cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Based on Isolated Saliency or Causal Integration? Toward a Better Understanding of Human Annotation Process using Multiple Instance Learning and Sequential Probability Ratio Test.

Human perception is capable of integrating local events to generate an overall impression at the global level; this is evident in daily life and is utilized repeatedly in behavioral science studies to bring objective measures into studies of human behavior. In this work, we explore two hypotheses considering whether it is the isolated-saliency or the causal-integration of information that can trigger the global perceptual behavioral ratings as trained annotators engage in tasks of observational coding. We carry out analyses using Multiple Instance Learning and Sequential Probability Ratio Test in a corpus of real and spontaneous distressed couples’ interaction with global sessionlevel abstract behavioral coding done by trained human annotators. We present various analyses based on different behavioral detection schemes demonstrating the potential of utilizing these algorithms in bringing insights into the human annotation process. We further show that while annotating behaviors with more positive impression, annotators gather information throughout the session compared to behaviors with more negative impression, where a single salient instance is enough to trigger the final global decision.
Conditional ablation of neuroligin-1 in CA1 pyramidal neurons blocks LTP by a cell-autonomous NMDA receptor-independent mechanism

Neuroligins are postsynaptic cell-adhesion molecules implicated in autism and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Despite extensive work, the role of neuroligins in synapse function and plasticity, especially N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor (NMDAR)-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP), remains unclear. To establish which synaptic functions unequivocally require neuroligins, we analyzed single and triple conditional knockout (cKO) mice for all three major neuroligin isoforms (NL1-NL3). We inactivated neuroligins by stereotactic viral expression of Cre-recombinase in hippocampal CA1 region pyramidal neurons at postnatal day 0 (P0) or day 21 (P21) and measured synaptic function, synaptic plasticity and spine numbers in acute hippocampal slices 2-3 weeks later. Surprisingly, we find that ablation of neuroligins in newborn or juvenile mice only modestly impaired basal synaptic function in hippocampus and caused no alteration in postsynaptic spine numbers. However, triple cKO of NL1-NL3 or single cKO of NL1 impaired NMDAR-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents and abolished NMDAR-dependent LTP. Strikingly, the NL1 cKO also abolished LTP elicited by activation of L-type Ca2+-channels during blockade of NMDARs. These findings demonstrate that neuroligins are generally not essential for synapse formation in CA1 pyramidal neurons but shape synaptic properties and that NL1 specifically is required for LTP induced by postsynaptic Ca2+-elevations, a function which may contribute to the pathophysiological role of neuroligins in brain disorders.
Composite generalized Langevin equation for Brownian motion in different hydrodynamic and adhesion regimes

We present a composite generalized Langevin equation as a unified framework for bridging the hydrodynamic, Brownian, and adhesive spring forces associated with a nanoparticle at different positions from a wall, namely, a bulklike regime, a near-wall regime, and a lubrication regime. The particle velocity autocorrelation function dictates the dynamical interplay between the aforementioned forces, and our proposed methodology successfully captures the well-known hydrodynamic long-time tail with context-dependent scaling exponents and oscillatory behavior due to the binding interaction. Employing the reactive flux formalism, we analyze the effect of hydrodynamic variables on the particle trajectory and characterize the transient kinetics of a particle crossing a predefined milestone. The results suggest that both wall-hydrodynamic interactions and adhesion strength impact the particle kinetics.
Fronteras No Mas: Toward Social Justice at the U.S.-Mexico Border

Introduction Historical Background and Comparative Border Perspectives Policy/Issue Areas Labor and Employment Immigration Human Rights Business and Commerce Environment and Health Conclusions and Future Blueprints
Analyses of material-tissue interfaces by Fourier transform infrared, Raman spectroscopy, and chemometrics

Abstract To date, questions regarding dentin-adhesive bonding under “wet” conditions have generally been investigated by means of bond strength studies in combination with morphologic analyses. Although these techniques allow us to compare products, they provide little information on the chemistry of the adhesive/dentin (a/d) interface. For example, bond strength studies do not provide information relevant to polymerization, ie, degree of monomer/polymer conversion and polymerization kinetics. Bond strength studies offer limited understanding regarding parameters such as the distribution of adhesive throughout the “wet” demineralized dentin, amount of mineral removed due to acid etching, and the distribution of mineral, collagen and adhesive at the interface. Morphologic analyses provide detailed high-resolution images of the a/d interface, but they offer limited understanding of the molecular-level interfacial chemistry. Vibrational spectroscopic techniques have been proved to be well suited for molecular-level characterization of adhesive resins, collagen, and minerals. When coupled with multivariate data analysis, the spectroscopic data can facilitate straightforward and efficient physicochemical property characterization for complex systems. This chapter will briefly introduce the vibrational spectroscopic techniques developed in our laboratory for in situ structure/property analysis of the a/d interface in composite restorations. We will illustrate the application of these techniques using four case studies. The topics to be covered include some general background on the a/d interface and the two types of spectroscopy (Fourier transform infrared and Raman), as well as an examination of factors that must be considered when preparing specimens for spectroscopic analysis. We provide examples from our laboratory to illustrate protocol development for spectroscopic analysis of the material/tissue interfacial chemistry.
Relations Between Residential Proximity to EPA-Designated Toxic Release Sites and Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Incidence.

