cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
12.5 A 2MHz 12-to-100V 90%-efficiency self-balancing ZVS three-level DC-DC regulator with constant-frequency AOT V2 control and 5ns ZVS turn-on delay

Wide input rails (12V to 100V) are common in today's automotive and industrial systems. Miniaturized DC-DC voltage regulators (VRs), which can provide a low-voltage regulated output from a wide input range and deliver a few Watts, are essential in these systems. Wide-input-range integrated VRs, however have difficulty to simultaneously achieve high frequency (HF) operation and high power efficiency. Previous hard-switching (HS) high-input-voltage (HV) buck regulators can only operate at a low frequency of 100s of kHz in order to limit the dominant switching power loss PSW, that occurs at the converter switching node [1,2]. Low-frequency operation however results in using bulky inductors of 100s of µH, significantly increasing the bill-of-material cost and the converter volume. Three-level converters (TLCs) are effective to reduce the required inductance by doubling the frequency at the switching node and allow using lower-voltage-rating power transistors in HV conditions. However, the concern of large PSW in HV conditions would still limit the HS TLC converter to operate in the MHz range. Moreover, the TLC needs the voltage across its flying capacitor to be balanced at half the input voltage; otherwise power transistors could be damaged during operation. In HF HV conditions, the capability of high-speed flying-capacitor self-balancing is even more crucial, but it is not addressed in prior 3-level DC-DC regulators [3,4]. This paper reports a ZVS-based 3-level voltage regulator (TL-VR) to remove PSW in HF and HV conditions, thereby improving the converter power efficiency. A constant-frequency adaptive-on-time (CF-AOT) V2 control is developed to offer the flying-capacitor self-balancing in the MHz range, ensuring reliable regulator operation with a wide input range. A body-diode-based floating ZVS detection is also proposed to provide nanosecond-scale ZVS turn-on delay and thus enable full-ZVS operation in HF low-duty-ratio conditions.
Quantitation of biochemical markers of bone resorption following strontium-89-chloride therapy for metastatic prostatic carcinoma.

The urinary production of pyridinium collagen cross-links, pyridinoline (PYD) and deoxypyridinoline (DPD), has been correlated to increased bone resorption in patients with neoplasms. This study investigated the production of these compounds in patients with metastatic prostate carcinoma who received palliative treatment that did and did not include 89 Sr-chloride therapy. Methods: Urinary production of PYD and DPD was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography and natural fluorescence detection methods. The urine from several age-matched groups of patients was examined for these compounds including healthy controls (n = 20), patients with early-stage (Stage A-B) prostate carcinoma (n = 8), patients with metastatic prostate carcinoma treated with conventional analgesic and radiotherapeutic palliation (n = 20), patients with metastatic disease who underwent 89 Sr-chloride therapy (n = 20) and patients with mild Paget's disease (n = 5). Patients were also monitored for urinary PYD and DPD production for a 6-mo interval after a palliative intervention. Results: Elevated PYD and DPD (p < 0.05) concentrations were measured in patients with metastatic and nonmetastatic prostate cancer and Paget's disease. The urinary production of these compounds remained unchanged for 6 mo after 89 Sr-chloride therapy for symptomatic osseous metastases. However, the patients who did not undergo 89 Sr-chloride therapy exhibited a two-fold increase in PYD and a four-fold increase in DPD above controls during that interval. Conclusion: PYD and DPD are sensitive and specific bone resorption markers which demonstrate a slowing of bone resorption after palliative 89 Sr-chloride therapy in patients with bone metastases.
Relationship types among adolescent parents participating in a home-visiting program: A latent-transition analysis

Young parents (less than 25 years of age) have been shown to have especially low rates of father involvement and union stability. However, research has also shown that parenting experiences of young fathers may not be uniform. There is a need for more research that assesses both the multidimensionality of relationship typologies and their temporality. Using a large longitudinal sample of low-income, young mothers enrolled in a randomized control study of a home-visitation program (n = 704; 61% program, 39% control), we evaluated how mother-father relationship dynamics changed over time. Ten mother-reported indicators of relationships (e.g., coresidence, marital status, types of father support) were used to conduct a latent-class analysis of relationship types. A 4-class solution was identified at each time point: Single Parent, Supportive Nonresident Partner, Supportive Resident Partner, and Questioning/Ambivalent Coupling. Latent-transition analyses were used to evaluate stability of relationships across 2 years. At each transition, a large proportion of women moved from one relationship class to another, indicating heterogeneity in relationship dynamics of adolescent parents. Results revealed the potential of a home-visiting program targeted at young parents to favorably promote more stable and supportive mother-father relationships and coparenting arrangements.
Is a Muscle Biopsy Necessary for the Diagnosis of Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM)? (P07.223)

