cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
E-Cigarettes and the Drug Use Patterns of Adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: This study examines the role of e-cigarettes in the drug use patterns of adolescents. Of specific interest is whether adolescent e-cigarette users fall into a group of (a) youth who do not use traditional drugs of abuse or (b) polysubstance users. METHODS: Using latent class analysis, we identify major "classes" of substance users on the basis of recent use of e-cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes, and prescription drugs. Analyses are conducted separately for adolescents in 8(th), 10(th), and 12(th) grades. Data come from 16,615 participants in the 2014 Monitoring the Future survey. RESULTS: Youth who do not use traditional drugs of abuse account for about 50% of e-cigarette users in 8(th) grade, 35% in 10(th) grade, and 17% in 12(th) grade. These youth come from a large "low-level users" group found in each grade, characterized by low probability of use for all substances (e-cigarette probability in this group for 8(th) Graders=.046; 10(th) Graders=.071; 12(th) Graders=.027). Other e-cigarette users come from a smaller, "poly-users" group found in each grade, characterized by high-to-moderate probabilities (.83-.21) of using e-cigarettes and other substances. Specific to 12(th) grade is a third, additional polysubstance group characterized by high likelihood of e-cigarette use (.93). CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of e-cigarette users who do not use traditional drugs of abuse is larger at younger ages. Longitudinal panel studies starting at 8th and 10th grades may best inform the current debate on whether e-cigarette use is a risk or protective factor for future transition to the use of other substances. Language: en
Survival and behavior of western gulls following exposure to oil and rehabilitation

In California, care of wildlife injured in oil spills has been legislatively mandated and has resulted in development of professionally supervised rehabilitation efforts. However, the efficacy and success of these programs need evaluation. We assessed survivorship and behavior of radio-marked western gulls (Larus occidentalis) that were rehabilitated via California's Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN) following the 1997 Torch/Platform Irene Pipeline spill in south-central California. The test groups were 1) oiled and reha- bilitated gulls (n=7), 2) non-oiled but rehabilitated gulls (n=10), and 3) non-oiled and not rehabilitated gulls (n=10). All groups were released to the wild in October 1997 and monitored twice weekly by aerial telemetry until January 1998, and once weekly there- after until June 1998. One non-oiled and not rehabilitated bird died 115 days after release. All oiled and rehabilitated gulls survived until transmitters failed (127-235 days), despite unfavorable El Niho conditions in early 1998. No statistically significant differ- ences could be detected in the size of geographical areas used by the three groups of gulls. The results of this study suggest that modern rehabilitation programs such as OWCN have the potential to reduce impacts to seabird populations from marine oil spills by returning some oiled birds back to wild populations.
The Politics of Income Inequality in the United States: Party Dynamics and Income Inequality

This chapter marks a turning point in the story of equality and inequality in America. To this point, I have examined inequality and the politics of inequality through a cross-sectional lens. The degree of inequality, who has the money, what government does to influence inequality, and partisan and ideological differences regarding inequality have been examined using one snapshot frozen in time at the dawn of the twenty-first century. This chapter marks a change in perspective from the static to the dynamic. From this point forward, I will examine movement in income inequality over time and will utilize time series methods to accomplish this task. This change in perspective will provide the capability to examine not just what government does or does not do about inequality, but whether macro political change has influenced the path of income inequality in the United States. By shifting to a cross-temporal analytical perspective, I will assess whether political dynamics are connected to the dynamics of income inequality. For some readers, the simple promise of exploring the connection between politics and income inequality is likely to generate interest in this research. But analyzing the connection between political dynamics and income inequality also sheds light on existing theories and provides opportunities for developing new explanations about the connections between politics and economics. A THEORY OF DISTRIBUTION AND REDISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES My examination of the influence of political dynamics on distributional outcomes is rooted, first, in the macro politics model of American politics.
The Impact of Treating Chronic Liver Diseases on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prevention

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer death worldwide [1]. Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the single most important etiology that accounts for more than 52% of all the HCC cases globally [2]. Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection accounts for another 20–30%. Together, HBV and HCV cause approximately 80–85% of all HCC cases worldwide [3–6]. Another 10% of HCC can be attributed to alcohol and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) [7–9]. Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH), autoimmune liver diseases, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, Wilson’s disease, glycogen storage disease, porphyria, tyrosinemia, etc., contribute to the remaining 5–10% (Fig. 12.1a) [10, 11].
Investigation into 9(S)-HPODE-derived allene oxide to cyclopentenone cyclization mechanism via diradical oxyallyl intermediates