Objectives Examining the spatial patterns of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) incidence and residential proximity to toxic release locations may provide insight regarding environmental and sociodemographic risk factors. Methods We linked and geocoded cancer incidence data for the period 1999-2008 from the Georgia Comprehensive Cancer Registry with population data from the US Census and the Environmental Protection Agency's Toxics Release Inventory. We conducted cluster analyses and constructed Poisson regression models to assess DLBCL incidence as a function of mean distance to the toxic release sites. Results In total, 3851 incident DLBCL cases occurred among adults residing in Georgia between 1999 and 2008. Significant focal clustering was observed around 57% of ethylene oxide sites, 5% of benzene sites, 9% of tetrachloroethylene sites, 7% of styrene sites, 10% of formaldehyde sites, 5% of trichloroethylene sites, and 10% of all release sites. Mean distance to sites was significantly associated with DLBCL risk for all chemicals. Conclusions Proximity to Toxics Release Inventory sites can be linked to increased DLBCL risk as assessed through focal clustering and Poisson regression, and confirmatory studies using geospatial mapping can aid in further specifying risk factors for DLBCL.
A novel catheter-guidance algorithm for localization of atrial fibrillation rotor and focal sources

Locating atrial fibrillation (AF) focal and rotor sources can help improve target ablation therapy for AF. However, it remains unclear how to use the information provided by multi-polar diagnostic catheters (MPDC) to locate AF sources. Our aim was to develop a catheter-guidance algorithm to locate AF focal and rotor sources using a conventional MPDC. We simulated a 10 cm × 10 cm atrial tissue with focal and rotor sources using the Nygren et al. ionic model. We modeled a Lasso MPDC with 20-unipole electrodes placed with a spacing of 4.5–1–4.5 mm (diameter, d=15 mm) along a circle to obtain 10-bipole electrograms. Staring from an initial location, the algorithm, which was blinded to the location and type of the AF source, iteratively advanced the MPDC by moving its center to the location of the first activated bipole (FAB). The algorithm located an AF source if a stopping condition for either source was satisfied using bipole electrogram characteristics extracted from the MPDC placement. We tested the algorithm for a single rotor and focal source for all possible initial positions on the simulated tissue and repeated it for a random placement with a maximum of 20 possible placements at every trial. The algorithm located the AF source for 100% of trials and on average required 5.99 ± 1.92 placements to an AF source. This algorithm may be used to iteratively direct an MPDC towards an AF source and allow the AF source to be localized for customized AF ablation.
Multi-resolution model of an industrial hydrogen plant for plantwide operational optimization with non-uniform steam-methane reformer temperature field

Abstract Hydrogen is consumed in large quantities in the chemical industry. The most common industrial process for hydrogen production is steam-methane reforming, which is carried out using an energy-intensive furnace. The plant energy efficiency depends strongly on the spatial temperature distribution within the furnace; the narrower the distribution, the higher the efficiency that can be achieved. However, currently available studies on plantwide optimization of hydrogen plants ignore this crucial aspect. Adequate resolution of the spatial temperature distribution is necessary to determine the furnace operating temperature, which, in turn, determines the plant efficiency. In this work, a multi-resolution model of a hydrogen plant is developed. It includes a high-resolution model of the furnace, and low-resolution models, adequate for the purpose of plantwide optimization, of other unit operations. The developed model is used to determine the optimal process conditions after furnace temperature homogenization as part of a plant start-up or setpoint changeover procedure.
After Five Years of the CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau)

The fall of 2008 a financial crisis of a scale not seen in generations left millions of Americans unemployed and resulted in trillions in lost Wealth. The broken financial regulatory system was a principal cause of that crisis. It was antiquated and allowed large parts of the financial systems to operate with no oversight which it allowed some irresponsible lenders to use hidden fees and fine print to take advantage of under privilege consumers. To make sure that a crisis like this never happens again, President Obama signed the Consumer Protection Act and Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform in to law. Dodd-frank will prevent the excessive risk taking that led to the Financial Crisis, the law provides common sense protections for under privilege consumers, creating a new consumer watchdog to prevent mortgage companies and banks from exploiting consumers. These new rules have build a safer, more stable financial system, one that provides a robust foundation for lasting economic growth and job creation. HOLDING WALL STREET ACCOUNTABLE - The financial crisis was the result of a fundamental failure from Wall Street to Washington. Some on Wall Street took irresponsible risks that they did not fully understand and Washington did not have the authority to properly monitor risk taking at the largest firms. When the crisis hit, they did not have the tools to break to break apart a failing financial firm without putting the American Taxpayer and the entire financial system at risk. Financial Reform includes a number of provisions that will curb excessive risk taking and hold Wall Street accountable. Taxpayers will not have to bear the cost of Wall Street’s irresponsibility: if a firm fails in the future it will be Wall Street not the taxpayers that pays the price. THE VOLCKER RULE - Separates the proprietary trading from the business of banking and will ensure that banks are no longer allowed to own, invest, or sponsor hedge funds, private equity funds, or proprietary trading operations for their own profit, unrelated to serving their customers. Responsible trading is a good thing for the markets and the economy, but Firms should not be allowed to run hedge funds and private equity funds while running a Bank. Reform will constrain the growth of the largest financial firms ending bailouts and restrict the riskiest financial activities and create a mechanism for the government to shut down failing financial companies without precipitating a financial panic that leaves taxpayers and small businesses in to Bankruptcy.
Fighting and Escape Reaction in Paired Rats

