves on the wrong side of the border leading to mass scale violence and migration. I rely on a differences-in-differences approach to establish the causality of the estimates. Using Pakistan's Census data from 1973, I first show that educational outcomes between migrants and natives do not differ for individuals who were out of school going age in 1947. I subsequently show that individuals of school going age, who were born in India and migrated to Pakistan, have a higher likelihood to attain more education than their native counterparts. This is despite the fact that these young migrants and their families were suddenly displaced and immigrated into a newly found country with limited resources at its disposal. These results are driven by a higher value being placed on education and an access to better educational environment.
PRP in Combination Therapy for Hair Loss (AGA)

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of hair loss characterized by progressive reduction and miniaturization of terminal hair follicles on the scalp. While this condition is benign in nature and often considered part of the normal aging process, it is a familiar cosmetic concern encountered by dermatologists as it negatively impacts patient’s quality of life. Developing a therapeutic regimen for patients is often challenging as treatment options are limited, not well tolerated by all patients and may result in sub-optimal treatment outcomes. In this chapter, we discuss the use of PRP as an adjuvant therapy for treatment of AGA.
Evaluating Acquisitions Service

The general concept of evaluation of the acquisitions function is based on a traditional view of acquisitions as a support for the building of library collections, and as a transaction-based operation full of routine tasks and detailed procedures. This concept has led to conflicts in the ways the quality and effectiveness of the process are judged. As the focus of libraries has shifted from collection building to providing access to information, the focus of acquisitions has shifted as well. Acquisitions is viewed as a service to meet the information needs of library users, and new developments mark this changed perception. There is strong emphasis on the management function, on a collaboration of effort among libraries, and on access, to information as well as ownership of resources. Acquisitions service is evaluated in new ways in light of its multiple missions.
Lead and developmental neurotoxicity of the central nervous system

The desirable characteristics of lead - a malleable heavy metal resistant to corrosion - have resulted in its extensive use, especially in building construction, for the past several millennia. There is no known physiological relevant role for lead in the body; however, its harmful effects are numerous. Lead interferes with a variety of body processes and it is toxic to many organs and tissues. Like mercury, another heavy metal, lead is a potent neurotoxin that damages the nervous system and causes brain disorders. Although current lead usage has been minimized, lead exposure is still a risk because environmental lead is stable and no safe threshold for lead exposure has been established. Here, we review the current understanding of the effects of lead on the developing nervous system at the physiological, cellular, and molecular level. The effects of lead are particularly damaging to the developing nervous system, causing potentially irreversible learning and behavior deficits in children. Increased understanding of the deleterious effects of lead on the developing nervous system is vital to inform the safety guidelines associated with lead exposure.
Bacterial Culture Preservation in Frozen and Dry-Film Methylcellulose

Forty-seven of 61 bacterial cultures, including strains of Pseudomonas, Xanthomonas, Erwinia, Agrobacterium, Corynebacterium, Serratia, Klebsiella, and Escherichia, remained viable after storage in frozen methylcellulose or in dried methylcellulose for up to 38 months. Pathogenicity remained intact for those strains tested. Bacteria were grown on a solid medium and then removed and placed in 1.0% methylcellulose (cellulose methyl ether) to make a final suspension of 108 colony-forming units (CFU) per ml. For storage in dried form, the bacteria-methylcellulose suspension was placed in a petri dish and dried in a forced-air incubator. After 24 h of storage at 25°C, viable populations of 105 CFU/mg (equivalent to 106 CFU/ml) were recovered. Populations of 102 to 104 CFU/mg were recovered after storage of up to 38 months. Similar results were obtained in frozen methylcellulose. Survival was greatly enhanced when the growth medium for the bacteria was potato dextrose peptone rather than nutrient agar, yeast dextrose calcium carbonate peptone, or King9s medium B. Addition of 0.1 M MgSO4 to the methylcellulose suspension and to the resuspending liquid also increased survival and recovery from storage for some strains. Methylcellulose storage should be a simple, inexpensive, and reliable method of maintaining cultures for short or long periods of time.
Opening the “black box”: Organizational differences between charter schools and traditional public schools.