The cyclopentane core is ubiquitous among a large number of biologically relevant natural products. Cyclopentenones have been shown to be versatile intermediates for the stereoselective preparation of highly substituted cyclopentane derivatives. Allene oxides are oxygenated fatty acids which are involved in the pathways of cyclopentenone biosynthesis in plants and marine invertebrates; however, their cyclization behavior is not well understood. Recent work by Brash and co-workers (J. Biol. Chem., 2013, 288, 20797) revealed an unusual cyclization property of the 9(S)-HPODE-derived allene oxides: the previously unreported 10Z-isomer cyclizes to a cis-dialkylcyclopentenone in hexane/isopropyl alcohol (100 : 3, v/v), but the known 10E-isomer does not yield cis-cyclopentenone under the same conditions. The mechanism for cyclization has been investigated for unsubstituted and methyl substituted vinyl allene oxide using a variety of methods including CASSCF, ωB97xD, and CCSD(T) and basis sets up to cc-pVTZ. The lowest energy pathway proceeds via homolytic cleavage of the epoxide ring, formation of an oxyallyl diradical, which closes readily to a cyclopropanone intermediate. The cyclopropanone opens to the requisite oxyallyl which closes to the experimentally observed product, cis-cyclopentenone. The calculations show that the open shell, diradical pathway is lower in energy than the closed shell reactions of allene oxide to cyclopropanone, and cyclopropanone to cyclopentenone.
Overexpression of Tbx20 in Adult Cardiomyocytes Promotes Proliferation and Improves Cardiac Function After Myocardial Infarction

Background —Adult mammalian cardiomyocytes (CM) have the potential to proliferate, but this is not sufficient to generate adequate CMs after myocardial infarction (MI). The transcription factor Tbx20 is required for CM proliferation during development and adult CM homeostasis. The ability of Tbx20 overexpression (Tbx20 OE ) to promote adult CM proliferation and improve cardiac function after MI was examined. Methods and Results —Tbx20 OE was induced specifically in adult mouse differentiated CMs. Increased CM proliferation and fetal-like characteristics were found in Tbx20 OE hearts, compared to controls, without causing pathology 4 weeks after Tbx20 OE at baseline. Moreover, Tbx20 OE in adult CM after MI significantly improved survival, cardiac function, and infarct size 4 weeks post-MI. Improved cardiac repair, as indicated by increased CM proliferation and capillary density, was observed in the MI border zone of Tbx20 OE hearts compared to controls. Expression of proliferation activator ( cyclin D1, E1 , and IGF1 ) and fetal contractile protein ( ssTNI, βMHC ) mRNA was increased, while negative cell-cycle regulators ( p21, Meis1 ) were decreased, in Tbx20 OE hearts, compared to controls, under both baseline and MI conditions. Tbx20 OE in adult hearts activates multiple pro-proliferation pathways including Akt, YAP and BMP. Interestingly, p21, Meis1 , and a novel cell-cycle inhibitory gene Btg2 , are directly bound and repressed by Tbx20 with induction of proliferation in neonatal CM. Conclusions —Tbx20 OE specifically in adult CM activates multiple cardiac proliferative pathways, directly represses cell-cycle inhibitory genes p21, Meis1 and Btg2 , promotes adult CM proliferation, and preserves cardiac performance post-MI.
Hepatic toxicity of antirheumatic drugs

BACKGROUND Many of the diverse group of pharmacologic agents available for the treatment of rheumatic diseases have the potential to cause serious hepatotoxicity. OBJECTIVE To identify factors associated with drug-induced hepatotoxicity in rheumatic disease. SUMMARY While mild elevations in plasma transaminase concentrations are associated with almost all nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), clinically significant hepatic toxicity is very rare. NSAID-induced liver injury probably has an immunologic basis, but neither a detailed mechanism nor precise incidence rates are known. Methotrexate can cause hepatic fibrosis during chronic use, but the liver injury is poorly reflected by plasma transaminase concentrations; it is difficult to formulate monitoring recommendations when this agent is used in rheumatic disease. Gold and penicillamine have been associated with rare cases of hepatic toxicity as well. CONCLUSIONS Drug treatment of rheumatic diseases is associated with a small but well-documented risk of hepatotoxicity. Recognizing the clinical syndromes associated with liver injury by these agents facilitates the minimization of morbidity from this complication.
The Thyroid of the Guinea-Pig in Experimental Diphtheric Intoxication

Firstly, the colloid becomes finely granular; secondly, it becomes vacuolated and partially absorbed; thirdly, an alteration occurs in the cells, they become more numerous, elongated, approaching the columnar, and arranged in masses; fourthly, the colloid becomes entirely absorbed and the walls of the vesicles become crenated and infolded; fifthly, the infolding and cell increase go on to transform the vesicles into solid masses of cells. These changes go on side by side so that several of them may be seen in the same section.
Isotope Geochemistry of Zeolites

