cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Simulation of One-dimensional Range Profile Recognition Based on Mahalanobis Distance

For Euclidean distance ignoring data distribution tendency,this paper presents a new method of target recognition based on Mahalanobis distance in millimeter wave radar(MMW).The Mahalanobis distance takes the magnitude and relativity of pattern character into account,and has a better performance than Euclidean distance.Using IFFT Transform to MMW target echo,one-dimensional range profile was obtained.Then,the primary component analysis(PCA) was analyzed for noise-reduction and feature extraction.At last,the min-mahalanobis distance was used for recognition.Experimental results on both Euclidean distance and Mahalanobis distance show that the later method has a better performance.Simulation on different Signal-to-Noise Rate(SNR) shows weighted Mahalanobis distance method is the same with MMW target recognition.
Learning to Mean in Spanish Writing: A Case Study of a Genre-Based Pedagogy for Standards-Based Writing Instruction

This case study reports the results of a genre-based approach, which was used to explicitly teach the touristic landmark description to fourth-grade students of Spanish as a foreign language. The instructional model and unit of instruction were informed by the pedagogies of the Sydney School of Linguistics and an instructional model for integrating the three modes of communication, as well as the literature on content-based instruction. An analysis of the writing of a focal student, Jackie, provides evidence of the potential of the pedagogy to develop students' ability to appropriate the linguistic representation of content in ways that current frameworks do not yet consider. Thus, implications of the findings are explored related to the integration of functional linguistics, genre theory, and genre-based pedagogy for instruction that is informed by the World-Readiness Standards, the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines—Writing, and the NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements for presentational writing.
The prehospital and emergency department management of penetrating head injuries.

The care of the patient with a penetrating head injury begins in the prehospital setting by paramedical and emergency medical technicians. The immediate management of these patients is continued in the emergency department. This article discusses these resuscitative and stabilizing measures and their limitations. It is important for the neurosurgeon to have a thorough understanding of the continuum of care that is provided until definitive therapy can be initiated.
The Smell of Jazz: Crossmodal Correspondences Between Music, Odor, and Emotion.

People can systematically match information from different senses, and these matches are known as crossmodal correspondences. Most work on these correspondences has explored how they might arise through neural mechanisms, statistical covariance in the environment, or semantic associations (e.g., Spence, 2011). Recently, Palmer, Schloss, Xu, & Prado-Leon (2013) demonstrated that at least some color-music correspondences can be explained by emotional mediation. The present study investigates the emotion mediation hypothesis for correspondences between odor and music, testing whether the strength of odor-music matches for particular odors and musical selections can be predicted by the similarity of the emotional associations with the odors and music. We found that perceived matches were higher when the emotional responses were similar and that a model including emotional dimensions captured a significant amount of the variance of match scores. These results provide new evidence that crossmodal correspondences are mediated by emotions.
Nutrition communication program: A direct mail approach

Results of this study indicate that mass channels can be used effectively to change nutrition knowledge and behavior.
EC 1992 Initiatives and Advertising Industry Changes

This paper examines recent changes which have occurred in the EC advertising agency scene as the 1992 EC initiatives begin to have an effect on the advertising industry. Since it is expected that the Euromarket will be drastically different than the U.S. mass market, any changes and trends within the EC advertising industry are important to U.S. marketers who are currently active in Europe or who desire to become active Euromarketers.
Simulations of stretching a flexible polyelectrolyte with varying charge separation

We calculated the force-extension curves for a flexible polyelectrolyte chain with varying charge separations by performing Monte Carlo simulations of a 5000 bead chain using a screened Coulomb interaction. At all charge separations, the force-extension curves exhibit a Pincus-like scaling regime at intermediate forces and a logarithmic regime at large forces. As the charge separation increases, the Pincus regime shifts to a larger range of forces and the logarithmic regime starts are larger forces. We also found that force-extension curve for the corresponding neutral chain has a logarithmic regime. Decreasing the diameter of bead in the neutral chain simulations removed the logarithmic regime, and the force-extension curve tends to the freely jointed chain limit. This result shows that only excluded volume is required for the high force logarithmic regime to occur.
Local structure of network modifier to network former ions in soda‐lime alumino‐borosilicate glasses

The structure of soda-lime alumino-borosilicate glass was studied using molecular dynamics simulations of samples of varying compositions containing ~20 000 atoms each. Pair distribution functions (PDFs) of cations to oxygen were used for comparison to available experimental data to evaluate consistency between simulations and experiment. Additional PDFs and coordination of the network forming cations (Al/B/Si) to network modifiers (Ca/Na) were examined, which is difficult to measure experimentally. The results are consistent with available experimental data regarding cation-oxygen bond lengths and network former to oxygen coordination numbers. Si and Al are predominantly 4-coordinated, with a small concentration of overcoordinated species similar to experimental data. B varied as 3-coordinated, BO3, and 4-coordinated, BO4, as a function of the amount of Ca2+ and Na+ present, the ratio of Al2O3 to B2O3, and the fictive temperature of the sample, similar to experimental data. The simulations provide new information regarding the locations on the network modifiers to the +3 cations, Al and B. For instance, one Al ion can have multiple Na within 4 A, but also the Na can be within 4 A of several +3 cations. Such results would indicate a greater complexity of local structure that goes beyond the stoichiometric one +1 modifier ion near one +3 network former or one +2 modifier near two +3 formers in tetrahedral sites.
Comparative Nivkh dictionary

