cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of obstetric brachial plexus injury with preoperative ultrasound.

INTRODUCTION Tools used in the assessment of obstetric brachial plexus injuries (OBPIs) have traditionally included electrodiagnostic studies, computerized tomography with myelography, and MRI. However, the utility of ultrasound (US) in infants for such assessment has not been extensively examined. METHODS This retrospective case series reports the preoperative brachial plexus US findings in 8 patients with OBPI and compares US with intraoperative findings. When available, the preoperative US was compared with the preoperative MRI. RESULTS US revealed abnormalities in all 8 patients. Although MRI detected abnormalities in the majority of patients, US provided accurate information regarding severity and anatomic location of injury in some patients. CONCLUSIONS US is a relatively inexpensive, noninvasive, painless diagnostic modality that can be used to assess OBPI. This case series suggests that US is a valuable adjunct to current diagnostic modalities. Muscle Nerve 53: 946-950, 2016.
A dual-mode low-noise nanosensor front-end with 155-dB dynamic range

A novel integrated current measurement system with ultra wide dynamic range is presented and fabricated in a 180-nm CMOS technology. Its dual-mode design provides concurrent voltage and frequency outputs, without requiring an external clock source. An integrator-differentiator core provides a voltage output with a noise floor of 11.6 f Arms /√Hz and a measurement bandwidth of 1.4 MHz. This is merged with an asynchronous current-to-frequency converter (CFC), which generates an output frequency linearly proportional to the input current. Together, the voltage and frequency outputs yield a current measurement range of 155-dB, spanning from 204 fA to 11.6 μA. The proposed architecture's low noise, wide bandwidth, and wide dynamic range make it ideal for measurements of ion channels, nanopores, tunneling junctions, and other nanosensors.
Elite sprinters push forward

![Graphic][1] Elite sprinters captivate audiences with their blazing speed and acceleration, pushing off the blocks and propelling themselves to world records and gold medals. With each step, the ground reaction force pushes the runner up and forwards until they reach the finish line. This is
The Value of the Clinical Pharmacist in the Drug Development Process

AbstractDue to the complexity of the clinical research process, the increasing proportion of sales that research and development (R&D) expenditures represent, and the competitive nature of the 1980's marketplace, pharmaceutical companies have had to explore various alternatives to increase the productivity and efficiency of their clinical drug development programs. The increased utilization of clinical pharmacists has been one such approach. Clinical pharmacists, particularly those with the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree, possess a unique profile of skills ideally suited to the drug development process (the clinical research process). Having developed positive collaborative relationships with their physician colleagues at various institutions around the country and within the pharmaceutical industry, clinical pharmacists have expanded their involvement in clinical research over the past decade. As “out of house” investigators and “in house” drug development personnel, these professionals have been a...
Modeling and characterization of the amino propeptide of collagenα1(XI), a regulatory domain in collagen fibrillar architecture.

Connective tissues such as cartilage, tendon, skin, bone, and arteries are composite bio-materials that contain predominantly water, collagen, proteoglycans and hyaluronic acid. Like any composite material, the components themselves and their interactions dictate the properties of the material. Fibrillar collagens are the principal structural molecules of the connective tissues and require regulated assembly and growth. Previous work from our lab indicates that the amino propeptide (Npp) domain of collagen type XI α1 chain regulates fibril diameter growth. Npp is a globular domain that is thought to sterically hinder the dense packing assembly of collagen molecules in fibrils. This mechanism of regulating collagen fibril assembly may be more complex than steric hindrance. We hypothesize that the Npp domain has a more dynamic role in establishing the structure/function relationship of collagen fibrils in connective tissues. In this study, the molecular structure of Npp was predicted by modeling. The model predicted putative binding sites for heparan sulfate and divalent cations. These predicted binding sites were evaluated empirically by fluorescence spectroscopy and surface plasmon resonance.
Cortisol response to the Trier Social Stress Test in pregnant women at risk for postpartum depression

Antepartum depression and anxiety are risk factors for postpartum depression (PPD). Postpartum abnormalities in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) reactivity are associated with PPD. It is not known if antepartum HPA abnormalities exist in women at risk for PPD (AR-PPD). We measured salivary cortisol response to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) in 44 (24 AR-PPD, 20 healthy comparison) pregnant women. Depression and anxiety were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State (STAI-S). We analyzed longitudinal changes in cortisol using generalized estimating equation methods to control for the correlation within subjects at the six TSST time points. Group differences in area under the curve (AUC) were examined. A majority (70.8 %) of the AR-PPD had prior depression. EPDS total score was higher in AR-PPD vs. comparison women (mean EPDS = 9.8 ± 4.9 vs. mean EPDS = 2.4 ± 2.0 respectively, p < 0.001). Mean STAI-S total score was higher in AR-PPD vs. comparison women at all TSST time points and over time (z = 2.71, df = 1, p = 0.007). There was no significant difference in cortisol concentration over time between groups. We observed no detectable difference in cortisol response to psychosocial stress induced by the TSST despite clinically significant between-group differences in current/past depression and current symptomatology.
Micro-Surface Construction and Characterization From Digital Elevation Model Using Thin Plate Splines in Matlab Environment

