cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Formal forms or verbal strategies? Politeness theory and Japanese business etiquette training

Abstract This article analyzes the concepts of politeness that are manifest in Japanese business etiquette training in relation to the politeness theories of Brown and Levinson (1987) and Ide, 1989 , Ide, 2006 . The analysis is based on participant-observation of five workforce development companies that specialize in providing seminars in “business manners” for new employees at a variety of Japanese companies. Intended for native speakers, these classes provide insight into the types of politeness that are considered particularly important for young Japanese to master as they enter the business world. Approaching both Volition and Discernment as language ideologies, the analysis examines the deployment of these ideologies in the Japanese business context. Although the manners training incorporates attention to both formal forms such as honorifics ( Ide, 1989 ) and the types of verbal strategies described by Brown and Levinson (1987) , both types of politeness are presented in the training in terms of “discernment,” or conformity to social norms, rather than as individually motivated strategic choices.
Pregnancy Cells in Rat Pituitary: Influence of Lipoidal Corpus Luteum Extract

SummaryEvidence is offered that the essential factor for the production of pregnancy cells in the anterior pituitary of the rat is contained in the luteinized ovary and, further, that this factor is not sex specific.
The Ben-Hur Legacy

Lew Wallace completed his third literary effort, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, in 1880. The work quickly became America’s top selling novel of the nineteenth century, and a spectacular melodrama was staged in 1899. After watching a rehearsal, Wallace remarked, “My God, did I set all of this in motion?” One can only imagine what his reaction might have been to the two major films based on his novel produced by MGM in 1925 and 1959. According to one historian, Ben-Hur was the “most dependable theatrical war horse of the twentieth century.” The melodrama Ben Hur created an enormous sensation. It is estimated that it was performed over 6,000 times for an aggregate audience of twenty million people, making this the most widely seen dramatic presentation by an American author. Part of the success of this theatrical blockbuster is Edgar Stillman Kelley’s original musical score, which includes orchestral excerpts, choral numbers, and a solo song. This study provides an historical overview of the Ben-Hur story, including the background of the novel and stage play, a comparison of the melodrama and early epic films, and the general similarities between Kelley’s incidental music and the two subsequent film scores.
Activation of lordosis in ovariectomized guinea pigs by free and esterified forms of estrone, estradiol-17β and estriol

Abstract The threshold doses of estradiol-17β, estrone, estriol, estradiol-17β-3-benzoate and estrone-3-benzoate required to activate lordosis in ovariectomized adult guinea pigs were determined by injecting these steroids in combination with progesterone. The doses of the 3 free steroids which activated lordosis in about 50% of the animals ranged from 20 to 50 μg/animal. In contrast, threshold doses of estradiol benzoate and estrone benzoate were only 0.4 and 1.7 μg/animal, respectively. The data indicate that (1) conversion to estradiol-17β is not an absolute requirement for activation of lordosis and (2) esterified forms of estradiol and estrone are far more potent in inducing lordosis than the corresponding free forms of these steroids. The increased potency of the esterified estrogens may be attributable to their prolonged action. Testosterone propionate also induced lordosis in 6/18 ovariectomized guinea pigs when given in a dose of 500 μg/animal for 7 days.
Quasi-Differential Posets and Cover Functions of Distributive Lattices II: A Problem in Stanley’s Enumerative Combinatorics

A distributive lattice L with 0 is finitary if every interval is finite. A function f:ℕ0→ℕ0 is a cover function for L if every element with n lower covers has f(n) upper covers. All non-decreasing cover functions have been characterized by the author ([2]), settling a 1975 conjecture of Richard P. Stanley. In this paper, all finitary distributive lattices with cover functions are characterized. A problem in Stanley’s Enumerative Combinatorics is thus solved.
Effects of sample sizes in phases I and II on p control chart performance

• This study expands on the work of Braun (1999) to study the effects of the initial reference sample size, m, in Phase I and the on-line sampling size, n, in Phase II on the statistical performance of a conventional p chart. • The conditional and marginal distributions of run length are derived. • The oscillation of ARL with known p 0 is investigated. • The recommended values of sample sizes to achieve required control chart performance are provided.
Evaluation of Path Recording Techniques in Secure MANET

Secure operation of mobile ad-hoc networks requires the ability to track the flow of traffic through the network. Knowledge of the path of a packet allows inference of correct operation or potential attacks. In prior work, we have described a number of different techniques for recording such path information and ensuring its correctness through cryptographic techniques. In this paper, we evaluate these path recording techniques in a realistic military scenario. Using topology information and traffic traces from the Lakehurst scenario, we provide a quantitative evaluation of our techniques and determine the overhead for path recording in terms of data structure size and computational requirements.
A novel zero-voltage switched multiresonant converter

