cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The domain structure and distribution of Alu elements in long noncoding RNAs and mRNAs

Approximately 75% of the human genome is transcribed and many of these spliced transcripts contain primate-specific Alu elements, the most abundant mobile element in the human genome. The majority of exonized Alu elements are located in long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and the untranslated regions of mRNA, with some performing molecular functions. To further assess the potential for Alu elements to be repurposed as functional RNA domains, we investigated the distribution and evolution of Alu elements in spliced transcripts. Our analysis revealed that Alu elements are underrepresented in mRNAs and lncRNAs, suggesting that most exonized Alu elements arising in the population are rare or deleterious to RNA function. When mRNAs and lncRNAs retain exonized Alu elements, they have a clear preference for Alu dimers, left monomers, and right monomers. mRNAs often acquire Alu elements when their genes are duplicated within Alu-rich regions. In lncRNAs, reverse-oriented Alu elements are significantly enriched and are not restricted to the 3' and 5' ends. Both lncRNAs and mRNAs primarily contain the Alu J and S subfamilies that were amplified relatively early in primate evolution. Alu J subfamilies are typically overrepresented in lncRNAs, whereas the Alu S dimer is overrepresented in mRNAs. The sequences of Alu dimers tend to be constrained in both lncRNAs and mRNAs, whereas the left and right monomers are constrained within particular Alu subfamilies and classes of RNA. Collectively, these findings suggest that Alu-containing RNAs are capable of forming stable structures and that some of these Alu domains might have novel biological functions.
Evaluation of vasovasostomy candidates by deoxyribonucleic acid flow cytometry of testicular aspirates

Of the approximately 10000 vasectomy reversals performed in the US 40%-50% of cases do not result in pregnancy. At the time of vasovasostomy testicular aspirates were taken from 42 men with a mean age of 38.1 and a mean duration since vasectomy of 10.9 years. DNA histograms were collected from the aspirates by automated flow cytometry. The histograms were classified as normal or abnormal based on the percent of haploid diploid and tetraploid cells and on the amount of low-signal debris. 21 (54%) of the 39 men available for analysis had normal ploidies sperm present at the time of operation and approximately 5.5% debris. Of the 14 men who had no sperm in the vasal fluid 11 had abnormal histograms showing abnormal distribution of ploidies; 5 (35.7%) had high levels of cellular debris. Normal distribution of ploidies as shown by DNA flow cytometry and low levels of cellular debris correlate with presence of sperm. Testicular parenchymal aspiration therefore provides a rapid reproducible method for evaluating male fertility status after vasectomy reversal.
Degeneracies in long-baseline neutrino experiments from nonstandard interactions

We study parameter degeneracies that can occur in long-baseline neutrino appearance experiments due to nonstandard interactions (NSI) in neutrino propagation. For a single off-diagonal NSI parameter, and neutrino and antineutrino measurements at a single $L/E$, there exists a continuous four-fold degeneracy (related to the mass hierarchy and ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{23}$ octant) that renders the mass hierarchy, octant, and $CP$ phase unknowable. Even with a combination of $\mathrm{NO}\ensuremath{\nu}\mathrm{A}$ and T2K data, which in principle can resolve the degeneracy, both NSI and the $CP$ phase remain unconstrained because of experimental uncertainties. A wide-band beam experiment like DUNE will resolve this degeneracy if the nonzero off-diagonal NSI parameter is ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{e\ensuremath{\mu}}$. If ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{e\ensuremath{\tau}}$ is nonzero, or the diagonal NSI parameter ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{ee}$ is $\mathcal{O}(1)$, a wrong determination of the mass hierarchy and of $CP$ violation can occur at DUNE. The octant degeneracy can be further complicated by ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{e\ensuremath{\tau}}$, but is not affected by ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{ee}$.
Predictors of Family Satisfaction Following a Child's Disclosure of Sexual Orientation

AbstractIn the present study, 129 gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) individuals retrospectively reported family satisfaction at three points: prior to disclosing their sexual orientation, after disclosure, and currently. Family satisfaction decreases immediately following disclosure but eventually returns to prior levels. Family factors that contributed to family satisfaction at each time point were examined. Prior to coming out, family flexibility, communication, and cohesion were significant predictors of family satisfaction. Immediately after coming out, family flexibility and communication were significant predictors of family satisfaction. Family satisfaction immediately after coming out, enmeshment, and disengagement were significant predictors of current family satisfaction.
Bayesian Analysis of Step-Stress Accelerated Life Tests and Its Use in Planning

