cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Solving a Hamiltonian Path Problem with a bacterial computer

The Hamiltonian Path Problem asks whether there is a route in a directed graph from a beginning node to an ending node, visiting each node exactly once. The Hamiltonian Path Problem is NP complete, achieving surprising computational complexity with modest increases in size. This challenge has inspired researchers to broaden the definition of a computer. DNA computers have been developed that solve NP complete problems. Bacterial computers can be programmed by constructing genetic circuits to execute an algorithm that is responsive to the environment and whose result can be observed. Each bacterium can examine a solution to a mathematical problem and billions of them can explore billions of possible solutions. Bacterial computers can be automated, made responsive to selection, and reproduce themselves so that more processing capacity is applied to problems over time. We programmed bacteria with a genetic circuit that enables them to evaluate all possible paths in a directed graph in order to find a Hamiltonian path. We encoded a three node directed graph as DNA segments that were autonomously shuffled randomly inside bacteria by a Hin/hixC recombination system we previously adapted from Salmonella typhimurium for use in Escherichia coli. We represented nodes in the graph as linked halves of two different genes encoding red or green fluorescent proteins. Bacterial populations displayed phenotypes that reflected random ordering of edges in the graph. Individual bacterial clones that found a Hamiltonian path reported their success by fluorescing both red and green, resulting in yellow colonies. We used DNA sequencing to verify that the yellow phenotype resulted from genotypes that represented Hamiltonian path solutions, demonstrating that our bacterial computer functioned as expected. We successfully designed, constructed, and tested a bacterial computer capable of finding a Hamiltonian path in a three node directed graph. This proof-of-concept experiment demonstrates that bacterial computing is a new way to address NP-complete problems using the inherent advantages of genetic systems. The results of our experiments also validate synthetic biology as a valuable approach to biological engineering. We designed and constructed basic parts, devices, and systems using synthetic biology principles of standardization and abstraction.
Relationship of cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells to growth rates and serum zinc levels of female RIII mice fed zinc

This study examined a) the dietary zinc (Zn) requirement of RIII female weanling mice and b) the cytotoxicity of murine natural killer (NK) cells obtained from spleens of these mice fed varying levels of Zn. Zn was fed in a biotin-enriched egg albumen diet in amounts ranging from 0.9 to 40.4 micrograms/g diet. During a 28-day growth assay, maximum carcass growth was obtained with a diet containing 5.4 micrograms Zn/g diet. Maximal serum levels of Zn, however, were observed in mice fed diets containing 3.4 micrograms Zn/g diet. The cytotoxic activity of NK cells obtained from spleens of selected treatment groups was maximal at 40.4 micrograms Zn/g diet and was significantly higher (p less than or equal to 0.05) than that observed in spleens from mice fed diets that maximized carcass growth rates and serum Zn concentrations. It is concluded that female RIII mice have a dietary Zn requirement for growth similar to that observed for other murine strains but considerably lower than that reported for the rat. Our findings also suggest that RIII NK cells are particularly sensitive to dietary Zn intake: the optimal functional activity of these cells may result from intake of Zn higher than that necessary to maximize carcass growth and serum Zn concentrations.
Sexual Dimorphism in Spotted Gar Lepisosteus oculatus from Southeastern Louisiana

To determine sexual dimorphism in spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus), variation in standard length, mass, snout length, snout width and body depth was compared between sexes using analysis of covariance. Females were significantly longer and had longer snouts when effects of variation in mass, snout width, body depth and age were accounted for. Discriminant function analysis (DFA) discriminated between sexes with 78% accuracy from 159 field collected specimens using standard length and snout length. Using coefficients from the DFA, the sex of 65 museum specimens was predicted to 85% accuracy. Sexually dimorphic standard length is probably related to gonad size differences between males and females. Reasons for snout length dimorphism are not apparent. This study demonstrates the existence of sexual dimorphism in spotted gar.
Peripheral PYY inhibits intracisternal TRH-induced gastric acid secretion by acting in the brain

The site of action of peripheral peptide YY (PYY)-induced inhibition of vagally stimulated gastric acid secretion was studied using immunoneutralization with PYY antibody in urethan-anesthetized ra...
A phase II study of temsirolimus/sorafenib in patients with radioactive iodine (RAI)-refractory thyroid carcinoma.