Electric foot-shock was presented to paired rats confined in a start box. At the termination of the 100th shock, one side of the start box was removed and a runway exposed. Running responses by one or both animals to a safe-plate at the opposite end of the runway terminated grid shock. To test the effects of individual escape training prior to pairing, some Ss received individual escape training before being paired. All members of two pairs, one member of a third pair, and neither member of the fourth pair received individual training prior to pairing. Pairing of Ss receiving individual escape training had temporary disrupting effects on the efficiency of escape responding. When the safe-plate was also electrified, escape latencies increased. Fight probabilities were highest while paired Ss were confined in the start box, lower when Ss were allowed more floor area but prevented an effective means of terminating shock, and lowest when Ss were allowed an effective means of escape.
Revenue Sharing and Channel Structure in the Motion Picture Industry

One of the most striking features of movie business is the apparent difference in the contract design over new product introduction. Due to shelf capacity constraints retailers typically receive a higher slotting fee during the initial product introduction phase. In the movie industry, however, theaters offer studios higher proportion of revenues early on in the movie life cycle, even though theaters are also subject to capacity constraints. We argue that the unusual sharing contracts prevalent in the movie industry align the interests of movie studios and exhibitors by inducing studios to choose release dates strategically. We consider a model with multiple risk-neutral studios and one risk-neutral exhibitor. The demand for movies comes from a continuum of homogeneous consumers with a logit demand, which allows for the outside option, whose quality varies over time (seasonality). Because consumers rarely watch the same movie more than ones, we assume that consumers never consider movies they have previously seen. We show that if movie closing date is unaffected by the release, a studio facing a flat sharing rule wishes to release its movie as soon as the movie production is over. For a movie theater, however, the optimal release date is a solution to a complex problem of allocating multiple movies to a limited number of screens in rooms with fixed capacity. Moreover, theaters may care more about concession stand revenue than box office revenue. Our numerical simulations illustrate that sliding-scale sharing rules are a natural candidate for inducing studios to choose their release date in a manner that is more beneficial for the exhibitor. This result is intuitive: for studios, sliding-scale rules stress the revenues of the first week. Thus, the objective becomes to have a strong opening week, postpone their release dates may become beneficial. Our model also offers an insight into why theaters charge the same price for all movies in all seasons. When concession stand revenues are important, the exhibitor wishes to charge a low ticket price in order to increase the overall traffic. Studios, however, prefer a higher price that maximizes the box office revenue. This conflict can be resolved if the exhibitor commits to a fixed ticket price.
Barber-led sexual health education intervention for Black male adolescents and their fathers.

Objective To explore barbers' attitudes and beliefs regarding the feasibility and acceptability of a barber- led STI/HIV risk reduction intervention for fathers and their preadolescent and adolescent sons. Design and Sample A qualitative descriptive design was used. Twenty-two barbers were recruited from barbershops and a barber school in central North Carolina. Measures A combination of five focus groups and two key informant interviews were conducted. Results The following themes were generated: (1) The barbershop was embraced as a venue for an adolescent sexual health father–son intervention, (2) Barbers desired more information about STIs and HIV among Black male youth, (3) The use of incentives to engage barbers and fathers was important, and (4) Time commitment of barbers for a barber-led intervention varied. Conclusion The trust established between barbers and the Black community presents an opportunity for pre-adolescent and adolescent STI/HIV risk reduction programs that include the role of fathers. Intervention programs can be tailored to address this important intervention opportunity.
One Year Follow-up of Outcomes from the Randomized Clinical Trial of the Building on Family Strengths Program