ABSTRACTA Bayesian analysis of step-stress accelerated life test data is introduced and illustrated by an experiment on cryogenic cables. A cumulative damage model is used to describe the cumulative distribution function of Weibull lifetimes. The analysis methodology can then be used to evaluate a step-stress accelerated life test plan through simulation and calculation of appropriate criteria. Such planning is illustrated with the cryogenic cable example.
Mucosal IgG4 cell infiltration in ulcerative colitis is linked to disease activity and primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Background The distribution of IgG4 plasma cells in colonic mucosa, its significance, and relation to disease activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is unclear. We systematically evaluated IgG4 cell distribution in colonic mucosal biopsies of patients with IBD and correlated histological findings with disease pattern and mucosal inflammation. Methods We reviewed clinical records and pathology specimens of 54 randomly selected patients with IBD (13 Crohn's colitis: 7 active, 6 inactive; 18 ulcerative colitis [UC]: 10 active, 8 inactive; 23 UC with primary sclerosing cholangitis: 11 active colitis, 12 inactive colitis), and 11 controls (3 nonspecific diarrhea, 8 collagenous/lymphocytic colitis) who had colonoscopy and biopsies performed at our institution from April 2003 to July 2010. Immunostains for IgG4 were performed on archived rectal biopsies. Presence of >10 IgG4 cells per high-power field (×40 field) on microscopic evaluation was considered significant. Results Overall, significant IgG4 plasma cell infiltration was seen in 24% of patients compared with none of the controls (P = 0.05). Within IBD groups, significant infiltration was limited to patients with UC with active colitis (30%), primary sclerosing cholangitis with inactive (25%) and active (64%) colitis. In contrast, patients with Crohn's colitis, UC with inactive colitis, and controls had rare IgG4 plasma cells. No correlation was observed between the number of IgG4 cells and degree of active inflammation. In 4 patients with UC and primary sclerosing cholangitis who had more than 1 colonoscopy and biopsies, the number of IgG4 cells fluctuated without correlation with colonic disease activity. Conclusions IgG4 plasma cells are significantly increased in a subset of patients with IBD suggesting the possibility of a B-cell-mediated mechanism in these patients.
Germination of Conidia of Erysiphe Cichoracearum

Effects of light. Conidia were collected from Helianthus annuus, Zinnia elegans, and Xanthium pennsylvanicum growing in the greenhouse (Morrison, 1961). The spores were harvested during the daylight hours as suggested by Yarwood (1936) by shaking the infected leaves over one per cent water agar plates 24 to 48 hr after the plants were treated to remove nonviable conidia. This pretreatment of the host plants was found to increase the germination percentages by two to three fold over that of conidia harvested from untreated hosts (TABLE I). The plates containing the conidia from the pretreated hosts were immediately checked for in situ germination. Then the plates were divided into two sets: one was exposed to an illumination intensity of 300 ft-c of cool white fluorescent light, and the other set was covered to exclude all light. Both sets were incubated at 14 C. Spores were counted at 24 hr intervals in marked quadrants of the plates. The germination percentage was calculated using twelve-hundred spores of both types as a base number. Plates in continuous dark were discarded as soon as the count was determined. The data obtained from these experiments show no germination for the conidia in continuous dark after 24 hr to 56% germination at the end of 192 hr, while the plates in continuous light show 30% germination after 24 hr and reaching a maximum of 58% after 96 hr (TABLE II). The data presented on this table is for conidia isolated from H. annuus. Conidia harvested from
A Step Towards a General Framework for Consequential Life Cycle Assessment

Summary At the core of consequential life cycle assessment (CLCA) is a model of the economic system of which the activity that motivates the CLCA is a part. While there are several applications of CLCA in the literature, there does not appear to exist a formal, general mathematical framework. To address this gap, this article presents a general multi-market equilibrium framework, which could be adapted to an arbitrary level of complexity depending on the context and data availability. A general expression for total pollution (of a given type) is derived, which highlights different factors that determine the impact on emissions. It is then illustrated how microeconomic theory can help predict the direction of price and quantity changes for each commodity within the modeled system simply based on an activity's relationship to the ultimate activity or service, which motivates the CLCA. The steps involved in converting the multi-market framework to general equilibrium are also discussed.
Water quality monitoring analysis in Ouhai

Objective:To understand the drinking water quality in Ouhai,and provide scientific data to improve the health management of drinking water.Methods: Water collection,preservation,transportation and inspection were completed according to the"Standard health test method for drinking water"(GB5750-2006).Water quality test results were evaluated according to the"Hygienic standard for drinking water"(GB5749-2006).Results: The qualified rate of large centralized water supply water was 83.3%,while that of small centralized water supply of rural drinking water projects was 28.8%.Total coliforms,heat-resistant coliforms,turbidity,pH,Mn,Fe,Cd and other projects showed varying degrees of unqualified.Conclusion: Water quality of small rural centralized water supply was worse,more attention should paid to.
Au/Cr-ZnO-Ni structured metal-insulator-metal diode fabrication using Langmuir-Blodgett technique for infrared sensing