Reviewed by (EDWARD J. VAJDA)Nivkh (formerly called Gilyak) is an indigenous language of the Russian Far East spoken fluently by a dwindling number of elderly people in several villages on the nort...
Direct Exchange Mechanism for Interlayer Ions in Non-Swelling Clays.

The mobility of radiocesium in the environment is largely mediated by cation exchange in micaceous clays, in particular Illite—a non-swelling clay mineral that naturally contains interlayer K+ and has high affinity for Cs+. Although exchange of interlayer K+ for Cs+ is nearly thermodynamically nonselective, recent experiments show that direct, anhydrous Cs+-K+ exchange is kinetically viable and leads to the formation of phase-separated interlayers through a mechanism that remains unclear. Here, using classical atomistic simulations and density functional theory calculations, we identify a molecular-scale positive feedback mechanism in which exchange of the larger Cs+ for the smaller K+ significantly lowers the migration barrier of neighboring K+, allowing exchange to propagate rapidly once initiated at the clay edge. Barrier lowering upon slight increase in layer spacing (∼0.7 A) during Cs+ exchange is an example of “chemical-mechanical coupling” that likely explains the observed sharp exchange fronts lea...
E-075 Percutaneous Thoracolumbar Decompression Combined with Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Fixation and Fusion: A Method for Treating Spinal Degenerative Pain in a Biplane Angiography Suite with the Avoidance of General Anesthesia

Objective Spondylytic degeneration of the axial lumbar spine is a major cause of pain and disability. Recent advances in spinal surgical instrumentation, including percutaneous access and fusion techniques, have made possible the performance of instrumented fusion through small incisions. By blending strategies of interventional pain management, neuroradiology, and conventional spine surgery, it is now feasible to treat spinal axial pain using permanent fixation techniques and local anesthesia in the setting of a fluoroscopy suite using mild sedation and local anesthesia. Methods The author presents a series of percutaneous thoracolumbar fusion procedures performed in a biplane neuroangiographic suite and without general anesthesia for the treatment of spondylytic pain. All procedures utilized pedicle screw fixation, harvesting of local bone autograft, and application of bone fusion material. Results In this series of 13 patients, a statistically significant reduction of pain was seen at both the 2 week post-operative timepoint, as well as at the time of longest follow-up (mean 40 weeks). Specifically, axial spine pain as rated by the Visual Analog Scale was reduced from a preoperative mean level of 7.827 to a level of 4.000 at 2 weeks, and a level of 2.192 at longest follow-up. Five of the 13 patients were still taking narcotic medications for axial spine pain at the point of longest follow-up. Discussion The advanced and rapid imaging capabilities afforded by a neuroangiographic biplane suite can be safely combined with percutaneous fusion techniques so as to allow for fusion therapies to be applied to patients where the avoidance of general anesthesia is desirable. Expanding instrumented fusion procedures into a non-traditional operating room setting requires sensitivity towards the inherent cultural differences between angiography suites and operating theaters in order to ensure sterility and best patient outcomes. Disclosures B. Chopko: 2; C; Vertos Medical, Bacterin International.
Change in disturbance regime facilitates invasion by Bellucia pentamera Naudin (Melastomataceae) at Gunung Palung National Park, Indonesia

In tropical rainforests, gaps created by fallen canopy trees are the primary colonization sites for pioneer species. Selective logging mimics these natural disturbances in that only a single tree is felled, creating a gap of comparable size. Rates of tree felling greatly exceed natural mortality rates, however, changing disturbance regime by increasing the number of gaps in logged areas compared to intact forest. Little is known about whether gaps in logged forests are qualitatively different as well. At Gunung Palung National Park in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, a period of selective logging in areas adjacent to the research station created a natural experiment permitting comparison of populations of the invasive pioneer tree Bellucia pentamera in selectively logged and undisturbed forest. We sought to first establish whether canopy gaps are necessary for invasion by B. pentamera. We then examined whether the type of gap (logging vs. natural treefall) had an effect on recruitment. Finally, we compared populations in natural treefall gaps in logged and undisturbed forest to estimate the effect of logging on population size. Bellucia pentamera was limited to gaps, regardless of canopy tree density. Furthermore, gaps created by selective logging supported significantly more B. pentamera individuals than natural gaps. Finally, natural treefall gaps in the disturbed area contained significantly more individuals than gaps in the undisturbed forest. Therefore, it appears that selective logging not only created more gaps for B. pentamera, these gaps in particular promoted greater abundance of this invader and led to a population increase throughout the disturbed habitat.
Effects of pressure variation and atrial fibrillation on CardioMEMS™ HF measured pulmonary artery diastolic pressure: comparison of device-averaged and visually inspected waveforms.

