cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydronephrosis in renal ectopia : incidence, etiology and significance

The incidence, cause and significance of hydronephrosis in patients with renal ectopia are unknown. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective review of 77 patients with 82 ectopic kidneys. Of 82 kidneys 46 (56%) had hydronephrosis. Dilatation of the renal pelvis was the result of primary ureteropelvic or ureterovesical obstruction in 52%, grade 3, 4 or 5 vesicoureteral reflux in 26% and extrarenal collecting systems with malrotation that produced apparent ureteropelvic junction obstruction in 22%. Surgery was performed in 41 patients, including primary nephrectomy in 18, ureteral reimplantation in 14 and ureteropelvic junction repair in 8. Hydronephrosis was present in 15 of 58 contralateral nonectopic kidneys, and 11 required surgery mostly for vesicoureteral reflux. Solitary ectopic kidneys with no associated obstruction or reflux demonstrated normal renal function. Our data indicate that the prognosis in renal ectopia relates directly to the associated urological disease and timely surgical intervention, not to ectopia alone.
The Process of Educational Attainment

This chapter examines the classic topic of social background and education within a comparative framework. Three overriding substantive concerns govern our analysis. The first is the issue of the equality of educational opportunities. The idea of ‘educational credentialism’ in Japan implies that opportunities for education are in general open to all members of the society, and that individuals are competing on an equal basis to achieve higher levels of education. Education therefore holds the key to social mobility to the extent that it affects the attainment of socioeconomic status. Traditional status attainment research in the United States also focused on the mobility function of education. Treiman and Terrell (1975, p. 577), for example, found that ‘in both countries [the United States and Great Britain] education is largely independent of social origins and thus serves mainly as a channel of social mobility’.
Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Omega-3 and Individual-Family Psychoeducational Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents With Depression.

The goal of this study is to evaluate feasibility and estimate effect sizes of omega-3 fatty acids (Ω3), individual-family psychoeducational psychotherapy (PEP), their combination, and moderating effects of maternal depression and psychosocial stressors in youth with depression. In a pilot 2 × 2 randomized controlled trial, 72 youth (ages 7-14; 57% Caucasian, 57% male) with major depression, dysthymia, or depression not otherwise specified were randomized to 12 weeks of Ω3, PEP+placebo, Ω3+PEP, or placebo. Ω3 versus placebo was double-masked. Evaluators masked to condition assessed depressive severity at baseline (randomization) and at 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 weeks using the Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised. Side effects were either absent or mild. PEP was administered with 74% fidelity. Remission was 77%, Ω3+PEP; 61%, PEP+placebo; 44%, Ω3; 56%, placebo. Intent-to-treat analyses found small to medium effects of combined treatment (d = .29) and Ω3 monotherapy (d = .42), but negligible effect for PEP+placebo (d < .10), all compared to placebo alone. Relative to placebo, youth with fewer social stressors responded better to Ω3 (p = .04), PEP (p = .028), and their combination (p = .035), and those with maternal depression responded better to PEP (p = .020) than did those without maternal depression. Remission rates were favorable compared to other studies of psychotherapy and comparable to an existing randomized controlled trial of Ω3; results warrant further evaluation in a larger sample. Ω3 was well tolerated. Active treatments show significantly more placebo-controlled depression improvement in the context of maternal depression and fewer stressors, suggesting that they may benefit depression with a more endogenous than environmental origin.
Systematic review of laser therapy in xanthelasma palpebrarum.

Xanthelasma palpebrarum is a benign periorbital xanthoma with substantial cosmetic and psychosocial burden for patients. Treatment modalities should be considered based on efficacy as well as cosmetic outcome. Laser modalities in the treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum have not been comprehensively reviewed and discussed. Accordingly, this study seeks to systematically and critically review the available literature discussing laser treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum. PubMed was systematically reviewed for reports on laser therapy in the treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum. A total of 21 studies were included in this review discussing laser treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum. Laser types included carbon dioxide, yttrium aluminum garnet, pulsed dye, argon, and a 1450 nm diode laser. The carbon dioxide laser was the most commonly reported modality followed by yttrium aluminum garnet laser. All of the laser modalities offered moderate to excellent clearance rates with minimal side effect profiles. Further large scale studies comparing different laser modalities are required to determine the best laser modality. However, laser modalities as a whole offer a treatment option for xanthelasma palpebrarum, that is, cosmetically excellent with a reasonable side-effect profile.
Do Surviving Firms Compete More Aggressively After Rivals Exit

Previous research has established that firms compete more aggressively with strategically similar competitors. But does such a relationship persist when the exit of rivals radically shifts the comp...
The Circular Loop Antenna