Two of the most important variables that can be determined in any geologic study are the timing and conditions of formation. Although the discovery of radioactivity and isotopes at the beginning of this century revolutionized our understanding of the age and formation conditions of rocks and minerals, the isotope geochemistry of certain mineral groups such as the zeolites has remained elusive and poorly understood. To date fewer than 40 papers have been published on the isotope geochemistry of zeolites. This dearth of isotopic data is due to technical difficulties rather than lack of interest. Recently, however, great strides have been made in understanding the isotope geochemistry of zeolites as a result of a better understanding of their crystal structures, coupled with the increased popularity of isotope geochemistry and a rapid growth in the number of isotope laboratories. This chapter reviews the current status of our knowledge of isotopes in natural zeolites, including the methods used to prepare samples and measure isotopic abundances and ratios, some of the problems associated with these measurements, and some of the implications of the results obtained. Because the reader may not be familiar with isotope geochemistry, the fundamentals of the behavior of isotopes will also be reviewed briefly. It should be pointed out that a vast literature exists on the behavior and characteristics of isotopes in synthetic zeolites and on isotopic studies related to industrial applications (see e.g. Chang et al. 1995). This material is, however, outside the scope of this chapter and will only be mentioned when it has a direct bearing on the geochemistry of zeolites. The earliest published report on isotopes in zeolites may have been that of Taylor and Urey (1938) who determined fractionation of stable Li, K, and N isotopes by an unspecified “zeolite” species. At Columbia University, Taylor and …
Enzyme-Specific Doxorubicin Drug Beacon as Drug-Resistant Theranostic Molecular Probes

We report here on the use of anticancer drug doxorubicin (Dox) to construct a Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based theranostic molecular probe by covalently linking together through a lysine junction a fluorescent drug, a black hole quencher, and a cell-penetrating peptide. We show that upon cleavage by the target lysosomal protease cathepsin B (CatB) the designed drug beacon could release the fluorescent drug serving as an indicator for CatB. Our cell studies suggest that the drug-beacon design can help to circumvent the Dox drug resistance in NCI/ADR-Res ovarian cancer cells, showing significant improvement in cell cytotoxicity compared to the free drug. We believe our design opens up new opportunities to exploit the new functional and structural features of anticancer drugs in addition to their characteristic cytotoxicity.
Specialized Market and Industrial Cluster: Linkage and Influential Factors

We construct a theoretical model of vertical relationship between specialized markets and industrial clusters.With about ten thousands questionnaires about dealers in China Textile City and local textile firms in Shaoxin,we find that impacts of transportation cost,firm's size and technological level on the linkage strength of specialized markets and industrial clusters are greatest,and efficiency of local logistics and services from local associations also play significant roles.It is notable that incentive to build a self-own brand isn't the decisive factor for the dealers moving outside the specialized markets,which is relevant to the characteristics of the markets.
Effects of choice white grease or poultry fat on growth performance, carcass leanness, and meat quality characteristics of growing-finishing pigs.

Eighty-four crossbred gilts were used to evaluate the effects of dietary choice white grease (CWG) or poultry fat (PF) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and quality characteristics of longissimus muscle (LM), belly, and bacon of growing-finishing pigs. Pigs (initially 60 kg) were fed a control diet with no added fat or diets containing 2, 4, or 6% CWG or PF. Diets were fed from 60 to 110 kg and contained 2.26 g lysine/Mcal ME. Data were analyzed as a 2 x 3 factorial plus a control with main effects of fat source (CWG and PF) and fat level (2, 4, and 6%). Pigs fed the control diet, 2% fat, and 4% fat had greater (P 0.05) were observed for ADG, dressing percentage, leaf fat weight, LM pH, backfat depth, LM area, percentage lean, LM visual evaluation, LM water-holding capacity, Warner-Bratzler shear and sensory evaluation of the LM and bacon, fat color and firmness measurements, or bacon processing characteristics. Adding dietary fat improved G/F and altered the fatty acid profiles of the LM and bacon, but differences in growth rate, carcass characteristics, and quality and sensory characteristics of the LM and bacon were minimal. Dietary additions of up to 6% CWG or PF can be made with little effect on quality of pork LM, belly, or bacon.
Bowel Injury As a Result of Penetrating Scrotal Trauma: Review of Associated Injuries

We report a case of bowel injury as a result of an isolated gunshot wound to the scrotum. Our experience with penetrating scrotal trauma reveals a high rate of associated injuries, the most common being trauma to the soft tissue of the thigh. Our case emphasizes the importance of a thorough preoperative and operative evaluation of patients with penetrating scrotal trauma.
Law Blogging Engages Students in Writing that Connects Theory to Practice and Develops Professional Identity

Law school doctrinal courses often require students to produce a writing assignment — e.g., a brief or research paper — in addition to taking an exam. Such assignments can stimulate meaningful learning, but students may not engage as thoroughly because the end product is not put to any purpose other than generating a grade. Students often perceive such writing as overly formal and/or theoretical, and chafe that their efforts are not being put to work in the service of a client, cause, or larger conversation about the law. One way to introduce authenticity and immediacy into writing assignments in the doctrinal classroom is to assign law students to research and author a blog entry to be posted on an Internet forum relevant to the subject matter of the course. A blogging assignment by nature connects theory to practice and by its process advances students in professional role formation. Although set in the author's subject area of Sports Law, this article offers a roadmap for designing a blogging assignment suitable for any doctrinal course.
Possibilities for Change