The Thin Plate Splines (TPS) theory is modified and employed in the reconstruction of 2D 1/2 unfolded micro-topographical surfaces. The modified TPS allows the reconstruction of MEMS structures based on sampled digital elevation model (DEM). The developed algorithms are implemented in MATLAB and applied to restore bad samples, enhance surface reconstruction, and compensate for surface irregularities for micromachining purposes. In addition, the restored surface reveals the scale components of the real surface (roughness, waviness and form). The irregularity of meso, micro and nano surfaces is then characterized into slope, curvature, strike, dip, azimuth and energy surfaces. It is concluded that the simplicity, differentiability of TPS and roughness components relaxation make the proposed theory advantageous on reconstruction and characterization of micro surfaces for a variety of applications.© 2006 ASME
The pH and the CO2 Content of Cerebrospinal Fluid in Epilepsy.

Although considerable work has been done on the acid-base relationships in epilepsy, the evidence presented thus far has been conflicting and indecisive. Because of the importance of this phase of the problem, we have determined the pH and CO2 content of the cerebrospinal fluid in 125 epileptics and 30 non-epileptic control subjects by procedures which eliminate errors due to loss of CO2.1, 2The colorimetric method of McQuarrie and Shohl1 used for determining the pH may be briefly described as follows: The clear fluid is drawn into a special glass sampling burette over clean mercury after all air in the connecting tubes has been eliminated by means of a 3-way stop-cock. In preparation for taking the sample a number of tenths of a cc. of 0.0075% phenol red equal to the number of cc. of fluid to be taken is measured into the apparatus. After the spinal fluid is mixed with the dye in this concentration, it is read directly at 38°C. against the bicolor standards of Hastings and Sendroy in a simple comparator ...
Cholesterol in Blood of Horseshoe Crab and Woolly Bear Caterpillar.

It is generally considered that the blood of all animals contains both free cholesterol and cholesterol esters, the former existing in corpuscles and plasma and the latter occurring only in the plasma or serum. Since this conception is founded upon the results of determinations carried out on the blood of higher animals it seemed of interest to determine whether lower and more primitive forms would also contain these constituents in their blood corpuscles and serum.The horsehoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) and the woolly bear caterpillar (Isia isabella) were chosen as suitable experimental animals both as to position in the animal scale and as to the ease with which sufficient blood could be obtained. The work on the horseshoe crab was carried out on 2 adult animals, and that on the caterpillars on pooled blood samples from 40 animals. Bloor's1 method was used in determining total cholesterol and Bloor and Knudson's2 in determining cholesterol ester, both modified as to amount of material tested and amount o...
Condition of contamination of Vibrio vulnificus in prawn

Objective:To investigate the contamination of Vibrio vulnificus contamination in prawn.Methods:The prawn samples and 10-fold dilution were prepared.Following enrichment in alkaline peptone water,V.vulnificus were isolated in cellobiose-colistinE agar.The suspected colonies were confirmed by PCR assay,and the most probable number(MPN) enumeration was used to evaluate the degree of V.vulnificus pollution in prawn.Results:All of 40 samples(100%) were positive for V.vulnificus.32(80%) samples were detected V.vulnificus densities high the level of 11000 MPN/g.Average densities of V.vulnificus in prawn were 4.1×105 MPN/g.Conclusion:The condition of V.vulnificus infected the retail prawn in Nanning is severe in July and August,and the trend needs to be intensively monitored for preventing from food poisoning.
Measurement of J-integral in CAD/CAM dental ceramics and composite resin by digital image correlation

Ceramic and composite resin blocks for CAD/CAM machining of dental restorations are becoming more common. The sample sizes affordable by these blocks are smaller than ideal for stress intensity factor (SIF) based tests. The J-integral measurement calls for full field strain measurement, making it challenging to conduct. Accordingly, the J-integral values of dental restoration materials used in CAD/CAM restorations have not been reported to date. Digital image correlation (DIC) provides full field strain maps, making it possible to calculate the J-integral value. The aim of this study was to measure the J-integral value for CAD/CAM restorative materials. Four types of materials (sintered IPS E-MAX CAD, non-sintered IPS E-MAX CAD, Vita Mark II and Paradigm MZ100) were used to prepare beam samples for three-point bending tests. J-integrals were calculated for different integral path size and locations with respect to the crack tip. J-integral at path 1 for each material was 1.26±0.31×10(-4)MPam for MZ 100, 0.59±0.28×10(-4)MPam for sintered E-MAX, 0.19±0.07×10(-4)MPam for VM II, and 0.21±0.05×10(-4)MPam for non-sintered E-MAX. There were no significant differences between different integral path size, except for the non-sintered E-MAX group. J-integral paths of non-sintered E-MAX located within 42% of the height of the sample provided consistent values whereas outside this range resulted in lower J-integral values. Moreover, no significant difference was found among different integral path locations. The critical SIF was calculated from J-integral (KJ) along with geometry derived SIF values (KI). KI values were comparable with KJ and geometry based SIF values obtained from literature. Therefore, DIC derived J-integral is a reliable way to assess the fracture toughness of small sized specimens for dental CAD/CAM restorative materials; however, with caution applied to the selection of J-integral path.
A study of SPECT/CT camera stability for quantitative imaging