Objective: Heart failure (HF) management guided by implantable hemodynamic monitoring reduces hospitalization rates. Hemodynamic data from the CardioMEMS™ HF system includes device-averaged pulmonary artery pressures (PAP) and heart rate. Agreement of device-averaged values compared to the standard method of visual inspection of pressure waveforms at end-expiration is unknown. We evaluated the agreement between device-averaged and visually inspected end-expiratory PAP. Approach: Twenty-one patients implanted with the CardioMEMS™ HF system were evaluated. Eight-hundred twenty-three PAP waveforms from the Merlin remote monitoring website were visually inspected and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) and pulmonary artery diastolic pressure (PADP) at end-expiration were recorded. Waveforms were evaluated for pressure variation (PV), defined as the difference between highest and lowest PASP measurement of ≥20 mmHg. Bland-Altman analysis quantified differences between device-averaged and visually inspected waveforms. Main Results: All patients were NYHA functional class III, mean age was 67 ± 15 years and 15 (71%) had AF. Bland–Altman analysis of all waveforms revealed a mean-difference in PADP of −1.4 mmHg, indicating that visually inspected values were higher than device-averaged values. For PV ≥20 mmHg, this value increased to −2.8 mmHg. The mean-difference comparing waveforms from patients with or without AF was −1.3 and −1.6 mmHg, respectively. The 95% limits of agreement were >50% wider for waveforms from patients with versus without AF (10.3 versus 6.7 mmHg). Significance: There is good agreement between device-averaged and visually inspected waveforms when pressure variation is <20 mmHg and for patients without atrial fibrillation.
Incidence of esophageal and head and neck cancers among breast cancer survivors in the United States.

e12054Background: Late sequelae of breast cancer therapies potentially impact morbidity and mortality with increasing numbers of survivors. Radiation exposure has been linked to increased incidence of second primary cancers (SPC). However, to date, there is limited literature describing incidence of head and neck (HN) and esophageal cancers in patients with an index breast cancer (BC). This study aimed to describe the incidence of esophageal and HN cancers following breast cancer diagnosis. Methods: Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 9 database for BC patients diagnosed from 1973-2013. SIRs compared incidence of HN and esophageal cancer after an initial BC diagnosis to the general population. HN included oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx. BC patients were grouped into those who received radiotherapy for their breast cancer (n = 216,045) and those who did not (n = 289,596). SIRs were calculated in 5-year intervals. SEER does not ...
Eldercare robotics revolution-explaining robotics for eldercare

This paper examines the issue of providing appropriate and attentive care to an elderly population that is increasing. Using a TurtleBot 2 and a NAO robot, experiments were developed to test a number of ways in which robots might be used to improve the health and safety of an elderly person within his/her own home. A number of simulations were run in the lab in order to generate insight regarding the viability of implementing these robots in a real world setting. The tasks that the robots attempted addressed the following goals: remind an elderly person that it is time to take medication; determine if no motion has been detected in the home for n hours, locate the elderly person, and contact emergency services if necessary; and guide the elderly person out of his home in case of fire/emergency.
Clinical outcomes of complete revascularization using either angiography-guided or fractional flow reserve-guided drug-eluting stent implantation in non-culprit vessels in ST elevation myocardial infarction patients: insights from a study based on a systematic review and meta-analysis

Current guidelines recommend that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) should be restricted to the culprit vessel in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with multi-vessel disease (MVD) and without cardiogenic shock. However, newer data suggests that performing complete revascularization (CR) in MVD patients may lead to better outcomes compared to intervention in the culprit vessel only. The aim of this meta-analysis is to examine the available data to determine if CR (using either angio- or fractional flow reserve guidance—FFR) following primary PCI in STEMI patients without cardiogenic shock impacts clinical outcomes. Meta-analysis was performed by conducting a literature search of PubMed from January 2004 to July 2017. Pooled estimates of outcomes, presented as odds ratios (OR) [95% confidence intervals], were generated using random-effect models. A total of 9 studies (3317 patients) were included. CR showed a significant MACE reduction (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.36–0.66, p < 0.001); All-cause mortality (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.48–0.98, p = 0.04) and repeat revascularization (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.28–0.51, p < 0.001) at ≥ 12 months follow-up. The FFR-guiding CR group presented a MACE reduction (odds ratio 0.52, 95% CI 0.30–0.90, p = 0.02) due to a decrease of repeat revascularization (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.21–0.80, p = 0.009). Overall, performing complete revascularization in STEMI patients showed a MACE reduction, all-cause death and repeat revascularization. Compared to culprit-only revascularization, treating multi-vessel disease in STEMI patients using FFR guidance is associated with decreased incidence of MACE, due to a decreased rate of revascularization.
The Proton Pump Inhibitor Nonresponder: a Behavioral Approach to Improvement and Wellness