The circular loop antenna consists of a ring of radius b made of highly conducting metal with circular cross section of radius a ≪ b. It is driven at Φ = 0 by a delta-function generator with voltage V, as shown in Fig. 4.1. It is assumed that the loop is electrically thin so that |ka| ≪ 1, where k = β - jα, as defined in (1.6), is the complex wave number characteristic of the iso-tropic, homogeneous medium in which the loop is immersed. The normalized current in the loop as given by King et al.1 based on the earlier work of Wu,2 Storer,3 and Hallen4 is $$\frac{I(\Phi)}{V\Delta} = \frac{-j(1-j\alpha /\beta)}{\pi \zeta_0}\left [ \frac{1}{a_0} + 2\sum_{1}^{\infty}\frac{cosn\Phi}{a_n} \right]$$ where ζ0 ≐ 120π ohms and the normalizing factor Δ is defined in (1.15). Formulas for the coefficients (1/a i) of the Fourier series are to be found in the literature,5 as are graphical representations.6 The normalized admittance Y/Δ is obtained from (4.1) by setting Φ = 0.
Aeroacoustic Study of a High-Fidelity Aircraft Model

In this paper, we present unsteady surface pressure measurements for an 18%-scale, semi-span Gulfstream aircraft model. This high-fidelity model is being used to perform detailed studies of airframe noise associated with main landing gear, flap components, and gear-flap interaction noise, as well as to evaluate novel noise reduction concepts. The aerodynamic segment of the tests, conducted in the NASA Langley Research Center 14- by 22-Foot Subsonic Tunnel, was completed in November 2010. To discern the characteristics of the surface pressure fluctuations in the vicinity of the prominent noise sources, unsteady sensors were installed on the inboard and outboard flap edges, and on the main gear wheels, struts, and door. Various configurations were tested, including flap deflections of 0?, 20?, and 39?, with and without the main landing gear. The majority of unsteady surface pressure measurements were acquired for the nominal landing configuration where the main gear was deployed and the flap was deflected 39?. To assess the Mach number variation of the surface pressure amplitudes, measurements were obtained at Mach numbers of 0.16, 0.20, and 0.24. Comparison of the unsteady surface pressures with the main gear on and off shows significant interaction between the gear wake and the inboard flap edge, resulting in higher amplitude fluctuations when the gear is present.
12 – The Empirical Evidence on Underwriting Spreads

Abstract This chapter presents the empirical evidence on the underwriting (gross) spreads of initial public offerings (IPOs), seasoned equity offerings (SEOs) and debt offers. The chapter presents summary statistics on gross spreads for IPOs, SEOs, and debt offerings and reviews empirical studies on the factors that affect gross spreads. Furthermore, the chapter explores the evidence on whether underwriters efficiently price the underwriting contract. The chapter concludes with a review of findings and evidence on the gross spreads observed in new issues markets outside the United States.
Getting off to a good start? First-year undergraduate research experiences and student outcomes

Undergraduate research is widely perceived as a “high-impact practice” that promotes students’ learning, cognition, career planning, and educational attainment. With some exceptions, the existing evidence largely provides support for these beliefs. However, these studies typically examine research experiences that occur later in the undergraduate years, whereas engaging in undergraduate research during the first year is becoming increasingly common. First-year experiences may yield different outcomes than later experiences for a variety of reasons; in addition, previous studies often do not account sufficiently for self-selection into undergraduate research, which may be especially problematic for cross-sectional studies that occur in the junior or senior year. Therefore, this study examines the potential impact of first-year undergraduate research using propensity score analyses within a large, multi-institutional, longitudinal dataset. Research participation is significantly and positively related to first-year university satisfaction and fourth-year undergraduate GPA, but it is unrelated to satisfaction and grades in other years as well as graduate degree intentions, retention at the same institution, and 4-year graduation. Conditional analyses indicate that these effects are largely consistent across student demographics, pre-university achievement, and institutional selectivity.
Pre-hospital frailty and hospital outcomes in adults with acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation.

Abstract Purpose We aimed to estimate the independent effect of pre-hospital frailty (PHF) on hospital mortality and prolonged hospital length of stay (pLOS) while adjusting for other patient level factors. Methods This is a cohort study of hospitalized adults with acute respiratory failure (ARF) who required invasive mechanical ventilation for ≥ 24 h in 2013. We used inpatient/outpatient claims from a list of diagnoses from the year before index hospital admission to define PHF. Differences in characteristics/outcomes by PHF were explored using descriptive statistics; multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate association between PHF and hospital outcomes. Results Among 1157 patients (mean age (standard deviation) 67.1 [16.4]), 53.2% had PHF. PHF was independently associated with higher hospital mortality (44.2% in PHF patients vs. 34.6% in those without, adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.56 (1.19–2.05), p Conclusions PHF, identified by frailty diagnoses from before index hospitalization, may be a useful approach for identifying adults with ARF at increased risk of hospital mortality and pLOS.
Discovery of New Coronal Lines at 2.843 and 2.853 μm