The purpose of this study was twofold: to evaluate the quantitative stability of a SPECT/CT gamma camera over time and to determine if daily flood acquisitions can reliably serve as calibration factors for quantitative SPECT. Using a cylindrical water phantom filled with measured amounts of 99mTc, factors were calculated to convert counts/cc to activity/cps. Measurements were made over an 18-month period. System sensitivity data calculated from 57Co daily quality assurance (DQA) flood acquisitions were then compared to the 99mTc calibration factors to determine the relationship of the factors. The coefficient of variation is 2.7 % for the 99mTc cylinder conversion factors and 2.6 % for the 57Co DQA flood data. The greatest difference between the cylinder conversion factors and the flood data is less than 3 %. Based on the results, the camera was stable within 3 % over an 18-month time period. The daily flood source acquisitions can be a reliable source for tracking camera stability and may provide information on updating the calibration factor for quantitative imaging.
CHAPTER 2 – Solicitors

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the education and training of solicitors in the United Kingdom. The governing body for the admission and control of solicitors is the Law Society. It is responsible for determining the education and setting the examinations which have to be passed before a person can be admitted as a solicitor. The Law Society is in fact a body corporate endowed with a common seal incorporated under a Royal Charter of 1845, and a series of supplemental charters of later dates. No limit is placed by these charters on the number of members who form the Law Society, and any solicitor of the Supreme Court in England, whether he is practicing, or not, is eligible for membership of the Society. It also has to be borne in mind that as an admitted solicitor is an officer of the Supreme Court, the Law Society has in addition to being satisfied about the passing of the necessary examinations, to be satisfied as to the moral fitness of any person seeking admission as a solicitor.
107. Tracking Target Cell Fate After Oncolytic Herpes Simplex Virus Infection

Oncolytic virus (OV) cancer therapy relies on virus-mediated selective killing of cancer cells and subsequent secondary effects that involve induction of anti-tumor immunity. Although cell death induction is a prerequisite in this therapeutic process, experimental evidence is lacking as to whether OV infection of cancer cells results in their inevitable death. To address this issue, we developed an experimental platform that allows us to track the fate of a cell following OV infection. This system is composed of: 1) Recombinant oncolytic herpes simplex viruses derived from G47delta (ICP6-, gamma34.5-, alpha47-) and MG18L (ICP6-, Us3-) that express a Cre recombinase-EGFP fusion protein (G47delta-CreGFP and MG18L-CreGFP), and 2) tumor cell lines that have been engineered to stably carry a reporter construct, in which Cre-mediated excision of a polyA STOP sequence converts the cell into an expresser of the mCherry fluorescence protein. Using patient-derived and established T98 glioblastoma lines, we show that upon G47delta-CreGFP or MG18L-CreGFP infection, the reporter cells become mCherry positive, indicating virus-induced Cre recombination in the host genome. Monitoring of these cells in culture revealed that although an overwhelming majority of the cells die, a small fraction of mCherry+ cells survive and eventually proliferate. Our results demonstrate the existence of “resistance” after OV infection of cancer cells. Our experimental platform should have versatile utilities for tracking the fate of both neoplastic and non-neoplastic cells during OV therapy in in vitro and in vivo settings.
"Espouse Community, Practice Competition: Institutional Logics in Modern American Public Markets"

The public market is a hybrid organization that takes its place alongside festival markets and farmers markets as a type of "alternative" marketplace emergent in the late twentieth century. Through...
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Related Sleep Dysfunction and Driving Simulator Impairment Response to Treatment with Esomeprazole