A novel approach is presented by which the switching frequency of a two-transistor zero-voltage-switched multiresonant converter (ZVS-MRC) is controlled in proportion to input voltage changes in order to maintain essentially constant efficiency over the input voltage range with a switching variation of only +or-10%. It is shown that a buck topology constant frequency (CF) ZVS-MRC can be accurately modeled using a spreadsheet-hosted design aid on a personal computer. Guidelines are presented for designing a buck CF ZVS-MRC, and component values are determined using the computer design aid. It is shown that if a buck CF ZVS-MRC is required to regulate over a wide input voltage range, its efficiency will be severely reduced when operating near maximum input voltage. The computer simulations are verified with experimental results. >
An asymptotic existence theorem in C for the Riccati equation

We prove a generalization to C of a well known theorem [3] that in R, the Riccati equation W 1 + W 2=F 2 with F real and positive on the positive real axis, such that lim x→+∞ F=+∞, has a family of solution asymptotic to F and a unique solution asymptotic to -F. The Riccati equation W 1 + W 2=F 2 in the complex domain, where F is a holomorphic function in a partial neighborhood of infinity D and F(z)→∞ as z→∞ in D, has uniformly approximate solutions F and -F, Furthermore we show that there exist solutions W which arc uniformly asymptotic to ± F. We establish criteria for the shape of partial neighborhoods of infinity where this occurs. There is a family of solutions uniformly asymptotic to F and a unique solution uniformly asymptotic to -F or vice versa. The situation is reversed in adjacent neighborhoods. We establish a criterion for determining the particular case. Specific examples are provided for the following cases: 1. F is of polynomial or iterated logarithmic growth and the region is a sector (th...
On The Exact, Carson and Image Theories for Wires at or Above the Earth's Interface

The relation between the exact theory and Carson's theory for the fields of straight wires above a homogeneous earth is derived. Sufficient conditions for the validity of Carson's equations are given. Cases for which Carson's theory is not valid are discussed. In addition, an image theory useful for magnetic induction problems is given and discussed.
Lectures on Moving Frames

This article surveys the equivariant method of moving frames, along with a variety of applications to geometry, differential equations, computer vision, numerical analysis, the calculus of variations, and invariant curve flows.
Expression and Accumulation Patterns of Nitrogen-Responsive Lipoxygenase in Soybeans

Gene expression and protein accumulation patterns of nitrogen-responsive lipoxygenase (LOX-NR), as a representative vegetative storage protein, were investigated in nonnodulated soybeans (Glycine max [L.] Merr. cv Wye). The form of available nitrogen (supplied as NH4NO3, NH4+, NO3-, or urea) influenced the mRNA level and the amount of LOX protein, indicating that preferential accumulation of LOX may occur. Soybeans were grown with 0, 2, 5, and 16 mM total nitrogen to determine the extent to which LOX accumulation responded to soil nitrogen levels. Analysis of both mRNA and protein levels was conducted in shoot tips, stems, pod walls, and leaves over the entire life cycle of the plant. A general correlation between increasing available nitrogen level and LOX level was seen in the shoot tip and other organs throughout the soybean life cycle. However, appreciable amounts of LOX-NR mRNA and protein accumulated even when plants were grown under conditions of nitrogen deficiency. The results indicate that LOX may play an important role as a temporary storage site for amino acids in the developing shoot tip. The expression patterns of LOX-NR in plants grown under nitrogen deficiency suggest that these proteins, although responsive to nitrogen status, may not function solely as temporary storage pools for amino acids.
Deployed warrior medical management center: A Lean Six Sigma approach

With the advent of the Global War on Terror, a large portion of the United States military is now deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. When soldiers are wounded in these theaters, they are transported to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. Upon arrival, the Deployed Warrior Medical Management Center (DWMMC) ensures that patients receive treatment and are quickly returned to duty or to the US for further medical care. The DWMMC was created in response to the increase in casualties and is still evolving. Although the process has been refined over time, there are still improvements that can be made in the in-processing of patients. By increasing the efficiency and accuracy of in-processing patients, the DWMMC will ensure that patients are treated sooner and therefore reach their follow-on destination sooner. Applying lean six sigma techniques to the DWMMC in-processing system will lead to a more efficient operation with less waste. Specifically, inefficiencies in communication and redundant work are evident. Refining this process will result in more efficient treatment of soldiers, which will ultimately benefit the US Military.
Comparison of the Microstructure, Tensile, and Creep Behavior for Ti-22Al-26Nb (At. Pct) and Ti-22Al-26Nb-5B (At. Pct)

The effect of the addition of 5 at. pct boron on the microstructure and creep behavior of a nominally Ti-22Al-26Nb (at. pct) alloy was investigated. The boron-modified alloy contained boride needles enriched in titanium and niobium, and because to these borides, this material was considered to be a discontinuously reinforced metal matrix composite. These needle-shaped borides made up to 2 pct of the volume and were up to 158-μm long and 22-μm wide. The effect of boron on the mechanical properties was evaluated through in-situ creep testing and tensile testing at room temperature (RT) and 650 °C. Overall, the addition of 5 at. pct boron proved to be detrimental to the tensile and creep behavior. The composite exhibited a brittle failure and lower elongations-to-failure than the monolithic material. The in-situ tensile and creep experiments revealed that the deformation process initiated in the boride needles, which cracked extensively, and significantly greater primary creep strains and creep rates were exhibited by the composite.
Theoretical study of isomeric branching in the isoprene–OH reaction: implications to final product yields in isoprene oxidation

