cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adjustable suture strabismus surgery in infants and children: a 19-year experience.

Purpose To evaluate the success rate of adjustable suture techniques in horizontal eye muscle surgery in children ≤15 years of age over a 19-year period by a single surgeon. Methods The medical records of all consecutive patients in this age group who underwent horizontal eye muscle surgery from 1989 through 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups: those in whom a nonadjustable suture technique was used and those in whom adjustable sutures were used. The following data were collected: type of strabismus, preoperative measurements, postoperative results, and reoperation rates. Results A total of 116 cases in the nonadjustable group and 521 cases in the adjustable group were included. In the adjustable group, adjustment was performed in 63% of the cases, because of either an under- (41%) or overcorrection (22%). The adjustment procedure was performed under topical proparacaine in 15% of cases and under intravenous propofol in 85%. For the adjustable group, 3-5 minutes more per muscle intraoperatively and 15-20 minutes for adjustment were required. No complications were encountered during the adjustment procedures. Early success rate, defined as alignment within 8Δ of straight at 3 to 6 months’ postoperative follow-up, was significantly greater in the adjustable group than in the nonadjustable group (77.7% vs 64.6% [P ≤ 0.03]). Of the adjustable patients, 15% required reoperation compared with 21% of the nonadjustable patients. Conclusions Use of adjustable sutures in horizontal eye muscle surgery in children ≤15 years of age provided an improved success rate and fewer reoperations compared with nonadjustable sutures.
Deformation Accommodation at Triple Junctions in Columnar-Grained Nickel

We study plastic deformation at triple junctions in columnar-grained nickel, where there is no out-of-plane grain constraint, under tension. In addition to orientation and slip trace analysis, we map surface topography and in-plane strains. Several local accommodation modes are observed, including the activation of relatively compatible slip systems that deviate from single crystal responses, change in slip intensity, out-of-plane relative rotation between grains across grain boundaries, and changes in lattice rotation towards the triple junction.
The Psychobiology of Gender

This chapter focuses on gender-related behavior, a field in which evidence of various prenatal and postnatal influences is rapidly accumulating. One of the roadblocks to progress lies in the interpretation of the data regarding the relative contribution of constitutional vs. environmental or innate vs. learned factors. The model most often applied is the main-effect model, which postulates that one factor determines or predominantly influences a particular behavioral outcome. The outcome of development in a transactional model may consist of many different options, but regarding one aspect of psychosexual differentiation — gender identity development —there are surprisingly few possibilities. Gender identity, as a complex and specifically human phenomenon, may not be the most suitable aspect of gender on which to examine the interaction between biological and psychological variables. Sex-dimorphic behavior, encompassing those aspects of personality, play behavior, and temperament in which boys and girls and subsequently men and women differ, may be a more appropriate focus.
VOLUMETRIC ULTRASOUND: A NOVEL METHODOLOGY FOR 3D EVALUATION OF CARDIOVASCULAR STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

Three-dimensional reconstructions (3DR) of the heart and great vessels are conventionally formed by scanning a single two-dimensional (2-D) plane, and then combining the data in this scan with data obtained from other scan planes taken at different levels. Missing data between planes are filled in by interpolation. Applications of such 3DR’s from ultrasonic, radionuclide and magnetic resonance images have yielded promising results (1). 3DR’s of the left ventricle have been obtained from cardiac ultrasonic and ultrafast computed tomographic images in our laboratory (2,3). We have also utilized the reconstructed geometries for analysis of mechanical deformation of the ventricular chamber and quantitative assessment of wall motion abnormalities in diseased states (4).
Social Interaction Research for People with Autism as a Set of Past, Current, and Emerging Propositions.

Social relationships are as important to people with autism as they are to any other member of society. However, a primary behavioral characteristic used to define the syndrome of autism is a pauci...
Living with Two Genomes: Grafting and Its Implications for Plant Genome-to-Genome Interactions, Phenotypic Variation, and Evolution.

Plant genomes interact when genetically distinct individuals join, or are joined, together. Individuals can fuse in three contexts: artificial grafts, natural grafts, and host–parasite interactions...
Stop voicing in Hindi

The subject of breathy voice (post-release low frequency, low amplitude periodicity) in the production of Hindi voiced aspirates has concerned phoneticians for many years. Due in large part to the difficulty of distinguishing the voiced aspirate from the voiced unaspirate on the basis of voice onset time value, the need for a special phonological feature of [murmur] or [breathy voice] has been suggested. In the present study, data from 10 adult female speakers show that with a simple redefinition of the VOT measurement, all four Hindi stop types may be distinguished from each other on the basis of post-release “noise offset time” alone. Articulatory data from previous studies suggests that the features of [spread] and [voiced] can account for these differences. The study also indicates that breathy voice is, in fact, not always present in voiced aspirate productions. It is concluded that [murmur] or [breathy voice] may not be required as a primary contrastive feature in the description of Hindi stops.
The Outcome of Blood Transfusions in Conservative and Surgical Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Spontaneous Intestinal Perforation.