5514 Background: Sorafenib is an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor of multiple targets, including RAF, VEGFR1, and VEGFR2. Published response rates with sorafenib in RAI refractory thyroid cancer have ranged from 11-23%. Temsirolimus is an intravenous inhibitor of mTOR; mutations in the PI3K/mTOR/AKT pathway occur late in thyroid cancer and may be associated with aggressive disease. Methods: The study was a single institution, phase II design. Primary objective was response rate. Eligible patients (pts) had progressive, RAI-refractory/fluorodeoxyglucose (18-F)-avid, recurrent/metastatic, non-medullary, thyroid cancer; RECIST measurable disease; and adequate organ/marrow function. Sorafenib was given at 200 mg orally twice a day and temsirolimus at 25 mg intravenously weekly. 38 patients were enrolled; 37 were eligible and 36 patients started treatment between 12/18/09 – 10/20/11. Data cutoff date is 1/19/12. Fourteen pts are still actively on study. Results: Of the 37 eligible pts, demographics: female-46%; ...
Improved estimation of conflict probability for aircraft collision avoidance

This paper addresses the problem of conflict detection & resolution for air traffic control based on trajectory information processing. Most probabilistic methods for estimating the probability of conflict (PC) in the literature assume a Gaussian distribution of the predicted separation vector between two aircraft. In an advanced multiple model trajectory prediction framework, however, this separation vector has a Gaussian mixture distribution, and consequently, the available methods for estimating PC may lack the desired accuracy in a highly uncertain trajectory environment. This papers proposes a more accurate method for estimating PC by utilizing the information from multiple model aircraft trajectory prediction. The predicted PC for a Gaussian mixture distribution of the separation vector between two aircraft is derived and an efficient algorithm for numerical evaluation is proposed. Simulation and comparison of the proposed approach with a traditional Gaussian-based approach over a ?sense-and-avoid? unmanned aircraft scenario are presented, which demonstrate improvement.
Contraceptive practices of women with epilepsy: Findings of the epilepsy birth control registry.

OBJECTIVE: To report the contraceptive practices of women with epilepsy (WWE) in the community predictors of highly effective contraception use and reasons WWE provide for the selection of a particular method. METHODS: These cross-sectional data come from the Epilepsy Birth Control Registry (EBCR) web-based survey regarding the contraceptive practices of 1144 WWE in the community ages 18-47 years. We report demographic epilepsy and antiepileptic drug (AED) characteristics as well as contraceptive use. We determined the frequency of use of highly effective contraception use that is methods with failure rate <10%/year and conducted binary logistic regression analysis to determine predictors of highly effective contraception use. We report frequencies of WWE who consult various health care providers regarding the selection of a method and the reasons cited for selection. RESULTS: Of the 796 WWE at risk of unintended pregnancy 69.7% use what is generally considered to be highly effective contraception (hormonal intrauterine device [IUD] tubal vasectomy). Efficacy in WWE especially for the 46.6% who use hormonal contraception remains to be proven. Significant predictors of highly effective contraception use are insurance (insured 71.6% vs. noninsured 56.0%) race/ethnicity (Caucasian 71.3% vs. minority 51.0%) and age (38-47 77.5%; 28-37 71.8%; 18-27 67.0%). Of the 87.2% who have a neurologist only 25.4% consult them regarding selection of a method although AED interaction is cited as the top reason for selection. SIGNIFICANCE: The EBCR web-based survey is the first large-scale study of the contraceptive practices of WWE in the community. The findings suggest a need for the development of evidence-based guidelines that address the efficacy and safety of contraceptive methods in this special population and for greater discourse between neurologists and WWE regarding contraception. Wiley Periodicals Inc. (c) 2016 International League Against Epilepsy.
Innervation of human finger tendons as determined by histochemical techniques.

Innervation of the extensor and flexor tendons in human fingers has been studied by a whole-mount histochemical enzyme technique, and the findings have been compared with those from sections stained with silver. The flexor tendons in the fingers are well innervated in the region of the vineula, but the remainder of each tendon is sparsely innervated. A free type of nerve ending is more abundant than are organized encapsulated nerve endings. The extensor hood is innervated by a plexus of nerves more abundant over joints and least abundant over the phalanx. The function of these nerve fibers and endings has not been established. The need for study of pathological states by this technique is apparent.
Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry Overused, Neglected, or Just Misunderstood?

Assessment of bone mineral density (BMD) by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) plays a vital role in the diagnosis of osteoporosis and in monitoring a patient's response to drug therapy. This commentary will discuss controversies surrounding the use of DXA for screening and monitoring of BMD in women.
Deciphering the true life cycle environmental impacts and costs of the mega-scale shale gas-to-olefins projects in the United States

This paper addresses the techno-economic-environmental analysis of large-scale olefin production from shale gas in the major shale regions of the U.S. (including Appalachian, Gulf Coast, Mid-Continent, and Rocky Mountain regions) and investigates its environmental footprints. To decipher the true production costs and environmental impacts, we first develop shale gas supply and olefin production network models to estimate pipeline distances, numbers of wells, well-sites, and gathering systems needed in the near- and mid-term. Next, detailed process design, modeling, and integration methods for alternative technologies are developed. We conduct life cycle analysis (LCA) to systematically evaluate the energy–water–carbon nexus. Based on the economic and LCA results, we compare the influences of gas composition, project operating time, well lifetime, and the allocation method. The results indicate that the four shale regions considered would in total supply feedstocks for U.S. ethylene production for at least 130 years. However, only olefins produced from Gulf Coast and Mid-Continent regions demonstrate economic advantage ($668 per t and $255 per t) over ethylene in the current market. Based on the mass-based allocation approach, for the four shale regions evaluated, the energy consumption is 13.8–17.2, 14.3–16.7, 13.3–16.7, and 12.2–14.5 GJ per t olefins, and the freshwater footprint is 3.31–4.28, 5.34–5.65, 3.05–3.56, and 4.68–5.03 kg kg−1 olefins, respectively. In addition, normalized GHG emissions indicate that shale gas can be categorized as a low-carbon feedstock (0.75–1.05 kg CO2-eq per kg) based on a mass-based allocation approach, or a high-carbon feedstock (1.24–2.13 kg CO2-eq per kg) based on an economic value-based allocation approach.
Opportunity cost and the intelligence of economists: A comment