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a difficult to treat medical condition, where nearly 40% of patients are refractory to standard medical intervention, which typically begins with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). These PPI nonresponders represent a population of patients, where treatment planning must be individualized; multidisciplinary and psychiatric comorbidities should be considered. This review highlights treatment options that include neuromodulators, lifestyle, and psychological interventions for the PPI nonresponder. Mental health specialists in the field of psychogastroenterology can aid in the management of esophageal hypersensitivity, which can drive the symptom experience of a PPI nonresponder. Considerations for comorbid anxiety and depression in this population require careful assessment and treatment. Physicians are encouraged to create realistic expectations for symptom management and offer multidisciplinary options for treatment early in care. Patients will frequently benefit from working with a GI psychologist and find value in behavioral interventions.
Chronic cervical myofascial pain syndrome: Improvement in dizziness and pain with a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program. A pilot study.

Purpose The purpose of this retrospective, pilot study was to assess changes in dizziness, pain and function in subjects undergoing an outpatient rehabilitation program focusing on cervical pain. Methods Fifteen subjects with chronic cervical myofascial pain and concurrent dizziness of suspected cervical origin completed a retrospective questionnaire. Improvement in pain, dizziness and function were recorded on a visual analog scale (VAS) in response to a non-standardized rehabilitation program involving modalities, stretching, strengthening, trigger point injections and aerobic conditioning. Results Subjects reported an average VAS improvement in dizziness of 59% (±29%), pain 69% (±21%) and function 71%(±19). Seven subjects experienced reproduction of their dizziness and pain during trigger point injections. Overall, twenty seven percent reported no further episodes of dizziness. All subjects experienced a decrease in the frequency of episodes of dizziness. There was a correlation between dizziness and pain (r = 0.58), dizziness and function (r = 0.60), and pain and function (r = 0.74). Conclusion Subjects with dizziness and cervical myofascial pain of suspected cervical origin may experience symptomatic and functional improvement through a rehabilitative program addressing their cervical pain. Future prospective, randomized controlled studies are needed to address which intervention is the most effective.
Fertility studies of x-irradiated male mice.

Whole-body x irradiation of male Swiss mice at a single exposure of 625 r (LD/sub 50/30/) decreased the fertility rate and significantly lowered the number of progeny in litters obtained by mating x irradiated males with nonirradiated females 1 to 45 days after irradiation. At this dose level, x- irradiated males recovered in their fertility rate, as judged from their litter size production, 60 to 75 days postirradiation. Intraperitoneal administration of 1 ml olive oil within an hour after whole-body x irradiation improved the fertility 30 days postirradiation. The olive oil-treated mice were twice as fertile as the untreated x irradiated male mice. litter size from matings of treated and untreated x irradiated male mice did not differ. Postirradiation olive oil treatment appears to accelerate rate of recovery by stimulating regenerative processes in x-irradiated males. (H.H.D.)
Model-guided search for optimal natural-science-category training exemplars: A work in progress

Under the guidance of a formal exemplar model of categorization, we conduct comparisons of natural-science classification learning across four conditions in which the nature of the training examples is manipulated. The specific domain of inquiry is rock classification in the geologic sciences; the goal is to use the model to search for optimal training examples for teaching the rock categories. On the positive side, the model makes a number of successful predictions: Most notably, compared with conditions involving focused training on small sets of training examples, generalization to novel transfer items is significantly enhanced in a condition in which learners experience a broad swath of training examples from each category. Nevertheless, systematic departures from the model predictions are also observed. Further analyses lead us to the hypothesis that the high-dimensional feature-space representation derived for the rock stimuli (to which the exemplar model makes reference) systematically underestimates within-category similarities. We suggest that this limitation is likely to arise in numerous situations in which investigators attempt to build detailed feature-space representations for naturalistic categories. A low-parameter extended version of the model that adjusts for this limitation provides dramatically improved accounts of performance across the four conditions. We outline future steps for enhancing the current feature-space representation and continuing our goal of using formal psychological models to guide the search for effective methods of teaching science categories.
Potential consequences of field releasing virus infected endoparasitoids

The principal intent of rearing and field releasing of endoparasitoids is to control targeted insect pests. The key objectives of this paper are to demonstrate a need for producing disease free endoparasitoids for field releases, and to show that field releases of a virus infected endoparasitoid such as Microplitis croceipes, may actually harm its field population by infecting it with a virulent virus. The nonoccluded baculovirus of M. croceipes shortens the life span of its hosts, reduces their reproductive capacity, reduces parasitization potential, and thus reduces the value of the endoparasitoid as a biological control agent
Totalism versus subjectivism in Gadamer’s hermeneutics