Abstract The OH initiated oxidation of isoprene is important in tropospheric chemistry and has major implications for local and regional air quality. The reaction of isoprene with OH has been investigated by ab initio molecular orbital theory and unimolecular rate theory calculations. We report the energetics of the four possible adducts and the transition states associated with isomerization, which are energetically comparable to the dissociation of the adduct. We have employed CVTST and RRKM/ME theories based on the ab initio calculations to calculate the rates and branching ratios for the OH–isoprene reaction. The calculated fall-off behavior is consistent with recent experimental measurements.
Wavelet-based image denoising using three scales of dependency

The denoising of a natural image corrupted by the Gaussian white noise is a classical problem in image processing. A new image denoising method is proposed by using three scales of dual-tree complex wavelet coefficients. The dual-tree complex wavelet transform is well known for its approximate shift invariance and better directional selectivity, which are very important in image denoising. Experiments show that the proposed method is very competitive when compared with other existing denosing methods in the literature.
Lipid Stability of Cooked, Diced, and Frozen Eggs

Abstract Lipid oxidation in commercially prepared cooked diced frozen egg samples was evaluated. Eggs were cooked, peeled, diced, and quick frozen (CO2) under commercial conditions. Before freezing one-half of the product was treated with a commercial antioxidant Tenox 2®. Control and treated eggs were packaged in air and under partial vacuum and stored at −23 and −12 C for 6 months. Other samples were held at 4 C for 15 days. Fat and moisture content, lipid oxidation (TBA), total bacteria plate counts, and sensory scores were obtained from appropriate samples during storage period. TBA values were relatively low in all samples throughout storage, indicating that autoxidation was not a problem. Flavor scores of samples held at −12 C differed more from a reference than those held at −23 C indicating lower acceptability. Bacterial counts (after 6 months storage) were lower for those eggs held at −23 than at 12 C. Antioxidant and packaging treatments had only minor effects on egg quality, presumably due to the low level of changes found in TBA, sensory scores, and microbial counts.
Audit Pricing, Audit Concentration, and Big-4 Premium in Bangladesh

This paper reports the findings of a comprehensive study of the audit services market of an emerging market economy, namely, Bangladesh. It covers four important aspects of auditing in the country. They are (i) audit concentration; (ii) audit fee trends; (iii) big-four premium; and (iv) audit pricing. Using both conventional and innovative measures of audit concentration, it shows that unlike the market structures commonly found in most developed and many developing country settings, the big-four affiliated audit firms (equivalent to the big-four in countries where big-four firms operate in their own names) do not enjoy significant market power in Bangladesh. They are responsible for auditing only 16.4 percent of listed companies. Their market share ranges from 17.6 percent to 56.1 percent depending on the measure of market share used. This lack of dominant market power might have inhibited their ability to charge fee premia as reflected in their average audit fee standardized by client size. The second issue examined in this paper is the trends in audit fees. The paper reports that while audit fee is apparently increasing in absolute terms, it is indeed declining in relation to growth in client size (i.e., value audited) and also in terms of the purchasing power of the local currency. The third issue analyzed in this paper is whether the big-four affiliated firms in Bangladesh charge any fee premia from their audit clients. Interestingly, although the big-four affiliated firms appear to receive higher average audit fees per client, an in-depth look at their audit fee levels reveals that they actually receive lower average audit fees per unit of client sales or client assets. However, when audit fees are standardized for natural logs of client sales and assets, big-four audit fees are found to be marginally higher than those charged by their non-big counterparts. Finally, the paper revisits audit fee models developed on emerging market economies by Simon et al (1986), Karim and Moizer (1996), Simon (1997) and Ahmed and Goyal (2005) etc.
Married Women's Achievement and Career Motivation: The Influence of Some Environmental and Psychological Variables.

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationships of some environmental and psychological variables to the career and achievement motivation of married women who had returned to college after an absence (N = 162). Subjects were grouped into first- and second-year students and by sex type (i.e., Androgynous, Feminine). Correlations for all groups indicated that either psychological or environmental variables were significantly related for some group to the motivation variables. Multivariate analyses for sex-typed groups supported the correlational findings for first-year subjects. These findings suggested the importance of including both types of variables in research investigating the career and achievement motivation of college reentry women. This was an exploratory study and researchers are urged to replicate it with larger, more representative sample.
Early preservation of CXCR5+ PD-1+ helper T cells and B cell activation predict the breadth of neutralizing antibody responses in chronic HIV-1 infection