In his interesting article, Professor Parkin contrasts forgone physical quantities with forgone values as measures of the opportunity cost of basic economic decisions. The impetus for his study ste...
Medical Marijuana, Physicians, and State Law

Drug Enforcement Administration agents have told some Massachusetts doctors that they must sever ties with new medical-marijuana dispensaries or give up their DEA registration. But there's a difference between acting as a physician and acting as a marijuana entrepreneur.
The experimentation of S. Weir Mitchell with mescal

Rappels de la vie, des activites du medecin qui testa sur lui-meme en 1896, le mescal, molecule hallucinogene
PCSK9 Inhibitors: Lots of Work Done, Lots More to Do

Navarese and colleagues' review examined the role of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors in the management of acute coronary syndrome. The editorialist discusses the complex co...
USE FOR REFERENCE OF THE EXPERIENCE OF THE FIDIC CONTRACT CONDITION TO IMPROVE THE SCIENTIFIC AND STANDARDIZATION LEVEL OF BIDDING AND CONTRACT MANAGE IN CHINA RAILWAY

In this paper,the experience and the existent problem of the FIDIC contract condition using in the railway project by ADB loan is introduced,and it brings forword the steps and the method ilow to improve the scientific and standardization level of didding and contract manage.
An Overview of Tea Leaf Extraction Technologies for RTD Tea Beverages

Tea leaf extraction is one of the key processes for ready-to-drink(RTD)tea beverage production,the efficiency of extraction will significantly influence the following manufacturing processes.A review was made on the current status of researches on tea leaf extraction technologies and their advantages and disadvantages,in order to provide some references for the study on and development of RTD tea beverages.
Mathematical modeling of AVM physiology using compartmental network analysis: Theoretical considerations and preliminary in vivo validation using a previously developed animal model

The development of computer modeling technique of cerebral arteriovenous malformations using circuit network analysis, validated with a previously developed animal model is presented. Such a malformation and its vascular connections are rendered into a complex system of interconnecting tubes, which is then simulated by an analogous electrical circuit using commercially available computer software. This methodology was tested using a swine model, of which a detailed computer model was constructed from anatomic and angiographic measurements of the cranial vessels. Flow conditions, before and after creation of the in vivo model, were predicted from the computer model and compared with previously reported in vivo measurements. Detailed analysis of flow within the CAVM nidus was also performed. There was a good correlation between the computer and in vivo models regarding changes in flow and pressure drop across the rete. Flow mapping within the nidus showed localized directional flow that was determined by global inputs, consistent with functional compartmentalization. This method of computer modeling appears promising for studying clinically relevant aspects of cerebral arteriovenous malformation pathophysiology. To our knowledge it is the first computer model to demonstrate functional compartmentalization.
Whose Islands? The Cartographic Politics of the Falklands, 1763–1982

For nearly 250 years a desolate, rocky archipelago between Tierra del Fuego and the Antarctic Peninsula has captivated, inspired, and angered the empires of the Atlantic world. The Falkland Islands have witnessed the clash of cultures and politics, the competing destinies of Britain, France, Spain, Argentina, and even the United States. Although recent tensions between London and Buenos Aires have renewed interest in the Falklands, scholars and commentators alike continue to omit the vital historical and contemporary role cartography plays in this longstanding dispute. This article demonstrates that at significant moments in the Falklands’ past, maps and their makers acted both as potent visual manifestations of national propaganda and imperial interest, as well as important tools of negotiation. Ultimately, Falklands cartography proves to be an invaluable asset of historical knowledge as well as a problematic source of friction and confusion.
Optimizing EUS-guided liver biopsy sampling: comprehensive assessment of needle types and tissue acquisition techniques