Addicts appear both to themselves and to others to be stuck in. particular pattern of action, and it must be admitted that getting out of such. pattern is difficult. On many accounts, none of the well-known treatments has. higher than “spontaneous remission” rate of transitioning people out of addiction. That said, many people do make that change, and new approaches to helping them are being tested every year. Although some treatment programs self-report high rates of success in helping individuals achieve desired behavior and improved quality of life, and they even claim that it will work every time “for those who work the program,” no such unconditional success has been demonstrated. In fact, such claims are virtually meaningless, since they are essentially untestable. Since any failure to sustain sobriety can be attributed to. failure by the addict to “work” some aspect of the program, according to the pervasive 12-step method of treatment, the claim that the program succeeds in the vast number of cases in which the individual “works the program” is self-affirming.1
A Study of Document Expansion using Translation Models and Dimensionality Reduction Methods

Over a decade of research on document expansion methods resulted in several independent avenues, including smoothing methods, translation models, and dimensionality reduction techniques, such as matrix decompositions and topic models. Although these research avenues have been individually explored in many previous studies, there is still a lack of understanding of how state-of-the-art methods for each of these directions compare with each other in terms of retrieval accuracy. This paper eliminates this gap by reporting the results of an empirical comparison of document expansion methods using translation models estimated based on word co-occurrence and cosine similarity between low-dimensional word embeddings, Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) and Non-negative Matrix Factorization (NMF), on standard TREC collections. Experimental results indicate that LDA-based document expansion consistently outperforms both types of translation models and NMF according to all evaluation metrics for all and difficult queries, which is closely followed by translation model using word embeddings.
Profiling stem cell states in three-dimensional biomaterial niches using high content image informatics.

Abstract A predictive framework for the evolution of stem cell biology in 3-D is currently lacking. In this study we propose deep image informatics of the nuclear biology of stem cells to elucidate how 3-D biomaterials steer stem cell lineage phenotypes. The approach is based on high content imaging informatics to capture minute variations in the 3-D spatial organization of splicing factor SC-35 in the nucleoplasm as a marker to classify emergent cell phenotypes of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The cells were cultured in varied 3-D culture systems including hydrogels, electrospun mats and salt leached scaffolds. The approach encompasses high resolution 3-D imaging of SC-35 domains and high content image analysis (HCIA) to compute quantitative 3-D nuclear metrics for SC-35 organization in single cells in concert with machine learning approaches to construct a predictive cell-state classification model. Our findings indicate that hMSCs cultured in collagen hydrogels and induced to differentiate into osteogenic or adipogenic lineages could be classified into the three lineages (stem, adipogenic, osteogenic) with ⩾80% precision and sensitivity, within 72 h. Using this framework, the augmentation of osteogenesis by scaffold design exerted by porogen leached scaffolds was also profiled within 72 h with ∼80% high sensitivity. Furthermore, by employing 3-D SC-35 organizational metrics, differential osteogenesis induced by novel electrospun fibrous polymer mats incorporating decellularized matrix could also be elucidated and predictably modeled at just 3 days with high precision. We demonstrate that 3-D SC-35 organizational metrics can be applied to model the stem cell state in 3-D scaffolds. We propose that this methodology can robustly discern minute changes in stem cell states within complex 3-D architectures and map single cell biological readouts that are critical to assessing population level cell heterogeneity. Statement of Significance The sustained development and validation of bioactive materials relies on technologies that can sensitively discern cell response dynamics to biomaterials, while capturing cell-to-cell heterogeneity and preserving cellular native phenotypes. In this study, we illustrate the application of a novel high content image informatics platform to classify emergent human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) phenotypes in a diverse range of 3-D biomaterial scaffolds with high sensitivity and precision, and track cell responses to varied external stimuli. A major in silico innovation is the proposed image profiling technology based on unique three dimensional textural signatures of a mechanoreporter protein within the nuclei of stem cells cultured in 3-D scaffolds. This technology will accelerate the pace of high-fidelity biomaterial screening.
Load variance minimization for coordinated PHEV charging in microgrid

With the significant increase in the demand of Plug-in Hybrid Electrical Vehicles (PHEV), it is very important to control the charging of PHEVs. Improper charging can impact the distribution grid severely creating load congestions, overloading, and volatge drops. This paper proposes coordinated charging to reduce load variance. The proposed optimization method is applied to modified IEEE 4 node system and the results are presented.
Contemporary risk model for inhospital major bleeding for patients with acute myocardial infarction: The acute coronary treatment and intervention outcomes network (ACTION) registry®-Get With The Guidelines (GWTG)®.