Much is known about the characteristics of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) generated during HIV-1 infection, but little is known about immunological mechanisms responsible for their development in only a minority of those infected by HIV-1. By monitoring longitudinally a cohort of HIV-1-infected subjects, we observed that the preservation of CXCR5+ CD4+ T helper cell frequencies and activation status of B cells during the first year of infection correlates with the maximum breadth of plasma neutralizing antibody responses during chronic infection independently of viral load. Although, during the first year of infection, no differences were observed in the abilities of peripheral CXCR5+ CD4+ T helper cells to induce antibody secretion by autologous naive B cells, higher frequencies of class-switched antibodies were detected in cocultures of CXCR5+ CD4+ T and B cells from the subjects who later developed broadly neutralizing antibody responses than those who did not. Furthermore, B cells from the former subjects had higher expression of AICDA than B cells from the latter subjects, and transcript levels correlated with the frequency of CXCR5+ CD4+ T cells. Thus, the early preservation of CXCR5+ CD4+ T cells and B cell function are central to the development of bNAbs. Our study provides a possible explanation for their infrequent generation during HIV-1 infection. IMPORTANCE Broadly neutralizing antibodies are developed by HIV-1-infected subjects, but so far (and despite intensive efforts over the past 3 decades) they have not been elicited by immunization. Understanding how bNAbs are generated during natural HIV-1 infection and why only some HIV-1-infected subjects generate such antibodies will assist our efforts to elicit bNAbs by immunization. CXCR5+ PD-1+ CD4+ T cells are critical for the development of high-affinity antigen-specific antibody responses. In our study, we found that the HIV-1-infected subjects who develop bNAbs have a higher frequency of peripheral CXCR5+ PD-1+ CD4+ T cells in early infection and also that this frequency mirrored what was observed in uninfected subjects and correlated with the level of B cell activation across subjects. Our study highlights the critical role helper T cell function has in the elicitation of broadly neutralizing antibody responses in the context of HIV infection.
Use of PVC Pipe Refugia as a Sampling Technique for Hylid Treefrogs

Abstract We used retreats made from white polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes to capture hylids and determined how pipe design and placement influenced the frequency with which hylids used pipes as retreats. Pipes were hung vertically in trees on three sites in north-central Florida. Pipes were checked twice weekly for 10 mo during which 788 individuals of four species (Hyla squirella, H. cinerea, H. femoralis and H. gratiosa) were captured, with 2658 recaptures. Retreats on hardwoods were used significantly more than retreats on pines, and retreats hung at 2 m and 4 m aboveground were used significantly more than retreats at 0 m. Long and T shaped retreats (both 60 cm long) were used significantly more than short (30 cm) retreats. Retreats capped on the bottom with water inside and 3.81 cm in diameter were used more frequently than retreats of the same diameter that were either capped on the top or not capped and retreats 1.75 cm in diameter with no cap.
Social Media, Societal Changes, and Mental Health: You Can Live Online Wholesale

The impact of new media in the lives of youth and adults is often controversial. New media commonly experience periods of moral panic in which fears of their potential harm are exaggerated. This article examines research related to the impact of social media use on the well-being of users. Issues such as online gaming, Facebook Depression, and social media use are considered. Overall, evidence suggests that, while a small number of participants may exhibit pathological use symptoms; social media use has generally integrated into society and does not pose a pressing public health concern.
Hodgkin’s disease; its heterogeneous nature and possible infectious aetiology

Two issues have dominated epidemiologic studies of Hodgkin’s disease in recent years. One centres around the heterogeneous nature of this disorder, whereas the other issue deals with possible infectious aetiology in Hodgkin’s disease and the various studies used to test this hypothesis. It seems clear that these concepts are intimately related for they both deal with the question of aetiology. If Hodgkin’s disease is a single infectious disorder, the different characteristics observed for certain age groups must be explained. If the disease first described by Thomas Hodgkin in 1832 represents more than one entity, the question then becomes in which age groups is it infectious, neoplastic, etc.? The limitations of epidemiology as a scientific tool become immediately apparent when one ponders over the ways of answering these questions. For example, epidemiologic studies alone can never prove or disprove in absolute terms the hypotheses that Hodgkin’s disease is infectious in origin. The epidemiologist can however, present evidence suggesting that different age groups should be evaluated separately by the other scientific disciplines or that Hodgkin’s disease behaves as an infectious disorder under certain circumstances. In reviewing the history of this disease, the inescapable fact is that we have been asking the same basic questions since the turn of the century. We will undoubtedly go full circle again unless each scientific discipline listens to the footsteps of the other modes of inquiry. This chapter provides no definitive answers to the important aetiologic questions raised but rather it examines those studies which suggest that Hodgkin’s disease has many heterogeneous features, especially when childhood and adult cases are compared. The available evidence suggesting that this disorder might be infectious in nature is also reviewed.
The Participation of New York State Governors in Moreland Act Commissions

This paper examines the history of Moreland Act commissions in New York and how New York State governors have interacted with the commissions that they have created.
A New Virulent Biotype of the Spotted Alfalfa Aphid in Arizona