Background Sleep dysfunction from various causes e g obstructive sleep apnea has been correlated with impaired psychomotor function to include worsening driving simulator DS performance Extreme lane variability increases the risk of simulator crash events Gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD may impair sleep quality and daytime function as measured by quality of life and work productivity assessments GERD could also causes decrements in driving performance Aim To evaluate the potential for GERD induced sleep dysfunction to impair simulated driving and to assess the treatment effect of esomeprazole Methods This prospective pilot proof of concept study evaluated otherwise healthy patients females males age mean sd years range with clinically well established frequent or more episodes week GERD with nocturnal heartburn or regurgitation symptoms All patients had prior response to proton pump inhibitor therapy PPI who were studied at baseline off any acid suppressive therapy for at least days and then again after weeks of oral esomeprazole mg q am Testing was performed in a validated commercial driving simulator STISIM Drive Systems Technology Inc that responded to driver inputs steering throttle brake and generated realistic roadway images Subjects first completed a minute practice drive that is similar to a city drive with stoplights turns pedestrians and traffic to help adaptation to the vehicle dynamics Driving performance standard deviation of lane variation SDLP over mins was then measured every second for the duration of the task Results were compared to the sleep center rsquo s previously established values in normals lt yrs elderly normals mean yrs and patients with obstructive sleep apnea OSA Results We compared the primary measure SDLP across six consecutive minute driving periods while subjects were on and off drug using repeated measures ANOVA SDLP increased over time p Patients had greater SDLP before taking esomeprazole p compared to retesting after weeks on esomeprazole therapy The Epworth Sleepiness Scale ESS tended to decrease on drug to from p On the PPI the GERD symptom score decreased to from p lt Conclusion This study suggests that GERD induced sleep disorder has a previously unrecognized and significantly adverse effect on simulated driving performance This decrement improved but did not normalize with esomeprazole treatment The post treatment improved ESS score suggests that reduced sleepiness contributed to improved performance Appropriate treatment for GERD may have potentially new and life saving implications Further prospective blinded controlled trials are warranted to validate these findings
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE 8-FOOT UP-AND-GO AND POWER IN OLDER ADULTS

As people age, muscular power tends to decline to a greater extent than muscular strength. This may have a detrimental impact on balance and functionality. However, the relationship between vertical power and dynamic balance and agility are not completely understood. The purpose of this study was to determine whether power production during a chair stand is related to 8 Foot Up-and-Go (UPGO) time. METHODS: Participants included residents of an independent living retirement community (N=31, M=81 ± 6.81 years). The UPGO required participants to stand and walk around a cone 8 feet away and return to a seated position as quickly as possible. Muscular power was assessed using a Tendo Power Analyzer ™ during a maximum velocity chair stand conducted five times. A one minute rest period was given between each trial. RESULTS: After removal of an outlier, no relationship existed between the UPGO and average (r=-.04, p=.85) and peak (r=-.11, p=.57) power. CONCLUSION: The lack of a relationship between power production and the UPGO may indicate other factors are more influential in dynamic balance and agility performance. Differing movement angles of the tests may have also played a role in the results. Future research should evaluate the influence other factors, such as muscular strength or reaction time, might have on UPGO performance, as well as account for angular differences.
Lateral Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction for Posterolateral Rotatory Instability of the Elbow

Reconstruction of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow is the primary treatment for recurrent symptomatic posterolateral rotatory instability. Although a number of lateral ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction techniques have been described, the docking technique has received general acceptance. In this technique, the graft is passed through a tunnel on the ulnar side and the 2 free limbs are docked into the humerus at the isometric point on the lateral condyle. Advantages of this method of reconstruction include reduced bone removal, decreased soft tissue damage, and precise control of graft tensioning. When precise surgical steps are followed, this technique can be performed in a reliable, efficient, and reproducible manner for patients with posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow.
Identification of cysteine protease inhibitors as new drug leads against Naegleria fowleri.

Abstract Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rapidly fatal infection caused by the free-living ameba Naegleria fowleri. PAM occurs principally in healthy children of less than 13 years old with a history of recent exposure to warm fresh water. While as yet not a reportable disease, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) documents a total of 143 cases in the United States. Only four patients have survived. Infection results from water containing N. fowleri entering the nose, followed by migration of the amebae to the brain. Within the brain, N. fowleri infection results in extensive necrosis, leading to death in 3–7 days. Mortality among patients with PAM is greater than 95%. The drugs of choice in treating PAM are the antifungal amphotericin B, and the antileishmanial, miltefosine. However neither drug is FDA-approved for this indication and the use of amphotericin B is associated with severe adverse effects. Moreover, very few patients treated with amphotericin B have survived PAM. Therefore, development of new, safe and effective drugs is a critical unmet need to avert future deaths of children. The molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of PAM are poorly understood but it is known that cysteine proteases of N. fowleri play a role in the progression of PAM. We therefore assessed the in vitro activity of the synthetic vinyl sulfone cysteine protease inhibitor, K11777, and 33 analogs with valine, phenylalanine or pyridylalanine at P2 position, against cysteine protease activity in the lysate of N. fowleri. Inhibitors with phenylalanine or pyridylalanine at P2 position were particularly effective in inhibiting the cysteine protease activity of N. fowleri cell lysate with IC50 ranging between 3 nM and 6.6 μM. Three of the 34 inhibitors also showed inhibitory activity against N. fowleri in a cell viability assay and were 1.6- to 2.5-fold more potent than the standard of care drug miltefosine. Our study provides the first evidence of the activity of synthetic, small molecule cysteine protease inhibitors against N. fowleri.
The effects of cystoscopy and hydrodistention on symptoms and bladder capacity in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome

Aims The use of cystoscopy and hydrodistention in the management of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) varies widely between providers. Current evidence regarding the risks and benefits of hydrodistention, as well as the long term effects of repeated hydrodistention are not well established. We sought to characterize the effects of hydrodistention on IC/BPS symptoms as well as bladder capacity. Methods We retrospectively queried our institutional records for patients with non-ulcerative IC/BPS who underwent hydrodistention over an 11-year period to obtain demographic and clinical factors at the time of diagnosis and treatment. Symptom relief and bladder capacity changes were assessed, and multivariable models were used to predict response to treatment. Results There were 328 patients who underwent hydrodistention during the study period, of whom 36% received the procedure multiple times, and overall median follow-up was 38.6 months. Patients with repeated hydrodistentions were more likely to be female, have more comorbid pain disorders, and have trialed anticholinergic medications and intravesical instillations. No decrease in mean bladder capacity was observed over time (P = 0.40). Significant decreases in symptom scores were observed following the procedure on multiple questionnaires. Conclusions Hydrodistention does not decrease bladder capacity even with multiple procedures, and measurably improves symptoms in some patients with IC/BPS. Continuing efforts to better identify those patients most likely to benefit from this procedure are justified.
Assesment Of The Effectiveness To Which Lecturers Apply Learner-Centered Techniques In Teaching And Learning Process In Universities In Tanzania: A Case Study Of Mwenge Catholic University

The study examines the effectiveness of implementing Learner Centered Techniques and approaches among lecturers at Mwenge Catholic University. Learner Centered Technique (LCT) is a competence-based instructional approach which seeks teachers’ active involvement of students in the classroom processes with emphasis on students’ learning. The study was guided by the following research questions; To what extent do lecturers and teacher students familiar with Learner Centered Teaching at MWECAU? Which LCTs are most preferred by most lecturers during teaching and learning at MWECAU? What skills does the LCT promote in teaching and learning process? What measures can be put in place to improve the implementation of LCT at MWECAU? Both qualitative and quantitative designs were used to examine to what extent lecturers at MWECAU apply LCT targeting lecturers and students at MWECAU. Questionnaires were the main tool used to collect data and statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used to analyze quantitative data. Findings revealed that to a higher extent the lecturers in the university understudy use learner centered techniques in teaching and assessment. The findings also indicate that Learner Centered Techniques promotes students’ creativity, critical thinking and independent learning. The Learner Centered Techniques used to encourage students’ engagement and in problem-solving skills to apply in daily life.
Anti-leukotrienes as novel anti-inflammatory treatments in asthma.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. Among the inflammatory cells which have been implicated in the biology of asthma are eosinophils and mast cells (l-3). Although these cells have the capacity to produce a number of distinct chemical mediators, we will focus our attention exclusively on the cysteinyl leukotrienes as inflammatory mediators in asthma. We have chosen this focus, not because we believe that leukotrienes are the only mediator of importance in asthma, but rather because in the past decade a substantial body of data has accrued concerning these entities as mediators of asthma.
Hyperuricosuric Calcium Urolithiasis

The term “normocalciuric nephrolithiasis” 1 was initially used to describe patients with recurrent Ca urolithiasis in whom a 24-hr urinary Ca was within the normal range. This condition may be subdivided into the different groups listed in Table VIII. Absorptive hypercalciuria Type II was discussed in Chapter 3. Hyperoxaluria will be covered in Chapter 6. The idiopathic group comprises those patients in whom there is no obvious abnormality for stone formation. Some of these patients give a history of low fluid intake. In others, the formation product ratios (FPRs) (limit of metastability) of brushite and Ca oxalate in urine may be significantly reduced. 2 Thus, urinary supersaturation with respect to Ca salts, resulting from the passage of concentrated urine, and deficiency of inhibitors or presence of promoters of nucleation, or both, may be etiologically important in stone formation in the idiopathic group. This chapter will focus principally on Ca stone formation associated with hyperuricosuria.
Enzyme Immunoassays Using Tagged Enzyme-Ligand Conjugates

We have developed an approach to separation enzyme immunoassays that uses a tag molecule linked to an enzyme-linked conjugate. This approach differs from most separation enzyme immunoassays in which the separation process usually depends upon the interaction between the ligand (or antigen) and antibody, one of which is immobilized on a solid material (Schuurs and van Weemen, 1977; Pal, 1978; Engvall and Pesce, 1978; Borrebaeck and Mattiasson, 1979; Ngo and Lenhoff, 1982).
Pseudo-Poincare Inequalities and Applications to Sobolev Inequalities

Most smoothing procedures are via averaging. Pseudo-Poincare inequalities give a basic L p-norm control of such smoothing procedures in terms of the gradient of the function involved. When available, pseudo-Poincare inequalities are an efficient way to prove Sobolev type inequalities. We review this technique and its applications in various geometric setups.
Treating Juvenile Sex Offenders