Two new emission features were observed during the 2017 August 21 total solar eclipse by a novel spectrometer, the Airborne Infrared Spectrometer (AIR-Spec), flown at 14.3 km altitude aboard the NCAR Gulfstream-V aircraft. We derive wavelengths in air of 2.8427 ± 0.00009 μm and 2.8529 ± 0.00008 μm. One of these lines belongs to the transition in Ar-like Fe ix. This appears to be the first detection of this transition from any source. Minimization of residual wavelength differences using both measured wavelengths, together with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) extreme ultraviolet wavelengths, does not clearly favor assignment to Fe ix. However, the shorter wavelength line appears more consistent with other observed features formed at similar temperatures to Fe ix. The transition occurs between two levels within the excited configuration, 429,000 cm−1 above the ground level. The line is therefore absent in photo-ionized coronal-line astrophysical sources such as the Circinus Galaxy. Data from a Fourier transform interferometer (FTIR) deployed from Wyoming show that both lines are significantly attenuated by telluric H2O, even at dry sites. We have been unable to identify the longer wavelength transition.
Proctitis Caused by Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare in an HIV-Infected Patient

Infectious proctitis is usually associated with sexually transmitted diseases, especially in HIV-infected individuals. Limited information is found about the role of Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare as a causative agent for this condition. Here, we report the case of an HIV-infected patient with a CD4 count of 304 cells/uL and undetectable HIV viral load, who presented with constipation and painful defecation. Endoscopic evaluation was significant for shallow rectal ulcerations. Histopathology revealed poorly formed granulomas. Stool culture grew Mycobacterium sp. that was further identified as Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare by DNA probe. He was successfully treated with a 3-drug regimen that included azithromycin, ethambutol and rifabutin. We advocate the use of AFB stool culture in cases of proctitis in which initial investigations for sexually transmitted diseases are unrevealing.
Development of a Method for Direct Determination of Dew Point Loci of Methane-Heavier Hydrocarbon Mixtures at Low Temperatures and Elevated Pressures

The K-value data in the low-temperature range for methane with other alkanes heavier than propane are scarce in the literature or are often unreliable. This has been caused by the difficulty in the determination of the dew point concentration. The concentration of the heavier component in the vapor phase becomes very small as the system temperature goes down. It is inherent in ordinary chromatography methods that more errors occur in determining concentrations lower than 100 ppm. Errors will be caused by adsorption on the tube wall, characteristics of the packing material for the chromatographic column, or the sampling technique. The calibration of the chromatographic detector also becomes more difficult since it is difficult to prepare a very dilute mixture without appreciable errors.
COSMOGENIC NUCLIDE DATING | Methods

The progress in the method of cosmogenic nuclide surface exposure dating has drastically accelerated over the last years, in part fueled by the National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded Cosmic-Ray Produced Nuclide Systematics on Earth (CRONUS-Earth) initiative. This progress has affected the sensitivity of the method, its overall precision and accuracy, and its robustness, and opened up new scientific fields in the Earth sciences and beyond. This article attempts to highlight some of the most recent and important areas of progress to give an overview of the state of the method and to outline the next line of progress. While the technique is clearly surging ahead, cosmogenic nuclide surface exposure dating is far from reaching its limits.
Minimally Invasive Resection of Intra-axial Posterior Fossa Tumors Using Tubular Retractors.

Objective Posterior fossa tumor surgery is associated with a significant risk of complications, and the complications are typically more frequent compared with similar supratentorial surgeries. This study aimed to evaluate 1) the extent of resection and neurologic outcomes and 2) perioperative complications with use of minimally invasive approaches for intra-axial posterior fossa tumors from our case series. Methods All consecutive patients who underwent nonbiopsy surgery of a posterior fossa tumor using tubular retractors and exoscopic visualization from January 2016 to May 2018 were prospectively identified and included. Results During the reviewed period, 15 patients underwent resection of an intra-axial posterior fossa tumor. Eight (53%) patients were men, and the median age was 63.0 years (interquartile range: 45.0–67.5 years). The tumor was located in the cerebellar hemisphere in 11 (73%) cases, vermis in 3 (20%) cases, and middle cerebellar peduncle in 1 (7%) case. The median preoperative and postoperative lesion volumes were 21.6 cm3 (interquartile range: 10.1–33.0 cm3) and 0 cm3 (interquartile range: 0–1.2 cm3), respectively. The percent resection was 100% (92%-100%). Following surgery, 12 (80%) patients had improved and 3 (20%) patients had stable Karnofsky performance scale scores, whereas no patients had a decline in Karnofsky performance scale score postoperatively. No patients incurred other postoperative regional or medical complications. Conclusions We demonstrated the possible efficacy of a minimally invasive approach with the use of tubular retractors and exoscopic visualization for resecting posterior fossa intra-axial tumors with relatively high efficacy and low morbidity.
Lung Transplantation From Donation After Circulatory Death: United States and Single-Center Experience.