Background and Aims EUS-guided liver biopsy sampling using FNA and, more recently, fine-needle biopsy (FNB) needles has been reported with discrepant diagnostic accuracy, in part due to differences in methodology. We aimed to compare liver histologic yields of 4 EUS-based needles and 2 percutaneous needles to identify optimal number of needle passes and suction. Methods Six needle types were tested on human cadaveric tissue: one 19G FNA needle, one existing 19G FNB needle, one novel 19G FNB needle, one 22G FNB needle, and two 18G percutaneous needles (18G1 and 18G2). Two needle excursion patterns (1 vs 3 fanning passes) were performed on all EUS needles. Primary outcome was number of portal tracts. Secondary outcomes were degree of fragmentation and specimen adequacy. Pairwise comparisons were performed using t tests, with a 2-sided P Results In total, 288 liver biopsy samplings (48 per needle type) were performed. The novel 19G FNB needle had significantly increased mean portal tracts compared with all needle types. The 22G FNB needle had significantly increased portal tracts compared with the 18G1 needle (3.8 vs 2.5, P P = .68). FNB needles ( P P ≤ .001) were independent predictors of the number of portal tracts. Conclusions A novel 19G EUS-guided liver biopsy needle provides superior histologic yield compared with 18G percutaneous needles and existing 19G FNA and core needles. Moreover, the 22G FNB needle may be adequate for liver biopsy sampling. Investigations are underway to determine whether these results can be replicated in a clinical setting.
Scattered light detects cancer

Experiments based on light spectroscopy and scattering have been extraordinarily useful for analysing a variety of materials, ranging from dilute samples of atoms or molecules to condensed media such as metals, semiconductors and complex fluids. An exciting but elusive goal for scientists working in biomedical optics has been to apply such techniques to perform clinically useful examinations of living human tissues. Research in this area has been stimulated by the possibility of using optical methods to detect cancerous and precancerous tissues, since many cancers are curable if diagnosed at an early stage.
Ultrasound Evaluation of Morton Neuroma Before and After Laser Therapy

OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to retrospectively assess for differences in imaging appearances of Morton neuromas before and after laser therapy using diagnostic ultrasound (US). MATERI...
A quantitative description of the mouse piriform cortex

In this report, we provide a quantitative description for 2 aspects of the mouse piriform cortex. First, we give volumetric estimates of regions within the anterior and posterior piriform cortex. Second, we estimate the neuronal densities in each of these regions. From these two estimates, we calculate that the mouse piriform cortex contains around half a million neurons equally distributed over the anterior and posterior piriform cortex. Quantitative descriptions such as these are important because they make it possible to construct realistic models, and they provide a constraint that theories of the olfactory circuit must fulfil. We show how quantitative descriptions can be useful for modelling by using our data to refine and improve earlier models of piriform cortex activity.
Temporal dynamics of black band disease affecting pillar coral (Dendrogyra cylindrus) following two consecutive hyperthermal events on the Florida Reef Tract

Black band disease (BBD) affects many coral species worldwide and is considered a major contributor to the decline of reef-building coral. On the Florida Reef Tract BBD is most prevalent during summer and early fall when water temperatures exceed 29 °C. BBD is rarely reported in pillar coral (Dendrogyra cylindrus) throughout the Caribbean, and here we document for the first time the appearance of the disease in this species on Florida reefs. The highest monthly BBD prevalence in the D. cylindrus population were 4.7% in 2014 and 6.8% in 2015. In each year, BBD appeared immediately following a hyperthermal bleaching event, which raises concern as hyperthermal seawater anomalies become more frequent.
Microbiota, Immune Subversion, and Chronic Inflammation.

Several host-adapted pathogens and commensals have evolved mechanisms to evade the host innate immune system inducing a state of low-grade inflammation. Epidemiological studies have also documented the association of a subset of these microorganisms with chronic inflammatory disorders. In this review, we summarize recent studies demonstrating the role of the microbiota in chronic inflammatory diseases and discuss how specific microorganisms subvert or inhibit protective signaling normally induced by Toll-like receptors (TLRs). We highlight our work on the oral pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis and discuss the role of microbial modulation of lipid A structures in evasion of TLR4 signaling and resulting systemic immunopathology associated with atherosclerosis. P. gingivalis intrinsically expresses underacylated lipid A moieties and can modify the phosphorylation of lipid A, leading to altered TLR4 signaling. Using P. gingivalis mutant strains expressing distinct lipid A moieties, we demonstrated that expression of antagonist lipid A was associated with P. gingivalis-mediated systemic inflammation and immunopathology, whereas strains expressing agonist lipid A exhibited modest systemic inflammation. Likewise mice deficient in TLR4 were more susceptible to vascular inflammation after oral infection with P. gingivalis wild-type strain compared to mice possessing functional TLR4. Collectively, our studies support a role for P. gingivalis-mediated dysregulation of innate and adaptive responses resulting in immunopathology and systemic inflammation. We propose that anti-TLR4 interventions must be designed with caution, given the balance between the protective and destructive roles of TLR signaling in response to microbiota and associated immunopathologies.
IntraLase-enabled deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (IEDALK)

Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty is a partial thickness corneal graft technique void of endothelium. DALK technique offers several advantages over penetrating keratoplasty such as it being an extraocular procedure, never entering into the anterior chamber. Additionally, there is no risk of endothelial rejection, and no need for immunosuppressive medications. DALK has shown similar VA outcomes when compared to PKP. IntraLase-enabled DALK offers a more accurately prepared and matched transplant. Patients should have been evaluated and deemed appropriate for such surgical intervention. Patients should have been educated about the risks and benefits of the procedure, including alternatives.
Acute nutritional axonal neuropathy