Objective: To determine if a muscle biopsy is superior or adds to the clinical diagnosis of inclusion body myositis. Background Inclusion body myositis is a mixed degenerative and inflammatory disease. There is no effective treatment. The diagnosis is confirmed by muscle biopsy showing congophilic deposits and rimmed vacuoles or by electronmicroscope showing the filamentous inclusions. Design/Methods: Twenty-one patients with clinical diagnosis of inclusion body myositis underwent muscle biopsy for confirmation. All patients had proximal and distal muscle weakness with preferential involvement of finger flexors and quadriceps muscles. Muscle biopsies were performed from a moderate weak muscle and were examined for the presence of rimmed vacuoles or congophilic deposits or both. Results: There were fourteen females and seven males. Average age at presentation was 60 years (35-80). CK level was elevated in 18 patients. Mean CK elevation was 942 U/L and ranged from 72-4774. Mean disease duration before the biopsy was 6 years and ranged from 1-15 years. The muscle biopsy confirmed the diagnosis in 15 patients. Six patients (5 females and 1 male) had no rimmed vacuoles or congophilic deposits detected on their muscle biopsies, but all patients had autoaggressive endomysial inflammatory response with mononuclear cells invading none necrotic muscle fibers. Ten patients had received different types of immunotherapy, but continued to deteriorate. Conclusions: 1- None of the patients suspecting to have IBM was found to have a different diagnosis.2- The muscle biopsy did not show the characteristic features of IBM in six patients.3- These findings question whether or not the muscle biopsy is necessary or add to the clinical diagnosis of inclusion body myositis.4-The clinical diagnosis of IBM remains superior to the muscle biopsy. Disclosure: Dr. Lee has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chahin has nothing to disclose.
Monitoring of Honeydew Excretion in the Field as a Method of Sampling Illinoia liriodendri (Homoptera: Aphididae) Infesting Liriodendron tulipifera

Honeydew excreted by the tuliptree aphid, Illinoia liriodendri (Monell), was monitored in the field using yellow water-sensitive papers on tuliptrees (Liriodendron tulipifera L.) at two sites in Berkeley, Calif. Significant correlations were found between aphid numbers and honeydew (droplets per hour per square centimeter) except at relatively low densities (approximately four aphids per leaf). Honeydew excretion rate was positively correlated with temperature. The highest rate occurred from 1100 to 1500 hours and the lowest from 1900 to 0700 hours. Monitoring honeydew required 30% less sampling time than counting insects. An efficient method of monitoring tuliptree aphid honeydew will permit more precise timing of spot treatments and could be adapted to monitor other honeydew-excreting insects in the field.
The rate of the circulation in the arteries and veins of man

Abstract The solution used and the manner of measuring the speed of circulation in both the arteries and veins of man have been described in a previous communication. 1 In brief, the procedure consists in determining the time elapsing between the intravenous injection of a solution containing magnesium, calcium, and sodium salts and the occurrence of a sensation of warmth in the tongue, perineum, hands, and feet. The value and faults of the method have been described previously. The speed of flow of blood in the arteries carrying blood to the feet was estimated by subtracting the "arm-to-tongue" time from the "arm-to-foot" time, and in the arteries carrying blood to the hands by subtracting "arm-to-tongue" time from the "arm-to-hand" time. Although our results are not in exact agreement with those published by Spier, Wright, and Saylor, 2 who introduced the use of this solution for the determination of the circulation time, we and they have established normal values for the circulation time throughout the vascular system. 1 It is the purpose of this publication to report our studies of speed of blood flow in essential hypertension, and to demonstrate the effect of sympathectomy and orthostatic hypotension on the speed of flow in peripheral arteries.
Challenges to the Mindlessness Model of Vigilance through Signal Regularity

Robertson et al. (1997) have proposed that detection failures in vigilance tasks result from a “mindless” withdrawal of attentional effort from the monitoring assignment. To explore that view, they modified the traditional vigilance task in which observers make button-press responses to signify the detection of rarely occurring critical signals to one in which button-press responses acknowledge frequently occurring non-signal events and response-withholding signifies signal detection. This modification is designed to promote a mindless withdrawal of attentional effort from the task through routinization. The present study challenges the validity of the mindlessness model by showing that with both types of tasks observers can utilize subtle regularities in the temporal structure of critical signal appearances to develop expectations about the time course of those appearances that affect performance efficiency. Such expectations enhance performance with the traditional vigilance task but degrade performance...
Dominance, Testosterone Levels, and Scraping Activity in a Captive Herd of White-Tailed Deer

The scraping activity of male white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) was studied in 10 groups of deer over a 4-year period and related to buck age, testosterone level, and hierarchical position. Although some mature subordinates scraped infrequently, only mature, dominant individuals produced a significant number of scrapes. Yearling and 2.5-year-old bucks were not observed to scrape regardless of social position. Testosterone levels, hierarchical position, and age/experience apparently interact to promote the expression of scraping behavior.
Stimulation of thyrotropin (TSH) secretion by TSH-releasing factor (TRF) in organ cultures of anterior pituitary.