Background Lung transplants from donation after circulatory death (DCD) have been scarcely used in the United States. Concerns about the warm ischemic injury, resource mal-utilization due to the uncertain timing of death, and public scrutiny may be some factors involved. Methods Survival for recipients of a donation after brain death (DBD) versus DCD was analyzed by using the United Network for Organ Sharing and our institutional database. A propensity-matching and Cox regression analysis was performed for 25 characteristics. Primary graft dysfunction metrics were compared. Results A total of 389 of 20,905 lung transplantations (2%) were performed by using DCDs in the United States, and 15 of 128 (12%) at our institution. Five and 10-year survival for DBDs was 55% and 30% and 59% and 33% for DCDs, respectively. Propensity-matched analysis of 311 DBD/DCD pairs did not demonstrate any difference in survival. On Cox regression, DCD was not associated with impaired survival. Male sex, Karnofsky class greater than 50, double lung transplantation, and transplantation year were predictors of improved survival. Age, creatinine, pulmonary fibrosis, retransplantation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, allocation score, and donor age were predictors of worse survival. Primary graft dysfunction at time 0 was worse for recipients of DCDs (p = 0.005) but equivalent at 24, 48, and 72 hours. Conclusions DCD lung transplants remain underused in the United States. Nevertheless, survival is similar to DBD. Primary graft dysfunction metrics for DCDs are worse than DBDs on intensive care arrival but improved subsequently.
A landscape perspective on rates of multiple paternity and brood parasitism among Greater Prairie-Chickens across Kansas, USA

ABSTRACT Fragmentation and degraded habitat conditions can result in increased competition for critical resources, altered mating systems, and can eventually result in population declines or extinction. We investigated the degree to which habitat degradation and habitat loss impacted the breeding ecology of Greater Prairie-Chickens at 3 study sites across relatively intact grasslands in Kansas, USA. Across all 3 study systems, we found similar rates of multiple mating by females at 14–20% of broods. In addition, we found evidence for facultative nest parasitism of conspecific females. Prairie-chicken females inhabiting more intact and less fragmented landscapes with a higher probability of survival did not engage in parasitic egg laying, whereas ∼17% of females inhabiting a more fragmented and isolated landscape engaged in parasitic egg laying. Parasitic egg layers tended to be older females that parasitized nests of yearling females. Parasitic egg layers only laid parasitically after an initial nesting a...
Re2O7-Catalyzed Approach to Spirocyclic Ether Formation from Acyclic Precursors: Observation of Remote Stereoinduction

Ketones that are flanked by an allylic alcohol and an alkene isomerize to spirocyclic ethers in the presence of Re2O7 through allylic alcohol transposition, oxocarbenium ion formation, and Prins cy...
Generating topological protein interaction scores and data visualization with TopS

Detecting subnetworks in large networks is of great interest. Recently, we developed a topological score framework for the analysis of protein interaction networks and implemented it as a web application, called TopS. Given a multivariate data presented as a matrix, TopS generates topological scores between any column and row in the matrix aiming to identify overwhelming preference interactions. This information can be further used into visualization tools such as clusters and networks to investigate how networks benefit from these interactions. We present a web tool called TopS that aims to have an intuitive user interface. Users can upload data from a simple delimited CSV file that can be created in a spreadsheet program. As an output, user is provided with a scoring matrix as tab-delimited file that can be interchanged with other software, heatmap and clustering figures in pdf format. Here we demonstrate the current capabilities of TopS using an existing dataset generated for the study of the human Sin3 chromatin remodeling complex.
Bhopal in the Federal Courts: How Indian Victims Failed to Get Justice in the United States

35 years ago, the city of Bhopal, India, witnessed a horrific gas leak that originated from a facility operated by Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL), which had as its parent company, the American-based Union Carbide Corporation (UCC). Thousands were killed, with many more injured. 145 cases were filed throughout various U.S. federal district courts on behalf of the victims asserting that UCIL and UCC were liable. Eventually, these cases were consolidated through the Multi-District Litigation (MDL) process and placed onto the docket of federal Judge John Keenan. In 1986, Judge Keenan issued his famous forum non conveniens opinion, which stated that the Indian courts – and not the U.S. federal judiciary – were the proper venue for hearing these claims. Between 1986 and 1993, Judge Keenan dismissed all of the other MDL-Bhopal cases he heard. Then, between 2000 and 2014 a set of distinct, non-MDL Bhopal matters appeared in front of Judge Keenan. In all of these too, he issued dismissals. Indeed, the original MDL-process – coupled with the existence of internal federal courthouse rules – created a type of path dependence, allowing for all of the Bhopal-Union Carbide matters to come before Judge Keenan. The thesis here is that following the MDL-consolidation, Judge Keenan became only more deeply wedded to the position he staked-out back in 1986. Subsequent, non-MDL Bhopal plaintiffs, seeking an independent assessment of their claims, found themselves tethered to the initial MDL-decision from years past. The broader lesson – beyond just this case study – is that in order for deserving plaintiffs to receive a fresh review in federal court, there needs to be an alternative imagination for how to deal with later cases that, although seemingly connected, are nevertheless distinct from the earlier MDL-process.
Transfer of four species of Cryptantha to the genus Johnstonella (Boraginaceae)