Approximately 20% of all rapes (Brown et al. 1984; Morenz and Becker 1995; Pastore and Maguire 2007) and 30–50% of child molestations are carried out by youth under 18 years of age (Brown et al. 1984; Ryan 1999). Studies of adolescent sex offenders have shown that the majority commit their first sexual offense before 15 years of age and not infrequently before 12 years of age (Barbaree and Marshall 2006; Rubenstein et al. 1993). The younger the age of the victim, the more likely they are to have been victimized by a juvenile rather than an adult (Snyder and Sickmund 2006). Preadolescents are being referred for sexual behavior problems in increasing numbers (Araji 1997). Many juvenile sex offenders (JSOs) have more than one victim, and clearly, if they begin a pattern of sexual offending as juveniles and continue sexual offending as adults, JSOs can have many victims. Studies show that JSOs average eight to nine sexual offenses, with four to seven victims (Shaw et al. 1993). Reported crime statistics underestimate the extent of juvenile sexual offenses (Moore et al. 2004).
A note on the Lemke-Howson algorithm

The Lemke-Howson algorithm for bimatrix games provides both an elementary proof of the existence of equilibrium points and an efficient computational method for finding at least one equilibrium point. The first half of this paper presents a geometrical view of the algorithm that makes its operation especially easy to visualize. Several illustrations are given, including Wilson’s example of “inaccessible” equilibrium points. The second half presents an orientation theory for the equilibrium points of (nondegenerate) bimatrix games and the Lemke-Howson paths that interconnect them; in particular, it is shown that there is always one more “negative” than “positive” equilibrium point.
Beyond simple tests of value: Measuring addiction as a heterogeneous disease of computation-specific valuation processes

Addiction is considered to be a neurobiological disorder of learning and memory because addiction is capable of producing lasting changes in the brain. Recovering addicts chronically struggle with making poor decisions that ultimately lead to relapse, suggesting a view of addiction also as a neurobiological disorder of decision-making information processing. How the brain makes decisions depends on how decision-making processes access information stored as memories in the brain. Advancements in circuit-dissection tools and recent theories in neuroeconomics suggest that neurally dissociable valuation processes access distinct memories differently, and thus are uniquely susceptible as the brain changes during addiction. If addiction is to be considered a neurobiological disorder of memory, and thus decision-making, the heterogeneity with which information is both stored and processed must be taken into account in addiction studies. Addiction etiology can vary widely from person to person. We propose that addiction is not a single disease, nor simply a disorder of learning and memory, but rather a collection of symptoms of heterogeneous neurobiological diseases of distinct circuit-computation-specific decision-making processes.
Prognostic models for spinal metastatic disease: evolution of methodologies, limitations, and future opportunities

Advances in cancer biology and therapy have increased survival of metastatic disease patients and, in turn, the rates of metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC). Surgery can improve patient quality of life, but accurate estimation of postoperative survival is critical for appropriate patient selection, multidisciplinary management, and shared decision making. Survival estimation on the basis of clinician judgement alone has been shown to be inaccurate and unreliable. Numerous prognostic scoring systems have been developed to address this need but the inputs to these models, the modeling methodologies, and the model outputs have evolved significantly over time. Here we discuss the available scoring systems, existing limitations, and future opportunities.
Pauci-immune Crescentic Glomerulonephritis Due to MGRS Crystalline Nephropathy.

There are several known mechanisms by which monoclonal Igs (MIg) or their subunits can cause kidney disease: (i) deposition in 1 or more kidney compartments, resulting in distinct clinicopathologic lesions, such as Ig-related amyloidosis, monoclonal Ig deposition disease, and a variety of glomerulonephritides, including cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis type I and II, immunotactoid glomerulonephritis, and proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal immunoglobulin deposits; (ii) precipitation in tubular lumina (e.g., myeloma cast nephropathy); (iii) activation of the alternative pathway of complement (e.g., C3 glomerulopathy associated with monoclonal gammopathy, thrombotic microangiopathy associated with monoclonal gammopathy); (iv) cytokine activation (e.g., POEMS syndrome); and (v) crystallization in the renal vasculature (e.g., crystalglobulin-induced nephropathy).1, 2 Here, we describe an unusual case of monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS)–associated crystalline nephropathy that does not conform to any of the previously described patterns of kidney involvement by monoclonal gammopathy.
Chronic Electrical Stimulation for Tear Secretion: Lacrimal vs. anterior ethmoid nerve

Abstract Purpose To evaluate and compare the effect of lacrimal nerve stimulation (LNS) and anterior ethmoid nerve stimulation (AENS) on aqueous tear secretion, and tissue condition following chronic implantation. Methods A neurostimulator was implanted in rabbits adjacent to the (1) lacrimal nerve, and (2) anterior ethmoid nerve. Tear volume was measured with Schirmer test strips after stimulation (2.3–2.8 mA pulses at 30 Hz for 3–5 min), and scores were compared to sham stimulation. Lacrimal gland and nasal septal tissue were evaluated histologically after chronic stimulation (2 weeks–7 months). Results LNS increases tear volume by 32% above sham (p Conclusions AENS is significantly more effective than LNS at enhancing aqueous tear secretion, including the fellow eye. The lacrimal implant is well tolerated, while the nasal implant requires further design optimization to improve tolerability.
Noninvasive Transthoracic Low Frequency Ultrasound Augments Thrombolysis in a Canine Model of Acute Myocardial Infarction – Evaluation of the Extent of ST-Segment Resolution