SummaryEffects of pure TRF on male rat pituitary tissue were studied using standard organ culture techniques and chemically defined media. Addition of 40 pg of TRF caused increased TSH activity in both media and tissues, in comparison with controls. Under the conditions used, TRF seemed to stimulate the production of about 4 mU of TSH activity/pg of TRF used. This suggests that TRF can induce both the release and synthesis of TSH.
Fabrication of Permalloy Particles by Pulsed Laser Ablation in Water and Tween 80 Aqueous Solution

Permalloy particles were fabricated by pulsed excimer laser ablation in distilled water and Tween 80 aqueous solution with the same laser parameters. Nearly spherical particles and irregular and porous fragments were obtained in water due to rapid condensation and growth of the laser ablated clusters. The products obtained in Tween 80 aqueous solution contained wellshaped spheres but some were laser sintered together via laser-particle interactions. Holes or pits were observed on the surface of some particles, which we consider were caused by laser induced bubbles in the liquid. Our results demonstrate the rich environment ablation in liquids can be for novel particle formation.
A Diaspora Ramayana in Southall, Greater London

L'A. montre comment des circonstances particulieres de la migration de femmes noires d'Asie du Sud et des Caraibes de la tradition ramayana a Southall, en Angleterre, ont cree des evenements donnant naissance a un groupe. Il examine son developpement. Il montre comment les memoires revelent des facettes de l'experience de l'immagration de l'Asie du Sud en Angleterre.
The influence of different parameters on the performance of the compression ignition engine

The purpose of this work was to provide a flexible thermodynamic model based on the filling-and-emptying approach for the performance prediction of a four-stroke turbocharged compression ignition engine. To validate the model, comparisons were made between results from a computer program developed using FORTRAN language and the commercial GT-Power software operating under different conditions. The comparisons showed that there was a good concurrence between the developed program and the commercial GT-Power software. The range of variation of the rotational speed of the diesel engine chosen extends from 800 to 2100 RPM. By analysing these parameters with regard to two optimal points in the engine, one relative to maximum power and another to maximum efficiency, it was found that if the injection timing is advanced, the maximum levels of pressure and temperature in the cylinder are high.
Quality of Prostate Cancer Treatment Information on Cancer Center Websites.

INTRODUCTION Cancer center websites are trusted sources of internet information about treatment options for prostate cancer. The quality of information on these websites is unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of information on cancer center websites addressing prostate cancer treatment options, outcomes, and toxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS We evaluated the websites of all National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers to determine if sufficient information was provided to address eleven decision-specific knowledge questions from the validated Early Prostate Cancer Treatment Decision Quality Instrument. We recorded the number of questions addressed, the number of clicks to reach the prostate cancer-specific webpage, evaluation time, and Spanish and mobile accessibility. Correlation between evaluation time and questions addressed were calculated using the Pearson coefficient. RESULTS Sixty-three websites were reviewed. Eighty percent had a prostate cancer-specific webpage reached in a median of three clicks. The average evaluation time was 6.5 minutes. Information was available in Spanish on 24% of sites and 59% were mobile friendly. Websites provided sufficient information to address, on average, 19% of questions. No website addressed all questions. Evaluation time correlated with the number of questions addressed (R(2) = 0.42, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Cancer center websites provide insufficient information for men with localized prostate cancer due to a lack of information about and direct comparison of specific treatment outcomes and toxicities. Information is also less accessible in Spanish and on mobile devices. These data can be used to improve the quality and accessibility of prostate cancer treatment information on cancer center websites.
Longitudinal Findings From the Early College High School Initiative Impact Study

This study is a randomized controlled trial that assessed the impact of Early College High Schools on students’ high school graduation, college enrollment, and college degree attainment, as well as students’ high school experiences using extant data and survey data. The study included 10 Early Colleges that enrolled students in Grades 9 to 12 in 2005 through 2011 and used a lottery for admissions, and 2,458 students who participated in those admission lotteries. The study time frame covered Grade 9 through 2 years post high school for all students and 4 years post high school for the oldest student cohort. It found that Early Colleges had positive impacts on college enrollment and college completion as well as students’ high school experiences.
Sodium nitroprusside increases glomerular capillary hydraulic conductivity in isolated rat glomeruli.

Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) causes renal vasodilation, increased renal blood flow, and increased renal sodium excretion. Systemic vascular effects of SNP are dependent on generation of nitric oxide and increase in smooth muscle intracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). In the current studies isolated glomeruli were used to determine the effects of SNP on glomerular capillary hydraulic conductivity (Lp) and on mesangial tone. The direct effects of the cGMP analogue 8-bromo-cGMP on Lp were studied. Glomeruli were isolated from the superficial renal cortex of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 143 to 383 gm. Lp was calculated from videomicroscopic images of individual glomeruli during the initial 0.1 second of filtration induced by an albumin oncotic gradient. Incubation of glomeruli in 10 -3 mol/L SNP increased Lp from a control value of 1.38±0.08 μl/min.mm Hg.cm 2 to 1.91±0.13 μl/min.mm Hg.cm 2 (p<0.01). INCUBATION OF GLOMERULI IN 10 -5 mol/L 8-bromo-cGMP increased Lp to a comparable degree from a control value of 2.00±0.58 μl/min.mm Hg.cm 2 to 2.39±0.62 μl/min.mm Hg.cm 2 (p<0.03). Increase in Lp was observed independent of any effects on systemic or renal circulations, neural effects, or humoral effects. Changes in mesangial tone were estimated from changes in glomerular volume during 15 minutes of Incubatian wlth SNP or control medium. Incubation of glomeruli in 10 -5 mol/L SNP increased glomerular volume 6%, a consequence of mesangial relaxation. Incubation of glomeruli in 10 -7 and 10 -3 mol/L SNP did not affect mesangial tone. The results support the hypothesis that SNP acts directly on the glomerular permeability barrler rather than by altering mesangial tone and capillary Altering surface area. Comparable increase in Lp with incubation with 8-bromo-cGMP supports the hypothesis that increase in Lp may be mediated by an increase in cGMP. These findings are consistent with our previous findings that SNP and 8-bromo-cGMP result in alterations in the actin cytoskeleton of glomerular epithelial cells
Setting Standards for Altering and Undoing Smart Contracts