Based on a previous molecular phylogenetic analysis, Cryptantha, an herbaceous plant genus of the family Boraginaceae, subtribe Amsinckiinae, was split into five genera: Eremocarya, Greeneocharis, Johnstonella, Oreocarya, and a reduced Cryptantha, the last in two separate clades. As a result of this study, Johnstonella was expanded to 13 species and 15 minimum-rank taxa, these formerly classified in Cryptantha s.l. More recent analyses of this complex, with an increased sample size and high-throughput sequence data, indicate that four additional Cryptantha species not previously sampled—C. albida, C. mexicana, C. texana—plus what was originally identified as C. hispida nest within Johnstonella with strong support. However, the identity of C. hispida used in this analysis is now in doubt. The material used likely represents a new species, in the process of being investigated. Two additional species not sequenced to date—C. geohintonii and C. gypsites—are clearly close relatives of C. albida and C. mexicana, based on morphological similarity. In order to maintain monophyly of genera, we here make new combinations in transferring four of these species from Cryptantha to Johnstonella, with the new combinations Johnstonella albida, J. geohintonii, J. gypsites, and J. mexicana. We delay the transfer of Cryptantha texana to Johnstonella because of its morphological similarity to other species that clearly nest within Cryptantha s.s. These same molecular phylogenetic studies may also support the transfer of two previously recognized Johnstonella species—J. echinosepala and J. micromeres—to Cryptantha, one to each of two separate clades. Additional phylogenetic studies focusing on some of these taxa are needed to confirm the position of these latter three species and the possible recognition of a new genus in the complex.
Complementary and integrative health approaches to manage chronic pain in U.S. military populations: Results from a systematic review and meta-analysis, 1985-2019.

The objective of this study was to examine the efficacy of complementary and integrative health (CIH) approaches for reducing pain intensity (primary outcome) and depressive symptoms (secondary outcome) as well as improving physical functioning (secondary outcome) among U.S. military personnel living with chronic pain. Studies were retrieved from bibliographic databases, databases of funded research, and reference sections of relevant articles. Studies that (a) evaluated a CIH approach to promote chronic pain management among military personnel, (b) used a randomized controlled trial design, and (c) assessed pain intensity were included. Two coders extracted data from each study and calculated effect sizes. Discrepancies between coders were resolved through discussion. Comprehensive searches identified 12 studies (k = 15 interventions) that met inclusion criteria. CIH practices included cognitive-behavioral therapies (k = 5), positive psychology (k = 3), yoga (k = 2), acupuncture (k = 2), mindfulness-based interventions (k = 2), and biofeedback (k = 1). Across these studies, participants who received the intervention reported greater reductions in pain intensity (d+ = 0.44, 95% CI [0.21, 0.67], k = 15) compared to controls. Statistically significant improvements were also observed for physical functioning (d+ = 0.36, 95% CI [0.11, 0.61], k = 11) but not for depressive symptoms (d+ = 0.21, 95% CI [-0.15, 0.57], k = 8). CIH approaches reduced pain intensity and improved physical functioning. These approaches offer a nonpharmacological, nonsurgical intervention for chronic pain management for military personnel. Future studies should optimize interventions to improve depressive symptoms in military populations experiencing chronic pain. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
A petition to American philanthropist for the donation of an American hospital in Tianjin

At the dawn of the Republic of China, a group of doctors, educators, businessmen, officials, and the America returned Students in Tianjin jointly submitted a petition to American philanthropist for donation of a large-scale modern hospital. This petition, appended to a report to Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, has long been neglected by researchers. The memorandum may be informative to study local medical service at a transition period, and also helps understand the establishment and subsequent contribution of China Medical Board. Key words: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; Rockefeller Foundation; Peking Union Medical College Hospital; Chang Poling; Wu Lien Teh; Charles W. Eliot; Frederick T. Gates
An Optimized Silicon Carbide based 2×250 kW Dual Inverter for Traction Applications

In this work, an optimized silicon carbide (SiC) based 2×250 kW dual inverter with a power density of 60 kW/L is designed and built. To improve the switching performance of the inverter, a comprehensive busbar optimization was performed to minimize the stray inductance. The detailed thermal model of the proposed inverter system is presented in this work to analyze the thermal performance of the inverter. Besides, based on the thermal analysis, the selection of the dc-link capacitor and the switching frequency also has been discussed to address the tradeoff between reliability and power density. Preliminary experimental studies, including the double pulse tests, have been conducted to verify the switching performance of the inverter. The related results were presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design. In addition, continuous power test also has been performed to further verify the proposed design.
Long-term community noise exposure in relation to dementia, cognition, and cognitive decline in older adults.

Introduction Exposure to noise might influence risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia. Methods Participants of the Chicago Health and Aging Project (≥65 years) underwent triennial cognitive assessments. For the 5 years preceding each assessment, we estimated 5227 participants' residential level of noise from the community using a spatial prediction model, and estimated associations of noise level with prevalent mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD, cognitive performance, and rate of cognitive decline. Results Among these participants, an increment of 10 A-weighted decibels (dBA) in noise corresponded to 36% and 29% higher odds of prevalent MCI (odds ratio [OR] = 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15 to 1.62) and AD (OR = 1.29, 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.55). Noise level was associated with worse global cognitive performance, principally in perceptual speed (-0.09 standard deviation per 10 dBA, 95% CI: -0.16 to -0.03), but not consistently associated with cognitive decline. Discussion These results join emerging evidence suggesting that noise may influence late-life cognition and risk of dementia.
Ester modification at the 3' end of anti-microRNA oligonucleotides increases potency of microRNA inhibition.