The thin nanolayer film of ZnO was synthesized through Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) organic precursor film. The zinc stearate monolayer was formed at air-water interface using zinc acetate as a subphase. The zinc stearate monolayers were deposited on silicon (Si), glass, and gold (Au)/chromium (Cr) plated Silicon (Si) substrates using LB technique. Later, the zinc stearate multilayers LB films on various substrates were annealed at two different temperatures (300oC and 550oC) for the fabrication of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanolayer film. The zinc stearate monolayers as well zinc oxide (ZnO) nanolayer films were characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray diffraction techniques. The X-ray diffraction measurement has shown the hexagonal wurtzite structure of the ZnO nanolayer on the substrate. The average surface roughness was estimated to be 1.076 nm using AFM technique. The metal-insulator-metal (MIM) diode structure was realized by sandwiching ZnO nanolayer film between thin layer of Gold (Au)/Chromium (Cr) and Nickel (Ni) on silicon substrates. The electron tunneling conduction mechanism is understood through the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of MIM diode. The highest measured sensitivity magnitude of 20 in inverse of voltage (V-1) with rectification ratio of nearly 10 at ±400 mV in MIM diode is an indicative of its potential application in infrared sensing applications. However, the thin film of ZnO synthesized using LB film as an insulating layer in metal-insulator-metal diode structure was studied for the first time.
A Profile of College and University Archives in the United States

more concerned with its own history as the profession has evolved. This is particularly true of college and university archivists, now the largest group of archivists, defined by employer, in the United States. In an effort to update previous surveys, a detailed questionnaire was circulated to a 10-percent sample of archivists at institutions of higher education. The results of the survey, reported in this article, are of particular interest in that they include data reflecting the remarkable growth in the number of these archival institutions in the decade of the 1970s. The survey also sheds new light on the nature, strengths, and weaknesses of these programs and represents a baseline from which the developments of the 1980s can be measured. The growth and development of archives at colleges and universities has been monitored periodically through a series of surveys made since the formation in 1949 of the College and University Archives Committee of the Society of American Archivists. In the summer of 1949 the committee conducted a survey among 200 colleges and universities, selected to include as wide a range as possible, in order "to determine the extent of archival awareness in institutions of higher learning in the United States and Canada."1 Eighty-four institutions responded that they had some form of archives or historical manuscript collection, but the picture was generally a bleak one few institutions apparently understood the distinction among institutional records, historical manuscripts, and local public records.
Epidemiology of Encephalitis

The incidence and epidemiology of encephalitis in children have been analyzed in a 20 year survey at the Department of Virology and the Children’s Hospital, University of Helsinki, Finland.
High Throughput Molecular Profiling Approaches for the Identifications of Genomic Alterations and Therapeutic Targets in Oral Cancer

Tumors, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), develop through the combined processes of genomic instability, alteration, and selection, resulting in clonal expansion of cells that have accumulated the most advantageous set of genetic aberrations. With the human genome deciphered, high-throughput molecular profiling technologies are currently linking genome-wide transcriptome, proteome and mutation profiles with biological and disease phenotypes, which present an unprecedented opportunity for advancing the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In this chapter, we aim to summarize modern genomics and proteomics technologies that can significantly facilitate our understanding of the molecular events underlying the development of OSCC. Understanding the molecular and genetic alterations in the pathogenesis of OSCC will help elucidate the mechanisms involved in tumor formation as well as identify potential targets for improved diagnosis and treatment of OSCC.
Cadherin Diffusion in Supported Lipid Bilayers Exhibits Calcium-Dependent Dynamic Heterogeneity.

Ca2+ ions are critical to cadherin ectodomain rigidity, which is required for the activation of adhesive functions. Therefore, changes in Ca2+ concentration, both in vivo and in vitro, can affect cadherin conformation and function. We employed single-molecule tracking to measure the diffusion of cadherin ectodomains tethered to supported lipid bilayers at varying Ca2+ concentrations. At a relatively high Ca2+ concentration of 2 mM, cadherin molecules exhibited a fast diffusion coefficient that was identical to that of individual lipid molecules in the bilayer (Dfast ≈ 3 μm2/s). At lower Ca2+ concentrations, where cadherin molecules were less rigid, the ensemble-average cadherin diffusion coefficient was systematically smaller. Individual cadherin trajectories were temporally heterogeneous, exhibiting alternating periods of fast and slow diffusion; the periods of slow diffusion (Dslow ≈ 0.1 μm2/s) were more prevalent at lower Ca2+ concentration. These observations suggested that more flexible cadherin ectodomains at lower Ca2+ concentration alternated between upright and lying-down conformations, where the latter interacted with more lipid molecules and experienced greater viscous drag.
To the Editor: Caring for international patients.