Introduction In necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), blood transfusions (BTs) are a disputed factor concerning the etiology and the outcome. We assessed retrospectively the effects of preonset BT on the outcome of NEC and spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP). Materials and Methods With ethical consent, we reviewed the hospital records of 113 neonates from 2002 to 2019 with surgical NEC (NECs) (n = 57), conservatively treated NEC (NECc) (n = 20), and SIP (n = 36). The onset was defined as the day of surgery (NECs and SIP) or diagnosis (NECc). The effects of preonset BT (total, beyond 48 hours, and within 48 hours) were compared with the effects of birth weight (BW), gestational age (GA), intracerebral hemorrhage, respiratory distress syndrome, septicemia, and patent ductus arteriosus. Main outcome measure was 2-week mortality, and secondary measures were small intestinal loss and days on parenteral nutrition (PN). Results Overall mortality (8.9%) was predicted independently by BT total and BT beyond 48 hours, risk ratio (RR) = 1.1 to 1.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.0–1.4), p = 0.01 to 0.02, and BW and GA, RR = 0.7 to 1.0 (95% CI = 0.5–1.0), p = 0.02 to 0.04. Mortality in NECs (12%) was predicted by BT total and BT beyond 48 hours only, RR = 1.1 to 1.2 (95% CI = 1.0–1.5), p = 0.03 to 0.04. BT within 48 hours of onset did not predict mortality. No factors were related with secondary outcome measures or with mortality in patients with SIP or NECc. Conclusion In NECs, preoperative BT and BT given more than 48 hours before surgery were correlated with slightly increased 2-week mortality but not with small intestinal loss or duration of PN.
Spatio-temporal impacts of aerial adulticide applications on populations of West Nile virus vector mosquitoes

Aerial applications of insecticides that target adult mosquitoes are widely used to reduce transmission of West Nile virus to humans during periods of epidemic risk. However, estimates of the reduction in abundance following these treatments typically focus on single events, rely on pre-defined, untreated control sites and can vary widely due to stochastic variation in population dynamics and trapping success unrelated to the treatment. To overcome these limitations, we developed generalized additive models fitted to mosquito surveillance data collected from CO2-baited traps in Sacramento and Yolo counties, California from 2006 to 2017. The models accounted for the expected spatial and temporal trends in the abundance of adult female Culex (Cx.) tarsalis and Cx. pipiens in the absence of aerial spraying. Estimates for the magnitude of deviation from baseline abundance following aerial spray events were obtained from the models. At 1-week post-treatment with full spatial coverage of the trapping area by pyrethroid or pyrethrin products, Cx. pipiens abundance was reduced by a mean of 52.4% (95% confidence intrval [CI] − 65.6, − 36.5%) while the use of at least one organophosphate pesticide resulted in a mean reduction of 76.2% (95% CI − 82.8, − 67.9%). For Cx. tarsalis, at 1-week post-treatment with full coverage there was a reduction in abundance of 30.7% (95% CI − 54.5, 2.5%). Pesticide class was not a significant factor contributing to the reduction. In comparison, repetition of spraying over three to four consecutive weeks resulted in similar estimates for Cx. pipiens and estimates of somewhat smaller magnitude for Cx. tarsalis. Aerial adulticides are effective for achieving a rapid short-term reduction of the abundance of the primary West Nile virus vectors, Cx. tarsalis and Cx. pipiens. A larger magnitude of reduction was estimated in Cx. pipiens, possibly due to the species’ focal distribution. Effects of aerial sprays on Cx. tarsalis populations are likely modulated by the species’ large dispersal ability, population sizes and vast productive larval habitat present in the study area. Our modeling approach provides a new way to estimate effects of public health pesticides on vector populations using routinely collected observational data and accounting for spatio-temporal trends and contextual factors like weather and habitat. This approach does not require pre-selected control sites and expands upon past studies that have focused on the effects of individual aerial treatment events.
DeepMux: Deep-Learning-Based Channel Sounding and Resource Allocation for IEEE 802.11ax