Background Major bleeding is a frequent complication for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Objective To develop a contemporary model for inhospital major bleeding that can both support clinical decision-making and serve as a foundation for assessing hospital quality. Methods An inhospital major bleeding model was developed using the Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network Registry–Get With the Guidelines (ACTION Registry–GWTG) database. Patients hospitalized with AMI between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2013 across 657 hospitals were used to create a derivation cohort (n=144,800) and a validation cohort (n=96,684). Multivariable hierarchal logistic regression was used to identify significant predictors of major bleeding. A simplified risk score was created to enable prospective risk stratification for clinical care. Results The rate of major bleeding in the overall population was 7.53%. There were 8 significant, independent factors associated with major bleeding: presentation after cardiac arrest (OR 2.99 [2.77-3.22]); presentation in cardiogenic shock (OR 2.22 [2.05-2.40]); STEMI (OR 1.72 [1.65-1.80]); presentation in heart failure (OR 1.55 [1.47-1.63]); baseline hemoglobin less than 12 g/dL (1.55 [1.48-1.63]); heart rate (per 10 beat per minute increase) (OR 1.13 [1.12-1.14]); weight (per 10 kilogram decrease) (OR 1.12 [1.11-1.14]); creatinine clearance (per 5-mL decrease) (OR 1.07 [1.07-1.08]). The model discriminated well in the derivation (C-statistic = 0.74) and validation (C-statistic = 0.74) cohorts. In the validation cohort, a risk score for major bleeding corresponded well with observed bleeding: very low risk (2.2%), low risk (5.1%), moderate risk (10.1%), high risk (16.3%), and very high risk (25.2%). Conclusion The new ACTION Registry–GWTG inhospital major bleeding risk model and risk score offer a robust, parsimonious, and contemporary risk-adjustment method to support clinical decision-making and enable hospital quality assessment. Strategies to mitigate risk should be developed and tested as a means to lower costs and improve outcomes in an era of alternative payment models.
Quantification of the effect of bridge pier encasement on headwater elevation using HEC-RAS

The deterioration of bridge substructure is a serious concern across the United States. The pier encasement is one of the most common practices for repairing and strengthening the bridge substructure. It is a rehabilitation process of existing pile piers during the repair or replacement of the bridge superstructure, which involves enclosing part of an existing pile pier with a polyethylene or PVC pipe large enough to provide at least three inches of concrete cover over the existing pier when filled. However, this process of enclosing pile piers might elevate water level due to increase in pier width, which could be hazardous in high-risk flood zones. Furthermore, it may create an adverse impact on the stability of the bridge due to scouring around the pier foundation. In order to gain knowledge on the backwater effect due to pile encasement, Hydraulic Engineering Center-River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) was used in this research to perform hydraulic simulations near the bridge sites. These simulations were carried out for various channel configurations and pier sizes with a wide range of flows, which resulted into 224 HEC-RAS models in order to investigate the effects of pile pier encasement on the headwater elevation. This study demonstrated that the water elevation measured in the upstream of the bridge showed no-rise condition, especially for wider channel sections with flatter slopes. However, the water elevation at the immediate upstream of the bridge was slightly higher, and the increasing pattern was only noticeable for a smaller channel width (20 ft), and specifically, for increased flow rate. As the area of flow was decreased resulting in increased water surface elevation due to encasement, a generic power equation in the form of Y = aXb was suggested for various channel slopes for the increased water surface elevation (Y) for each percentage decrease in channel area (X).
On evaluation of the initial condition for a parabolic system

Abstract This note is concerned with a new method for the evaluation of the initial condition for a parabolic equation. The method is iterative in nature. Starting with an initial guess for the missing initial condition, the algorithm obtains corrections to the assumed value at every iteration. The updating part of the algorithm is the new feature of the present algorithm. The algorithm shows good robustness to noise and can be used to obtain a good estimate of the unknown initial condition. A number of numerical examples are used to show the applicability of the method.
Physical-chemical mechanisms of pattern formation during gastrulation

Gastrulation is a fundamental phase during the biological development of most animals when a single layer of identical embryo cells is transformed into a three-layer structure, from which the organs start to develop. Despite a remarkable progress in quantifying the gastrulation processes, molecular mechanisms of these processes remain not well understood. Here we theoretically investigate early spatial patterning in a geometrically confined colony of embryonic stem cells. Using a reaction-diffusion model, a role of Bone-Morphogenetic Protein 4 (BMP4) signaling pathway in gastrulation is specifically analyzed. Our results show that for slow diffusion rates of BMP4 molecules, a new length scale appears, which is independent of the size of the system. This length scale separates the central region of the colony with uniform low concentrations of BMP molecules from the region near the colony edge where the concentration of signaling molecules is elevated. The roles of different components of the signaling pat...
Post burn pruritus in pediatric burn patients.