A new virulent biotype of Therioaphis maculata (Buckton) was collected from populations infesting ‘Mesa-Sirsa’ alfalfa at Mesa and Poston, AZ. The new strain, designated H, and biotype F, reproduced and survived on 6 of 9 parent clones of ‘Moapa’ alfalfa. Clone C-907 was susceptible to H and resistant to F, clearly separating the 2 closely related biotypes. Both biotypes were identically susceptible to 4 organophosphate insecticides.
The Effect of Praise upon the Quality and Quantity Of Creative Writing

AbstractThe effects of praise and blame upon quality and quantity of themes produced as well as upon children's attitudes toward creative writing were investigated. The 105 elementary pupils who served unknowingly as S's were divided into groups and given (a) praise without correction, or (b) criticism with correction for all theme writing efforts.Results support the assumption that praise without correction in the classroom is superior to blame. While both groups improved equally, the praised but uncorrected group produced significantly more work, exhibited more favorable attitudes, were more highly motivated, and appeared to be more independent than those subjected to blame and correction.
Field ionization of Rydberg atoms in a single-cycle pulse

We study the ionization of Rydberg atoms in a single-cycle-pulse electric field based on both classical and quantum calculations. The ionization-probability curve exhibits a “ripple” structure as a function of the pulse duration and the field amplitude. These ripple structures are found to be dependent on the angular distribution of the initial state. A large electron-emission asymmetry is observed, and the ionized electron is almost completely emittedtoonesideoftheatomexceptwhenthepulselengthisroughlyoneRydbergperiod.Inboththelong-pulse and the short-pulse regimes, larger electron energy can be expected from the ionization of lower-lying Rydberg states, matching the observation in a recent experiment [S. Li and R. R. Jones, Phys. Rev. Lett. 112, 143006 (2014)]. This trend is closely related to the electron-emission asymmetry associated with the field-direction change in a single-cycle pulse. The possible implications of the different energy transfer in a single-cycle pulse from that in a multicycle pulse are also discussed briefly for the strong-field ionization of the ground atomic state.
The Effects of College Education on Consumer Sophistication: An Exploratory Study

The authors report the results of an exploratory survey among students with varying degrees of formal education. The study investigated their knowledge concerning the product warranty on their recent purchase (within the year) of a consumer durable. The results provided some support for the notion that there is neither a linear nor a mono-tonic relationship between education and informa-.tion seeking in the purchase of consumer durables.
Jerusalem: The Crux of the Conflict

Jerusalem sits on the fault line of the religious core of the conflict, the tremors of which have intensified recently. The chapter presents a case study of one of such tremors on the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount and efforts to defuse the crisis, in which the author was personally involved. The need to resolve the status of Jerusalem—the crux of the matter—has so far eluded every negotiator. In this chapter some ideas are revisited that propose a special regime for the Old City, including the holy sites, while deferring the issue of sovereignty. This could help find a solution in line with the prevailing international view that Jerusalem should become an open capital for two states.
From Refugee Camp to Resilient City: Zaatari Refugee Camp, Jordan

This project is about how architecture can transform a refugee camp into a child friendly city designed around existing social networks. The vision is to respond to the refugee crisis with long-term resilient solutions rather than reactionary ones.
Keynote talk: Deep computing in biology: Challenges and progress

The Computational Biology Center at IBM Research pursues basic and exploratory research at the interface of information technology and biology. Information technology plays a vital role in enabling new science and discovery in biology. Advances in high throughput and platform technologies in biology present an unprecedented challenge in scale, management, and analysis of biological data. Advances in computing architecture and scale are enabling simulations of complex biological processes at various organizational levels from atomic to cellular and beyond. High performance computing that takes full advantage of massive parallelism is a necessary means to obtain the performance needed to tackle this complexity. This talk will provide an overview of our current research in computational biology and highlight recent advances in large scale simulations of biological systems.
On the VLF wave generation by beating of two HF heaters

Nighttime very low frequency (VLF) wave generation high frequency (HF) heating experiments were performed under three distinctive ionospheric situations, employing two x-mode transmissions with a frequency difference of 3.5–9.5 kHz. The three situations were HF heater transmissions: (1) reflecting well below, (2) reflecting slightly below, and (3) penetrating through the F-peak (i.e., foF2 layer). The results reveal that (1) the N-S component of the VLF wave magnetic field dominated in all measurements; (2) the VLF radiation intensity is the strongest when the HF heaters are reflected slightly below the foF2 layer, i.e., in situation (2); (3) the VLF radiation intensity does not vary strongly with frequency; however, there is an anomaly in situation (2), the 5.5 kHz radiation intensity is approximately 7 dB above the intensity trend with frequency in situations (1) and (3). In situation (2), foF2 was decreasing with time, while a density cusp appeared slightly below the heater reflection height. Theoretic...
Broad induction of immunoregulatory mechanisms after a short course of anti-IL-7Rα antibodies in NOD mice