Readers comment on caring for international patients (November 2016) and on acid-base disorders (January 2017).
The Relationship Between Caffeine Intake and Immunological and Virological Markers of HIV Disease Progression in Miami Adult Studies on HIV Cohort

Abstract Although there are many studies on adverse health effects of substance use and HIV disease progression, similar studies about caffeine consumption are few. In this study, we investigated the effects of caffeine on immunological and virological markers of HIV disease progression. A convenience sample of 130 clinically stable people living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy (65 consuming ≤250 mg/day and 65 consuming >250 mg/day of caffeine) were recruited from the Miami Adult Studies on HIV (MASH) cohort. This study included a baseline and 3-month follow-up visit. Demographics, body composition measures, substance use, Modified Caffeine Consumption Questionnaire (MCCQ), and CD4 count and HIV viral load were obtained for all participants. Multivariable linear regression and Linear Mixed Models (LMMs) were used to understand the effect of caffeine consumption on CD4 count and HIV viral load. The mean age of the cohort was 47.9 ± 6.4 years, 60.8% were men and 75.4% were African Americans. All par...
Transcriptional regulation of the Nkx3.1 gene in prostate luminal stem cell specification and cancer initiation via its 3′ genomic region

NK3 homeobox 1 (Nkx3.1), a transcription factor expressed in the prostate epithelium, is crucial for maintaining prostate cell fate and suppressing tumor initiation. Nkx3.1 is ubiquitously expressed in luminal cells of hormonally intact prostate but, upon androgen deprivation, exclusively labels a type of luminal stem cells named castration-resistant Nkx3.1-expressing cells (CARNs). During prostate cancer initiation, Nkx3.1 expression is frequently lost in both humans and mouse models. Therefore, investigating how Nkx3.1 expression is regulated in vivo is important for understanding the mechanisms of prostate stem cell specification and cancer initiation. Here, using a transgenic mouse line with destabilized GFP, we identified an 11-kb genomic region 3' of the Nkx3.1 transcription start site to be responsible for alterations in Nkx3.1 expression patterns under various physiological conditions. We found that androgen cell-autonomously activates Nkx3.1 expression through androgen receptor (AR) binding to the 11-kb region in both normal luminal cells and CARNs and discovered new androgen response elements in the Nkx3.1 3' UTR. In contrast, we found that, in Pten-/- prostate tumors, loss of Nkx3.1 expression is mediated at the transcriptional level through the 11-kb region despite functional AR in the nucleus. Importantly, the GFP reporter specifically labeled CARNs in the regressed prostate only in the presence of cell-autonomous AR, supporting a facultative model for CARN specification.
Opinions Regarding Benzodiazepine Teaching and Prescribing Among Trainees in Psychiatry.

Benzodiazepines are widely prescribed for a variety of symptoms and illnesses. There has been limited investigation on the training psychiatry residents receive regarding benzodiazepine prescribing. This study surveyed US psychiatric trainees about their didactic and clinical experience with benzodiazepines, investigating how experience with benzodiazepines may shape trainees’ opinions and likelihood to prescribe. The 14-question online survey was distributed to residents and fellows at US training programs through an invitation from their training directors. Of 466 programs contacted, with an estimated 1345 trainees, a total of 97 programs (20.8%) and 424 trainees (31.5%) responded. The analyses focused only on the 342 general psychiatry trainees who responded. Most trainees reported having formal didactics on benzodiazepines, and earlier training was correlated with higher trainee quality of instruction assessments (p < 0.01). Most trainees rated their instructors as Above or Well Above Average. Trainees cited the observation and opinion of supervisors as the two most important factors affecting likelihood of future benzodiazepine prescribing. Trainees commonly reported pressure from patients to prescribe benzodiazepines but were split on perceived pressure from supervisors about prescribing and whether a bias exists against prescribing at their program or in general. The survey indicated that psychiatry trainees generally feel adequately trained through didactic and clinical experience with benzodiazepines. Trainees perceived pressure by patients to prescribe benzodiazepines, but generally felt comfortable in managing benzodiazepine usage. Psychiatry attendings’ opinions on benzodiazepines most impacted trainees. Influences on trainees’ prescribing patterns are important variables that can impact future benzodiazepine prescribing.
Don't Get Too Confident: Uncertainty in SDρ

Tett, Hundley, and Christiansen (2017) raise an important issue related to meta-analysis and our frequent overinterpretation of point estimates to the diminishment of variability of the estimate. We view this as analogous to the situation in which weather forecasters communicate the likely track of hurricanes. Such predictions involve point estimates of where the center of the storm is likely to be at some future time. These point estimates can be connected to identify the most likely path of the storm. In addition to these point estimates, however, forecasters caution that we should also attend to the “cone of uncertainty.” That is, we should not focus exclusively on the point estimate to the exclusion of the errors of prediction.
28-GHz Channel Measurements and Modeling for Suburban Environments

This paper presents millimeter wave propagation measurements at 28 GHz for a typical suburban environment using a 400-megachip-per-second custom- designed broadband sliding correlator channel sounder and highly directional 22-dBi (15o half-power beamwidth) horn antennas. With a 23-dBm transmitter installed at a height of 27m to emulate a microcell deployment, the receiver obtained more than 5000 power delay profiles over distances from 80m to 1000m at 50 individual sites and on two pedestrian paths. The resulting basic transmission losses were compared with predictions of the over-rooftop model in recommendation ITU-R P.1411-9. Our analysis reveals that the traditional channel modeling approach may be insufficient to deal with the varying site-specific propagations of millimeter waves in suburban environments. For line-of-sight measurements, the path loss exponents obtained for the close-in (CI) free space reference distance model and the alpha-beta-gamma (ABG) model are 2.00 and 2.81, respectively, which are close to the recommended site-general value of 2.29. The root mean square errors (RMSEs) for these two reference models are 9.93dB and 9.70dB, respectively, which are slightly lower than that for the ITU site-general model (10.34dB). For non-line-of-sight measurements, both reference models, with the resulting path loss exponents of 2.50 for the CI model and 1.12 for the ABG model, outperformed the site-specific ITU model by around 14dB RMSE.
Observations of Seasonal Upwelling and Downwelling in the Beaufort Sea Mediated by Sea Ice