Using survey data collected from 2,273 teachers in Texas, this study explores differences in school organization that contribute to the experiences (e.g., working conditions, instruction and student engagement in learning, self-efficacy and job satisfaction, and teacher evaluation) of charter school and traditional public school teachers. Researchers used propensity score matching to reduce the impact of selection bias and to produce accurate estimates of the charter-traditional public school differences. Compared with similar teachers in traditional public schools, charter school teachers reported a more supportive teaching environment, higher expectations of students among staff, a greater sense of responsibility for student learning, and higher levels of student engagement in learning. However, they reported, attending fewer professional development trainings focused on instruction and aligned to teaching assignments, fewer opportunities for professional development and collaboration with colleagues, and lower perceived fairness of teacher evaluation. Findings from this study provide valuable insight into the school organization factors that may underlie teacher turnover and represent unmet needs among charter school teachers, and suggest strategic areas of focus for policymakers, charter management organizations, and charter school leaders in addressing teacher retention and student achievement.
A high-efficiency 1.5 kW, 390-50 V half-bridge converter operated at 100% duty-ratio

A half-bridge isolated step-down converter operated at nearly unity duty-ratio for very high efficiency is discussed. It is meant to interface the 390 V regulated output of a 1.5 kW power factor correction unit to a 50 V distribution bus. It is based on the zero-voltage switching (ZVS) scheme of the phase-shifted pulse width modulation (PWM) approach, but since the duty ratio does not vary from near unity, the output inductor is omitted. The ring of the output rectifier capacitance with the transformer leakage inductance is therefore clamped by the output capacitor, which permits the oscillation energy to be recovered. This, together with ZVS of the MOSFETs, gives the converter an efficiency greater than 95% at full load. >
Students' Machiavellianism and motives for communicating with instructors.

This study investigated the relationship between scores of college students (N = 210, 114 women, 95 men, 1 unidentified; M age = 19.3 yr., SD = 2.8) on Machiavellianism and their motives for commun...
COMBINED HYDRODYNAMIC AND THERMAL DEVELOPMENT IN A SQUARE DUCT

Abstract A finite-difference solution is presented for the entrance region laminar fluid flow and heat transfer in square ducts. The solution procedure uses two-dimensional computer storage and a marching technique to save computation costs. The results presented are in excellent agreement with other published axial velocity measurements. The lateral velocities do not exhibit the previously reported oscillatory behavior found near a diagonal. Temperature profiles and Nussdt number data in the thermal entrance region for Pr = 6.0 are presented.
High-|m| Rydberg states in strong magnetic fields

We calculate spectra and wave functions of Rydberg atoms in strong magnetic fields using adiabatic basis sets, which reflect the different time scales of the electronic motion parallel and transverse to the magnetic field. For large absolute values of the azimuthal quantum number m, nonadiabatic corrections are found to be negligible, and the adiabatic basis states and their energies are exact solutions. With decreasing value of $|m|,$ the system turns nonadiabatic, and the statistical behavior of the spectra changes from being consistent with classically regular to being consistent with classically chaotic motion. A relation describing the parameter region in which this transition occurs is obtained.
Complexity reduction for analog circuit performance models using random forests

Most existing optimization methods for analog circuits focus on the accuracy of their performance modeling techniques, which results in complicated and non-intuitive models such as high order polynomials or high rank matrices. These models may give designers good estimates on circuit performance, but not sufficient insight into the circuit behavior, as “black-box” optimization approaches often lead to pathological cases. In addition, having high-order polynomial terms will also cause problems related to over-fitting. In this paper a new approach of systematically selecting critical polynomial terms for any given equation is proposed. Utilizing random forests, this approach examines the importance of each polynomial term in a model, and removes terms according to the current and target fit values of the model. The results of applying this approach to a folded differential-in-differential-out amplifier and a two-stage differential-in-differential-out amplifier with common-mode feedback show that the sizes of performance models can be reduced without sacrificing modeling accuracy. Such a complexity reduction will provide a better insight into the trends and behavioral characteristics of the circuit under optimization.
American and Chinese Students’ Calibration of Comprehension and Performance

In the present study we examined the ability of American and Chinese undergraduate students to calibrate their understanding of textbook passages translated into their native languages. Students read a series of texts and made predictions of their understanding of each text as well as the number of questions they would be able to answer correctly. Students also made postdictions of their test performance. Chinese students were significantly better than American students in calibrating their understanding of passages and predicting how many comprehension items they would answer correctly. Chinese students also outperformed American students on comprehension tests. All students were able to make more accurate postdictions of comprehension test scores than predictions. Results are related to possible instructional differences between American and Chinese students. Several possible directions for future research are discussed.
Complex Structure of η Carinae in the Mid-Infrared*

We report high angular resolution observations of complex mid-infrared (4.8?18 ?m) structure in the ? Carinae Nebula. This massive (~120 M?), luminous star is surrounded by a large bipolar nebula extending as much as ~22'' in the mid-infrared. Our observations reveal the presence of several condensations within the complex core known as the Homunculus, as well as what may be a toroidal structure visible at 18 ?m. This structure may be related to a similar torus seen at near-infrared wavelengths. Our high angular resolution photometry reveals for the first time the spatial variation of the silicate feature in the nucleus of the ? Car Nebula. Finally, we present the first high-resolution mid-infrared color-temperature and optical depth maps for the nebula and discuss their significance in relation to the origin of the emission and evolutionary status of the star.
Evaluation of Geothermal Potential, Albuquerque Area, New Mexico: ABSTRACT