Objectives Test the 12-month efficacy of an inclusive non-diagnosis-specific, parent education program with seven in-person sessions. Methods Parents of 110 children, 2–11 years old, with a variety of special health care conditions, were recruited to participate in a randomized clinical trial. At twelve months data from 104 parents were available for longitudinal analysis. Linear mixed models, with the interaction term of group by time, were used to assess the efficacy of the intervention over 12 months using data from 3 time points: baseline, 6 and 12 months. The outcome measures were self-efficacy, parent and child shared management of chronic condition, coping skills, parental depressive symptoms and quality of life. Results All of the outcomes improved within the intervention group over 12 months. Self-efficacy was the strongest outcome which remained significantly different from the control group 12 months post intervention, without any statistical adjustment (p = 0.045). The coefficient of the interaction term for study group (intervention or control) by time, quantifying the intervention effect, was statistically significant for four of five pre-specified study outcomes, favorably so toward the intervention group (p < 0.05, with the 5th outcome, parental depression, p = 0.052). Conclusions for Practice The Building on Family Strengths intervention was efficacious in improving self-efficacy, shared management, coping skills, and quality of life and decreasing depressive symptoms in parents, in particular for parents who were most impacted by the lack of these strengths and skills at baseline. These results are encouraging and future studies to investigate the efficacy of this intervention in an Internet-based setting or other modalities are encouraged.
Neurotransmitter Plasticity in the Juxtaglomerular Cells of the Olfactory Bulb

The existence of trophic interactions between neurons both in adults and during development had been established by a number of investigators using a variety of experimental paradigms and neuronal systems. For example, the catecholamine neurons of the superior cervical ganglion exhibit developmental anomalies following decentralization (deafferentation) (Black et al., 1971). In addition, the levels of the catecholamine synthesizing enzymes in both the adult superior cervical ganglion and adrenal were altered by changes in presynaptic input and/or activity (Thoenen, 1974). Recent experiments of the author and others also suggested that such interactions might occur between olfactory receptor neurons and their targets in the olfactory bulb. A number of approaches, briefly outlined here and described in more detail in the discussion that follows, have been utilized to study these interactions. Lesions, including both chemical and surgical destruction of the olfactory epithelium and nerves, as well as neonatal closure of the nares produced alterations in catecholamine and/or substance P expression in the olfactory bulb (Margolis et al., 1974; Harding et al, 1978; Nadi et al, 1981; Kawano and Margolis, 1982; Baker et al, 1983b, 1984; Kream et al, 1984; and Brunjes et al, 1984). Developmental studies suggested that transmitter expression in bulbar neurons coincided with the time some received receptor cell input (Specht et al, 1981). In addition the expression of olfactory marker protein (Margolis, 1978), a molecule specific to olfactory receptor cells, was temporally correlated with the arrival of receptor cell axons in the olfactory bulb and at least partially dependent on interactions with the bulb (Farbman and Margolis, 1980; Chuah and Farbman, 1983).
Nanoalginates via Inverse-Micelle Synthesis: Doxorubicin-Encapsulation and Breast Cancer Cytotoxicity

Crosslinked-biopolymer nanoparticles provide a convenient platform for therapeutic encapsulation and delivery. Here, we present a robust inverse-micelle process to load water-soluble drugs into a calcium-crosslinked alginate matrix. The utility of the resulting nanoalginate (NALG) carriers was assessed by a doxorubicin (DOX) formulation (NALG-DOX) and evaluating its potency on breast cancer cells (4T1). This facile synthesis process produced doxorubicin-containing particles of ~ 83 nm by hydrodynamic size and zeta potential ~ 7.2 mV. The cyclohexane/dodecylamine microemulsion yielded uniform and spherical nanoparticles as observed by electron microscopy. The uptake of the drug from the NALG-DOX formulation in 4T1 cells was observed by fluorescence microscopy employing doxorubicin’s inherent fluorescence. Therapeutic efficacy of the NALG-DOX against 4T1 cells was demonstrated qualitatively through a LIVE/DEAD fluorescence assay and quantitatively via cell viability assay (Alamar Blue). In addition, IC50 values were determined, with encapsulated doxorubicin having a slightly higher value. No toxicity of the empty NALG carrier was observed. Overall, these results demonstrate the utility of this synthesis process for encapsulation of hydrophilic therapeutics and NALG to function as a drug carrier.
Monolithically integrated CdTe/InSb visible/midwave-infrared two-color photodetectors

Abstract This paper reports on the demonstration of two-terminal, two-color (visible/midwave-infrared, MWIR) photodetectors (2CPDs) consisting of monolithically-integrated CdTe nBn and InSb PN sub-detectors connected by an n-CdTe/p-InSb heterovalent tunnel junction grown on lattice-matched InSb substrates. The 2CPD can be switched between MWIR (1.5–5.5 μm with a peak responsivity of 0.75 A/W at 77 K) and visible (350–780 nm with a peak responsivity of 0.3 A/W) detection bands by applying different optical and electrical biases. Band rejection ratios of 18 dB and 52 dB, and spectral cross-talks of 40 dB and 31 dB are achieved for the visible and the MWIR bands, respectively. This 2CPD can be potentially used for visible/MWIR two-color focal plane arrays with optimal fill-factors and zero spatial offset between the visible and MWIR imaging channels.
Fourier Analysis Methods

