cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nanomanipulation using near field photonics

In this article we review the use of near-field photonics for trapping, transport and handling of nanomaterials. While the advantages of traditional optical tweezing are well known at the microscale, direct application of these techniques to the handling of nanoscale materials has proven difficult due to unfavourable scaling of the fundamental physics. Recently a number of research groups have demonstrated how the evanescent fields surrounding photonic structures like photonic waveguides, optical resonators, and plasmonic nanoparticles can be used to greatly enhance optical forces. Here, we introduce some of the most common implementations of these techniques, focusing on those which have relevance to microfluidic or optofluidic applications. Since the field is still relatively nascent, we spend much of the article laying out the fundamental and practical advantages that near field optical manipulation offers over both traditional optical tweezing and other particle handling techniques. In addition we highlight three application areas where these techniques namely could be of interest to the lab-on-a-chip community, namely: single molecule analysis, nanoassembly, and optical chromatography.
The mix matters: behavioural types and group dynamics in water striders

Summary The effect of an individual’s behavioral type (e.g., its boldness or aggressiveness) on fitness likely depends on the environmental context. In many species, an important component of an individual’s environment is its social environment — the mix of individuals in its social group. Accordingly, much of game theory assumes that the mix of behavioral types (BTs) in a social group influences individual fitness and group dynamics. Few experimental studies, however, have directly investigated how the group’s mix of BTs influences individual and group outcomes. Here we manipulated social group composition in the water strider Aquarius remigis and evaluated the effects of our manipulation on individual behavior and various group outcomes (overall group activity, aggression, mating success). We formed 12 groups that differed substantially in average male BT (activity and aggression level), each with a low variance in BT. That is, one group had only the most active and aggressive males, a second group was made up of the next most active and aggressive males, and on down to a group of all very inactive and unaggressive males. All groups also had females. We found that, on average, groups made up of more active-aggressive males continued to be more active than other groups, but that contrary to predictions, these groups did not tend to enjoy higher mating success. Instead, a major factor affecting group mating activity was the presence of hyper-aggressive males. Hyper-aggressive males drove females out of the group and thereby decreased the group’s overall mating activity. We discuss these findings in terms of their importance to the study of behavioral plasticity in social groups and the potential role of keystone individuals in determining group dynamics.
The life history of weedy seadragons, Phyllopteryx taeniolatus (Teleostei : Syngnathidae)

The aim of this study was to provide a detailed description of the life history of weedy seadragons, Phyllopteryx taeniolatus. Weedy seadragon development was described based on morphological characters and cate- gorised into four periods: incubation, larval, juvenile and sub-adult. Hatching occurred 35-42 days post-fertilisation, most hatchlings exhibited juvenile characteristics upon hatching or shortly thereafter. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters generated from weedy seadragon length-at-age data were L∞ = 285 ± 3 mm standard length (SL; mean ± s.e.) and k = 2.20 ± 0.05 year −1 . Females possessed a higher gonosomatic index (GSI; 1.25 ± 1.18%; mean ± s.d.) than males (0.34 ± 0.20%), which increased substantially for females over 230 mm in length. Mature female weedy seadragons (290 ± 32 mm SL) ovulated 110 ± 27 eggs per female per spawning. Additionally, three females produced more than one clutch per season. Male weedy seadragons (319 ± 9 mm SL) successfully incu- bated 91 ± 40 eggs per spawning event. In addition to improving our understanding of the life history of weedy seadragons, this information can be used to estimate population demography and develop management strategies.
ACT for All: The Effect of Mandatory College Entrance Exams on Postsecondary Attainment and Choice.

This paper examines the effects of requiring and paying for all public high school students to take a college entrance exam, a policy adopted by eleven states since 2001. I show that prior to the policy, for every ten poor students who score college-ready on the ACT or SAT, there are an additional five poor students who would score college-ready but who take neither exam. I use a difference-in-differences strategy to estimate the effects of the policy on postsecondary attainment and find small increases in enrollment at four-year institutions. The effects are concentrated among students less likely to take a college entrance exam in the absence of the policy and students in the poorest high schools. The students induced by the policy to enroll persist through college at approximately the same rate as their inframarginal peers. I calculate that the policy is more cost-effective than traditional student aid at boosting postsecondary attainment.
Adaptive burnup stepsize selection using control theory for 2-D lattice depletion simulations