Often, we wish to let parties alter or undo a contract that has been made. Toward this end, contract law has developed a set of traditional tools for altering and undoing contracts. Unfortunately, these tools often fail when applied to smart contracts. It is therefore necessary to define a new set of standards for the altering and undoing of smart contracts. These standards might ensure that the tools we use to alter and undo smart contracts achieve their original (contract law) goals when applied to this new technology. This paper develops such a set of standards and, then, to prove their worth as a framework, applies to them to an existing smart contract platform (Ethereum).
Promotion of Weight Loss by Health-Care Professionals: Implications for Influencing Weight Loss/Control Behaviors.

Purpose:Despite evidence demonstrating that health-care providers (HCPs) can effectively promote health behaviors and weight loss among their patients, the extent to which HCPs promote weight loss ...
Seizures in the Preterm Neonate

Preterm infants are at high risk for central nervous system injury, with seizures occurring in 6% to 48% of this population. Seizures are more likely to contribute to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants. Preterm infants are also more likely to have subclinical seizures; therefore, electrographic detection is essential for their diagnosis. Once identified, seizures are traditionally treated with phenobarbital, but newer-generation antiepileptic medications have growing evidence for safety and efficacy. The treatment of seizures may also affect neurodevelopmental outcome.
Peer Student Mentoring for Nursing Program Persistence and Leadership Development

Mentoring relationships are used in education, practice, and administration settings to foster professional growth. Mentoring is a valuable process, requiring intentional, committed, and purposeful interactions between two or more professionals or students. At one rural university student retention and persistence was identified by administration as problematic. In response faculty devised and implemented a program providing students the opportunity to be a mentor or be mentored given that mentoring offers occasions for students to support one another while the more experienced student engages the less experienced student. This paper explains the findings of a three year cohort descriptive mentoring study utilizing a convenience sample of admitted senior students who served as mentors for first year student mentees interested in nursing. Mentors and mentees experienced rich engagement opportunities in formal and informal meetings as faculty evaluated student persistence and leadership skills.
Nucleotide Diversity at Site 106 of EPSPS in Lolium perenne L. ssp. multiflorum from California Indicates Multiple Evolutionary Origins of Herbicide Resistance.

The repeated evolution of herbicide resistance in weeds is an ongoing problem in agricultural regions across the world, and presents a unique system in which to study the origins and spread of adaptive traits across heterogeneous landscapes. Lolium perenne ssp. multiflorum (Lam.) (Italian ryegrass) is a widespread grass weed of agricultural crops that has repeatedly evolved resistance to herbicides across the world. In California, resistance to glyphosate has become increasingly common. To identify the mechanisms conferring glyphosate resistance in California populations of L. perenne and to gain insights into the evolutionary origins and spread of resistance in the region, we investigated the frequency of target-site mutations conferring resistance to glyphosate combined with the frequency of resistant individuals in 14 populations. A region of 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) was sequenced in 401 individuals to assay for target site mutations. Seven unique alleles were detected at codon site 106, four of which have been previously shown to confer target-site-based resistance to glyphosate. Four different resistance alleles were detected, indicating that resistance to glyphosate has evolved multiple times in the region. In some populations, no EPSPS mutations were detected despite the presence of resistant plants, strongly suggesting that non-target-site-based mechanisms confer resistance to glyphosate in these populations. It is likely that resistance to glyphosate in these 14 California populations of L. perenne derives from at least five evolutionary origins, indicating that adaptive traits can evolve repeatedly over agricultural landscapes.
Population structure within the one-dimensional range of a coastal plain katydid.