Fourier analysis is based on the idea that a function defined on a finite interval can be expanded in a series of cosine or sine functions. In the context of numerical simulation of the shallow water equations, Fourier analysis is used to study the ability of various numerical schemes to accurately simulate waves of different wave lengths. Fourier analysis is typically applied to the linearized form of the shallow water equations (2.37) to (2.40). Linearization uncouples the different wave lengths from one another and allows the study of only one wave length at a time. This method provides stability criteria and an accuracy measure for the amplitude and phase characteristics of each wave length. The technique to obtain the two latter is outlined in Section 3.2. These amplitude and phase portraits have also been used to predict the ability of a scheme to suppress node-to-node oscillations. This is more thoroughly discussed in Chapter 7. The method has mostly been used on uniform one-dimensional meshes, although some applications to uniform, orthogonal two-dimensional meshes exist (Sobey, 1970; Kinnmark and Gray, 1984a). The method is however more general. It can be applied to the case of meshes with variable node-spacing, especially useful for finite element approximations, and for the case of variable parameters.
Post-traumatic stress disorder and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy among military women.

BACKGROUND Women are more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than men. Limited research exists evaluating the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) among military women with PTSD. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study using US Department of Defense (DoD) data comprised of all active-duty women giving birth to their first, liveborn singleton infant using DoD-sponsored health insurance from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2008 (n = 34 176). Birth hospitalisation records, maternal mental health visits, and Post-Deployment Health Assessment (PDHA) and Reassessment (PDHRA) screenings were included. The HDP outcome (yes vs no) was defined using ICD-9-CM codes in the maternal birth hospitalisation record. Women fit into one of four PTSD exposure categories (confirmed, probable, possible, none). Confirmed cases had a PTSD ICD-9-CM diagnosis code. Probable/possible cases were classified using PDHA screening items. We used multiple log-linear regression to assess PTSD (confirmed, any vs none) and the risk of HDP overall, and then explored effect modification by military service and demographic variables. We assessed the risk of HDP among deployed mothers with PTSD (confirmed, probable/possible vs none) who completed a PDHA, and explored effect modification by race/ethnicity. We also assessed risk of HDP with differing PTSD lead times. RESULTS Overall, PTSD was not associated with HDP except among mothers whose PTSD was diagnosed ≥1 year prior to conception (RR 1.42, 95% CI 1.06, 1.90). CONCLUSIONS Post-traumatic stress disorder preceding conception by at least a year appeared to confer an increased risk of HDP, but further research is needed using more thorough PTSD assessment.
Space Weather: The Effects of Host Star Flares on Exoplanets

Exoplanets have intimate relationships with their host stars as the Earth does with its host star. While the Earth’s environment produced by the Sun is usually benign, exoplanets located close to their host stars, especially active M dwarfs, must suffer through powerful flares, stellar winds, CMEs, and very high energy radiation. The environment in which exoplanets must live is now called “stellar space weather” in analogy with the extensively monitored “space weather” that is the environment of the Earth. In this chapter I describe flares and superflares on the Sun and stars and how repeated flares destroy O3 in the atmospheres of exoplanets possibly leading to the sterilization of their surfaces and loss of habitability.
Saline-Water Intrusion Management

Saline-water intrusion is the induced flow of saline or brackish water into freshwater aquifers. In coastal areas, horizontal saline-water intrusion involves the landward migration of the roughly wedge-shaped interface between saline and fresh groundwater. Vertical saline-water intrusion (referred to as up-coning) is the upward migration of more saline water into freshwater aquifers or aquifer zones. Horizontal and vertical saline-water intrusion are commonly caused by excessive groundwater extractions lowering the head (pressure) in a freshwater-containing area of an aquifer, inducing the flow of the saline water toward the pumped area. Increases in groundwater salinity (i.e., salinization) in coastal areas may have causes other than vertical and horizontal saline-water intrusion. Therefore, it is important to first ascertain the actual cause(s) of observed salinity increases. Saline-water intrusion can be managed using three basic strategies, reduce or eliminate the causes of intrusion (i.e., restore the local water balance), creating a hydraulic barrier at or near the freshwater/saline-water interface, or construction of a physical barrier.
Update on the current modalities used to screen high risk youth for prediabetes and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The modalities currently employed to screen for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)/prediabetes are HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and 2-hour plasma glucose (PG) during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The purpose of this review is to highlight the positive qualities and pitfalls of these diagnostic modalities and reflect on the most reasonable and effective approach to screen high risk youth. Given its inherent preanalytical advantages, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) continues to be the preferred diagnostic modality used by pediatricians to screen high risk youth. However, when the three aforementioned tests are performed in youths of different races/ethnicities, discrepant results for T2DM/prediabetes are observed. The prevalence rates for T2DM vary from 0.53% in Chinese youth (including youth of all body mass indexes) to 18.3% in high-risk, overweight, obese Korean youth. Moreover, the FPG is abnormal (>100 less than <126 mg/dL) in 15% of Korean youth versus 8.7% of Chinese youth. The prevalence rates for prediabetes are 1.49% in Chinese youth versus 21% in Emirati youth (HbA1c, 5.7%-6.4%). The coefficient of agreement, k, between these screening tests for T2DM are fair, 0.45-0.5 across all youth. However, using HbA1c as a comparator, the agreement is weak with FPG (k=0.18 in German youth versus k=0.396 in Korean youth). The American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standards of Medical Care Guidelines define "high risk youth" who need to be tested for T2DM and/or prediabetes. OGTT and HbA1c do not always detect T2DM in similar individuals. HbA1c may not be an ideal test for screening Hispanic and African American youth. FPG and OGTT are suitable screening tests for youth of ethnic minorities and those with cystic fibrosis or hemoglobinopathies. Performing all three tests either together or sequentially may be the only way to encompass all youth who have aberrations in different aspects of glucose homeostasis.
Tracking organizations in the world: The Correlates of War IGO Version 3.0 datasets:

This article summarizes the Correlates of War Intergovernmental Organizations (IGO) Version 3.0 datasets. The new datasets include information about the population of IGOs in the international syst...
Frequency of Contact and Explanations for Increased Contact between Grandchildren and Their Grandparents during the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study examined grandparent-grandchild contact during the COVID-19 pandemic using principles of Intergenerational Solidarity Theory as a framework. Young adults (N= 165) completed an online sur...
“A new understanding and appreciation for the marvel of growing things”: exploring the college farm’s contribution to transformative learning

Campus farms and gardens can play a vital role in offering experiential and transformative learning opportunities for students in higher education. Many faculty believe that experiential education ...
Risk of aspiration pneumonia in paediatric patients with dysphagia who were found to have laryngeal penetration on the instrumental swallow evaluation: a systematic review protocol.

Introduction Dysphagia affects several children in USA and around the globe. Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS) and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) are the most objective studies to define swallowing function. The presence of tracheal aspiration during VFSS or FEES in children with dysphagia is associated with an increased risk of aspiration pneumonia. However, the association of laryngeal penetration with aspiration pneumonia remains unclear. This systematic review aims to assess the risk of aspiration pneumonia in children with dysphagia with laryngeal penetration on VFSS/FEES and compare it with children with tracheal aspiration and children with neither tracheal aspiration nor laryngeal penetration. Methods and analysis This study will be a systematic review and meta-analysis. Systematic electronic searches will be conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINHAL, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, LILACS and WHO Global Index Medicus. We will include studies published through 6 October 2021. Primary outcome will be the incidence of aspiration pneumonia. Secondary outcomes will be incidence of hospitalisation, paediatric intensive care unit admission, enteral tube requirement, growth, symptoms improvement and mortality. The Cochrane Risk of Bias In Non-Randomised Studies of Interventions tool will be used to assess the risk of bias. Meta-analysis will be used to pool the studies. We will pool dichotomous outcomes to obtain an odd ratio (OR) and report with 95% CI. Continuous outcomes will be pooled to obtain mean difference and reported with 95% CI. Overall grade of evidence will be assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria, and findings will be presented in a summary of findings table. Ethics and dissemination This study is a systematic review without contact with patients. Therefore, IRB approval is not required. Authors consent to publishing this review. Data will be kept for review by editors and peer reviewers. Data will be available to general public on request. PROSPERO registration number CRD42020222145.
Dopamine pharmacokinetics in critically ill newborn infants.

Dopamine is frequently used in critically ill newborn infants for treatment of shock and cardiac failure, but its pharmacokinetics has not been evaluated using a specific analytical method. Steady-state arterial plasma concentrations of dopamine were measured in 11 seriously ill infants receiving dopamine infusion, 5–20 μg · kg−1 · min−1, for presumed or proven sepsis and hypotensive shock.
The compact classifier system: scalability analysis and first results

This paper presents an analysis of how maximally general and accurate rules can be evolved in a Pittsburgh-style classifier system. In order to be able to perform such an analysis we introduce a simple bare-bones Pittsburgh-style classifier systems - the compact classifier system (CCS) - based on estimation of distribution algorithms. Using a common rule encoding schemes of Pittsburgh-style classifier systems, CCS maintains a dynamic set of probability vectors that compactly describe a rule set. The compact genetic algorithm is used to evolve each of the initially perturbated probability vectors. Results show how CCS is able to evolve in a compact, simple, and elegant manner rule sets composed by maximally general and accurate rules. The initial theoretical analysis and results also show that traditional encoding schemes used by Pittsburgh-style classifiers add an extra facet of difficulty. Such a bias plays a central role on the overall performance and scalability of CCS and other Pittsburgh-style systems using such encoding schemes
Proofs that Really Count: The Art of Combinatorial Proof