By creating the idolatrous being of infinite transcendence we have opened the floodgates for all the excesses and fictive accounts that the language of negative transcendence reflects and mirrors. The claims to extraordinary powers, extraordinary truth, absolute standpoints, ultimate answers to the human predicament in prepackaged totalities — they would all make great entertainment were it not for the fact that we have incorporated this fictive transcendence in our definitions of man. Such non-human exploits would make great entertainment were it not for the fact that we take them seriously and thereby give them primacy to the works of finite transcendence. Hans Georg Gadamer’s account of human language is another such flight beyond finite transcendence, which the author claims is done in the service of radical finitude. It is the power of infinite transcendence that makes possible the quest for external totalities. When this idolatrous being sets up its dwelling place within the domain of finitude the multiplication of totalities is the rule of the day. Why are philosophers so enamored with totalities? Why are they drawn to them like a magnet? The answer seems obvious. It enables them to make non-human claims for what they have done. It enables them to walk in the procession with divinities.
Investigating tool wear mechanisms in machining of Ti-6Al-4V in flood coolant, dry and MQL conditions

Abstract The objective of this study is to identify and explain tool wear mechanisms that dominate during machining of titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V in dry, flood coolant, and minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) conditions. A series of experiments were conducted using end milling of Ti-6Al-4V by varying feed rate and depth of cut, while the cutting speed was kept constant at comparatively higher cutting speed. Both uncoated and titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN)-coated carbide tools were used for machining Ti-6Al-4V at the same settings of parameters. It was observed that abrasion was the most dominant tool wear mechanism for all dry, flood coolant and MQL machining conditions. Edge chipping and tool nose wear were the next dominating tool wear mechanisms in conventional flood coolant machining, which may be associated with the thermal fatigue caused by the periodic cooling of tool tip from the high temperature generated during machining. On the other hand, adhesion was the second most dominant tool wear mechanism in the dry machining. Both the edge chipping and adhesion of chips to the cutting tools were reduced significantly in MQL machining. The delamination of coating film was observed when TiAlN-coated carbide tools were used for machining Ti-6Al-4V. The delamination was more significant in wet and MQL machining compared to dry machining, indicating the effectiveness of coated tools in dry machining condition compared to wet and MQL machining conditions. Among three conditions, MQL provided the least occurrences of tool wear, indicating suitability of MQL in productive machining of titanium alloys.
Relative risk of developing dementia after being prescribed anticholinergic drugs.

Richardson and colleagues’ study on anticholinergic drugs and risk of dementia is admirable and very thoroughly carried out.1 The authors do not, however, make a clear statement of what most readers would like to know—namely, the …
Carbyne as a fiber in metal-matrix nanocomposites: A first principle study

Abstract Carbyne is a lightweight 1-D carbon allotrope with exceptional mechanical properties, making it an ideal candidate as a fiber in metal-matrix nanocomposites. However, carbyne is also unstable in many environments, which may negatively affect its potential mechanical contributions. In this study, we use density functional theory to predict the maximum local stiffness in a nanocomposite composed of carbyne within a nickel (Ni) matrix. We compute the local specific stiffness of carbyne-Ni from energy-strain relations, allowing us to avoid the ambiguity of volume approximations inherent in materials with less than three dimensions. We use Bader charge analysis to study how charge transfers within the nanocomposite and its effect on local specific stiffness. We find that carbyne enhances the local specific stiffness of carbyne-Ni nanocomposites when it is dielectrically screened from the Ni matrix using graphene sheets, with ∼25% increase in specific stiffness over a graphene-Ni nanocomposite. When carbyne is not dielectrically screened its bond structure breaks down, carbon’s average electronic charge per-atom increases, and there is ∼60% drop in the local specific stiffness compared to the dielectrically screened case.
Optimizing a MisInformation and MisBehavior (MIB) Attack Targeting Vehicle Platoons

Autonomous driving features can mitigate traffic fatalities, create more enjoyable commutes, and increase fuel efficiency. For example, collaborative adaptive cruise control (or platooning) uses sensor- based distance measurement and vehicle-to-vehicle communications to automatically control inter-vehicle spacing. This can have tremendous benefits but is also safety critical. Therefore, it is essential to understand and mitigate potential platooning vulnerabilities. In this work, we design an attack that we call the insider MisInformation and misBehavior (MIB) attack. During this attack, a malicious vehicle uses misinformation, erroneous V2V communications, and misbehavior, erratic driving, to cause predictable, dangerous, behavior. Although this attack can be applied broadly, we use it to design three optimal attacks were an attacker causes a collision without being damaged. Finally, we simulate these attacks and discuss trade-offs in there design parameters.
Spermidine Synthase (SPDS) Undergoes Concerted Structural Rearrangements Upon Ligand Binding - A Case Study of the Two SPDS Isoforms FromArabidopsis thaliana.