Introduction: This study describes clinical, laboratory, and electrodiagnostic features of a severe acute axonal polyneuropathy common to patients with acute nutritional deficiency in the setting of alcoholism, bariatric surgery or anorexia. Methods: Retrospective analysis of clinical, electrodiagnostic and laboratory data of patients with acute axonal neuropathy. Results: 13 patients were identified with a severe, painful, sensory or sensorimotor axonal polyneuropathy that developed over 2-12 weeks with sensory ataxia, areflexia, variable muscle weakness, poor nutritional status, and weight loss, often with prolonged vomiting and normal cerebrospinal fluid protein. Vitamin B6 was low in half and thiamine was low in all patients when obtained prior to supplementation. Patients improved with weight gain and vitamin supplementation, with motor greater than sensory recovery. Discussion: We suggest that acute or subacute axonal neuropathy in patients with weight loss or vomiting associated with alcohol abuse, bariatric surgery or dietary deficiency is one syndrome, caused by micronutrient deficiencies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
An NK1.1-expressing regulatory leukocyte in gut-associated lymphoid tissue controls IgA production (MUC8P.733)

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the most abundant immunoglobulin in the body and is responsible for maintaining homeostasis at mucosal surfaces. Gut microbes elicit continuous germinal center (GC) reactions within gut associated lymphoid tissues (GALT), which in turn contribute to anti-microbial IgA production by promoting maturation and IgA class switching of B cells that populate the gut lamina propria. Dysregulation of IgA levels is a common disease of unknown etiology. Thus, a better understanding of the mechanisms regulating IgA is critical. We previously found that NK1.1+ cells suppress GC responses and generation of long-lived humoral immunity during systemic viral infection of mice. In the GALT, these NK1.1+ cells may be conventional natural killer cells, group 1 innate lymphoid cells, or natural killer T cells. Surprisingly, systemic depletion of NK1.1+ cells in uninfected specific pathogen free (SPF) mice resulted in an increase in the numbers of GC B cells and T follicular helper cells within GALT (e.g. mesenteric lymph nodes) but not peripheral lymph nodes. In addition, the concentration of IgA in fecal pellets was increased following depletion of NK1.1+ cells when compared to non-depleted control mice. Together our data suggests that an NK1.1-expressing leukocyte inhibits IgA production by impairing GALT GC responses against the gut microbiota. This novel immunoregulatory mechanism may control intestinal homeostasis and prevent development of IgA nephropathy.
Digital Collaboration and Learners’ Cognitive Development: What’s the Link?

BRIEF SESSION DESCRIPTION: This session will share results from a 2016-2017 GMU study investigating students' cognitive skills development through participation in an asynchronous online course that utilizes discussions. Presenters will use the results from this study to discuss how to effectively utilize online discussions in the design of a course to increase student engagement and collaboration. ________________________________________________________________ FULL ABSTRACT: What do online course discussions mean for student learning? How do we leverage students’ online collaboration to boost cognitive development? How can we, as faculty and instructional designers, improve the online learning experience, in general? This session aims to facilitate discussion of these important questions via results from a 2016-2017 GMU study aimed understanding students’ cognitive skills development when they participate in an asynchronous online course and, specifically, asynchronous online discussions. Participants will journey with presenters as results from a 2016-2017 GMU research study aimed understanding the relationship between students’ cognitive skill development and participation in asynchronous online discussions (in INTS204-DL1 Leadership Theory and Practice -Fall 2016) are translated to practice. Participants will, using a collaborative learning approach, discuss these practical concepts and apply new discoveries to their own online course design in order to craft powerful digital learning community strategies. Participants will leave the presentation able to: • Articulate the potential linkages between online course collaborations and students’ cognitive development. • Articulate best practices for building community in an online course environment. • Articulate instructional design techniques aimed at boosting students’ digital collaborations in online and blended courses. For more information about collaborative learning: https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/teaching/collaborative-learning
Health Care Providers’ Knowledge of HPV Vaccination, Barriers, and Strategies in a State With Low HPV Vaccine Receipt: Mixed-Methods Study