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease caused by T cell-mediated destruction of the insulin-producing β-cells in the pancreas. Therefore, approaches that effectively halt the pathogenic T cell response are predicted to have preventive or therapeutic benefit for type 1 diabetes patients. We previously demonstrated that long-term blocking of IL-7 signaling, which is critical for the survival and function of T cells, prevented and reversed type 1 diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice. However, such persistent inhibition of T cell responses raises concerns about causing immunodeficiency. Here, we asked whether a reduced duration of the treatment with anti-IL-7Rα antibodies retained efficacy in preventing diabetes. Moreover, we sought to identify immunoregulatory mechanisms induced by anti-IL-7Rα administration. Anti-IL-7Rα antibodies were administered to prediabetic NOD mice for 3 weeks and blood samples were taken at the end of treatment and 2 weeks later to analyze changes in T cell phenotypes in response to IL-7Rα blockade. We found that the co-inhibitory receptors LAG-3, Tim-3 and PD-1 were increased on peripheral blood CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from anti-IL-7Rα-treated mice. Expression of these receptors contributed to reduced T cell cytokine production in response to TCR stimulation. In addition, the frequency of Tregs within the circulating CD4+ T cells was increased at the end of anti-IL-7Rα antibody treatment and these Tregs showed a more activated phenotype. In vitro restimulation assays revealed that effector T cells from anti-IL-7Rα-treated mice were more sensitive to co-inhibitory receptor induction after TCR stimulation. Importantly, these changes were accompanied by delayed type 1 diabetes disease kinetics. Together, our data show that short-term blockade of IL-7Rα induces detectable changes in co-inhibitory receptor expression and Treg frequencies in peripheral blood of NOD mice. These changes appear to have long-lasting effects by delaying or preventing type 1 diabetes incidence. Hence, our study provides further support for using anti-IL-7Rα antibodies to modulate autoreactive T cell responses.
Highly sensitive label-free coupled resonator Fabry–Perot self-referencing photonic biosensor

There is a large demand for the development of portable easy-to-use on-chip biosensors capable of single molecule detection. In this paper, we propose a new ultrasensitive label-free optical refractive index sensor consisting of a Fabry–Perot resonator evanescently coupled to a microring resonator. The coupling between the Fabry–Perot standing wave mode and degenerate whispering gallery modes of the microring leads to a splitting of the resonances proportional to the coupling. Choosing the coupling region to be a microfluidic channel through which the analyte solution is pumped leads to a change in the splitting proportional to the index of refraction of the analyte that is immune to common-mode noise sources in the resonators such as thermal noise. The high sensitivity of the coupling to the analyte index combined with the reduced noise leads to significant improvement in the detection limit down to ∼10−9 RIU.
Fast Torsional Artificial Muscles From NiTi Twisted Yarns

Torsional artificial muscles made of multiwalled carbon nanotube/niobium nanowire yarns have shown remarkable torsional speed and gravimetric torque. The muscle structure consists of a twisted yarn with half of its length infiltrated with a stimuli-responsive guest material such as paraffin wax. The volumetric expansion of the guest material creates the torsional actuation in the yarn. In the present work, we show that this type of actuation is not unique to wax-infiltrated carbon multiwalled nanotube (MWCNT) or niobium nanowire yarns and that twisted yarn of NiTi alloy fibers also produces fast torsional actuation. By gold-plating half the length of a NiTi twisted yarn and Joule heating it, we achieved a fully reversible torsional actuation of up to 16°/mm with peak torsional speed of 10 500 rpm and gravimetric torque of 8 N·m/kg. These results favorably compare to those of MWCNTs and niobium nanowire yarns.
Public opinion on climate change: Is there an economy–environment tradeoff?

ABSTRACTDoes the state of the economy condition public concern for the environment? Scholars have long argued that environmental preferences decline during economic downturns as individuals prioritize short-term economic needs over longer-term environmental concerns. Yet, this assumption has rarely been subjected to rigorous empirical scrutiny at the individual level. The presumed link between economic and environmental preferences is revisited, using the first individual-level opinion panel (n = 1043) of US climate attitudes, incorporating both self-reported and objective economic data. In contrast with prior studies that emphasize the role of economic downturns in driving environmental preference shifts, using a stronger identification strategy, there is little evidence that changes in either individual economic fortunes or local economic conditions are associated with decreased belief that climate change is happening or reduced prioritization of climate policy action. Instead, the evidence suggests tha...
Dataset and Metrics for Adult Age-Progression Evaluation

Automated age-progression has been a growing area of research, however quantitative measures and common datasets for evaluating methods are undeveloped. We present possible metrics and information about a dataset designed for such comparison, a collection of images that spans a wide range of aging for a variety of individuals. We present initial results of these metrics on the dataset and invite other researchers to collaborate to compare techniques.
Dual-targeting of peripheral cannabinoid-1 receptors and inducible NO synthase in pulmonary fibrosis