Abstract A control theory approach is adopted to determine the temporal discretization during two-dimensional lattice physics depletion simulations. Two primary applications of automated and adaptive stepsize control are identified: (i) the presence of strong absorbers such as gadolinium, where the accurate burnout of the isotopes requires a depletion stepsize smaller than typically required, and (ii) high fidelity multiphysics simulations, e.g. loosely coupled physics, where the coupled physics are nonlinear in time and stepsize changes may be necessary to obtain an accurate coupled solution. A conventional predictor–corrector method is used to address the nonlinearity of the nuclide transmutation and neutron flux. An adaptive stepsize method is developed based on monitoring the one-group scalar neutron flux at both the predictor and corrector steps to approximate the convergence residual of the nonlinear solution. A user-specified tolerance on the L2 relative error norm of the scalar neutron flux is utilized by the stepsize controller. Controllers that include integral, proportional, and/or derivative components are investigated and parameterized using Latin hypercube sampling of the controller input parameters. Three distinct fuel loadings of pressurized water reactor 17 × 17 fuel pin assemblies are considered, including no burnable absorbers, Integral Fuel Burnable Absorber, and gadolinium fuel pins. The required depletion stepsizes, as predicted throughout the cycle by the controller, are compared with a very small stepsize (0.01 MW d/kgHM) reference solution and a solution obtained by a typical rule of thumb depletion stepsize sequence.
Identification of endogenous morphine and a mu3-like opiate alkaloid receptor in human brain tissue taken from a patient with intractable complex partial epilepsy.

Background: We set out to detect whether morphine is present in tissue taken from a patient with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy and to characterize the presence and nature of mu opiate receptor subtypes in this tissue. Case Report: In temporal lobe tissue, resected during anteromedial temporal lobectomy for intractable focal epilepsy, morphine was identified by quantitative radioimmunoassay (RIA) coupled to electrochemical detection via high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). In addition, RNA isolated from the medial and lateral temporal lobe specimens was analyzed by conventional and real time reverse transcriptase-polynierase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the expression of different mu opiate receptor gene transcripts. RIA revealed the presence of morphine at 3.4 nanograins per gram of tissue wet weight. Using RT-PCR and a primer specifically set for the mu3 (550 base pair fragment) and mu4 (880 base pair fragment) MOR splice variants, a mu4 splice variant was identified in both brain sections. Conclusions: This human brain tissue study of a subject with temporal lobe epilepsy documents the presence of endogenous morphine and of a mu4 splice variant. These findings may have implications for our understanding of the mechanism of temporal lobe epilepsy.
Equipment for Accelerated Light-Aging of Rubber, and Methods of Evaluation of Ultraviolet Light and Sunlight

Abstract In connection with the development of a suitable light-aging test for evaluating the light-aging properties of rubber, plastics, dyed fabrics, and paints, a considerable amount of research work and literature search was undertaken. The purpose of this article is to make readily available these data to facilitate additional work in the evaluation of the weathering and light-aging of the above-mentioned materials. It is intended to present these data in a somewhat informal style, and to set forth not only the successful experiment, but also those tests which have been disproved as being either impracticable or not applicable to the particular material under investigation. Most of the work has been done in connection with rubber compounds and synthetic rubber-like materials, with the primary purpose of differentiating between satisfactory and unsatisfactory materials from the standpoint of light-aging and weathering resistance. However, there is a secondary purpose which, at present writing, is far ...
Ovarioles of the Blattaria

Both the Blattoidea and Blaberoidea probably evolved from a stock in which 3 or more oocytes in an ovariole contained yolk at the time of oviposition. In the Blattoidea, the line that did not evolve viviparity, the maximum number of oocytes containing yolk (Zone V) per ovariole is 2 or 3. The superfamily Blaberoidea, in which viviparity evolved, shows a distinct evolutionary trend toward a decrease in the total number of oocytes per ovariole, as well as a decrease in the number in Zone V. The Polyphagidae have 2 or 3 oocytes in Zone V, and species of Blattellidae have 1 or 2. The ovarioles of Blattella spp. and Chorisia fulvotestacea Princis (species which carry their oothecae externally during embryogenesis) have ovarioles similar to some Blaberidae. In the ovoviviparous and viviparous Blaberidae there is a marked reduction in the total number of oocytes, and only 1 oocyte develops yolk at ovulation.
The North American Species of Steatonyssus (Acarina: Dermanyssidae)

Common features are given for North American species of Steatonyssus , parasites of vespertilionid bats with marked, though not exclusive, host specificity. Keys are given to adults and protonymphs of the five species now known from North America, of which S. antrozoi and S. emarginatus are described as new from the south-western United States; S. occidentalis (Ewing), S. ceratognathus (Ewing), and S. furmani Tipton and Boese are redescribed.
Epidemic Situation of the Health Risk Behaviors among the Middle School Students in Langfang City

[Objective] To understand the epidemic situation and tendency of the health risk behaviors among the urban middle school students and provide scientific evidence for the establishment of the national intervention countermeasures. [Methods] Multistage stratified sampling method was used to stochastically collect 10 schools out of 15 in the urban districts; investigation was carried out by handing out 3260 questionnaires. [Results]11.93%, 45.22%, 1.28% and 9.04% of the students had the history of smoking, alcohol drinking, drug taking and internet addicting respectively; 15.18% students went on line in order to escape from annoyance in reality. [Conclusion] The health risk behaviors are serious among the adolescents of Langfang City; teachers who are capable of providing comprehensive health education are needed; health education should be conducted among the students by multiple relevant departments.
ELIMINATION OF CRACK IN Al ALLOY INGOTS DURING DC CASTING UNDER LOW FREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD

Cracks in aluminum alloy ingots produced by CREM (casting - refining - electromagnetic) process can be eliminated, which can be explained by two reasons. On the one hand, the low frequency electromagnetic field reduces the external factors for initiating hot cracking through improving the solidification condition to decrease in the size of unfeeding zone, reduce the thermal stress and strain, and make the high temperature brittleness zones to be in the compression state. On the other hand, the electromagnetic field increases the resistance to hot cracking by reducing the size of high temperature brittleness zone, increasing the extensibility in solid/liquid region, decreasing the quantities of eutectic of low melting point and the linear contraction of effective solidifying zone.
Relapse factors of peptic ulcer patients and its nursing intervention for 232 cases

Objective To explore the relapse factors of peptic ulcer(PU) patients and its nursing intervention and provide data for clinic. Methods The data of 232 patients with PU disease were retrospectively analyzed. All cases were randomly divided into comprehensive nursing group(122 cases) and general duty nursing group(110 cases). Different nursing intervention methods were used in two groups,and the effect were observed and compared. Results The motivation of peptic ulcer were drinking,smoking,taking spicy food,spirit,medicine and so on.The improving of symptom in comprehensive nursing group was obviously better than that of general duty nursing group( P 0.05). Conclusion Comprehensive nursing is to help patients setting up healthy way of life,avoiding relapse factors,good mind and partner treatment,which can rise the cure rate and decrease complications.
APPLICATIONS OF FUZZY SELF-ADAPTIVE PID ON FEED-WATER CONTROL FOR 660 MW SUPERCRITICAL UNIT

In order to eliminate the feed-water flow fluctuation caused by mismatch of the output of feed-water pump and that of the hydraulic coupler in feed-water control of the coordinated control system,for a 2×660 MW supercritical unit of the first phase of Xuangang Power Plant,the feed-water control strategy based on fuzzy self-adaptive PID was put forward,that is,building relationships between three regulation parameters namely Kp,Ki and Kd of the PID and the flow deviation e of the feed-water and its varying rate Δe by using fuzzy reasoning,and then adjusting Kp,Ki and Kd according to different e's and Δe's.Results show that,regulation system of the improved feed-water control system has good dynamic,static characteristic and robustness,the feed-water flow is stable.Therefore,the modified system can satisfy the requirement of unit load variation.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: New Concepts in Pathophysiology

SUMMARY The explanation as to why gastroesophageal reflux disease develops remains unanswered. We have learned much about the regulation of LES pressure, the single most important factor in the development of reflux disease. Our understanding of factors involved in the clearance of refluxed contents has also increased. The presence of reflux in the postprandial period and with belching suggests that it is serving a physiologic function. This may be a response to increases in gastric volume or pressure accompanying these situations. The question that has not been satisfactorily answered is what factor is responsible for the progression of a physiologic phenomenon to a pathologic condition. The answer to this question lies in the development of more physiologic techniques for monitoring LES pressure changes and a better understanding of the neural and hormonal pathways that regulate lower esophageal sphincter tone.
Legal Publishing Advertisements During the Second World War, Korean War, Cold War, and the Viet Nam War

The Second World War was a total war in its scale and scope and every aspect of civilian life was affected. The American legal system was greatly transformed by the conflict and legal publishing changed significantly. This article includes several advertisements from American legal periodicals and bar association publications between 1941 and 1945 that included World War ll themes.
Dissecting the Role and Regulation of Mechanical Force at the T-APC Synapse using Atomic Force Microscopy

T cell activation through formation of an immune synapse (IS) with an antigen presenting cell (APC) is a key step in the adaptive immune response. How the unique evolution and structure of the IS contributes to T cell activation is still being dissected. Here we hypothesize that the dynamic cytoskeletal changes that occur in the T cell generate mechanical forces that promote T cell activation either directly through the TCR or through formation of close contact regions to allow for TCR engagement through a dense glycocalyx.In order to monitor the T cell's mechanical response to activation, we used an Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) setup, with a peptide-MHC coated cantilever acting as a surrogate APC. Conversely, we also probed the role of forces during T cell activation by applying force with our setup.We found that T cells exhibit a characteristic profile of force, pushing and pulling on the cantilver. This force profile exhibits temporal correlation with the onset of calcium influx following TCR stimulation. Furthermore, inhibition of actin dynamics with Latrunculin A dramatically reduces calcium flux and force generation. Calcium influx can be partially rescued by application of external oscillatory forces through the cantilever. We find a characteristic timescale for integration of this signal suggesting some relaxation mechanism.To understand the role of the glycocalyx in T cell signaling, we coated the APC membrane with synthetic mucins of varying lengths. We found that T cell activation was reduced in the presence of large mucins, suggesting that the glycocalyx presents a barrier to TCR engagement. Our data shows the T cell acts mechanically on the APC during activation. Future work will need to be done to understand how this force generation is regulated.
Modified Best-Practice Algorithm to Reduce the Number of Postoperative Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies in Patients With Type 1 Laryngeal Cleft Repair