Biogeography plays a significant role in species’ dispersal, and in turn population structure, across the landscape. The North American katydid Neoconocephalus melanorhinus belongs to a genus with high mobility. Unlike other members of the genus, N. melanorhinus is a salt marsh specialist restricted to a narrow corridor along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. In addition, their range crosses at least one known biogeographic barrier and possesses biogeographic characteristics of the stepping-stone as well as the hierarchical island model of dispersal. Using AFLP markers we searched for areas that conform to the predictions of isolation by distance and for areas of non-uniform increases in genetic variance, indicative of isolation by barrier. We found significant genetic differentiation between all twelve sampled sites. Isolation by distance was the predominant pattern of variation across their range. In addition, we saw possible evidence of two biogeographic barriers to gene flow, one at the Atlantic-Gulf divide and the other along the Gulf coast. We also observed a change in body size across the range. Body size, as measured by male hind femur length, correlated closely with latitude, a possible indication of differential selection across the species range.
Replantation of the Forearm or Arm

Amputations through the forearm, elbow, or arm are distinguished from their distal counterparts based on fundamental differences inherent to the anatomy of the level. Of primary concern, the increased muscle mass involved makes replantation more risky and functional outcomes often less satisfying. Restoring perfusion to the distal part is of paramount importance to prevent ischemic myonecrosis. As a general rule, replantation should not be considered if the warm ischemia time exceeds 6 h and should be undertaken with great caution if longer than 4 h for proximal forearm, elbow, or transhumeral amputations. Given the high energy associated with these injuries, the replant surgeon should be cognizant of the physiologic status of the patient. Multiple transfusions are often needed. As a general rule, outcomes improve as level of amputation moves distally and with sharp, clean mechanisms.
Encouraging continuous learning for librarians and library staff

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the issues surrounding professionals whose legacy skills do not align with the new directions in which the academic library is moving. It also examines the ways in which the disappearance of traditional roles impacts librarians and users alike. Design/methodology/approach This paper considers policies for training professionals for their roles in the twenty-first century academic library sphere and identifies skills they will need for these new roles. Findings This paper provides insights into possible solutions for training librarians and library staff so that they will have necessary skills for their future roles. Originality/value This paper will provide library managers with approaches to staff training and a framework for understanding the specific skills that will be necessary for staff to possess in the twenty-first century academic library.
Resizing Nephrology Training Programs: A Call to Action

A once-attractive medical specialty faces challenges due to an oversupply of practitioners, particularly around large hospitals and in metropolitan areas. The geographic distribution of employment opportunities compels many graduates to practice either outside their specialty or in a manner that
Planning of Distributed Internet Data Center Microgrids

This paper proposed an optimal planning model for locational distributed Internet data centers’ (IDCs) computing and power supply infrastructures—IDC microgrids. The objective is to determine the optimal IDC sites, microgrid types (i.e., ac, dc, or Hybrid), IDC server types (ac or dc) and capacities, as well as onsite distributed energy resource types and capacities of each site to be built, under a single decision criterion – economics. The overall planning cost including investment cost, operation cost, and reliability cost associated with the IDC microgrid installation and operation is minimized. Both the long term investment and short term operation details of distributed data center microgrids are studied and modeled in the proposed integrated planning problem. Numerical simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model over a 4-year planning horizon considering the evolution of data center servers. Factors which may impact the planning decisions are analyzed through a set of detailed sensitivity analysis.
Identifying molecular mediators of environmentally enhanced neurogenesis

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis occurs throughout life and supports healthy brain functions. The production of new neurons decreases with age, and deficiencies in adult neurogenesis are associated with neurodevelopmental and degenerative disease. The rate of neurogenesis is dynamically sensitive to an individual's environmental conditions and experiences, and certain stimuli are known robustly to enhance neurogenesis in rodent models, including voluntary exercise, enriched environment, and electroconvulsive shock. In these models, information about an organism's environment and physiological state are relayed to neurogenic cell types within the hippocampus through a series of tissue and cellular interfaces, ultimately eliciting a neurogenic response from neural stem cells and newborn neurons. Therefore, an understanding of the way that novel genes and proteins act in specific cell types within this circuit-level context is of scientific and therapeutic value. Several well-studied neurotrophic factors have been implicated in environmentally enhanced neurogenesis. This review highlights recently discovered, novel molecular mediators of neurogenesis in response to environmental cues and summarizes the contribution of advanced, large-scale gene expression and function assessment technology to past, present, and future efforts aimed at elucidating cell-type-specific molecular mediators of environmentally enhanced neurogenesis.
Acetylcholine receptor–specific immunosuppressive therapy of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis and myasthenia gravis

Experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) and myasthenia gravis (MG) are caused by autoantibodies to the extracellular domain of muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs). Autoantibodies to the cytoplasmic domain of AChRs do not cause EAMG because they cannot bind AChRs in vivo. The ideal MG therapy would quickly and permanently suppress only the pathological autoimmune response to AChRs. We have developed a specific immunosuppressive therapy for EAMG that involves immunizing rats with bacterially expressed cytoplasmic domains of human muscle AChRs. Therapy prevents onset of chronic EAMG, rapidly suppresses ongoing EAMG, and is potent, robust, long lasting, and safe, because the therapeutic antigen cannot induce EAMG. The therapy was developed using incomplete Freund's adjuvant, but is likely to work equally well with alum adjuvants routinely used for human immunizations. Therapeutic mechanisms may involve a combination of antibody-mediated feedback suppression and regulatory T and/or B lymphocytes.
Correction to: Biodistribution of 99mTc-MAA on SPECT/CT performed for 90Y-radioembolization therapy planning: a pictorial review