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is below national goals in the United States. Health care providers are at the forefront of improving vaccination in the United States, given their close interactions with patients and parents. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the associations between demographic and practice characteristics of the health care providers with the knowledge of HPV vaccination and HPV vaccine guidelines. Furthermore, our aim was to contextualize the providers’ perceptions of barriers to HPV vaccination and strategies for improving vaccination in a state with low HPV vaccine receipt. Methods: In this mixed-methods study, participating providers (N=254) were recruited from statewide pediatric, family medicine, and nursing organizations in Utah. Participants completed a Web-based survey of demographics, practice characteristics, HPV vaccine knowledge (≤10 correct vs 11-12 correct answers), and knowledge of HPV vaccine guidelines (correct vs incorrect). Demographic and practice characteristics were compared using chi-square and Fisher exact tests for HPV knowledge outcomes. Four open-ended questions pertaining to the barriers and strategies for improving HPV vaccination were content analyzed. Results: Family practice providers (52.2%, 71/136; P=.001), institutional or university clinics (54.0%, 20/37; P=.001), and busier clinics seeing 20 to 29 patients per day (50.0%, 28/56; P=.04) had the highest proportion of respondents with high HPV vaccination knowledge. Older providers aged 40 to 49 years (85.1%, 57/67; P=.04) and those who were a Vaccines for Children provider (78.7%, 133/169; P=.03) had the highest proportion of respondents with high knowledge of HPV vaccine recommendations. Providers perceived the lack of parental education to be the main barrier to HPV vaccination. They endorsed stronger, consistent, and more direct provider recommendations for HPV vaccination delivered to parents through printed materials available in clinical settings and public health campaigns. Hesitancy to recommend the HPV vaccine to patients persisted among some providers. Conclusions: Providers require support to eliminate barriers to recommending HPV vaccination in clinical settings. Additionally, providers endorsed the need for parental educational materials and instructions on framing HPV vaccination as a priority cancer prevention mechanism for all adolescents.
Validation of a theoretically motivated approach to measuring childhood socioeconomic circumstances in the Health and Retirement Study

Childhood socioeconomic status (cSES) is a powerful predictor of adult health, but its operationalization and measurement varies across studies. Using Health and Retirement Study data (HRS, which is nationally representative of community-residing United States adults aged 50+ years), we specified theoretically-motivated cSES measures, evaluated their reliability and validity, and compared their performance to other cSES indices. HRS respondent data (N = 31,169, interviewed 1992-2010) were used to construct a cSES index reflecting childhood social capital (cSC), childhood financial capital (cFC), and childhood human capital (cHC), using retrospective reports from when the respondent was 0.05 vs. < 0.04) than alternative indices. Our cSES measures use latent variable models to handle item-missingness, thereby increasing the sample size available for analysis compared to complete case approaches (N = 15,345 vs. 8,248). Adopting this type of theoretically motivated operationalization of cSES may strengthen the quality of research on the effects of cSES on health outcomes.
The Mysterious Murder of Christa Worthington

This lesson presents an interrupted case study based on the true story of the 2002 murder of Christa Worthington in Massachusetts. The case was developed for use in an undergraduate non-majors life science course, but would also be appropriate for a high school biology course or a forensic science course. During this lesson, students examine a crime scene diagram and discuss evidence collection. Students then conduct a hands-on activity extracting DNA from wheat germ to simulate how DNA would be isolated from crime scene samples. Lastly the students will analyze simulated DNA profiles produced using STRs, polymerase chain reaction, and gel electrophoresis to help match a crime scene sample to one of five suspects. The pros and cons surrounding the use of a DNA dragnet are also discussed.
Neurobiology, Moral Education and Moral Self-Authorship

The field of moral psychology is in a state of empirical abundance with handbooks and compendiums galore. On the one hand we know more about moral functioning than ever before. We understand that humans have competing moral sentiments (Narvaez, 2008b, 2009b), that moral goals can be influenced by the situation (Zimbardo, 2007; Van IJzendoorn & Bakermans-Kranenburg, this book), and that moral personality dispositions drive moral behavior in a person by context interactions (Lapsley & Narvaez, 2004; Narvaez & Lapsley, 2009). On the other hand while moral psychology research perhaps has never been more prolific, individual moral and social functioning may be on the decline.
Computer Simulation Studies of the Regional and Global Climatic Impacts of Waste Heat Emission

A series of computer experiments was performed with a global version of the NCAR atmospheric general circulation model to assess the potential climatic impact (in terms of altered climatic means) of a hypothetical 90 W m−2 waste heat emission (or thermal pollution) released from a projected eastern United States megalopolis circa 2000 A.D. To provide an indication of the possible seasonal range of thermal pollution climatic impacts, separate experiments were performed with the model in its January and July configurations containing the identical prescribed change. It was found that, when the inherent variability of the model’s climatic means in the control populations was taken into account, the waste heat emissions produced large and statistically significant changes in the megalopolis region with respect to mean temperature, vertical velocity, precipitation and soil moisture. However, considerable differences in the model response for the different seasons were obvious for these climatically important fields.
MOUNTAIN METEOROLOGY | Lee Vortices

Lee Vortices refer to the flow of the atmosphere around mountain barriers resulting in a pair of counterrotating eddies downstream. This article discusses the some of the key topographic flow types revealed by laboratory experiments, numerical modeling, and theory.
Norepinephrine Enhances Long-Term Potentiation at Hippocampal Mossy Fiber Synapses

Mossy fiber synapses have a number of relatively unique features, one of which relates to the finding that long-term potentiation (DTP) at these synapses is not dependent on NMDA receptors (1). Norepinephrine (NE), through beta-adrenoceptors, can increase the magnitude, duration, and probability of induction of DTP at mossy fiber synapses. Results of experiments in which we injected cAMP analogs into the postsynaptic neuron and others in which we recorded the activity of single calcium channels suggest that the NE enhancement of LTP takes place postsynaptically through increased calcium influx.
Cloud, aerosol, and boundary layer structure across the northeast Pacific stratocumulus-cumulus transition as observed during CSET

AbstractDuring the Cloud System Evolution in the Trades (CSET) field study, 14 research flights of the National Science Foundation G-V sampled the stratocumulus–cumulus transition between Northern ...
The Interplay between Peer and Authoritative Injunctive Norms of Parents Discussing Pornography with Adolescents.