AbstractWe present observational estimates of Ekman pumping in the Beaufort Gyre region. Averaged over the Canada Basin, the results show a 2003–14 average of 2.3 m yr−1 downward with strong seasonal and interannual variability superimposed: monthly and yearly means range from 30 m yr−1 downward to 10 m yr−1 upward. A clear, seasonal cycle is evident with intense downwelling in autumn and upwelling during the winter months, despite the wind forcing being downwelling favorable year-round. Wintertime upwelling is associated with friction between the large-scale Beaufort Gyre ocean circulation and the surface ice pack and contrasts with previous estimates of yearlong downwelling; as a consequence, the yearly cumulative Ekman pumping over the gyre is significantly reduced. The spatial distribution of Ekman pumping is also modified, with the Beaufort Gyre region showing alternating, moderate upwelling and downwelling, while a more intense, yearlong downwelling averaging 18 m yr−1 is identified in the northern ...
On the Yield of Levoglucosan from Cellulose Pyrolysis

Fast pyrolysis is a thermochemical process to fragment large biopolymers such as cellulose to chemical intermediates which can be refined to renewable fuels and chemicals. Levoglucosan (LGA), a six-carbon oxygenate, is the most abundant primary product from cellulose pyrolysis with LGA yields reported over a wide range of 5–80 percent carbon (%C). In this study, the variation of the observed yield of LGA from cellulose pyrolysis was experimentally investigated. Cellulose pyrolysis experiments were conducted in two different reactors: the Frontier micropyrolyzer (2020-iS), and the pulse heated analysis of solid reactions (PHASR) system. The reactor configuration and experimental conditions including cellulose sample size were found to have a significant effect on the yield of LGA. Four different hypotheses were proposed and tested to evaluate the relationship of cellulose sample size and the observed LGA yield including (a) thermal promotion of LGA formation, (b) the crystallinity of cellulose samples, (c)...
Systemic hypertension produces pericyte changes in retinal capillaries

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine retinal capillaries and their pericytes that previous research suggests to be contractile. A contractile role regulating capillary blood flow may be more apparent when the vasculature is subjected to the stress of systemic hypertension. METHODS Using ultrastructural morphometry and the myosin subfragment-1 technique, retinal capillaries of normal and hypertensive rats were measured at three different time points, early, intermediate, and late (24, 44, and 68 wk). RESULTS Hypertensive capillaries seemed to dilate at the early time point (P = 0.002), were constricted at the intermediate time point (P < 0.001), and did not redilate later. Wall thickness was enlarged at all times, pericyte coverage (the ratio of plasma membrane length in contact with the vascular circumference to the outer circumference of the endothelial tube) was greater at early and intermediate time points, and the total area of viable cytoplasm relative to the vessel wall area was increased at the intermediate time (all P < 0.001). Also, at the intermediate time, the circumferential coverage of the endothelial tube by actin filament bundles within pericytes and the actin area relative to the vessel wall area had increased (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that the effects of systemic hypertension extend into the retinal capillary bed, causing pericyte change with actin increase and capillary constriction. They represent the first in vivo indirect evidence by morphologic criteria for pericyte contractility in retinal vascular disease.
Resource Policy, Adaptive Management, and Energy Development on Public Lands

The challenge associated with integrating energy development and wildlife conservation on public lands is formidable. These pressures will continue, especially in the face of global climate change. Natural gas is viewed as an important bridge fuel to more renewable sources of energy (Roberts 2004). In addition to impacts associated with traditional oil and gas development, a host of new energy-related projects are emerging. Uranium mining is booming once again, and there are increasing pressures to develop energy transmission corridors, locate carbon capture and sequestration projects, and develop wind and solar facilities on public lands (U.S. Department of the Interior 2009a).
Heartland Virus Epidemiology, Vector Association, and Disease Potential