Abstract MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNAs that play a fundamental role in gene regulation. Deregulation of miRNA expression has a strong correlation with disease and antisense oligonucleotides that bind and inhibit miRNAs associated with disease have therapeutic potential. Current research on the chemical modification of anti-miRNA oligonucleotides (anti-miRs) is focused on alterations of the phosphodiester-ribose backbone to improve nuclease resistance and binding affinity to miRNA strands. Here we describe a structure-guided approach for modification of the 3′-end of anti-miRs by screening for modifications compatible with a nucleotide-binding pocket present on human Argonaute2 (hAgo2). We computationally screened a library of 190 triazole-modified nucleoside analogs for complementarity to the t1A-binding pocket of hAgo2. Seventeen top scoring triazoles were then incorporated into the 3′ end of anti-miR21 and potency was evaluated for each in a cell-based assay for anti-miR activity. Four triazole-modified anti-miRs showed higher potency than anti-miR21 bearing a 3′ adenosine. In particular, a triazole-modified nucleoside bearing an ester substituent imparted a nine-fold and five-fold increase in activity for both anti-miR21 and anti-miR122 at 300 and 5 nM, respectively. The ester group was shown to be critical as a similar carboxylic acid and amide were inactive. Furthermore, anti-miR 3′ end modification with triazole-modified nucleoside analogs improved resistance to snake venom phosphodiesterase, a 3′-exonuclease. Thus, the modifications described here are good candidates for improvement of anti-miR activity.
Analytical Review: Intelligence Scanning

Analytical procedures involve the study of plausible relationships between both financial and non-financial data. Before the mid-2000s, sources of such information were spotty, unreliable, and scarce, and that, indeed, was considered a prime reason for markets needing annual, audited financial statements. Today, there are numerous social networks, news, and discussion boards that offer both raw and curated, streaming sources of useful business intelligence. The auditor who does not scan for such client and industry intelligence both increases the cost of auditing, and can be considered negligent in not investigating all available information about the financial health of their client.
ADVANCE: Institutional Transformations for the Future of the Faculty

Following a four-year self-study to explore equity, diversity, and inclusiveness, UNC Charlotte is poised for transformation into an institution where all faculty perceive that access to power, rewards, promotions, and leadership opportunities are equitably distributed. Project goals are focused on the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in STEM faculty positions and women in university-wide leadership positions. Strategies for change focus on structural reform, broad faculty awareness and engagement, and decision-maker accountability. A Faculty Affairs Office (FAO) will serve as a sustainable structural focal point for policy revision and a portfolio of programs designed to foster awareness, seek solutions, and disseminate project actions and outcomes. A competitive awards program will engage academic units to examine the status of women, including women faculty of color, and develop creative approaches for the specific needs of the unit. The FAO will be located in the Provost's Office to facilitate administrative accountability for making gains towards ADVANCE goals.
Pharmacist Integration Into Care for Patients With Medical Complexity: An Intervention to Optimize Complex Therapeutic Regimens Through Medication Services.

Children with medical complexity have a significant impact on health care cost and outcomes. Children with medical complexity are at risk for substantial polypharmacy and inherent drug-related dangers. In this special article, we describe the integration of clinical pharmacy services into our clinic for children with medical complexity. We review the process that yields results by effectively managing patients’ medications across the continuum of care while also possibly improving health care spending and outcomes.
Review of Perineural Invasion in Keratinocyte Carcinomas

Perineural invasion is an infiltrative process of peripheral nerves by the primary neoplasm within the immediate vicinity. Aggressive forms of keratinocyte carcinomas, such as basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, may feature perineural invasion, which is often associated with tumor recurrence and poorer prognosis. Diagnosis requires a high clinical suspicion. Imaging and histopathology are used to assess for extent of disease while surgical excision with complete circumferential peripheral and margin assessment is the treatment goal. However, there is still significant uncertainty about adjuvant chemotherapy and definitive management guidelines. Here, we summarize the current understanding of this complex pathogenic process, the clinical presentation, and the significance of perineural inflammation. We also discuss the recommendations about staging, prognosis, adjuvant radiotherapy, and general guidelines for managing keratinocyte carcinomas with perineural invasion. A better understanding of perineural invasion is essential to improve diagnosis, tailor interventions, and mitigate patient morbidity and mortality.
Helping High School Students Read Like Experts: Affective Evaluation, Salience, and Literary Interpretation

This study explored whether a month-long instructional intervention in affective evaluation can help struggling high school readers to engage in literary interpretation in ways similar to expert readers’ practices. We compared pre- and post-intervention think-aloud protocols from five high school students as they read a literary short story with the protocols from five experienced English teachers for the same story. After the intervention, student readers attended more frequently to story details that expert readers also found salient to interpretation. Students also made interpretive moves similar to those made by experts, such as inferences about character goals, interpretation of potential symbols, and attention to patterns and juxtapositions in the text. Further, students’ focus on interpretively salient details influenced their thematic inferences. These findings suggest that the recruitment of everyday, affect-based practices can help novice readers develop more “expert-like” literary schemata and ...
A Low Cost, Portable Platform for Information Assurance and Security Education