Importance There is no consensus as to the timing of videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSSs) in determining resolving aspiration after laryngeal cleft repair. There is a growing literature on the effect of radiation exposure in children. Objective To modify a previously published best-practice algorithm based on a literature review and our clinical experience to maintain the quality of care provided after successful type 1 laryngeal cleft repair, while reducing the total number of postoperative VFSSs by 10% or greater. Design, Setting, and Participants The previously published algorithm was modified by a multidisciplinary group at a tertiary care academic medical center (Massachusetts Eye and Ear) and was prospectively applied to 31 children who underwent type 1 laryngeal cleft repair from January 1, 2013, to February 28, 2015. Main Outcomes and Measures The number of VFSSs obtained in the first 7 months after surgery was compared with the peer-reviewed literature and with a retrospective cohort of 27 patients who underwent type 1 laryngeal cleft repair from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2012. Results The study cohort comprised 31 patients. Their ages ranged from 10 to 48 months, with a mean (SD) age of 23.94 (9.93) months, and 19% (6 of 31) were female. The mean (SD) number of postoperative VFSSs per patient before and after implementation of the algorithm was 1.22 (0.42) and 1.03 (0.55), respectively. The use of the algorithm reduced the number of VFSSs by 0.19 (95% CI, −0.07 to 0.45). This reduction in radiation exposure is equivalent to 1.47 chest radiographs per child per course of care. Surgical success was 87% (27 of 31) compared with our group’s previously published success rate of 78% (21 of 27) (absolute difference, 0.09; 95% CI, −0.17 to 0.34). Conclusions and Relevance This modified algorithm to help guide decisions on when and how often to obtain VFSSs after type 1 laryngeal cleft repair can limit patients’ radiation exposure, while maintaining high surgical success rates.
Abstract 2990: Sulforaphane enhances the anti-cancer efficacy of anti-androgens in prostate cancer cells (LNCaP and C4-2B) by increasing androgen receptor (AR) degradation

Introduction: Prostate Cancer (PC) cells utilize androgen for their growth. Therefore, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) that blocks both systemic androgen production and androgen receptor (AR) signaling remains the mainstay of PC treatment. However, despite the efficacy of AR antagonists such as bicalutamide (BIC) and enzalutamide (ENZ), their sub-therapeutic efficacy in tumor microenvironments enable the selection and outgrowth of castration resistant PC (CRPC). Interestingly, CRPC cells continue to express AR and exploit the intratumoral androgen. Hence, alternate strategies to suppress AR expression in PC cells will be needed to enhance the efficacy of BIC and ENZ. The phytochemical, sulforaphane (SFN) is known to decrease AR protein levels. We hypothesize that co-exposure to SFN will increase the anti-cancer efficacy of BIC/ENZ. Methods: The AR expressing PC lines, both androgen-dependent (AD) LNCaP cells and androgen-independent CRPC cells (C4-2B), were used to investigate the effects of BIC or ENZ, alone and in combination with SFN. The following cellular parameters were evaluated: (a) cell proliferation by MTT-assay; (b) clonogenic ability by colony forming unit (CFU); (c) AR expression by immunoblot analysis; (d) subcellular AR localization by immunofluorescence microscropy (IFM); (e) AR and prostate specific antigen (PSA) gene expression by qRT-PCR; and (e) PSA protein secretion by ELISA. Studies were carried out under hormone deprived (charcoal-stripped FBS) conditions and/or in presence of AR agonist, R1881. Results: Co-exposure to SFN (10μM) significantly (p Conclusion: Sulforaphane decreases AR levels in both LNCaP and C4-2B cells to increase the anti-cancer efficacy of AR antagonists in a synergistic manner. This implies that adjuvant therapy with this safe phytochemical may be very promising. Citation Format: Namrata Khurana, Sudha Talwar, Partha Chandra, Asim B. Abdel-Mageed, Debasis Mondal, Suresh Sikka. Sulforaphane enhances the anti-cancer efficacy of anti-androgens in prostate cancer cells (LNCaP and C4-2B) by increasing androgen receptor (AR) degradation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 2990.
The optical design of GMOX: a next-generation instrument concept for Gemini

We present the optical design of GMOX, the Gemini Multi-Object eXtra-wide-band spectrograph. GMOX was selected as part of the Gemini Instrument Feasibility Study to develop capabilities and requirements for the next facility instrument (Gen4#3) for the observatory. We envision GMOX covering the entire optical/near-IR wavelength range accessible from the ground, from 3500 A in the U band up to 2.4 μm in the K band, with nominal resolving power R≃5,000. To maximize efficiency, the bandpass is split into three spectrograph arms - blue, red, and near-infrared - with the near-infrared arm further split into three channels covering the Y+J, H, and K bands. At the heart of each arm is a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) serving as a programmable slit array. This technology will enable GMOX to simultaneously acquire hundreds of spectra of faint sources in crowded fields with unparalleled spatial resolution, optimally adapting to both seeing-limited and diffraction limited conditions provided by ALTAIR and GeMS at Gemini North and South, respectively. Fed by GeMS at f/33, GMOX can synthesize slits as small as 40 mas (corresponding to a single HST/WFC3 CCD pixel) over its entire 85”x45” field of view. With either ALTAIR or the native telescope focal ratio of f/16, both the slit and field sizes double. In this paper we discuss the conceptual optical design of GMOX including, for each arm: the pre-slit optics, DMD slit array, off-axis Schmidt collimator, VPH grating, and refractive spectrograph and slit-viewing cameras.
Occurrence of Enterotoxigenic Strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterotoxin Production in Bakery Products.