Spermidine synthases (SPDSs) catalyze the production of the linear triamine, spermidine, from putrescine. They utilize decarboxylated S-adenosylmethionine (dc-SAM), a universal cofactor of aminopropyltransferases, as a donor of the aminopropyl moiety. In this work, we describe crystal structures of two SPDS isoforms from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtSPDS1 and AtSPDS2). AtSPDS1 and AtSPDS2 are dimeric enzymes that share the fold of the polyamine biosynthesis proteins. Subunits of both isoforms present the characteristic two-domain structure. Smaller, N-terminal domain is built of the two β-sheets, while the C-terminal domain has a Rossmann fold-like topology. The catalytic cleft composed of two main compartments, the dc-SAM binding site and the polyamine groove, is created independently in each AtSPDS subunits at the domain interface. We also provide the structural details about the dc-SAM binding mode and the inhibition of SPDS by a potent competitive inhibitor, cyclohexylamine (CHA). CHA occupies the polyamine binding site of AtSPDS where it is bound at the bottom of the active site with the amine group placed analogously to the substrate. The crystallographic snapshots show in detail the structural rearrangements of AtSPDS1 and AtSPDS2 that are required to stabilize ligands within the active site. The concerted movements are observed in both compartments of the catalytic cleft, where three major parts significantly change their conformation. These are (i) the neighborhood of the glycine-rich region where aminopropyl moiety of dc-SAM is bound, (ii) the very flexible gate region with helix η6, which interacts with both, the adenine moiety of dc-SAM and the bound polyamine or inhibitor, and (iii) the N-terminal β-hairpin, that limits the putrescine binding grove at the bottom of the catalytic site.
Drosophila telomeric transgenes provide insights on mechanisms of gene silencing.

A significant fraction of most eukaryotic genomes is packaged into chromatin that is not permissive for gene expression. This silent chromatin is typically located near centromeres and telomeres and has fascinated scientists for more than 70 years, yet many questions remain unanswered. Part of the difficulties in studying silent chromatin at the molecular level is the repetitive nature of the DNA sequences in these regions. To overcome this problem, Drosophilastocks carrying in vitrodesigned transgenes inserted within silent chromatin have been generated. Molecular analysis of these transgenes has shed light on the nature of the chromatin structure within these regions and provided insights on the mechanisms of gene silencing. This review will focus on recent studies using telomeric transgenes. The results from these studies suggest that nuclear organization plays a role in gene silencing and that silencing is the result of a block early in the process of transcription initiation.
Intractable hematuria due to giant prostatic hyperplasia effectively treated with prostatic artery embolization.

Abstract Giant prostatic hyperplasia (GPH) is a rare pathology traditionally treated with an open suprapubic prostatectomy. This procedure is risky, and fatal hemorrhagic complications can occur. Often, patients with GPH present with diminished renal function due to obstructive nephropathy, making them unfit for less invasive endovascular therapies using traditional contrast agents. Here we present a case of a patient with intractable hematuria due to GPH, as well as diminished renal function, who was successfully treated using prostatic artery embolization with CO2 digital subtraction arteriography as a contrast agent.
A Theory for the Design of Multi-Stable Morphing Structures

Abstract Multi-stable structures can provide desired reconfigurability and require relatively simple actuation. This paper considers general bar and plate structures connected by frictionless hinges that are to be made locally stable in a set of chosen target configurations by attaching extensional and rotational, linear-elastic springs to the structure. The unstressed lengths and angles of the springs, as well as their stiffnesses, are the unknown design parameters to be determined. A set of equilibrium and stability conditions to be satisfied in each of the target configurations of the structure are derived. Solutions of these equations provide specific values of the spring properties that correspond to local energy minima in all of the target configurations. The formulation is fully general and is applicable to structures of any complexity. A simple example is used to illustrate the design process for a bi-stable origami structure and a physical prototype is also presented.
The proteomic skin profile of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis patients shows an inflammatory signature.

Background Moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) is increasingly recognized as a systemic disease, largely due to proteomic blood studies. There are growing efforts to develop AD biomarkers using minimal tissues. Objective To characterize the AD skin proteomic signature and its relationship with the blood proteome and genomic skin profile in the same individuals. Methods We evaluated lesional and nonlesional biopsy samples and blood from 20 individuals with moderate-to-severe AD and 28 healthy individuals using Olink Proteomics (Uppsala, Sweden), using 10 μg/10 μL for skin and blood and RNA sequencing of the skin. Results The AD skin proteome demonstrated significant upregulation in lesional and even in nonlesional skin compared with controls in inflammatory markers (matrix metalloproteinase 12; T-helper cell [Th]2/interleukin [IL]-1 receptor-like 1[IL1RL1]/IL-33R, IL-13, chemokine [C-C motif] ligand [CCL] 17; Th1/C-X-C motif chemokine 10; Th17/Th22/PI3, CCL20, S100A12), and in cardiovascular-associated proteins (E-selectin, matrix metalloproteinases, platelet growth factor, myeloperoxidase, fatty acid binding protein 4, and vascular endothelial growth factor A; false discovery rate, Limitations Our analysis was limited to 354 proteins. Conclusions The AD skin proteome shows an inflammatory and cardiovascular signature even in nonlesional skin, emphasizing the need for proactive treatment. Skin proteomics presents a sensitive option for biomarker monitoring.
Pediatric Glaucoma: Trabeculectomy and Glaucoma Drainage Devices