The name of the fourth author was rendered incorrectly. His correct name is R.N. Srinivasa.
Electron Spin Echo Modulation Spectroscopic Evidence for Framework Substitution of Ni(I) in NiAPSO-11

The various Ni(I) species formed by reduction and adsorbate interactions in silicoaluminophosphate-11, synthesized by incorporation of Ni(II) in the synthesis mixture(NiAPSO-11) and formed by partial ion exchange of H(I) by Ni(II)(NiH-SAPO-11) were studied recently for the first time by electron spin resonance(ESR). Significant differences in the ESR parameters between NiAPSO-11 and NiH-SAPO-11 for nickel ion coordination to methanol, carbon monoxide and ethylene. Adsorbates indicate that Ni(I) is in different sites in these two materials and suggests that Ni(I) in NiAPSO-11 is in a framework site. This has been confirmed here by electron spin echo modulation data on these synthesized and ion-exchanged materials. Analysis of the deuterium modulation from deuterated methanol and ethylene adsorbates gives different coordination geometries for the synthesized and ion-exchanged nickel-incorporated SAPO-11 materials and is consistent with Ni(I) being in a framework site in NiAPSO-11.
Neutrophil degranulation inhibits potential hydroxyl-radical formation. Relative impact of myeloperoxidase and lactoferrin release on hydroxyl-radical production by iron-supplemented neutrophils assessed by spin-trapping techniques

Hydroxyl radical (.OH) formation by neutrophils in vitro requires exogenous iron. Two recent studies [Britigan, Rosen, Thompson, Chai & Cohen (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 17026-17032; Winterbourn (1987) J. Clin. Invest. 78, 545-550] both reported that neutrophil degranulation could potentially inhibit the formation of .OH, but differed in their conclusions as to the responsible factor, myeloperoxidase (MPO) or lactoferrin (LF). By using a previously developed spin-trapping system which allows specific on-line detection of superoxide anion (O2-) and .OH production, the impact of MPO and LF release on neutrophil .OH production was compared. When iron-diethylenetriaminepenta-acetic acid-supplemented neutrophils were stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate or opsonized zymosan, .OH formation occurred, but terminated prematurely in spite of continued O2- generation. Inhibition of MPO by azide increased the magnitude, but not the duration, of .OH formation. No azide effect was noted when MPO-deficient neutrophils were used. Anti-LF antibody increased both the magnitude and duration of .OH generation. Pretreatment of neutrophils with cytochalasin B to prevent phagosome formation did not alter the relative impact of azide or anti-LF on neutrophil .OH production. An effect of azide or anti-LF on spin-trapped-adduct stability was eliminated as a confounding factor. These data indicate that neutrophils possess two mechanisms for limiting .OH production. Implications for neutrophil-derived oxidant damage are discussed.
Growth in Prader–Willi Syndrome: Anthropometric Patterns and Analysis

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex genetic disorder due to errors in genomic imprinting, generally from a paternal deletion of the chromosome 15q11-q13 region consisting of approximately 6 million DNA base pairs and a large cluster of imprinted genes. Maternal disomy 15 (both 15 s from the mother) is the second most common form of PWS followed by an imprinting defect accounting for less than 3% of cases. PWS generally occurs sporadically and is characterized by infantile hypotonia, a poor suck, hypogenitalism/hypogonadism, mental deficiency and behavioral problems, hyperphagia leading to early childhood obesity, short stature due to growth hormone deficiency, small hands and feet, and a characteristic facial appearance with a narrow forehead, almond-shaped eyes, and sticky saliva. PWS is the most common genetic cause of life-threatening obesity with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 10,000–25,000 individuals. Obesity in PWS is due to hyperphagia, decreased physical activity, reduced metabolism, and an inability to vomit. However, energy expenditure is affected by body composition with PWS individuals having a lower muscle mass compared with controls and therefore reduced energy expenditure. Most children with PWS are born with a normal weight and height, but due to hypotonia and a poor suck, failure-to-thrive develops. By 2–4 years of age, they begin to overeat and develop a rapid weight gain. The fat mass in PWS subjects increases more rapidly than muscle mass or stature. Overall, the body fat may be greater than 50% if caloric intake is not controlled; however, sex reversal fat patterns are seen with males having greater subcutaneous fat compared with females even at an early age. Short stature in PWS is more related to shorter lower body segment compared with upper body in both sexes. Small hands and feet are common, but more remarkable in females. A narrow forehead and dolichocephaly are also common.
Aging and Sexuality

It is common to hear a physician state, “I do not see many sexual problems in my practice,” or, should an older person broach a sexual problem, hear him greeted with the rejoinder, “What do you expect for your age?” These examples reflect the physician’s attitude as part of a larger, frequently ageist and sexist society.
Joint Cooperative Protocols and Distributed Beamforming Design with Efficient Secondary User Selection for Multi-hop Cognitive Radio Networks