Bakery items were surveyed for the presence of Staphylococcus aureus . Items analyzed were oatmeal raisin cookies, apple muffins, cream puffs, and long Johns. S. aureus were isolated from 21 (9.8%) of 214 bakery items surveyed. Enterotoxin was produced by seven of these isolates. An enterotoxin producing S. aureus was found in one apple muffin and one long John and in five of the cream puffs. The pH and water activity ranges for the bakery items would support S. aureus growth except the water activity for the cookies. An enterotoxin A-producing strain of S. aureus was also inoculated in or on the surface of the bakery items. The bakery items were held at 25°C for 48 h to simulate consumer handling. Total S. aureus was determined by plate count on Baird-Parker agar. S. aureus survived on all the bakery items. After 24 h, total cell number decreased on surface inoculated bakery items; however, S. aureus grew well in the inoculated fillings of cream puffs and long Johns increasing to 105 CFU/g.
The future of lipid guidelines.

Purpose of review Factors influencing guideline development may result in paradigm shifts in treatment recommendations. Recent findings The 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association cholesterol guideline provides an example of how new methodology and findings from randomized clinical trials can result in a paradigm shift in the approach to cardiovascular prevention. This guideline moved away from a treat to cholesterol goal approach. Based on strong evidence of a net benefit in randomized clinical trials, statins were recommended to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk in four groups of patients most likely to benefit. In addition, improved risk prediction equations and shared decision-making were recommended for guiding statin initiation in primary prevention patients with LDL cholesterol ≤190 mg/dl. Future guidelines will address the role of nonstatins for cardiovascular prevention. Improved risk prediction in statin-treated patients with and without cardiovascular disease, estimation of the potential for net benefit, and shared decision-making should be integral components of the next guideline. Summary Guidelines will continue to evolve as new data accumulate. New treatment paradigms will be needed to optimize patient outcomes.
Analysis of semen parameters in a young cohort of cancer patients.

Background Infertility can be the result of some common cancer treatments and can significantly impact quality of life. Semen cryopreservation allows for fertility preservation. We analyzed the semen parameters of specimens collected from pubertal males from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in order to expand current knowledge on the quality of these specimens and inform a standard clinical practice. Procedure Males who were at least Tanner stage III and newly diagnosed with cancer at CHOP were approached regarding sperm banking. The success and quality of the samples collected were analyzed and compared in relation to prior treatment, age, and diagnosis. Results From 399 patients approached for semen collection, 339 (85%) attempted to bank sperm, of which 265 (78%) were successful and 60 (15%) refused to participate. Therapy prior to sperm banking significantly impacted a successful collection (P < 0.01). Only 16.9% of the untreated patients were azoospermic, whereas 84.0% of the treated subjects were azoospermic. Older patients were less likely to be azoospermic and have a greater quality collection when compared with younger patients (P < 0.01). However, 65% of our youngest patients still were able to cryopreserve semen. There was no difference in azoospermia across diagnostic groups (P = 0.35), though there were differences in quality of semen parameters across diagnoses. Conclusion Our data support that sperm banking pubertal males prior to the initiation of therapy is feasible. While there were differences in quality of semen parameters across age and diagnostic groups, most males, regardless of age or diagnosis, had adequate specimens for cryopreservation.
PET of Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Activity in Cancer: Preclinical Assessment and First In-Human Studies

Our data support the feasibility of evaluating fluorine 18 fluorthanatrace as a quantifiable biomarker of poly (adenosine diphosphate–ribose) polymerase expression in clinical trials.
What Do Abnormal Liver Tests Mean

Acquisition of a liver panel is generally performed during routine laboratory testing in asymptomatic patients and for the evaluation of those with suspected acute and/or chronic liver disease. While commonly referenced as liver function tests, the typical liver panel consists of elements that reflect hepatocellular injury, biliary tract disease, bilirubin metabolism, and protein synthesis. Despite its exclusion in the basic liver panel, an elevation in prothrombin time (PT), which is standardized through the international normalized ratio (INR), reflects a deficit in the hepatic synthesis of coagulation. Measures of hepatic function allow for prognostication of liver disease severity. One example is The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD), which incorporates measures of hepatic function (serum INR, total bilirubin, and creatinine) to formulate a score that predicts the 30-day mortality in patients with liver disease [1].
Relationship Stability After Traumatic Brain Injury Among Veterans and Service Members: A VA TBI Model Systems Study.