First identified in two Missouri farmers exhibiting low white-blood-cell and platelet counts in 2009, Heartland virus (HRTV) is genetically closely related to severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV), a tick-borne phlebovirus producing similar symptoms in China, Korea, and Japan. Field isolations of HRTV from several life stages of unfed, host-seeking Amblyomma americanum, the lone star tick, implicated it as a putative vector capable of transstadial transmission. Laboratory vector competence assessments confirmed transstadial transmission of HRTV, demonstrated vertical infection, and showed co-feeding infection between A. americanum. A vertical infection rate of 33% from adult females to larvae in the laboratory was observed, while only one of 386 pools of molted nymphs (1930) reared from co-feeding larvae was positive for HRTV (maximum-likelihood estimate of infection rate = 0.52/1000). Over 35 human HRTV cases, all within the distribution range of A. americanum, have been documented. Serological testing of wildlife in areas near the index human cases, as well as in widely separated regions of the eastern United States where A. americanum occur, indicated many potential hosts such as raccoons and white-tailed deer. Attempts, however, to experimentally infect mice, rabbits, hamsters, chickens, raccoons, goats, and deer failed to produce detectable viremia. Immune-compromised mice and hamsters are the only susceptible models. Vertical infection augmented by co-feeding transmission could play a role in maintaining the virus in nature. A more complete assessment of the natural transmission cycle of HRTV coupled with serosurveys and enhanced HRTV disease surveillance are needed to better understand transmission dynamics and human health risks.
The World Bank Human Capital Index: A Guide

This paper provides a guide to the new World Bank Human Capital Index (HCI), situating its methodology in the context of the development accounting literature. The HCI combines indicators of health...
Discharge Home is Associated With Decreased Early Complications Following Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background Primary total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) volume has increased over the past decade. Patients discharged home (HD) have demonstrated improved postoperative outcomes compared with non-home discharge (NHD) patients. We reviewed trends in HD over the past decade and compared complication rates between HD and NHD primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA) patients. Methods Retrospective analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was performed on TJA cases and patients were grouped by discharge type. Trends in the prevalence of HD were compared by chi-square test, from 2011 to 2016. Univariate and bivariate statistics were performed. Multivariate logistic and propensity score–matched analyses were used to control for confounding variables. Results During the 6-year review, HD increased significantly for THA (71.2% to 83.6%) and TKA (65.6% to 80.7%). Overall HD was 75.4% of THA and 71.0% of TKA patients. Propensity matching identified 16,580 THA pairs and 34,952 TKA pairs. Compared with NHD patients, HD patients had shorter operative times, were younger, and had shorter lengths of stay. Controlling for confounders, the HD patients had lower risk of death within 30 days, lower risk of major medical morbidity, decreased risk of reoperation, and decreased risk of readmission compared with NDH patients. Multivariate models demonstrated similar findings. Conclusion HD in both THA and TKA independently predicts decreased early (30-day) postoperative complications after controlling for confounding variables. Given the improved outcomes, we advocate for continued emphasis on HD rather than NHD when clinically appropriate.
Nodal positivity between 12 lymph nodes harvested in colorectal cancer undergoing SLNM compared with conventional surgery

4048 Background: Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping (SLNM) upstages significantly more patients (pts) than conventional surgery (Conv Sx) in Colon Cancer (CCa). According to current guidelines, the examin...
Behavioral and morphological evidence of an Allen’s × Rufous hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin × S. rufus) hybrid zone in southern Oregon and northern California

Allen's (Selasphorus sasin) and Rufous (S. rufus) hummingbird have long been suspected to hybridize, and potentially form a hybrid zone where their ranges overlap in southern Oregon. Migratory Allen's Hummingbird (S. s. sasin) breeds along a narrow strip of the California coast up to the Oregon border, while Rufous Hummingbird breeds from southern Oregon to Alaska. Analysis of behavioral and morphological data for 183 males and morphological data from 138 females showed that Allen's and Rufous hummingbird form a hybrid zone in southern Oregon and northern California. Linear discriminant function analysis and cline analysis of 20 phenotypic characters for males and 9 phenotypic characters for females suggested the center of the coastal transect of this north–south hybrid zone spanned from Bandon, Oregon (Coos County), to Port Orford, Oregon (Curry County). The contact zone extended north into the breeding range of Rufous (into Florence, Lane County, Oregon) and south into the range of Allen's (into Arcata, Humboldt County, California). Sporadic inland sampling suggested the hybrid zone extended at least 94 km inland from the coast. Behavioral data included courtship displays, which were composed of discrete, modular, behavioral elements. Sexual selection acted on these courtship displays, as behavioral clines related to courtship behaviors were more narrow than morphological clines. Some of the courtship behaviors analyzed included previously undescribed diagnostic behavioral characters for Allen's and Rufous hummingbird.
Communicating bad news to your patients.

There is a growing body of evidence that the attitude, communication skills, and empathy of the one delivering bad news to a patient or family has an important effect on their bereavement and ability to cope. The author, a physician experienced in end-of-life care, offers advice.
Oropharyngeal microbiome of a college population following a meningococcal disease outbreak