AbstractThe role and functionality of injunctive norms is an understudied phenomenon within sexual communication processes. Using the theory of normative social behavior (TNSB), the present study e...
Cariprazine for bipolar depression: What is the number needed to treat, number needed to harm and likelihood to be helped or harmed?

Objective Cariprazine is an oral antipsychotic approved in the US for the treatment of schizophrenia, acute bipolar mania, and most recently, bipolar depression. The aim of this systematic review is to describe the efficacy, tolerability and safety of cariprazine for the treatment of depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder (bipolar depression) in adults. Data sources The pivotal registration trials were accessed by querying http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ and http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, for the search terms "cariprazine" AND "bipolar" AND "depression," and by also querying the Web of Science commercial database for clinical poster abstracts, and by asking the manufacturer for copies of posters presented at congresses. Product labelling provided additional information. Study selection Double-blind placebo-controlled studies in adults with bipolar depression. Data extraction Descriptions of the principal results and calculation of number needed to treat (NNT) and number needed to harm (NNH) for relevant dichotomous outcomes were calculated from the available study reports and other sources of information. Data synthesis Cariprazine differs from other antipsychotics in that it has a 10-fold higher affinity for dopamine D3 receptors than for D2 receptors. Cariprazine's principal active metabolite, didesmethyl-cariprazine (DDCAR), has a half-life of 1-3 weeks and at steady state DDCAR is the predominant circulating moiety. Four double-blind placebo-controlled studies of cariprazine for bipolar depression were found of which three were considered positive and provided data on efficacy; all four studies were used to assess tolerability. Rates of treatment response, defined by a ≥50% reduction from baseline on the Montgomery-Asburg Depression Ratting Scale (MADRS) total score at study endpoint, for the approved doses of 1.5 and 3.0 mg/d (pooled) vs placebo were 46.3% vs 35.9% (NNT 10, 95% CI 7-21). Corresponding rates for remission (defined as MADRS total score ≤10 at endpoint) were 30.2% vs 20.9% (NNT 11, 95% CI 8-22). Discontinuation rates because of an adverse event (AE) were 6.7% for cariprazine (all doses pooled) vs 4.8% for placebo (NNH 51, ns). Product labelling lists the most common AEs as nausea, akathisia, restlessness and extrapyramidal symptoms. Patients receiving cariprazine 3.0 vs 1.5 mg/d were more likely to experience AEs and discontinue the trials because of an AE. Conclusions Cariprazine is the fourth agent approved for bipolar depression in the US. The likelihood to experience a benefit (response or remission) is substantially greater than the likelihood to encounter a discontinuation because of an AE. Direct, head-to-head comparisons with the other approved choices for bipolar depression in the "real world" are needed.
Pushing the Boundaries of Psychiatric Neuroimaging to Ground Diagnosis in Biology

Abstract To accurately detect, track progression of, and develop novel treatments for mental illnesses, a diagnostic framework is needed that is grounded in biological features. Here, we present the case for utilizing personalized neuroimaging, computational modeling, standardized computing, and ecologically valid neuroimaging to anchor psychiatric nosology in biology.
An Optimized Phase Shifted PWM for Flying Capacitor Multilevel Converter

A novel modulation method is presented in this paper to reduce the voltage ripple of the Flying Capacitors (FC) in the Flying Capacitor MultiLevel (FCML) converter. The scheme is based on the modification of the conventional Phase-Shifted PWM (PSPWM) method. The new scheme reduces the required capacitance, given the same voltage ripple constraint, compared to traditional PSPWM. A Variable Frequency Phase-Shifted PWM (VF-PSPWM) scheme is presented that varies the frequency of the carrier signals based on the magnitude of the load current. The decreased voltage ripple reduces the capacitance requirement in the design leading to higher power density designs. Simulation and experimental verification are provided to support the proposed VF-PSPWM scheme.
Safety surveillance and the estimation of risk in select populations: Flexible methods to control for confounding while targeting marginal comparisons via standardization