OBJECTIVE To explore stability of relationships and predictors of change in relationship status 2 years following TBI/polytrauma. SETTING Five Department of Veterans Affairs Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers (VA PRCs). PARTICIPANTS A total of 357 active duty service members and Veterans enrolled in the Veterans Affairs Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems database with complete marital status information at 2 years postinjury. DESIGN Prospective, longitudinal, multisite. MAIN MEASURES Relationship status change was defined as change in marital status (single/never married; married; divorced/separated) at 2-year follow-up, compared with status at enrollment. RESULTS At the time of enrollment, 134 participants (38%) were single/never married; 151 (42%) were married, and 72 (20%) were divorced/separated. Of those married at enrollment, 78% remained married at year 2 while 22% underwent negative change. Multivariable analyses revealed that age and education at the time of injury and mental health utilization prior to injury were significant predictors of relationship change. Among those who were single/divorced/separated at the time of enrollment, 87% remained so at year 2 while 13% underwent positive change. Injury during deployment significantly predicted positive relationship change. CONCLUSIONS The unmalleable, preinjury characteristics identified may be used as potential triggers for education, prevention, surveillance, and couples therapy, if needed.
How to Provide Gadolinium-Free PET/MR Cancer Staging of Children and Young Adults in Less than 1 h: the Stanford Approach.

To provide clinically useful gadolinium-free whole-body cancer staging of children and young adults with integrated positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance (PET/MR) imaging in less than 1 h. In this prospective clinical trial, 20 children and young adults (11–30 years old, 6 male, 14 female) with solid tumors underwent 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-d-glucose ([18F]FDG) PET/MR on a 3T PET/MR scanner after intravenous injection of ferumoxytol (5 mg Fe/kg) and [18F]FDG (2–3 MBq/kg). Time needed for patient preparation, PET/MR image acquisition, and data processing was compared before (n = 5) and after (n = 15) time-saving interventions, using a Wilcoxon test. The ferumoxytol-enhanced PET/MR images were compared with clinical standard staging tests regarding radiation exposure and tumor staging results, using Fisher’s exact tests. Tailored workflows significantly reduced scan times from 36 to 24 min for head to mid thigh scans (p < 0.001). These streamlined PET/MR scans were obtained with significantly reduced radiation exposure (mean 3.4 mSv) compared to PET/CT with diagnostic CT (mean 13.1 mSv; p = 0.003). Using the iron supplement ferumoxytol “off label” as an MR contrast agent avoided gadolinium chelate administration. The ferumoxytol-enhanced PET/MR scans provided equal or superior tumor staging results compared to clinical standard tests in 17 out of 20 patients. Compared to PET/CT, PET/MR had comparable detection rates for pulmonary nodules with diameters of equal or greater than 5 mm (94 vs. 100 %), yet detected significantly fewer nodules with diameters of less than 5 mm (20 vs 100 %) (p = 0.03). [18F]FDG-avid nodules were detected with slightly higher sensitivity on the PET of the PET/MR compared to the PET of the PET/CT (59 vs 49 %). Our streamlined ferumoxytol-enhanced PET/MR protocol provided cancer staging of children and young adults in less than 1 h with equivalent or superior clinical information compared to clinical standard staging tests. The detection of small pulmonary nodules with PET/MR needs to be improved.
Abstract P226: Improved Insulin Sensitivity with a Healthy Low Fat or a Healthy Low Carbohydrate Weight Loss Diet: A Twelve Month Randomized Trial

Background: The abilities of healthy low fat (HLF) and healthy low carbohydrate (HLC) weight loss diets to improve insulin sensitivity over the long term are not well understood. Objective: To examine whether HLF and HLC weight loss diets improve insulin sensitivity over 12 months, and to determine if either diet is superior for these improvements. Methods: Healthy adults without diabetes, aged 18-50 years, BMI between 28 and 40 kg/m 2 , were randomized to HLF or HLC for 12 months (n = 609). Health educators delivered the interventions in 22 1-hr group classes. Dietary intake was assessed by three 24-hour recalls per time point. Glucose and insulin were measured at times 0, 30, 60, and 120 min during a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. Indices of hepatic insulin sensitivity (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance; HOMA) and whole-body insulin sensitivity (Matsuda index and the plasma concentration ratio of triglyceride to HDL-cholesterol; TG/HDL-C) were measured. Data were collected at baseline and 12 months. Statistical analyses were performed on study completers. Results: Complete data were available for n = 193 for HLF, and n = 197 for HLC. BMI and all indices of insulin sensitivity were similar between groups at baseline (p > 0.25 for all). Macronutrient distributions at 12 months were 48% vs. 30% carbohydrate, 29% vs. 45% fat, and 21% vs. 23% protein for HLF and HLC, respectively. Changes in BMI (mean ± SEM) were similar between groups (HLF: 33.38 ± 0.28 to 31.48 ± 0.29; HLC: 33.01 ± 0.25 to 30.69 ± 0.28; p = 0.11). Improvements within each group were observed for HOMA (HLF: 3.81 ± 0.17 to 3.16 ± 0.12; HLC: 3.60 ± 0.13 to 3.00 ± 0.12), Matsuda index (HLF: 3.13 ± 0.14 to 3.92 ± 0.18; HLC: 3.10 ± 0.12 to 3.86 ± 0.14), and TG/HDL-C (HLF: 3.16 ± 0.17 to 2.74 ± 0.14; HLC: 2.91 ± 0.15 to 2.09 ± 0.14) (p 0.75 for both). Conclusions: All indices of insulin sensitivity were improved with both diets after 12 months. Neither diet was superior for improving HOMA. The HLC diet was more effective for improving TG/HDL-C, but not the Matsuda index.
No-confounding designs with 24 runs for 7-12 factors