Abstract Background Pruritus is a common problem seen in the healing process of a burn wound and gives great discomfort for the patient. Most research in this field has been done in the adult population, so evidence in the pediatric population is still lacking Purpose The aims of this study were to assess the incidence and severity of post-burn pruritus, identify predictors for pruritus and evaluate the pharmacological treatments in a pediatric setting. Methods Pruritus was assessed in this prospective observational study using a numeric rating scale and the Itch Man Scale applied by the patients’ caregiver. The predictive values of candidate predictors for pruritus were compared using Fisher exact tests and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Results 413 patients were included in this study. Pruritus was reported in 71.7% of the patients. Complete symptom relief was only achieved in 29.8% of the patients who used medication. Time since burn (p Conclusion Post-burn pruritus is still a highly prevalent problem in pediatric burn care. Its intensity and frequency are higher especially in the first three months or with a deeper wound or a higher TBSA.
Structure of HIV TAR in complex with a Lab-Evolved RRM provides insight into duplex RNA recognition and synthesis of a constrained peptide that impairs transcription.

Natural and lab-evolved proteins often recognize their RNA partners with exquisite affinity. Structural analysis of such complexes can offer valuable insight into sequence-selective recognition that can be exploited to alter biological function. Here, we describe the structure of a lab-evolved RNA recognition motif (RRM) bound to the HIV-1 trans-activation response (TAR) RNA element at 1.80 A-resolution. The complex reveals a trio of arginines in an evolved β2-β3 loop penetrating deeply into the major groove to read conserved guanines while simultaneously forming cation-π and salt-bridge contacts. The observation that the evolved RRM engages TAR within a double-stranded stem is atypical compared to most RRMs. Mutagenesis, thermodynamic analysis and molecular dynamics validate the atypical binding mode and quantify molecular contributions that support the exceptionally tight binding of the TAR-protein complex (KD,App of 2.5 ± 0.1 nM). These findings led to the hypothesis that the β2-β3 loop can function as a standalone TAR-recognition module. Indeed, short constrained peptides comprising the β2-β3 loop still bind TAR (KD,App of 1.8 ± 0.5 μM) and significantly weaken TAR-dependent transcription. Our results provide a detailed understanding of TAR molecular recognition and reveal that a lab-evolved protein can be reduced to a minimal RNA-binding peptide.
Reiss, Steven A. City Games: The Evolution of American Urban Society and the Rise of Sports. Urban and Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 1989. Pp. xii, 332. Tables, maps, illustrations, indexReiss, Steven A. City Games: The Evolution of American Urban Society and the Rise of Sports. Urban and Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 1989. Pp. xii, 332. Tables, maps, illustrations, index

City Games is a very badly written book about a very interesting topic: the relationships between the development of American cities and the development of organized sports. The book is valuable to...
Structure Sensitivity in the Hydrodechlorination of Chlorobenzene Over Supported Nickel

The gas phase hydrodechlorination (HDC) of chlorobenzene (at 523 K) was studied over Ni/SiO2 (prepared by precipitation-deposition and impregnation) and Ni-impregnated Al2O3, MgO, activated carbon and graphite; the Ni loading spanned the range 1.5-20.3% w/w. The activated catalysts (with and without precalcination) were characterized by TEM/H2 chemisorption and the Ni particle size (distribution) is related to HDC activity. The levels of reversibly and irreversibly held Cl on the used catalysts were recorded: spent Ni/MgO bore the highest residual Cl. The reaction is structure sensitive, with an increase in specific HDC rate at higher (average) Ni particle sizes over the range 1.4–22.1 nm. The exception to this trend is Ni/graphite and (to a lesser extent) Ni/Al2O3, where Ni-support interactions are responsible for the lowering HDC activity.
Surveillance as a Topic of Study in the Work of E. Lockhart and Cory Doctorow

Surveillance technologies are proliferating at an astonishing rate powered by practices that normalize surveillance. Children and young adults are especially prone to being surveilled since few people challenge the idea that protecting young people is a valuable goal. Yet, both E. Lockhart in The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau Banks (2008) and Cory Doctorow in Little Brother (2008a) demonstrate that, for young adults on the cusp of independence, recognizing the costs of surveillance and developing the skills to manage surveillance is a crucial skill. Lockhart showcases Frankie’s progress as she shifts from using surveillance to gain personal power to understanding she can enact real change by challenging the gendered assumptions of the panopticon and adopting transparency about her goals. Doctorow’s protagonist advocates for young people to become better practitioners of technology in order to assert agency over the ways they are surveilled. Both authors use their protagonists to demonstrate the importance of resisting the promised comforts of protective and patriarchal surveillance as a necessary step in establishing a balance between the independent self and the society in which one participates.
Integration of Divide-and-Conquer Algorithm with Fractional Order Controllers for the Efficient Dynamic Modeling and Control of Multibody Systems

This paper presents a novel computationally efficient framework for the modeling and control of fully-actuated multibody systems. In this scheme, fractional-order computed-torque control laws are integrated with the generalized divide and conquer algorithm. The proposed framework has superior features such as high performance in modeling and controlling, an easy implementation, a stable convergence characteristic, and a significantly improved computational efficiency. To validate and show the advantages of the presented technique, it is applied to the trajectory tracking of a triple pendulum, and the results are compared to the ones given by the linear-quadratic regulator computed-torque control law.
Outcomes of an Academic Service-Learning Project on Mass Atrocity with an ELL Population