The first comprehensive evaluation of the geothermal potential of the Albuquerque, New Mexico, area, recently completed, included gravity and magnetic surveys, electrical resistivity measurements, temperature logging of water wells and of shallow (25 m) temperature-gradient boreholes, and geochemical analysis of local waters. Local seismic history and temperature records from municipal water wells were also analyzed. Geothermal anomalies of the Albuquerque area were delineated if temperature gradients in excess of 35°C/km were detected, as this figure is the average temperature gradient for the Rio Grande rift. Temperature logging of city water wells resulted in the identification of two well fields having anomalously warm water at shallow depth. The Walker well field, on Albuquerque's north side, has 32°C water at a depth of 320 m, representing a gradient of 53°C/km. At the West Mesa well field, on Albuquerque's west side, recent pumping prevented the obtaining of an accurate temperature gradient. However, repeat measurements at selected depths suggest a gradient of approximately 65°C/km. A third site, about 8 km west of Albuquerque, was found to have shallow temperature gradients in excess of 120°C/km. Near this site, magnetic surveys indicated that several igneous bodies are buried beneath 300 m of alluvial sediments. Because no water wells exist at this remote location, shallow boreholes were drilled for temperature logging. The resulting values of temperature gradient show a distinct high of greater than 120°C/km superposed on a background of 60°C/km. End_of_Article - Last_Page 566------------
Biomechanics of latissimus dorsi transfer for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears.

Abstract Background Latissimus dorsi transfer is the treatment most frequently used for restoring function in shoulders with irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. Yet, functional outcomes of the transfers are unpredictable and vary among patients. Methods A three-dimensional upper-extremity computational model was used to simulate and analyze the biomechanical consequences of transferring the latissimus dorsi to four attachment sites: the infraspinatus, supraspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor insertions. Functions of a normal shoulder were simulated, as well as those and of a shoulder with a posterosuperior rotator cuff tear before and after muscle transfers were simulated. Parameters such as active and passive moment-generating capacity, and the moment arm and fiber excursion ratio of the transferred muscle were analyzed. Findings All muscle transfers resulted in a large increase in shoulder external rotation strength. The latissimus dorsi was an external rotator after the transfer, but the fiber excursion ratio decreased accordingly. When the latissimus dorsi was transferred to the infraspinatus, supraspinatus or subscapularis insertion, it changed from extensor to flexor at the beginning of flexion. The flexion moment arm of the latissimus dorsi after the transfers was generally decreased. Shoulder abduction strength did not improve. Decrease in fiber excursion ratio during abduction and flexion was observed after the transfer. Side effects of the muscle transfers, such as the reduction of active adduction, extension and internal rotation of the shoulder, were explored. Interpretation A transfer to teres minor insertion was not recommended. Infraspinatus insertion was found to be a preferred attachment site in latissimus dorsi transfer, provided that the patient had a strong deltoid.
The role of cholesterol absorption and hepatic cholesterol content in high and low responses to dietary cholesterol and fat in pedigreed baboons (Papio species).

Abstract Selective breeding has produced baboon families with low and high plasma cholesterol responses to dietary cholesterol and fat. We used 12 high- and 12 low-responding (mainly in low-density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol) pedigreed baboons to determine whether cholesterol absorption and hepatic cholesterol concentration are associated with these responses. We measured cholesterol absorption first on the chow diet, which was low in cholesterol and fat, and after 3 and 13 weeks on the challenge diets, which contained 0.45 mg cholesterol/kcal and 40% of calories as either coconut oil or corn oil. Plasma, lipoprotein, and hepatic cholesterol concentrations were measured 1 week after cholesterol absorption measurements. High-responding baboons had higher percentage cholesterol absorption than low-responding baboons on both chow and challenge diets, regardless of the type of dietary fat. Both high and low responders had higher percentage cholesterol absorption with corn oil than with coconut oil. High responders also had higher hepatic cholesterol concentrations than low responders on chow and after consuming the challenge diets for 4 weeks. After consuming the challenge diets for 14 weeks, low responders fed coconut oil had hepatic cholesterol levels equal to those of high responders, while low responders fed corn oil continued to have low hepatic cholesterol levels. Thus, percentage cholesterol absorption is consistently higher in high-responding baboons regardless of diet, but hepatic cholesterol concentration varies with duration of challegne and type of fat. The results suggest that both cholesterol absorption and hepatic cholesterol concentration regulate cholesterolemic responses to diet, but by different mechanisms.