When experimenting with more than six independent variables, researchers under significant resource or time constraints often require alternatives to large Resolution V 2k-p fractional factorial designs. Many researchers also desire to avoid the expense of a foldover experiment required to de-alias completely confounded two-factor interactions (2FIs) when using resolution IV 2k-p designs. No-confounding designs are an excellent solution to this problem, as they have orthogonal main effects (ME) and no 2FI is completely confounded with another ME or 2FI. This paper introduces 24-run no-confounding designs for 7-12 factors. It presents a Monte Carlo simulation methodology used to evaluate algorithmically constructed designs and those in the existing literature. The results report the best-performing designs and metrics related to their types I and II error rate from the variable-selection process during repeated simulations of regression analyses.
Optimal dynamic range scaling of ΔΣ ADC using bias current estimation

In this paper, optimal dynamic range scaling of ΔΣ ADC using bias current estimation method is proposed. Generally, a different dynamic range scaling gives different feedback factor and effective load capacitance to each integrator in the ΔΣ ADC. It means that power consumption of each integrator strongly depends on the coefficient of the integrator. Therefore, the proposed method estimates which dynamic range scaling consumes the least power to achieve a given settling error. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, the noise coupled third order ΔΣ ADC having different dynamic scaling with transistor level opamps was simulated to compare the ADC performance.
Race/ethnicity and racial group composition moderate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based relapse prevention for substance use disorder.

Abstract Introduction Mindfulness-based relapse prevention has shown promise as a treatment for substance use disorder but its efficacy according to racial/ethnic minority status and group composition is unknown. Method This is a secondary analysis of existing data (Bowen et al., 2014) testing individual race/ethnicity and racial/ethnic group composition as moderators of mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP). Participants (N = 191; 29% female; 47% racial/ethnic minority; mean age = 39) with substance use disorder were randomized to MBRP or relapse prevention (RP). Outcomes were heavy drinking days (HDD) and drug use days (DUD) 12 months after treatment completion. Negative binominal regression models were conducted. Results Analyses accounted for drug of choice. Individual race/ethnicity was a significant moderator of substance use outcomes. White participants had lower HDD in MBRP than RP (IRR = 0, 95% CI: 0,0), whereas for minority participants, there was no treatment difference in HDD. Conversely, minorities had lower DUD in MBRP than RP (IRR = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.10), whereas for whites there was no treatment difference in DUD. Group racial/ethnic composition was a significant moderator. Participants in groups with more than half whites had lower HDD in MBRP than RP (IRR = 0.01, 95% CI: 0, 0.09), whereas for participants in groups with more than half minorities there was no treatment difference in HDD. Exploratory analyses suggested MBRP resulted in better outcomes than RP when individual race/ethnic status was reflected in the group race/ethnicity (i.e., whites in groups with more than half whites or minorities in groups with more than half minorities). Conclusions Among whites, MBRP appears to be more effective than RP in preventing heavy drinking relapse. However, among racial/ethnic minorities, MBRP appears to more effective than RP in preventing drug use relapse. This suggests that the interaction between individual race/ethnicity and group composition may influence primary outcomes.
The risk of neurodevelopmental disorders at age 10 years associated with blood concentrations of interleukins 4 and 10 during the first postnatal month of children born extremely preterm.