This chapter depicts an extremely successful project that involved the collaboration of an upper-level English Language Learner (ELL) reading class and a pre-service education class that was conducted as part of Queensborough Community College’s (QCC’s) 2015–2016 National Endowment for the Humanities/Kupferberg Holocaust Center (NEH/KHC) Colloquium Series, “Gender, Mass Violence, and Genocide.” Both groups of students learned about the colloquia theme as they provided service to each other and read Jasmina Dervisevic-Cesic’s memoir of the Bosnian Civil War, The River Runs Salt, Runs Sweet. This chapter provides a project outline and rationale, curricular focus, and a summary of the themes that emerged from a recursive assessment of student learning and participation. In doing so, the chapter portrays the pedagogical benefits of employing a peer-to-peer Academic Service-Learning model about crucial topics to enhance ELL’s learning.
It Governance — An Integrated Framework and Roadmap: How to Plan, Deploy and Sustain for Competitive Advantage

The issues, opportunities and challenges of effectively managing and governing an organization's Information Technology (IT) demands, investments and resources has become a major concern of the Board and executive management in enterprises on a global basis. A rapidly growing number of organizations have become increasingly dependent on a broad array of technologies to manage and grow their businesses. IT is an integral part of most organizations today and will certainly become more critical in the future. IT governance represents a journey (not an end state in itself), which focuses on sustaining value and confidence across the business. Many companies today start on a narrow path or shot gun approach and focus on the compliance component (e.g. SOX, BASEL III) of IT governance, without developing a balanced approach consisting of both a top down framework and roadmap together with bottom up implementation to address the broad range of IT governance issues and opportunities in a planned, coordinated, prioritized and cost effective manner. This paper proposes a comprehensive and integrated IT governance framework and roadmap which identifies the appropriate current and emerging best practice methodologies for each of the major IT Governance components that must be addressed in any approach and is critical for companies to achieve more effective alignment and management of IT. The framework can serve as a guideline for any organization to select and customize the appropriate approach applicable to its environment, plans, priorities, capabilities and available resources. The findings and implications are based on extensive primary and secondary research and are grounded in a review of current and emerging industry and government best practices and select case studies of leading organizations based on the recently published book by the author entitled, "Implementing Effective IT Governance and IT Management," published by Van Haren Publishers, 2015.
A Mechanism of Resistance to Antibody-Targeted Immune Attack.

Targeted monoclonal antibody therapy is a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer, and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) represents a crucial mechanism underlying these approaches. The majority of patients have limited responses to monoclonal antibody therapy due to the development of resistance. Models of ADCC provide a system for uncovering immune-resistance mechanisms. We continuously exposed epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR+) A431 cells to KIR-deficient NK92-CD16V effector cells and the anti-EGFR cetuximab. Persistent ADCC exposure yielded ADCC-resistant cells (ADCCR1) that, compared with control ADCC-sensitive cells (ADCCS1), exhibited reduced EGFR expression, overexpression of histone- and interferon-related genes, and a failure to activate NK cells, without evidence of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. These properties gradually reversed following withdrawal of ADCC selection pressure. The development of resistance was associated with lower expression of multiple cell-surface molecules that contribute to cell–cell interactions and immune synapse formation. Classic immune checkpoints did not modulate ADCC in this unique model system of immune resistance. We showed that the induction of ADCC resistance involves genetic and epigenetic changes that lead to a general loss of target cell adhesion properties that are required for the establishment of an immune synapse, killer cell activation, and target cell cytotoxicity.
Use of Occupancy Modeling to Assess the Status and Habitat Relationships of Freshwater Mussels in the Lower Flint River, Georgia, USA

The Flint River in southwestern Georgia is known for its historically diverse mussel fauna, but the current status of the fauna is poorly known. The rediscovery of two presumed extirpated and extinct species in 2006 and 2008 exemplifies the need for a large-scale survey of the river. We used an occupancy modeling approach to estimate the presence of mussel species at 39 locations along a 119 km reach of the lower Flint River between Lake Seminole and Albany Dam. Twenty species were collected and evidence of recent reproduction was documented for 8 species. Elliptio crassidens, E. fumata/pullata, and E. nigella were the most abundant species and accounted for 43%, 40%, and 8% of the total mussels collected, respectively. Among species, mean detection probabilities averaged 0.25 and ranged from 0.01 to 0.69, whereas occupancy averaged 0.56 and ranged from 0.03 to 1. We fitted models relating site-level and sample-level habitat characteristics and site location to detection and occupancy for nine species. Detection probabilities varied among species, substrate, searcher experience, and distance from Albany Dam. Estimated occupancy varied by species and substrate composition indicating different substrate use by different species. Our modeling approach indicated that our sampling design was efficient for detecting most species with the exception of rare species. The Lower Flint River continues to harbor a widely distributed and diverse assemblage of freshwater mussels. The occupancy modeling approach used in our study was a useful and efficient method to assess the status, distribution, and habitat use of freshwater mussels in the Flint River while also providing a measure of sampling efficiency. Similar model-based study designs may be effective in other streams, particularly when sampling resources are limited.
Amyloid found in human cataracts with two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy

UV light and other factors damage crystallin proteins in the eye lens, resulting in cataracts that scatter light and affect vision. Little information exists about protein structures within these disease-causing aggregates. We examined postmortem lens tissue from individuals with and without cataracts using 2D infrared (2DIR) spectroscopy. Amyloid β-sheet secondary structure was detected in cataract lenses along with denatured structures. No amyloid structures were found in lenses from juveniles, but mature lenses with no cataract diagnosis also contained amyloid, indicating that amyloid structures begin forming before diagnosis. Light scatters more strongly in regions with amyloid structure, and UV light induces amyloid β-sheet structures, linking the presence of amyloid structures to disease pathology. Establishing that age-related cataracts involve amyloid structures gives molecular insight into a common human affliction and provides a possible structural target for pharmaceuticals as an alternative to surgery.
‘AIs are really dumb. They don't even have the intelligence of a 6-month-old’

Yoshua Bengio is one of the founding fathers of artificial intelligence. Timothy Revell finds out why he doesn't fear a machine apocalypse
0.9V, 79.7dB SNDR, 2MHz-BW, Highly linear OTA-less 1-1 MASH VCO-based ΔΣ with a Novel Phase Quantization Noise Extraction Technique

In this paper a novel technique is introduced to extract the quantization noise of a multi-phase VCO-based quantizer (VCOQ) in the time domain as a PWM signal. Using this technique, a new highly linear VCO-based 1-1 MASH delta-sigma ADC structure is presented. This architecture does not require any OTA-based analog integrators or power hungry linearization methods. The first stage is a closed loop multi-phase VCO-based voltage-to-phase (V-to-P) converter and the second stage is an open loop multi-phase VCO-based voltage-to-frequency (V-to-F) converter. Using the proposed technique the phase quantization error of the first stage is extracted as a pulse signal and then fed to the second stage. The input of the first VCO is a very small amplitude signal and the input of the second VCO is a two-level PWM signal. Therefore, the VCO non-linearity does not limit the overall ADC performance, mitigating the need for power hungry linearization methods. The prototype achieves 2nd order noise shaping with a DR/SFDR/SNR/SNDR of 82.7/88.7/80.3/79.7 dB for an input signal BW of 2 MHz. The fabricated design consumes 1.248 mW from a 0.9 V. supply.
The Limits of Punishment: Of Angels and Bad Men

The chapter explores the limits of criminal punishment as a means of regulating conduct by introducing the role of law in communicating unacceptable behaviors to members of society. This “expressive function” of law can expand the reach of law if least some members of the population are responsive to the idea that disobeying the law is itself wrong or immoral, regardless of the consequences. The chapter examines the implications of this moral dimension of law for the optimal scope of rulemaking and the structure of punishments. It turns out that an increase in the fraction of reflexive law-abiders may make it desirable to expand or contract the scope of law; that is, morality can either be a complement or substitute for the threat of punishment.
Closed-Form Solutions for Initial Thermal Postbuckling Response of Axially Restrained Columns

AbstractClosed-form equations for the initial thermal postbuckling response of axially restrained elastic columns with six well-known sets of rotational and lateral end restraints are presented. Th...
Using a Machine Learning Approach for Computational Substructure in Real-Time Hybrid Simulation

Hybrid simulation (HS) is a widely used structural testing method that combines a computational substructure with a numerical model for well-understood components and an experimental substructure for other parts of the structure that are physically tested. One challenge for fast HS or real-time HS (RTHS) is associated with the analytical substructures of relatively complex structures, which could have large number of degrees of freedoms (DOFs), for instance. These large DOFs computations could be hard to perform in real-time, even with the all current hardware capacities. In this study, a metamodeling technique is proposed to represent the structural dynamic behavior of the analytical substructure. A preliminary study is conducted where a one-bay one-story concentrically braced frame (CBF) is tested under earthquake loading by using a compact HS setup at the University of Nevada, Reno. The experimental setup allows for using a small-scale brace as the experimental substructure combined with a steel frame at the prototype full-scale for the analytical substructure. Two different machine learning algorithms are evaluated to provide a valid and useful metamodeling solution for analytical substructure. The metamodels are trained with the available data that is obtained from the pure analytical solution of the prototype steel frame. The two algorithms used for developing the metamodels are: (1) linear regression (LR) model, and (2) basic recurrent neural network (RNN). The metamodels are first validated against the pure analytical response of the structure. Next, RTHS experiments are conducted by using metamodels. RTHS test results using both LR and RNN models are evaluated, and the advantages and disadvantages of these models are discussed.