Introduction: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a life-threatening disease with limited treatment options that may benefit from simultaneously targeting multiple pathways to improve therapeutic efficacy. Endocannabinoids (ECs) acting via the CB1R promote fibrosis, but their role in IPF has not been established. Activity of the enzyme inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is also increased in fibrosis and correlates with IPF progression. Aims and objectives: We tested the involvement of the EC/CB1R system and iNOS in the pathogenesis of IPF and the therapeutic impact of their simultaneous targeting using MRI-1867, an orally bioavailable, peripherally restricted CB1R/iNOS hybrid inhibitor in mice. Methods: We used the bleomycin-induced mouse PF (BL-PF) model, as well as BALF and lung tissue samples from patients with IPF and respective controls. Results: The EC anandamide was increased in the lung of bleomycin-treated mice and in BALF samples from IPF patients, in whom its level negatively correlated with pulmonary function tests. CB1R and iNOS protein levels were significantly elevated in lung tissue from patients with severe IPF or from bleomycin-treated mice. Upregulation of these two targets in the fibrotic lung was independent of one another. Moreover, MRI-1867 treatment arrested the progression of established fibrosis in BL-PF and dramatically improved survival rate, compared to vehicle or CB1R antagonism alone. Conclusion: We identified CB1R as a novel therapeutic target in IPF. Dual-targeting of CB1R and iNOS for inhibition offers a novel therapeutic approach with improved efficacy.
Laparoscopic versus open Nissen fundoplication in infants after neonatal laparotomy.

BACKGROUND Nissen fundoplication is an effective treatment of gastroesophageal reflux in infants. Laparoscopic procedures after previous laparotomy are technically more challenging. The role of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication after neonatal laparotomy for diseases unrelated to reflux is poorly described. METHODS This was a retrospective review of open vs laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in infants after neonatal laparotomy. Of 32 infants who underwent neonatal laparotomy, 26 required a surgical antireflux operation within the first year of life. Twelve infants underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication versus 14 infants who underwent open Nissen fundoplication. Parameters like age, weight, operative time, number of previous operations, length of stay following fundoplication, time to feedings, and complications were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS No statistically significant differences existed between most of the parameters compared following laparoscopic vs open Nissen fundoplication. No conversions to open procedures were necessary in infants undergoing laparoscopic fundoplication, and these infants resumed enteral feeds earlier than those who underwent the open procedure. CONCLUSION Laparoscopic compared with open Nissen fundoplication performed in infants after a neonatal laparotomy were comparable procedures across most data points studied. However, a laparoscopic fundoplication did allow for earlier return to enteral feeds compared with the open approach. Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is technically feasible, safe, and effective in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux in infants with a previous neonatal laparotomy.
The Role of Thymidylate Synthase in the Response to Fluoropyrimidine-Folinic Acid Combinations

A panel of human colorectal tumor cell lines has been examined to determine the role of TS in the response to fluoropyrimidine antimetabolites. Among these cell lines, the response to FdUrd does not correlate with the levels of TS. In cell lines HCT 116 and RCA, which are poorly responsive to FdUrd, structural alterations in TS have been identified. In HCT 116, two TS polypeptides are present: a common form, occurring in all the cell lines and a variant form. The variant TS polypeptide has a reduced affinity for the TS ligands, FdUMP and CH2H4PteGlu, relative to the common TS polypeptide. Clonal populations of HCT 116 that overproduce each form have been isolated. Clones that overproduce the variant polypeptide are 4-fold less responsive to TS-directed cytotoxic agents than those that overproduce the common; thus, the presence of the variant TS is associated with a reduced response to TS-directed cytotoxic agents. The response of cell line RCA to FdUrd is dependent upon the extracellular CF concentration: response increases as CF is increased. RCA contains a TS enzyme with reduced affinity for CH2H4PteGlu, relative to cell line C, which is sensitive to FdUrd at all CF concentra-tions. Both cells form high chain-length polyglutamates of CH H PteGlu at CF concentratijpns in which the response to FdUrd differs by 4-fold. In RCA, the TS structural gene is variant, relative to the other cell lines. This variation may underlie the altered enzyme affinity for CH2H4PteGlu and the sensitivity to modulation of FdUrd response by CF.
Design Considerations for Current-Regulated Series-Resonant Converters With a Constant Input Current

Power converters used for undersea applications utilize dc current distribution instead of dc voltage distribution due to the long distance from the shore and cable series impedance. Power converter modules employed in such scenarios use a constant current as a source of input power with several modules connected in series. Series-resonant converters (SRCs), which are used in each module, behave differently when driven by a constant-current input in comparison to the conventional case with a constant-voltage input. The differences in the behavior and design of such SRCs have not been thoroughly studied in the literature. In this paper, detailed steady-state analysis is presented to show the findings, and a design procedure is proposed for regulating the output current of an SRC topology with its input connected to a constant-current source. Constraints on the selection of resonant tank components and operating frequency are satisfied, while regulating the output current over the desired load range. The proposed design also considers variations of the component values accounting for the changes due to tolerances as well as aging. A design example for supplying power to an undersea observation system and hardware validation results are provided for a 400 kHz 450 W SRC with a constant input current of 1 A and an output current of 330 mA.
Prenatal predictors of neonatal intensive care unit admission due to respiratory distress.