Asymptomatic oropharyngeal carriage of Neisseria meningitidis peaks in adolescence and young adulthood. Following a meningococcal disease outbreak at a U.S. college, we profiled the oropharyngeal microbiomes of 158 students to identify associations between bacterial community composition and meningococcal carriage or risk factors for carriage, including male gender, smoking, and frequent social mixing. Metagenomic shotgun sequencing identified 268 bacterial taxa at the genus or species level, with Streptococcus, Veillonella, and Rothia species being most abundant. Microbiome composition showed weak associations with meningococcal carriage and risk factors for carriage. N. meningitidis abundance was positively correlated with that of Fusobacterium nucleatum, consistent with hypothesized propionic acid cross-feeding. Additional species had positive abundance correlations with N. meningitidis, including Aggregatibacter aphrophilus, Campylobacter rectus, Catonella morbi, Haemophilus haemolyticus, and Parvimonas micra. N. meningitidis abundance was negatively correlated with unidentified Veillonella species. Several of these species are commonly found in dental plaque, while N. meningitidis is primarily found in the pharynx, suggesting that ecological interactions extend throughout the oral cavity. Although risk factors for meningococcal carriage do not strongly impact most bacterial species in the oropharynx, variation in the upper respiratory tract microbiome may create conditions that are more or less favorable for N. meningitidis carriage.
Efficacy of Autologous and Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Waldenström Macroglobulinemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is an indolent IgM-producing lymphoproliferative disorder that remains incurable. Although it is an indolent disease, patients with a high international prognostic scoring system (IPSS)-WM have an overall survival (OS) of less than 4 years. Furthermore, 15% of IPSSWM low-risk patients also develop progressive disease after achieving remission with first-line therapy. Both autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) and allogeneic (allo)-HCT are prescribed for treatment of WM despite lack of randomized controlled studies. Methods We performed a comprehensive search of the medical literature using PubMed/Medline and EMBASE on September 10, 2019. We extracted data on clinical outcomes related to benefits (OS, progression-free survival [PFS] and overall response rate [ORR]) and harms (relapse rate [RR] and non-relapse mortality [NRM]), independently by two authors. Our search strategy identified a total of 339 references. Fifteen studies (8 AHCT [n=291 patients], 7 allo-HCT [n=311 patients]) were included in this systematic review/meta-analysis (Figure 1). Results Median age for AHCT recipients ranged from 49 to 60 years. 58% and 41% of AHCT recipients received melphalan and BEAM conditioning respectively. Pooled OS rate post AHCT was 70% (95% CI=51-87%) with high heterogeneity (I2=87%). Pooled PFS rate post AHCT was 50% (95% CI 38%-61%) with moderate heterogeneity (I2=59%). Pooled NRM was 4% (95% CI 1-7%) with low heterogeneity (I2=0%). In the case of allo-HCT recipients, the median age ranged from 43 to 57 years and 52% received a reduced intensity conditioning regimen. Pooled OS rate post allografting was 57% (95% CI 50-65%) with low heterogeneity (I2=19%). Pooled PFS was 49% (95% CI 42-56%) with low heterogeneity (I2=15%). Pooled NRM was 29% (95% CI 24-34%) with low heterogeneity (I2=0%) (Figure 2). Pooled ORR post AHCT and allo-HCT were 90% (95% CI 82-96%) and 86% (95% CI 76%-95%) respectively, both with moderate heterogeneity. RR post AHCT and allo-HCT was 42% (95% CI 30-55%) and 23% (95% CI 18-28%) respectively, both with moderate heterogeneity, respectively (Figure 3). Conclusions The results of our meta-analysis show that both AHCT and allo-HCT result in encouraging OS and PFS. Allo-HCT does appear to have circa 2-fold lower risk of relapse compared to AHCT based on our analysis. This potential advantage of allografting is offset by a higher NRM. Large multicenter prospective studies are needed to determine which WM patient population would derive the most benefit from an allo-HCT.
Pitfalls in Expiratory Flow Limitation Assessment at Peak Exercise in Children: Role of Thoracic Gas Compression.

PURPOSE Thoracic gas compression and exercise-induced bronchodilation can influence the assessment of expiratory flow limitation (EFL) during cardiopulmonary exercise tests. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of thoracic gas compression and exercise-induced bronchodilation on the assessment of EFL in children with and without obesity. METHODS Forty children (10.7 ± 1.0 yr; 27 obese; 15 with EFL) completed pulmonary function tests and incremental exercise tests. Inspiratory capacity maneuvers were performed during the incremental exercise test for the placement of tidal flow volume loops within the maximal expiratory flow volume (MEFV) loops, and EFL was calculated as the overlap between the tidal and the MEFV loops. MEFV loops were plotted with volume measured at the lung using plethysmography (MEFVp), with volume measured at the mouth using spirometry concurrent with measurements in the plethysmograph (MEFVm), and from spirometry before (MEFVpre) and after (MEFVpost) the incremental exercise test. Only the MEFVp loops were corrected for thoracic gas compression. RESULTS Not correcting for thoracic gas compression resulted in incorrect diagnosis of EFL in 23% of children at peak exercise. EFL was 26% ± 15% VT higher for MEFVm compared with MEFVp (P < 0.001), with no differences between children with and without obesity (P = 0.833). The difference in EFL estimation using MEFVpre (37% ± 30% VT) and MEFVpost (31% ± 26% VT) did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.346). CONCLUSIONS Not correcting the MEFV loops for thoracic gas compression leads to the overdiagnosis and overestimation of EFL. Because most commercially available metabolic measurement systems do not correct for thoracic gas compression during spirometry, there may be a significant overdiagnosis of EFL in cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Therefore, clinicians must exercise caution while interpreting EFL when the MEFV loop is derived through spirometry.
Chapter 14 – Thrombotic Disorders