This paper presents a new inexpensive portable learning platform for information assurance and security (IAS) education. Unique features such as affordable settings, portability, and isolated network are discussed. This project is developed based on open sourced or free software to minimize the implementation cost. A dedicated repository that hosts our findings and deliverables is freely available online. This portable learning platform makes it possible to offer hands-on lab intensive curriculum online and to enhance research productivity on IAS.
Alcohol Use Disorders

Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are among the most prevalent mental disorders in the United States and elsewhere. Controversy exists regarding optimal classification of AUDs. Although observed across the lifespan, many ‘mature out’ of AUDs in young adulthood as they experience adult roles and personality maturation. Among etiological pathways to AUDs, foremost is a deviance proneness pathway shared by other externalizing disorders, with other pathways involving internalizing and individual differences in alcohol effects. All pathways likely involve genetic and environmental determinants. Numerous effective AUD prevention and treatment approaches exist, and basic research continues to further advances in behavior and drug treatments.
Cloning and Characterization of Aerobactin Biosynthesis Genes of the Biological Control Agent Enterobacter cloacae

Five strains of Enterobacter cloacae that are biological control agents of Pythium damping-off diseases produced the hydroxamate siderophore aerobactin under iron-limiting conditions. Genes determining aerobactin biosynthesis of the biocontrol strain E. cloacae EcCT-501 were localized to a 12.3-kb region, which conferred aerobactin production to Escherichia coli DH5α. The aerobactin biosynthesis genes of E. cloacae hybridized to those of the pColV-K30 plasmid of E. coli, but restriction patterns of the aerobactin regions of pColV-K30 and E. cloacae differed. A derivative strain with a deletion in the aerobactin biosynthesis locus was as effective as strain EcCT-501 in biological control of Pythium damping-off of cucumber. Thus, aerobactin production did not contribute significantly to the biological control activity of EcCT-501 under the conditions of this study.
An econometric analysis of retail gasoline prices in a border metropolitan economy

Previous studies show that a variety of different variables influence retail gasoline price fluctuations. In the case of El Paso, Texas, those variables would include wholesale gasoline prices, local economic conditions, weather, and, more uniquely, cross-border economic variables associated with Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, in Mexico. To analyze the contributions of these variables to monthly price movements for gasoline in El Paso, a theoretical model is specified. From the latter construct, a reduced-form equation is extracted. That specification is then expressed within an error correction framework to allow accounting for both long-run and short-run behaviors in this metropolitan economy. Results indicate that the border poses a fairly substantial barrier to normal trade and purchasing patterns for this product within this specific region.
An Index of the Ecological Impacts of Water Toxics Emitted to Freshwater Ecosystems

ABSTRACT We describe a composite freshwater Aquatic Toxicity Index (ATI) for chronic toxicity conditions that can be easily computed for a broad range of chemicals. The ATI expresses the potential toxic impact of chemicals on the ecosystem, scaling the potency of each chemical with respect to a reference compound (1,4 dichlorobenzene). It is based on a simple stochastic process model and a few inherent properties of each chemical, such as chronic toxicity, adsorption coefficient to sediments, and Henry's Law constant. Our goal is to provide a simple compartmental model for obtaining a rough quantitative assessment of the life-cycle environmental impact of life-cycle emissions inventory data. To illustrate the potential of our approach we compare the ATI index, for a small set of chemicals, with comparable measures of freshwater aquatic ecotoxicity potential and freshwater sediment ecotoxicity potential obtained by others using the European-based impact assessment tool USES-LCA, which is based on a more el...
4-Methylpyrazole decreases 1,4-butanediol toxicity by blocking its in vivo biotransformation to γ-hydroxybutyric acid

1,4-Butanediol (1,4-BD), a prodrug converted in vivo to gamma-hydroxybutyric acid by alcohol dehydrogenase, has resulted in life-threatening overdoses and deaths. We investigated whether 4-methylpyrazole (4-MP), an alcohol dehydrogenase antagonist, can be used as an antidote in a murine model of 1,4-BD overdose. CD-1 mice were overdosed with 1,4-BD, 600 mg/kg i.p. Mice then received 4-MP, 25 mg/kg i.p., or control injections after 1 min, 5 min, and symptom appearance. Mice were then evaluated for toxicity by the righting reflex and rotarod test every 10 min after intervention. When 4-MP was administered 1 and 5 min after 1,4-BD overdose, mice completely maintained their righting reflex. Conversely, control mice lost their righting reflex for 110 and 130 min, respectively (P < 0.05). When 4-MP was administered after symptomatic 1,4-BD overdose, mice lost their righting reflex but recovered it by 60 min. Conversely, control mice lost their righting reflex and recovered it by 140 min (P < 0.05). When 4-MP was administered at 1 min after 1,4-BD overdose, mice never failed the rotarod test. Conversely, control mice failed the rotarod test for 210 min (P < 0.05). When 4-MP was administered 5 min after 1,4-BD and after symptomatic 1,4-BD overdose, mice failed the rotarod test for 100 and 110 min, respectively. Conversely, control mice failed the rotarod test for 210 and 180 min, respectively (P < 0.05). In addition, treatment of mice with 4-MP significantly attenuated increases in blood gamma-hydroxybutyric acid concentrations and prevented loss of the righting reflex and failure of the rotarod test. In this murine model of 1,4-BD overdose, 4-MP conferred antidotal effects by inhibiting alcohol dehydrogenase-mediated biotransformation of 1,4-BD to gamma-hydroxybutyric acid.
Public Mis-Notification of Coastal Water Quality: A Probabilistic Evaluation of Posting Errors at Huntington Beach, California