We consider the critical problem of pharmacosurveillance for adverse events once a drug or medical product is incorporated into routine clinical care. When making inference on comparative safety using large-scale electronic health records, we often encounter an extremely rare binary adverse outcome with a large number of potential confounders. In this context, it is challenging to offer flexible methods to adjust for high-dimensional confounders, whereas use of the propensity score (PS) can help address this challenge by providing both confounding control and dimension reduction. Among PS methods, regression adjustment using the PS as a covariate in an outcome model has been incompletely studied and potentially misused. Previous studies have suggested that simple linear adjustment may not provide sufficient control of confounding. Moreover, no formal representation of the statistical procedure and associated inference has been detailed. In this paper, we characterize a three-step procedure, which performs flexible regression adjustment of the estimated PS followed by standardization to estimate the causal effect in a select population. We also propose a simple variance estimation method for performing inference. Through a realistic simulation mimicking data from the Food and Drugs Administration's Sentinel Initiative comparing the effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta blockers on incidence of angioedema, we show that flexible regression on the PS resulted in less bias without loss of efficiency, and can outperform other methods when the PS model is correctly specified. In addition, the direct variance estimation method is a computationally fast and reliable approach for inference.
Pairing Users in Social Media via Processing Meta-data from Conversational Files

Massive amounts of data today are being generated from users engaging on social media. Despite knowing that whatever they post on social media can be viewed, downloaded and analyzed by unauthorized entities, a large number of people are still willing to compromise their privacy today. On the other hand though, this trend may change. Improved awareness on protecting content on social media, coupled with governments creating and enforcing data protection laws, mean that in the near future, users may become increasingly protective of what they share. Furthermore, new laws could limit what data social media companies can use without explicit consent from users. In this paper, we present and address a relatively new problem in privacy-preserved mining of social media logs. Specifically, the problem here is the feasibility of deriving the topology of network communications (i.e., match senders and receivers in a social network), but with only meta-data of conversational files that are shared by users, after anonymizing all identities and content. More explicitly, if users are willing to share only (a) whether a message was sent or received, (b) the temporal ordering of messages and (c) the length of each message (after anonymizing everything else, including usernames from their social media logs), how can the underlying topology of sender-receiver patterns be generated. To address this problem, we present a Dynamic Time Warping based solution that models the meta-data as a time series sequence. We present a formal algorithm and interesting results in multiple scenarios wherein users may or may not delete content arbitrarily before sharing. Our performance results are very favorable when applied in the context of Twitter. Towards the end of the paper, we also present interesting practical applications of our problem and solutions. To the best of our knowledge, the problem we address and the solution we propose are unique, and could provide important future perspectives on learning from privacy-preserving mining of social media logs.
A-Can’t-Miss-it Critical Care Catastrophe

Since Midwest in USA is very cold during winters, I see many cases of pneumonia. But this was a case of ‘missed pneumonia. A 49 year old African American male patient was not feeling well for two days and was admitted to the hospital with severe headache and high grade fever. Lumber puncture was performed and the patient was put on inj ceftriaxone and inj vancomycin. Chest x-ray was performed on admission, was unremarkable and did not show any infiltrates. An infectious disease consultant was involved in the care of this patient and on his recommendation ceftriaxone and vancomycin were stopped after 24 h, as there was no evidence of meningitis.
Exact inversion of an integral transform arising in Compton camera imaging.

This paper addresses the exact inversion of the integral transform that maps a function on R3 to its integrals over conical surfaces. Our main motivation of studying this transform is its appearance in modeling the data acquired by a gamma-ray detection system called Compton camera. Therefore, its inversion is useful for image reconstruction in Compton camera imaging.1,2 Owing to their use of the Compton scattering principle, Compton cameras can efficiently visualize gamma rays having energies as high as 10 MeV.3,4 Unlike collimated cameras, they can collect measurements from all incoming gamma photons without any elimination. Other benefits include a wide field of view, the capacity to fully reconstruct three-dimensional (3-D) images, and the feasibility of a compact portable design for the camera.5 These features make Compton camera a promising tool in nuclear imaging applications, such as single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography. Compton cameras are also proven to be effective in online proton therapy monitoring as well as in the detection of radioactive contamination.4,6,7 A Compton camera consists of two-layer (not necessarily planar) position and energy-sensitive detectors (Fig. 1). When an incoming gamma photon reaches the camera, it undergoes Compton scattering in the front detector (scatterer) and photoelectric absorption in the second detector (absorber). The recorded energies and interaction positions on both detectors provide a cone of possible directions to locate the gamma-ray source. The data provided by Compton camera can thus be modeled simply as integrals of the distribution of the sources of radiation over conical surfaces with a vertex on the scattering detector. The Compton (or cone) transform is the operator that maps the distribution of source intensity to its integrals over these cones. The objective of Compton camera imaging is to recover source distribution from this information.1,2 Open in a separate window Fig. 1 Schematic representation of a Compton camera.
A 28-GHz Massive MIMO Receiver Deploying One-Bit Direct Detection with Wireless Synchronization

A 28-GHz one-bit direct-detection based MIMO receiver with wireless LO distribution is presented. Unlike a conventional MIMO structure, in this work the antenna receives both RF and the broadcast single-ended LO, and directly converts them to an IF signal by using a simple low-power square-law detector without the need for a conventional mixer or LO buffers. An LNA with a notch filter is designed to help reduce the non-idealities that appear when the input LO power is lower than that of the RF. A 1-GS/s symbol rate with a high error-vector magnitude is achieved with a power consumption of 33 mW by using a 0.18um SiGe BiCMOS process.