Background: Recently it has been demonstrated that transcutaneous delivery of ultrasound combined with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is more effective than tPA alone in recanalizing acutely thrombosed canine coronary arteries. In the present study, we investigated the incidence of partial (≥50%) and complete (≥70%) ST-segment elevation resolution in the precordial leads of dogs with experimental acute myocardial infarction that were treated with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) alone or in combination with noninvasive transcutaneous delivery of high-intensity low frequency (27[emsp3 ]kHz) ultrasound.
Autonomic modulation of sinoatrial node: Role of pacemaker current and calcium sensitive adenylyl cyclase isoforms

Abstract This article reviews work over the past three decades that is related to the contribution of the pacemaker current, If, to basal and autonomically regulated spontaneous rate in the sinoatrial node. It also addresses how the actions of the pacemaker current relate to those of Ca homeostasis with respect to basal and autonomically regulated rhythm. In this regard, it explores the relative contributions of Ca-sensitive and Ca-insensitive isoforms of adenylyl cyclase to sinoatrial node automaticity. The latter studies include previously unpublished work making use of mice in which both the type 1 and type 8 Ca-sensitive adenylyl cyclase isoforms were knocked out. These studies indicate that the pacemaker current and the L-type Ca current are distinctly influenced by Ca-sensitive and insensitive adenylyl cyclase isoforms.
Social living without kin discrimination: experimental evidence from a communally breeding bird

In many cooperative animal societies, individuals can recognize their relatives and preferentially direct helping behaviors towards them. However, the ability to learn kin recognition cues may be constrained in societies with low relatedness, since group membership alone is not a reliable proxy for kinship. Here, we examine kin discrimination in the greater ani (Crotophaga major), a communally nesting bird in which several unrelated males and females reproduce in a single, shared nest and provide parental care to the mixed clutch of young. Each adult, therefore, is closely related to some nestlings in the clutch and unrelated to others. Food is limited and starvation is a significant cause of nestling mortality, suggesting that adults should increase their fitness by preferentially feeding their own offspring in the mixed clutch. To test this hypothesis, we cross-fostered broods of nestlings between pairs of nests, such that none of the nestlings in the manipulated nests were related to any of the adults feeding them. We found no evidence that adult greater anis discriminate between their own and unrelated nestlings: adults at cross-fostered groups fed nestlings at the same rates as adults at control (sham-manipulated) nests, and rates of nestling starvation were equal at cross-fostered and control nests. These results suggest that adult greater anis do not recognize their own nestlings, and they are consistent with the hypothesis that genetically encoded markers for kin recognition are rare in birds.
Generation of parasitic axial flow by drift wave turbulence with broken symmetry: Theory and experiment

Detailed measurements of intrinsic axial flow generation parallel to the magnetic field in the controlled shear decorrelation experiment linear plasma device with no axial momentum input are presented and compared to theory. The results show a causal link from the density gradient to drift-wave turbulence with broken spectral symmetry and development of the axial mean parallel flow. As the density gradient steepens, the axial and azimuthal Reynolds stresses increase and radially sheared azimuthal and axial mean flows develop. A turbulent axial momentum balance analysis shows that the axial Reynolds stress drives the radially sheared axial mean flow. The turbulent drive (Reynolds power) for the azimuthal flow is an order of magnitude greater than that for axial flow, suggesting that the turbulence fluctuation levels are set by azimuthal flow shear regulation. The direct energy exchange between axial and azimuthal mean flows is shown to be insignificant. Therefore, the axial flow is parasitic to the turbulence-zonal flow system and is driven primarily by the axial turbulent stress generated by that system. The non-diffusive, residual part of the axial Reynolds stress is found to be proportional to the density gradient and is formed due to dynamical asymmetry in the drift-wave turbulence.Detailed measurements of intrinsic axial flow generation parallel to the magnetic field in the controlled shear decorrelation experiment linear plasma device with no axial momentum input are presented and compared to theory. The results show a causal link from the density gradient to drift-wave turbulence with broken spectral symmetry and development of the axial mean parallel flow. As the density gradient steepens, the axial and azimuthal Reynolds stresses increase and radially sheared azimuthal and axial mean flows develop. A turbulent axial momentum balance analysis shows that the axial Reynolds stress drives the radially sheared axial mean flow. The turbulent drive (Reynolds power) for the azimuthal flow is an order of magnitude greater than that for axial flow, suggesting that the turbulence fluctuation levels are set by azimuthal flow shear regulation. The direct energy exchange between axial and azimuthal mean flows is shown to be insignificant. Therefore, the axial flow is parasitic to the turbule...
Controlling the Shapes of Nanoparticles by Dopant-Induced Enhancement of Chemisorption and Catalytic Activity: Application to Fe-Based Ammonia Synthesis

We showed recently that the catalytic efficiency of ammonia synthesis on Fe-based nanoparticles (NP) for Haber–Bosch (HB) reduction of N2 to ammonia depends very dramatically on the crystal surface...
Estimation and clustering in popularity adjusted block model