Whenever measurements of fecal pollution in coastal bathing waters reach levels that might pose a significant health risk, warning signs are posted on public beaches in California. Analysis of historical shoreline monitoring data from Huntington Beach, southern California, reveals that protocols used to decide whether to post a sign are prone to error. Errors in public notification (referred to here as posting errors) originate from the variable character of pollutant concentrations in the ocean, the relatively infrequent sampling schedule adopted by most monitoring programs (daily to weekly), and the intrinsic error associated with binary advisories in which the public is either warned or not. In this paper, we derive a probabilistic framework for estimating posting error rates, which at Huntington Beach range from 0 to 41%, and show that relatively high sample-to-sample correlations (>0.4) are required to significantly reduce binary advisory posting errors. Public mis-notification of coastal water quali...
Cerebral ischemia and reperfusion: prevention of brain mitochondrial injury by lidoflazine.

Mitochondrial degradation is implicated in the irreversible cell damage that can occur during cerebral ischemia and reperfusion. In this study, the effects of 10 min of ventricular fibrillation and 100 min of spontaneous circulation on brain mitochondrial function was studied in dogs in the absence and presence of pretreatment with the Ca2+ antagonist lidoflazine. Twenty-three beagles were separated into four experimental groups: (i) nonischemic controls (ii) those undergoing 10-min ventricular fibrillation, (iii) those undergoing 10-min ventricular fibrillation pretreated with 1 mg/kg lidoflazine i.v., and (iv) those undergoing 10-min ventricular fibrillation followed by spontaneous circulation for 100 min. Brain mitochondria were isolated and tested for their ability to respire and accumulate calcium in a physiological test medium. There was a 35% decrease in the rate of phosphorylating respiration (ATP production) following 10 min of complete cerebral ischemia. Those animals pretreated with lidoflazine...
Benzothiophene piperazine and piperidine urea inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH).

The synthesis and structure–activity relationships (SAR) of a series of benzothiophene piperazine and piperidine urea FAAH inhibitors is described. These compounds inhibit FAAH by covalently modifying the enzyme’s active site serine nucleophile. Activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) revealed that these urea inhibitors were completely selective for FAAH relative to other mammalian serine hydrolases. Several compounds showed in vivo activity in a rat complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) model of inflammatory pain.
Defoliation Intensity Effects on Season-Long Dry Matter Distribution and Nutritive Value of Tall Fescue

Implementation of intensive grazing management requires knowledge about pasture growth rates and nutritive value throughout the grazing season. Such information is lacking because results from small-plot defoliation experiments generally focus on annual dry matter yields (DMYs) and season mean nutritive value. In this experiment, the influences of defoliation treatments on daily growth rate (DGR) and associated nutritive value of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) throughout the growing season were evaluated. A 3-yr study was conducted on a Typic Kanhapludult soil near Raleigh, NC. Eight defoliation treatments (31-, 15-, 10- and 8-cm canopy heights cut to a 5-cm stubble; 31-, 15-, and 11-cm canopy heights cut to a 9-cm stubble, and an 8-cm canopy height cut to a 4-cm stubble) were evaluated in a randomized complete block design. Daily growth rates (kg ha -1 ) were significantly (P ≤ 0.01) altered by defoliation treatments and by years within treatments. When rainfall was near normal in both spring and late summer, tall fescue growth rates, depending on defoliation treatment, ranged from 34 to 55 kg ha -1 d -1 in May, from 7 to 18 kg ha -1 d -1 in late July, to 22 to 35 kg ha -1 d -1 in late September. In less favorable years, DGRs seldom exceeded 30 kg ha -1 d -1 in the spring or 15 to 30 kg ha -1 d -1 in the autumn. Depending on defoliation treatments, in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) ranged between 650 and 733 g kg -1 in the spring, 479 and 687 g kg -1 in midsummer, and 549 and 807 g kg -1 by late summer. Crude protein (CP) and detergent fiber fraction concentrations were also examined. The approach used to estimate DGR and associated nutritive value changes throughout the growing season resulted in useful data that can be applied in developing intensive grazing management practices.
Resilient and Scalable Wireless Sensor Networks

Since wireless sensor networks contain large number of nodes, it is conceivable that nodes group together to perform tasks and form scale-free networks. The scale-free principles are evaluated with IEEE 802.15.4 MAC and ZigBee protocols. Two topologies, star and tree, are studied. Insights gained from the simulations show that orphaning affects the performance of the network, thus, compromising its resilience.