Usually the answer is no. Many goniotomy/trabeculotomy failures occur in the first several months after the procedure [8]. Both severity of presentation and age at presentation have been correlated with treatment success in primary congenital glaucoma, with birth-onset, late-onset, and more severe presentations (large corneal diameter and high intraocular pressure (IOP)) correlating negatively with successful glaucoma control [1, 8]. Both goniotomy and trabeculotomy surgery can be repeated (goniotomy up to three procedures) [8]. If repeat angle surgery along with resumption of medical therapy is not successful during infancy, trabeculectomy with adjunctive mitomycin offers a low chance of success [3, 4, 11]. The one exception is the older, phakic school age child for whom mitomycin trabeculectomy has a good chance of success, albeit with a life-long risk of bleb-related endophthalmitis [4, 11, 25]. In contradistinction to trabeculectomy, tube-shunt surgery offers a reasonable chance of success for glaucoma that has failed angle surgery treatment during the infantile and pre-school periods [3, 5]. The risk of endophthalmitis is low with tube-shunt procedures and generally occurs only if the tube or implant becomes exposed [12]. Revision of GDD procedures is more common in very young children due to the higher occurrence of tube-cornea touch and retraction of the tube out of the anterior chamber. However, successful control of the glau­coma can be maintained despite revision of tube-shunt devices [3].
Questions autour de l’hypertension intracrânienne idiopathique

Resume Le terme « hypertension intracrânienne idiopathique » (HTICI) decrit un syndrome d’hypertension intracrânienne isole sans lesion intracrânienne ni processus meninge. Bien que sa physiopathologie reste inconnue, l’HTICI est une entite bien particuliere affectant essentiellement la jeune femme obese. Les cephalees sont quasi constantes et non specifiques et la presence d’un œdeme papillaire est necessaire au diagnostic. Une demarche diagnostique rigoureuse est indispensable afin d’eliminer les causes d’hypertension intracrânienne secondaire necessitant un traitement specifique et afin de rechercher des facteurs favorisant ou aggravant l’HTICI. Le pronostic est essentiellement visuel et une collaboration entre ophtalmologues, neurologues et nutritionnistes est importante pour assurer le suivi optimal de la fonction visuelle par des champs visuels, traiter les cephalees qui sont souvent source de handicap chronique, et faciliter la perte de poids qui est essentielle au pronostic a long terme.
HIV screening in the dental setting in New York State

While primary care providers in New York State (NYS) are mandated to offer all patients a HIV test, still many NYS residents miss the HIV screening opportunity. To fill the gap, and as the CDC recommends, this study aimed to examine the feasibility of implementing HIV screening in dental setting, identify patient characteristics associated with acceptance of HIV rapid testing, and discuss best practices of HIV screening in dental setting. New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) collaborated with the Northeast/Caribbean AIDS Education and Training Center (NECA AETC) and three dental schools in New York State to offer free HIV screening tests as a component of routine dental care between February 2016 and March 2018. Ten clinics in upstate New York and Long Island participated in the study. HIV screening was performed using the OraQuick™ In-Home HIV Test. 14,887 dental patients were offered HIV screening tests; 9,057 (60.8%) were screened; and one patient (0.011%) was confirmed HIV positive and linked to medical care. Of all dental patients, 33% had never been screened for HIV; and 56% had not had a primary care visit or had not been offered an HIV screening test by primary care providers in the previous 12 months. Multi-level generalized linear modeling analysis indicated that test acceptance was significantly associated with patient's age, race/ethnicity, gender, country of origin, primary payer (or insurance), past primary care visits, past HIV testing experiences, and the poverty level of patient's community. HIV screening is well accepted by dental patients and can be effectively integrated into routine dental care. HIV screening in the dental setting can be a good option for first-time testers, those who have not seen a primary care provider in the last 12 months, and those who have not been offered HIV screening at their last primary care visit.
Beyond Financial Resources: The Role of Parents’ Education in Predicting Children’s Educational Persistence in Mexico

Abstract Despite significant educational expansion, Mexico’s educational attainment rates are relatively low. Though primary school enrollment is at nearly 100%, less than half of young adults ages 18-29 have finished upper secondary school (USE). This article examines how family-level factors, particularly parental education and household wealth, are associated with the likelihood of children dropping out of USE early in Mexico – a shift away from the well-established focus on primary education. Using region fixed effects logistic regressions, I examine the role of both mother’s and father’s education in predicting children’s educational persistence – and how this varies for boys and girls. Data is derived from a nationally representative sample of USE-aged youth in Mexico (n = 8,235). Results indicate that increases in parental education decrease the likelihood of children dropping out in upper secondary school, even when controlling for financial resources and other family- and household-level characteristics. Notably, these results vary across boys and girls.
Chapter 256 – The Smads