1. Fibonacci identities 2. Lucas identities 3. Gibonacci identities 4. Linear recurrences 5. Continued fractions 6. Binomial identities 7. Alternating sign binomial identities 8. Harmonic numbers and Stirling numbers 9. Number theory 10. Advanced Fibonacci and Lucas identities.
Optimum CombiningA Diversity Technique for Communication over Fading Channels in the Presence of Interference

In this chapter we bring together our analytical results under a single roof by applying the unifying framework of the moment generalizing function (MGF) approach discussed in previous chapters of this book. To illustrate the approach, we shall first treat the simple case of a single co-channel interferer impinging on an L -element antenna array. As we shall see there are, in principle, two approaches (one exact and one approximate) that can be taken to evaluate the average BEP for this scenario.
From Servants to Secretaries: The Occupations of African-American Women, 1940-1980

This paper examines changes in the occupations of African-American women during the period 1940-1980 using U.S. Census samples, with an emphasis on the breakthrough of black women into clerical work. In contrast with some previous studies, my results indicate that increased educational attainment played a significant role in opening black opportunities for clerical jobs. But changes in education still explain less than half of the overall increase in probability of a clerical job, suggesting that declining discrimination may also have been important. Employing an illustrative tipping model of endogenous discrimination, the paper argues that a range of historical forces might have tipped the labor market toward an equilibrium with less employment discrimination. Some preliminary evidence suggests a potential role for public employment and the educational qualifications of the black labor pool.
EHWPack: a parallel software/hardware environment for evolvable hardware

This paper describes the EHWPack development system, a multi-tasking parallel software tool that performs the evolutionary synthesis of electronic circuits, using the SPICE simulator and the Field Programmable Transistor Array hardware (FPTA) developed at JPL (Stoica, 1999). EHWPack integrates free and commercial software packages such as PGAPack for the evolutionary algorithm, Spice 3F5 for the circuit evaluation, Tcl-Tk for the graphic interface, and LabView for the hardware evaluation. The paper investigates the performance of the tool in two typical problems of EHW: evolutionary synthesis of a Gaussian computational function and the evolution of a band-pass filter.
Introduction to Plant Genetic Modification: Transgenes and Transformation

This chapter provides an overview of the subject of plant genetic modification: transgenes and transformation. Keywords: isolation; characterisation; molecular marker assisted breeding; genomics
Impact of Chemical Weed Control on Farm Management Practices

Publisher Summary Chemical weed control is having a far-reaching impact on all phases of crop production. New chemical, cultural, mechanical, biological, and combination methods of weed control affect crop choice; the variety to use; seedbed preparation; method of seeding; seeding rates; row spacing; plant spacing in the row; plant populations; fertilizer practices including type, time of application, and placement; cultivation; irrigation practices; harvesting; seed-cleaning operations; erosion control; fallow practices for weed control; disease and insect control practices; pasture renovation; pasture and range management; clearing new lands for crops or pasture; forest management; the utilization of farm water resources for irrigation and recreation; and the maintenance of drainage ditches, ditchbanks, irrigation canals, and farm roadsides.
Multifunctional Load-Bearing Energy Storage Materials

This paper demonstrates our progress on the development of dual function energy storage and structural materials. Such materials require a mechanically robust interface that exists between a conventional bulk material and a nano- or microstructured material that serve to both reinforce a polymer composite and store charge. Our work demonstrates that porous silicon materials, which are etched directly on-wafer, are promising candidates to explore the proof-of-concept of this unique multifunctional device platform. We demonstrate a testing approach that combines an assessment of mechanical properties and electrochemical supercapacitor charge transport properties in real-time, enabling understanding of the mechanical-electrochemical coupling in energy storage structural materials. Our work gives promise to the development of a broad range of energy storage materials that can be dually utilized for load-bearing structural composites in many technological platforms.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Protective and Detrimental Roles for Regulatory T Cells in a Viral Model for Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) has been proposed to be an immune-mediated disease in the central nervous system (CNS) that can be triggered by virus infections. In Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) infection, during the first week (acute stage), mice develop polioencephalomyelitis. After 3 weeks (chronic stage), mice develop immune-mediated demyelination with virus persistence, which has been used as a viral model for MS. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) can suppress inflammation, and have been suggested to be protective in immune-mediated diseases, including MS. However, in virus-induced inflammatory demyelination, although Tregs can suppress inflammation, preventing immune-mediated pathology, Tregs may also suppress anti-viral immune responses, leading to more active viral replication and/or persistence. To determine the role and potential translational usage of Tregs in MS, we treated TMEV-infected mice with ex vivo-generated induced Tregs (iTregs) on day 0 (early) or during the chronic stage (therapeutic). Early treatment worsened clinical signs during acute disease. The exacerbation of acute disease was associated with increased virus titers and decreased immune cell recruitment in the CNS. Therapeutic iTreg treatment reduced inflammatory demyelination during chronic disease. Immunologically, iTreg treatment increased interleukin-10 production from B cells, CD4+ T cells, and dendritic cells, which may contribute to the decreased CNS inflammation.
Initiative to establish Research Data Alliance moves forward