Abstract Background Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10 are viewed mainly as anti-inflammatory cytokines. Yet, high concentrations have also been associated with inflammation-related diseases in newborns. Methods We measured the concentrations of IL-4 and IL-10, as well as IL-8 and ICAM-1 in blood specimens collected on postnatal day 21 (N = 555), day 28 (N = 521), and both days 21 and 28 (N = 449) from children born extremely preterm (EP) ( −2 (which approximates a score of >70) and the following assessments, CCC-2, and CSI-4, DAS-II, NEPSY-II, OWLS-II, SCQ, and WIAT-III. Selected children also were assessed with the ADI-R and the ADOS-2. We modeled the risk of low scores or dysfunctions associated with top quartile concentrations of IL-4 and IL-10 on each day and on both days. Results The risks of low scores on the Animal Sorting and Arrows components of the NEPSY-II, both components of the OWLS-II, and the PseudoWord and Spelling components of the WIAT-III were heightened among children who had top quartile concentrations of IL-4 on postnatal days 21 and 28. Children who had high concentrations of IL-10 on days 21 and 28, individually and collectively, were at increased risk of low scores on the WIAT-III Spelling component. High concentrations of IL-4 on day 28 were associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). High concentrations of IL-10 on day 28 were also associated with a doubling of ASD risk, but this did not achieve statistical significance. Top quartile concentrations of IL-4 and IL10 on both days were not associated with increased risk of social, language, or behavioral dysfunctions. Conclusion Among children born EP, those who had top quartile concentrations of IL-4 and/or IL-10 on postnatal days 21 and/or 28 were more likely than their peers to have low scores on components of the NEPSY-II, OWLS-II, and WIAT-III assessments, as well as identification as having an ASD. What is known: • IL-4 and IL-10 are viewed as predominantly anti-inflammatory proteins. • Less commonly, high concentrations of IL-4 and IL-10 have been associated with adverse health outcomes. What is not known: • We do not know to what extent elevated concentrations of IL-4 and IL-10 during the third and fourth postnatal weeks are associated with increased risk of neurocognitive, behavioral, language, and social dysfunctions among children born very preterm. What this study adds: • Children born very preterm who have elevated concentrations of IL-4, but not IL-10, on both postnatal days 21 and/or 28 are at increased risk of low scores on assessments of processing speed, visuospatial skills, listening comprehension, oral expression, and reading and spelling achievement.
Critically Conscious or Dangerously Dysconscious?: An Analysis of Teacher Candidates' Concerns in Urban Schools

ABSTRACTDrawing on a teacher concerns framework, alongside notions of critical consciousness, this article examines the extent to which teacher candidates' (TCs') concerns are related in any way to the critical scholarship they have engaged with throughout their teacher education coursework. Utilizing teacher candidates' written dilemmas of practice during student teaching as the primary data source, the authors utilize consensual qualitative research for data analysis and share results within and across concern categories as related to notions of critical consciousness and dysconsciousness (King, 1991). Results indicate that TCs' posted self concerns lacked a critical inward journey; that TCs were more likely to be critically conscious regarding their own positionality in schools, yet overwhelmingly dysconscious when talking about students and families; and that large percentages of dysconscious task concerns seem related to TCs' lack of critically conscious posts about self. The authors suggest the impo...
Physicochemical Properties of Mycoviruses: An Overview

To comment on the physicochemical properties of all mycoviruses and viruslike particles (VLPs) isolated from fungi in twenty minutes is a formidable task, for many shapes, sizes, and chemical compositions have been documented or postulated. The task is greatly simplified by the fact that only a few mycoviruses have been well characterized and most of these have common properties. In a recent review of physicochemical properties of mycoviruses, only those from 17 fungus species were included (Bozarth, 1979) since most of those described from other species (Lemke, 1979) are known only from electron microscopic investigations.
Use of Paleomagnetism in Studies of Lake Sediments

SV and magnetostratigraphy studies are well established for dating and correlation of lake sediments. SV and radiocarbon studies of suitable, rapidly deposited (>30 cm/ka) Holocene lake sediments can be used to provide dating and correlation with centennial resolution for regional (≤5×103 km) paleoenvironmental studies.
Protosystem 1: An automatic programming system prototype

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses an Automatic Programming System Prototype. Over the years, people have come to understand certain functions of the programming process well enough to automate them, that is, to replace those functions by programs. The chapter also explains a model of the program writing process. The data processing system writing process may be conceived as a sequence of phases leading from the conception of a system to its implementation as executable machine code. The chapter presents a model of the data processing system implementation process and presents the development of a blueprint based on that model for automating the entire process. Protosystem I is a project to exhibit the feasibility of these ideas. Already, two of the four heretofore manual phases of the software writing process have been automated and are capable of producing acceptable implementations. The automation of the remaining two phases should easily fall within the realm of presently developing technologies within the next decade.
Gender Role Conflict and Intersecting Identities in the Assessment and Treatment of Culturally Diverse Populations

This chapter provides an overview of research examining gender role conflict, namely, the stress resulting from proscribed normative gender roles within and across diverse groups in the United States. Attention is given to the challenges related to the intersection of gender with other social identities, and emphasis is placed on the issues arising from gender roles in combination with stigmatized identities. Implications of gender role conflict for the psychological assessment and treatment of African Americans, Asian Americans, Latinas/os, and Native Americans are presented. Specific recommendations are suggested for future gender role conflict research with culturally diverse populations.
Bridging the gender gap in confidence

Abstract Underconfidence among women can reduce their career aspirations and thwart advancement in whatever career they choose. For managers seeking to retain and promote capable women, we recommend addressing the gender gap in confidence to increase the effectiveness of women in the current workforce as employees and leaders and thereby attract the best new hires among women seeking opportunity. Based on a wide range of research and the broad experience of the authors, we discuss useful approaches—include helping women learn how to be more self-confident through classes and webinars—but also discouraging practices such as equating low confidence with low competence. The entire organization can benefit when its practices recognize the need for and payoff from reducing the confidence gap between women and men.
A Multi-Level Modeling Approach to Investigating Students' Critical Thinking at Higher Education Institutions.

Twenty-first century and higher-learning skills such as critical thinking are highly desired for new college graduates entering the workplace, especially with rapid changing technology and a more g...