The increasingly crowded wireless spectrum has led to the need of new paradigms in wireless communication and the cognitive radio techniques that can offer promising solutions to the spectrum scarcity. In cognitive radio networks licensed primary users and unlicensed secondary users are allowed to coexist in the same frequency spectrum. Beamforming and MIMO technology can be used to minimize the interference from the secondary users to the primary users while improving the quality of communication when each node is equipped with multiple antennas to form an antenna array. However, equipping multiple antennas at each radio node is not feasible in many applications. In this paper, we consider the radio network with single antenna at each node. We first propose a cooperative network architecture in the network layer. The architecture consists of cooperative clusters used for distributed beamforming, and a routing backbone used for avoiding the interference to the primary users in the relay route that optimizes the QoS and energy consumption of the secondary user network. Then we propose a computationally efficient secondary users selection scheme in the link layer for the communication between two cooperative clusters while minimizing the interference to the primary users. The simulation results show that the proposed protocols and algorithms are effective and efficient.
Cognition level and change in cognition during adolescence are associated with cognition in midlife.

Abstract Purpose Cognitive development during adolescence affects health long term. We investigated whether level of and change in language-based cognition during adolescence are associated with cognitive performance in midlife. Methods Participants were enrolled in the Child Health and Development Study and followed during midlife (47–52 years). Adolescent cognition was measured with the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test at ages 9–11 years (PPVT-9) and 15–17 years (PPVT-15). We examined PPVT-9, as well as a PPVT change score (derived using the standardized regression-based method) in relation to midlife cognition measures of Wechsler Test of Adult Reading, Verbal Fluency, and Digit Symbol tests. Linear regression models were adjusted for childhood socioeconomic status, age, sex, race, and midlife marital status, education, and occupational score. Results In 357 participants (52.1% female, 25.6% African American), both PPVT-9 (β [95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.26 [0.18, 0.34]) and PPVT change score (β [95% CI] = 2.03 [1.27, 2.80]) were associated with Wechsler Test of Adult Reading at midlife. PPVT-9 was associated with midlife Verbal Fluency (β [95% CI] = 0.18 [0.10, 0.25]), whereas PPVT change score was not (β [95% CI] = −0.01 [−0.68, 0.67]). Neither PPVT-9 nor PPVT change score was associated with midlife Digit Symbol. Conclusions Both level of and change in language-based cognition during adolescence were associated with midlife vocabulary and language function, even after controlling for midlife occupation and education.
Traditional authority and bargaining for legitimacy in dual legitimacy systems

This paper investigates the quest for legitimacy conducted by hereditary, traditional leaders in dual legitimacy systems. We theorise that traditional leaders engage in meta-constitutional bargaining, i.e. bargaining among constitutionally and traditionally defined actors within the meta-constitutional space. This process resembles constitutional bargaining in federations over the institutional balance between the members and centre, and among members. We thus propose a parallel between the theory of federal bargaining, on the one hand, and, on the other, the process of institutional balancing between agents in constitutional and traditional authority structures in dual legitimacy systems. Evidence from narratives of institutional balancing between constitutional and traditional authorities in Southern Africa suggests that actors’ strategies in dual legitimacy systems accord with the framework here. The narratives also disclose that both constitutional and traditional authorities rely on the state's courts for adjudication. The paper enriches social science scholarship on traditional authority, political economy and federalism.
Methods of laceration closure in the ED: A national perspective.

Abstract Background Laceration closure is one of the most common procedures performed in the emergency department (ED). While sutures and staples have been the traditional wound closure device, topical skin adhesives (TSA) were introduced in the United States 20 years ago as a non-invasive alternative for simple, low-tension wounds. We determined which closure devices were used to close ED lacerations and explored patient and provider characteristics associated with choosing TSA. We also tested the hypothesis that use of TSA would be associated with shorter ED length of stay (LOS) than sutures/staples. Methods We extracted demographic and clinical data on all patients with a laceration from the publicly available website of the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey for the years 2012–2015. This database is provided by the National Center for Health Statistics of the CDC. Based on weighted sampling, national estimates are made for all ED visits in the US. We determined the association between patient characteristics (age, sex, insurance type, geographic location, laceration site, type of ED provider) and use of TSA. We also compared ED LOS between patients whose wounds were closed with TSA or sutures/staples using the t-test and a linear regression model. Results There were an estimated 540 million ED patient visits, and 26.1 million patients (4.8%) had at least one laceration. Of the 15.4 million patients with a single laceration, 9.2 million were closed with either sutures/staples (7.2 million), TSA (1.5 million), or both (0.5 million). Mean (SE) age was 30 (1) years, 63% were male and 42% were under age 18 years. Lacerations were on the upper extremity (42%), face (30%), lower extremity (14%) and scalp (8%). Of patients with a single laceration closed with either TSA or sutures/staples, use of TSA did not differ by age, sex, year, geographic location or wound site. ED LOS was significantly shorter in patients whose wounds were closed with TSA (101 ± 7 vs. 136 ± 4 min; P Conclusion Topical skin adhesives are used in about 1 of 4 wound closures in the ED. Use of TSA did not differ based on demographic characteristics or wound site. Use of TSA is associated with a shorter ED LOS than sutures/staples.
A Uniter and a Divider: American Presidential Campaigns and Partisan Perceptions of the National Economy:

Do American presidential campaigns polarize or unify partisan perceptions? I propose that they do both, where the balance of these countervailing forces varies by context. Campaign messages enable ...
TCT-731 Varying Pressure Recovery Characteristics Between Balloon Expandable Versus Self Expanding Valves

Clinical studies show a discrepancy between pressure gradients (PGs) with balloon-expandable and self-expanding valves due to pressure recovery. The aim of this study was to elucidating physical mechanisms behind pressure recovery variations between the Edwards SAPIEN 3 and Medtronic Evolut valves
Evaluation of the Direct MacConkey Method for Identification of Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Organisms from Rectal Swabs: Reevaluating Zone Diameter Cutoffs.

ABSTRACT The optimal method to screen for gastrointestinal colonization with carbapenem-resistant organisms (CRO) has yet to be established. The direct MacConkey (direct MAC) plate method demonstrates high sensitivity for CRO detection, but established zone diameter (ZD) criteria for ertapenem (≤27 mm) and meropenem (≤32 mm) result in high rates of false positives upon confirmatory testing. To increase specificity, we screened for CRO in two high-risk wards using the direct MAC plate method, recorded ZDs for each sample, and generated receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to evaluate the optimal ZD cutoff criteria. Of 6,868 swabs obtained over an 18-month period, 4,766 (69%) had growth on MAC plates, and 2,500 (36%) met criteria for further evaluation based on previously established ZDs around the carbapenem disks. A total of 812 (12%) swabs were confirmed positive for at least one CRO and included 213 (3%) carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPO), resulting in a specificity of 78% for the direct MAC plate method. Reducing the ertapenem and meropenem ZDs to ≤25 mm improved specificity to 83%, decreasing the confirmatory testing workload by 32%. The sensitivities with the lower ZD criteria were 89% for CRO and 94% for CPO, respectively. The direct MAC plate method criteria for CRO testing can be modified to balance the sensitivity and specificity of CRO while reducing the burden on clinical microbiology laboratories. These modifications can be particularly helpful in regions with a low CRO prevalence.
Analysis of uracil DNA glycosylase (UNG2) stimulation by replication protein A (RPA) at ssDNA-dsDNA junctions

Replication Protein A (RPA) is a single-stranded DNA binding protein that interacts with DNA repair proteins including Uracil DNA Glycosylase (UNG2). Here, I report DNA binding and activity assays using purified recombinant RPA and UNG2. Using synthetic DNA substrates, RPA was found to promote UNG2's interaction with ssDNA-dsDNA junctions regardless of the DNA strand polarity surrounding the junction. RPA stimulated UNG2's removal of uracil bases paired with adenine or guanine in DNA as much as 17-fold when the uracil was positioned 21 bps from ssDNA-dsDNA junctions, and the largest degree of UNG2 stimulation occurred when RPA was in molar excess compared to DNA. I found that RPA becomes sequestered on ssDNA regions surrounding junctions which promotes its spatial targeting of UNG2 near the junction. However, when RPA concentration exceeds free ssDNA, RPA promotes UNG2's activity without spatial constraints in dsDNA regions. These effects of RPA on UNG2 were found to be mediated primarily by interactions between RPA's winged-helix domain and UNG2's N-terminal domain, but when the winged-helix domain is unavailable, a secondary interaction between UNG2's N-terminal domain and RPA can occur. This work supports a widespread role for RPA in stimulating uracil base excision repair.
ApoE and cerebral insulin: Trafficking, receptors, and resistance

Central nervous system (CNS) insulin resistance is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). In addition, the apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4) isoform is a risk factor for AD. The connection between these two factors in relation to AD is being actively explored. We summarize this literature with a focus on the transport of insulin and apoE across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and into the CNS, the impact of apoE and insulin on the BBB, and the interactions between apoE, insulin, and the insulin receptor once present in the CNS. We highlight how CNS insulin resistance is apparent in AD and potential ways to overcome this resistance by repurposing currently approved drugs, with apoE genotype taken into consideration as the treatment response following most interventions is apoE isoform-dependent. This review is part of a special issue focusing on apoE in AD and neurodegeneration.
SMART Antimicrobial Resistance Goals to Drive Meat Safety Improvement

Concerns that food-animal production significantly contributes to antibiotic-resistant human infections have persisted for more than 20 years. Most antibiotic resistance concerns are generalized, not specific. By their nature, non- specific concerns are unfalsifiable and can never be scientifically alleviated or remediated. Therefore, antibiotic resistance meat safety improvement begins with defining SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time bound) antibiotic resistance goals. Two SMART goals related to high-priority antibiotic resistance in beef production are described as an example to facilitate scientific goal attainment