With the amount of scientific data being gathered growing exponentially—due to the increasing number of sensor networks, scientific instruments, computer models, and other tools—there are enormous scientific opportunities but also significant challenges, including how to effectively share research data within and across scientific communities. A 29 August symposium on global scientific data infrastructures, sponsored by the National Academy of Sciences' Board on Research Data and Information (BRDI), addressed this issue while focusing on a new initiative to establish a Research Data Alliance (RDA). The alliance already has received about $3 million in funding from two U.S. agencies—the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology—the Australian government, and the European Union to move forward with funding a handful of nongovernmental structures (NGS) to work on the initiative, according to Alan Blatecky, director of the NSF's Office of Cyberinfrastructure. The initiative—which he said would include a council, plenary, secretariat, NGSs, and working groups—is on a fast track, with the first NGS meeting planned for 2–3 October in Washington, D. C., and the first meeting of the RDA scheduled for March 2013 in Europe.
Cellular phosphorylation of 2',3'-dideoxyadenosine-5'-monophosphate, a key intermediate in the activation of the antiviral agent DDI, in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Abstract 2′,3′-dideoxyadenosine 5-monophosphate (ddAMP), is a key intermediate in the metabolism of the antiviral agent 2′,3′-dideoxyinosine (ddI) to its active triphosphate derivative, 2′,3′-dideoxyadenosine-5′-triphosphate (ddATP). The potential role of adenylate kinase in the phosphorylation of ddAMP was studied in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and a human T cell line, CEMss. Subcellular distribution, sulfhydryl inhibitor, and substrate specificity studies support the hypothesis that the mitochondrial adenylate kinase (AK2) is a major route of cellular activation of these compounds in human lymphocytes.
Non-neutral Plasma Confinement in Toroidal Geometry

Studying non-neutral plasma is a long and established field however the majority of these studies utilized cylindrical traps. The newly constructed Lawrence Non-Neutral Torus (LNT) II apparatus will study non-neutral plasmas in toroidal geometry. The LNT II features an improved toroidal magnetic field magnitude (~1 kG) and base vacuum pressure (<10−9Torr) from the previous apparatus. A segmented Au-plated Al electrode shell contributes to the reduction in field asymmetries and enables enhanced diagnostics. Additionally, the electron source is located on a retractable bellows for study of confinement dynamics in a complete torus. Confinement times on the order of 1 second would represent more than an order of magnitude improvement over measurements made with the previous apparatus.
Neutron irradiation effects on the mechanical properties of organic composite materials

Neutron irradiations with low γ-ray flux in the Intense Pulsed Neutron Source were carried out on four kinds of cloth-filled organic composites (filler: E-glass or carbon fiber; matrix: epoxy or polyimide resin) and a unidirectional alumina fiber/epoxy composite. These composites were examined with regard to the mechanical properties at room temperature. Following irradiation at room temperature, the Young's (tensile) modulus of these composites remains practically unchanged up to a total neutron fluence of 5.0 × 1018 n/cm2 (1.4 × 1018 n/cm2 for E > 0.1 MeV). The shear modulus and the ultimate strength, on the other hand, decrease significantly at this neutron fluence for the glass/epoxy and glass/polyimide composites, whereas for the other composites both properties do not degrade. This result is most likely ascribed to the radiation damage at fiber/matrix interface due to recoil particles produced by a 10B(n,α)7 Li reaction in the boron-containing E-glass fibers. Only for the E-glass fiber composites, in fact, the fracture propagation energy is appreciably increased by irradiation, while for the other composites the propagation energy is scarcely changed, thus confirming the significant contribution due to the 10B reaction. As to the 5 K irradiation, degradation of the present composites was not observed up to a total neutron fluence of 1.0 × 1018 n/cm2 (7.0 × 1017 n/cm2 for E > 0.1 MeV) when tested at room temperature.
Early Detection and Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Disease in Pregnant Adolescents of Low Socioeconomic Status

This study evaluated the prevalence of sexually transmitted disease (STD) in adolescents presenting to a primary pediatric care clinic (PPCC) for the diagnosis of pregnancy and our ability to eradicate identified infections. We followed 168 pregnant adolescents of low socioeconomic status from their original pregnancy diagnosis until their first prenatal clinic visit. We collected screening cervical cultures for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis by completing a pelvic examination on 91 patients at our PPCC. At the PPCC visit, 29% were positive for gonorrhea, chlamydia, or both. Screening tests for these infections were collected on all patients at the initial prenatal clinic visit. The risk for presenting to the prenatal clinic with a STD was significantly greater in patients not screened and treated for STD at the PPCC. Average delay from diagnosis to first prenatal clinic visit was 35.7 days. Thus, in this adolescent population, primary care providers are missing an important therapeutic opportunity by failing to identify and treat STD at initial diagnosis of pregnancy.