Publisher Summary The Smads in both vertebrates and invertebrates fall into three functional categories. One of the categories is the receptor regulated (R)-Smads, which act downstream of specific subsets of TGFβ superfamily ligands and are directly phosphorylated by Type I receptors and the second category is co-Smads, which are not pathway specific, but that interact with R-Smads in response to ligand stimulation and are required for R-Smad signaling. Third are inhibitory (I)-Smads, which are often induced as early responses to TGFβ stimuli and that appear to act primarily as feedback inhibitors of signaling. The R-Smad/Smad4 complex can interact with DNA by two distinct mechanisms that include direct, site specific binding of DNA by the MH1 domain and interaction with additional site specific transcription factors. Transcriptional repression by Smads such as transcriptional activation, typically involves complex formation with both additional site specific DNA binding proteins and with coregulators. In the case of TGFβ repression of the c-Myc promoter, the corepressor p107 interacts with both Smad3 and the transcription factor E2F4/5 to form a repressor complex that binds to a transcription inhibitory element (TIE) in the c-Myc promoter. Both Smad3 and Smad4 can interact directly with the canonical wnt signaling components LEF-1 and β-catenin, providing a mechanism for the synergistic regulation of transcription by wnt and TGFβ superfamily signals. Smad4 modulates transcriptional regulation by Wnt signaling even in the absence of upstream TGFβ superfamily receptor activation. Smad3 interacts with Akt, independently both of receptor activation of that Smad and of the kinase activity of Akt.
Overwinter survival, age, and growth of juvenile tarpon ( Megalops atlanticus ) in a shallow, tidally-restricted habitat in South Carolina

Early life stage tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) have been collected in the western Atlantic Ocean north of Florida where it has been assumed that individuals migrate from estuarine areas at the onset of winter because water temperature during winter is too low for survival. However, there is anecdotal evidence of juvenile tarpon present during winter in this region. We conducted a tag-recapture study to examine potential overwinter survival in a tidally-restricted, upland pond in coastal South Carolina where tarpon have been observed during winter months. We also estimated the age structure of tarpon in this location to determine if age-0 fish were temporarily using this pond or if there were older individuals present, indicating the pond may be occupied for extended periods of time. We recaptured 29 of the 95 individuals tagged and released during January 2016 through October 2018. Of those 29 recaptured individuals, 13 survived one winter and two survived over two winters. Water temperature during winter in a nearby tidal creek was lower than in the pond, which appeared to provide a thermal refuge for tarpon. Estimated ages for 36 individuals ranged from 0 to 3 years (n = 10, 20, 5, 1, respectively). To our knowledge this is the northernmost documented overwintering of juvenile tarpon. Determining the extent of this type of habitat in the region and examining the population dynamics of tarpon in these locations could ultimately help determine how this region contributes to the productivity of adult tarpon populations.
Adjudication vs. ‘Frontier Justice’ in International Economic Law Disputes: The Trump Administration’s Push for Unilateralism in Trade Enforcement

After decades of U.S. efforts to build up the role of international courts in the area of international economic law, the Trump administration is looking for alternative approaches to international dispute settlement that increase the power of states over the process. Rather than rely on neutral adjudicators to interpret the law, to decide whether violations exist, and to authorize countermeasures, the Trump administration wants to be able to take on these tasks itself. There are two primary examples: The administration's view that Section 301 can be used to enforce trade agreements; and its push in the U.S.-China trade talks for a dispute settlement mechanism that does not make use of international adjudication at all. In this paper, we put the U.S. proposals in their international law context, and evaluate their impact. We begin with a discussion of the international law concepts of "auto-interpretation," "auto-decisions," and "auto-enforcement." Next, we examine how international adjudication bodies provide "legitimacy" to determinations about compliance with international economic law agreements, contributing to their effectiveness. Finally, we turn to the Trump administration’s effort to "internationalize" unilateral enforcement, through the use of Section 301 as an alternative means of trade agreement enforcement, and more importantly through its efforts in the U.S.-China trade talks to dispense with neutral adjudication and, instead, to provide for unilateral determinations by each party that the other party is not in compliance.
Perceptions of Food Access in the Cayo District of Belize

Nutrition indicators suggest that Belize faces broad food challenges; however, there are little data on factors influencing perceived food access. This study, based in the Cayo District, Belize, ex...
Using Youth Risk Behavior Survey data to analyze housing instability among Delaware public school students

This study provides information about the prevalence, living conditions, and demographic characteristics of housing instability among students in the state of Delaware. Data were obtained from the ...
Quantifying the Evaluation of Heuristic Methods for Textual Data Augmentation.

Data augmentation has been shown to be effective in providing more training data for machine learning and resulting in more robust classifiers. However, for some problems, there may be multiple augmentation heuristics, and the choices of which one to use may significantly impact the success of the training. In this work, we propose a metric for evaluating augmentation heuristics; specifically, we quantify the extent to which an example is “hard to distinguish” by considering the difference between the distribution of the augmented samples of different classes. Experimenting with multiple heuristics in two prediction tasks (positive/negative sentiment and verbosity/conciseness) validates our claims by revealing the connection between the distribution difference of different classes and the classification accuracy.