The paper considers the Popularity Adjusted Block model (PABM) introduced by Sengupta and Chen (Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series B, 2018, 80, 365–386). We argue that the main appeal of the PABM is the flexibility of the spectral properties of the graph which makes the PABM an attractive choice for modelling networks that appear in biological sciences. We expand the theory of PABM to the case of an arbitrary number of communities which possibly grows with a number of nodes in the network and is not assumed to be known. We produce estimators of the probability matrix and of the community structure and, in addition, provide non‐asymptotic upper bounds for the estimation and the clustering errors. We use the Sparse Subspace Clustering (SSC) approach for partitioning the network into communities, the approach that, to the best of our knowledge, has not been used for the clustering network data. The theory is supplemented by a simulation study. In addition, we show advantages of the PABM for modelling a butterfly similarity network and a human brain functional network.
“That’s the Beauty of it”: Practitioners Describe the Affordances of Direct to Consumer Tele-Mental Health

Tele-mental health, or the provision of remote counseling services, has been available for decades. This qualitative study uses the framework of affordances, derived from Gibson, to examine what so...
Quantum Computing in High Frequency Trading and Fraud Detection

‘Quantum Computing in high-frequency trading and fraud detection is an analysis of quantum computing and how it can be used by the different industries especially finance. It is an evolution of computing from the traditional computing method. Quantum computing is a process that is concentrated on creating systems and technology based on quantum theory rules. Quantum theory describes the energy on atomic and subatomic levels. Quantum computing uses quantum bits (qubits) which are more advanced than the traditional bits used by traditional computers. This article focuses on deploying quantum computers in solving problems that cannot be efficiently solved using traditional computers. In the finance sector, such as banking, insurance, and high-frequency trading, quantum computers can help optimize service by providing targeting and predictive analytics to reduce risk, provide personalized customer service, and provide the needed security framework against fraud.
Anti-Americanism and the Rise of World Opinion: Consequences for the US National Interest

In recent years, the US has seen its public popularity ratings around the world plummet under the presidency of George W. Bush, and subsequently soar upon the election of Barack Obama. The issue of anti-Americanism has received considerable attention from policy-makers, pundits and scholars alike. It is perhaps surprising then that systematic empirical studies of its consequences are still few and far between. Drawing from a wealth of research data, interviews and surveys of social media, this book directly examines pro- and anti-American views and asks what we can learn about the nature and impact of world opinion. By treating anti-Americanism as a case study of public opinion at work, Professor Datta reveals how we can better understand the relationship between global citizens and their political leaders, and concludes that anti-Americanism does in fact substantially impact US security, as well as its economic and political interests.
From Kuchma to Yushchenko Ukraine's 2004 Presidential Elections and the Orange Revolution

(2005). From Kuchma to Yushchenko Ukraine's 2004 Presidential Elections and the Orange Revolution. Problems of Post-Communism: Vol. 52, No. 2, pp. 29-44.
Studies on rabbit lymphocytes in vitro: XVII. Kinetics of reversible concanavalin a stimulation and restimulation of blast transformation after blocking with α-methyl-d-mannopyranoside☆

Abstract The stimulation of transformation of rabbit peripheral blood lymphocytes by Concanavalin A (ConA) has a narrow dose optimum, is reversible by α- d -methyl-mannopyranoside (MAM) and cultures that have been stimulated and reversed may be restimulated by removal of the blocking saccharide and re-addition of ConA. The kinetics of the stimulatory dose of ConA, the blocking dose of MAM, and the time of stimulation and blocking indicate a competitive binding of lymphocyte receptors and blocking saccharide for ConA. Most of the lymphocytes that respond to ConA become enlarged during the first 16–24 h after stimulation, although fully developed ‘blast’ cell transformation and mitosis do not occur until after approx. 40 h. Lymphocytes that are held in vitro prior to ConA stimulation gradually lose the ability to respond to ConA stimulation (delayed stimulation). Morphologic and metabolic analysis of ConA-stimulated and MAM blocked cultures demonstrate (1) that RNA synthesis gradually decreases in blocked cultures at a time that it is increasing in stimulated cultures; (2) that cells enlarged after ConA stimulation become smaller following MAM inhibition; (3) that the ability of blocked cells to be restimulated by ConA gradually decreases following MAM block (delayed restimulation). Lymphocyte activation requires the continued presence of the stimulant for consumation of the transformation process, and activated cells that have been blocked have a temporary ability to respond to restimulation at a time when cells that have not been preactivated are unable to respond. The requirement of increasing amounts of blocking MAM to reverse stimulation by ConA as the time of contact of ConA with the cells in culture increases is consistent with the concept that internalization, or stripping of mitogen or cellular receptors is the important cellular event initiating transformation. Blocking is achieved by permitting re-externalization of lectin or cell surface receptors. Stimulation requires the continued internalization or stripping of newly formed receptors by reaction with the stimulating mitogen during the entire culture period prior to initiation of DNA synthesis.