Background Admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) due to respiratory distress is determined according to subjective clinician judgement. We investigated prenatal factors predictive of NICU admission in neonates with respiratory distress. Methods This case-control study was conducted at Nara Prefecture General Medical Center, Nara, Japan, from February 2013 to April 2017 and included neonates with birthweight ≥2,000 g, ≥36 weeks of gestational age, who required oxygen due to respiratory distress at birth. The cases consisted of neonates admitted to the NICU, and the control group consisted of neonates who did not require NICU admission. Perinatal factors between the groups were compared, and multivariate logistic regression analysis carried out to evaluate predictive factors. Results The NICU group consisted of 94 neonates, and the control group, 417 neonates during the period reviewed. On multivariate analysis, maternal anemia (OR, 2.97; 95%CI: 1.42-6.21), infertility treatment (OR, 2.79; 95%CI: 1.36-5.71), threatened preterm labor (OR, 2.16; 95%CI: 1.10-4.23), premature rupture of membranes (OR, 5.30, 95%CI: 2.52-11.17), fibroids (OR, 6.06; 95%CI: 1.57-23.41), history of uterine surgery (OR, 3.53, 95%CI: 1.13-11.06), abruptio placentae (OR, 10.21; 95%CI: 1.83-57.17), intrauterine growth restriction (OR, 6.69; 95%CI: 1.96-22.85), and having twins (OR, 0.23; 95%CI: 0.09-0.58) were significant prenatal predictors of NICU admission. Conclusion Factors that potentially predict NICU admission were identified. Clinicians may wish to consider these factors when treating neonates with respiratory distress.
US Emergency Medical Services Fellows.

IntroductionThe 2015-2016 academic year was the fourth year since the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME; Chicago, Illinois USA) accredited Emergency Medical Services (EMS) fellowships, and the first year an in-training examination was given. Soon, ACGME-accredited fellowship education will be the sole path to EMS board certification when the practice pathway closes after 2019. This project aimed to describe the current class of EMS fellows at ACGME-accredited programs and their current educational opportunities to better understand current and future needs in EMS fellowship education.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional survey of EMS fellows in ACGME-accredited programs in conjunction with the first EMS In-Training Examination (EMSITE) between April and June 2016. Fellows completed a 14-question survey composed of multiple-choice and free-response questions. Basic frequency statistics were performed on their responses.ResultsFifty fellows from 35 ACGME-accredited programs completed the survey. The response rate was 100%. Forty-eight (96%) fellows reported previous training in emergency medicine. Twenty (40%) were undergoing fellowship training at the same institution as their prior residency training. Twenty-five (50%) fellows performed direct patient care aboard a helicopter during their fellowship. Thirty-three (66%) fellows had a dedicated physician response vehicle for fellows. All fellows reported using the National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP; Overland Park, Kansas USA) textbooks as their primary reference. Fellows felt most prepared for the Clinical Aspects questions and least prepared for Quality Management and Research questions on the board exam.ConclusionThese data provide insight into the characteristics of EMS fellows in ACGME-accredited programs. ClemencyB, Martin-GillC, RallN, PatelD, MyersJ. US Emergency Medical Services Fellows. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(3):339–341.
Introduction to the Special Issue: Teacher Agency and “Pedagogies of Hope” for Bilingual Learners (in a Brave New World)

I am in search of hope. I suspect many who read this are too. For those of us who are or who work with immigrant, bilingual, and language/culture/race minoritized youth and their teachers, the curr...
Themes Addressed by Couples With Advanced Cancer During a Communication Skills Training Intervention.

Abstract Context Couple-based communication interventions have beneficial effects for patients with cancer and their partners. However, few studies have targeted patients with advanced stages of disease, and little is known about how best to assist couples in discussing issues related to life-limiting illness. Objectives The purpose of the present study was to identify themes addressed by couples during a Couples Communication Skills Training intervention and the frequency with which they discussed issues related to end of life. Methods Content analyses were conducted on recordings of 72 sessions from 12 couples facing advanced gastrointestinal cancer. Coding was based on six themes identified a priori from the framework for understanding what patients and family value at end of life. The percent of couples addressing each theme was calculated to gauge level of importance and acceptability of these topics. Results The majority of couples addressed topics previously identified as salient at end of life, including clear decision making, affirmation of the whole person, pain and symptom management, contributing to others, and preparation for death. In addition, novel aspects to these themes emerged in the context of couples' conversations, illustrating the importance of the couple relationship in adjusting to life with a life-limiting illness and anticipating the transition to end of life. Conclusion Findings suggest that couples likely would be receptive to an intervention that combines training in communication skills with guidance in focusing on issues related to life completion to assist with transitions at end of life. Such interventions might enhance both individuals' abilities to cope with illness-related symptoms and demands, enjoy the time they have together, and derive meaning from the experience.