Publisher Summary Newborns comprise the largest group of children developing thrombotic events. Stroke in newborns appears to be a diverse condition with many potential risk factors. Inherited thrombophilia is a multigene disorder in which the likelihood to develop thrombotic episodes increases with the number of genetic risk factors present in a subject. In inherited thrombophilias impaired neutralization of thrombin or a failure to control the generation of thrombin causes thrombosis. There is a malfunction in a system of natural anticoagulants that maintain the fluidity of the blood. Decreases in antithrombin III activity impair the neutralization of thrombin and reduced activity of protein C or protein S impairs or increases thrombin generation. Both of these mechanisms increase susceptibility to thrombosis. The control of thrombin generation is also compromised by mutations in the gene for factor V or prothrombin. The Arg506Gln substitution in factor V Leiden involves the first of three sites on factor Va that are cleaved by activated protein C. This mutation slows down the proteolytic inactivation of factor Va, which in turn leads to the augmented generation of thrombin. Moreover, the mutant factor V has diminished cofactor activity in the inactivation of factor VIIIa by activated protein C. Both these abnormalities in factor V cause the in vitro phenomenon of resistance to activated protein C, resulting in the failure of activated protein C to prolong the activated partial thromboplastin time.
The relationship between parental factors, child symptom profile, and persistent postoperative pain interference and analgesic use in children.

OBJECTIVES Both parental and child factors have been previously associated with persistent or recurrent postoperative pain in children. Yet, little is known about the relative contribution of parent factors or whether child symptom factors might impact the association between parent factors and long-term pain. The aim of this study was to explore the associations between parent factors, child symptomology, and the child's long-term pain outcomes after surgery. METHODS This prospective, longitudinal study included parents and their children who were scheduled to undergo spinal fusion for underlying scoliosis. Parents completed baseline surveys about their pain history, pain relief preferences (ie, preference to relieve their child's pain vs avoid analgesic risks), and pain catastrophizing (ie, beliefs about their child's pain). Children were classified previously into high vs low symptom profiles at baseline based on their self-reported pain, catastrophizing, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Children were assessed 1-year after surgery for their long-term pain interference scores and analgesic use. Serial regression modeling was used to explore whether associations between parent factors and the outcomes were changed when accounting for child factors. RESULTS Seventy-six parent/child dyads completed all surveys. Parental preferences and catastrophizing were atemporally associated with the child's baseline psychological-somatic symptom profile. Though parent and child factors were both associated with the long-term pain outcomes, when all three factors were accounted for, the associations between parent factors and long-term pain was fully attenuated by the child's profile. DISCUSSION These findings suggest that the relationship between parent factors and long-term postoperative pain outcomes may be dependent on the child's symptom profile at baseline. Since there may be bidirectional relationships between parent and child factors, interventions to mitigate long-term pain should address child symptoms as well as parental factors.
Speech Rate Varies With Sentence Length in Typically Developing Children.

Purpose The primary purpose of this study was to examine the effect of sentence length on speech rate and its characteristics, articulation rate and pauses, in typically developing children. Method...
Look-ahead decision making for renewable energy: A dynamic “predict and store” approach

Abstract This paper presents an integrative methodology for managing and stabilizing the output of a wind/solar farm using storage devices in a cost effective and real-time manner. We consider the problem where a renewable farm should decide the amount of energy charged into, or withdrawn from, the battery given the stochastic and time-varying nature in the renewable energy power output. Our methodology features a seamless integration of a non-myopic decision framework and a sequential non-parametric predictive model based on functional principal component analysis. A key feature of our algorithm is that it quantifies costs over a rolling horizon where both predictions and decisions are updated on the fly as new data is acquired. Our technology is tested on the California ISO dataset. The case study provides a proof-of-concept that highlights both the benefits and ease of implementation of our forward looking framework.
How Social Media Type, Electronic Word-of-Mouth, and Product Price Influence Attitude and Intention to Purchase Ethical Apparel for US Female Consumers

The research purpose was to investigate the effects of different types of social media (blog vs. video), eWOM (positive, negative, and neutral), and price ($20 vs. $40) on consumer attitude towards purchase and intent to purchase ethical apparel. An experimental research design surveyed 891 female US residents ages 18-72. ANOVA analysis revealed that participants exposed to positive eWOM had significantly higher attitude than those exposed to neutral and negative eWOM. Positive eWOM also resulted in significantly higher purchase intention than negative eWOM. Social media type and price did not significantly influence attitude or purchase intention. These findings indicate that consumers might not be price sensitive to ethical apparel products when clear information is given. Brands should inform consumers via social media with transparent information. Companies should find ways to provide positive eWOM about ethical apparel including incentives, brand representatives, and encouraging purchase reviews.