MU-MIMO and OFDMA are two key techniques in IEEE 802.11ax standard. Although these two techniques have been intensively studied in cellular networks, their joint optimization in Wi-Fi networks has been rarely explored as OFDMA was introduced to Wi-Fi networks for the first time in 802.11ax. The marriage of these two techniques in Wi-Fi networks creates both opportunities and challenges in the practical design of MAC-layer protocols and algorithms to optimize airtime overhead, spectral efficiency, and computational complexity. In this paper, we present DeepMux, a deep-learning-based MU-MIMO-OFDMA transmission scheme for 802.11ax networks. DeepMux mainly comprises two components: deep-learning-based channel sounding (DLCS) and deep-learning-based resource allocation (DLRA), both of which reside in access points (APs) and impose no computational/communication burden on Wi-Fi clients. DLCS reduces the airtime overhead of 802.11 protocols by leveraging the deep neural networks (DNNs). It uses uplink channels to train the DNNs for downlink channels, making the training process easy to implement. DLRA employs a DNN to solve the mixed-integer resource allocation problem, enabling an AP to obtain a near-optimal solution in polynomial time. We have built a wireless testbed to examine the performance of DeepMux in real-world environments. Our experimental results show that DeepMux reduces the sounding overhead by $62.0\%\sim 90.5\%$ and increases the network throughput by $26.3\%\sim 43.6\%$ .
Synthesis and Analysis of Data on the Jackson Elk Herd

The principal objective of this research is to compile, synthesize, and evaluate available data on the ecology and management of the Jackson elk herd. When the analysis has reen completed, I will offer my interpretation of management implications that may be deduced from these data, and offer directions for future research to best enhance management for the elk herd. Initiative and funding for this research came from the Jackson Hole Cooperative Elk Studies Group, which determines management direction for the Jackson elk herd.
Novel risk stratification score for predicting early distant brain failure and salvage whole-brain radiotherapy after stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastases

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to evaluate predictors of early distant brain failure (DBF) and salvage whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) after treatment with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain metastases and create a clinically relevant risk score to stratify patients’ risk for these events. METHODS The records of 270 patients with brain metastases who were treated with SRS between 2003 and 2012 were reviewed. Pretreatment patient and tumor characteristics were analyzed with univariate and multivariate analyses. The cumulative incidences of first DBF and salvage WBRT were calculated. Significant factors were used to create a score for stratifying early (6-month) DBF risk. RESULTS No prior WBRT, a total lesion volume < 1.3 cm3, primary breast cancer or malignant melanoma histology, and multiple metastases (≥2) were found to be significant predictors of early DBF. Each factor was ascribed 1 point because of similar hazard ratios. Scores of 0 to 1, 2, and 3 to 4 were considered to indicate low, intermediate, and high risk, respectively. This correlated with 6-month cumulative incidences of DBF of 16.6%, 28.8%, and 54.4%, respectively (P < .001). For patients without prior WBRT, the 6-month cumulative incidence of salvage WBRT was 2%, 17.7%, and 25.7%, respectively (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Early DBF after SRS requiring salvage WBRT remains a significant clinical problem. Patient stratification for early DBF can better inform the decision for the initial treatment strategy for brain metastases. The provided risk score may help to predict early DBF and subsequent salvage WBRT if SRS is initially used. External validation is needed before clinical implementation. Cancer 2015;121:3836–3843. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Is non-alcoholic steatohepatitis a predisposing factor to porphyria cutanea tarda?

Summary Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is a disease caused by a deficiency of the fifth enzyme of the heme biosynthetic pathway in the liver that manifests in the skin as blistering and fragility of predominantly sun-exposed skin. It occurs in individuals with environmental and/or genetic risk factors such as estrogen use, hepatitis C infection and hemochromatosis gene mutations. This report highlights a case of PCT which manifested in an individual with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis; NASH). We propose that NASH may have been a contributing factor for the development of PCT in our patient.
Organisation of Photosynthetic Apparatus of Triticale in Relation to Productivity

Chlorophyll (Chl) content, photochemical activity of chloroplasts as well as photosynthetic and crop productivity were studied in different winter hexaploid Triticale (xTriticosecale Witt.) lines and their F1 hybrids. Heterosis enhanced Chl content, photosynthetic potential, photosynthetic productivity, and grain yield only in several F1 hybrids of Triticale. Indication in some genotypes of close correlations among morphological structure, Chl content, photochemical activity of chloroplasts, photosynthetic potential, and plant productivity may be used in breeding practice of Triticale.
UNITARITY IN ONE DIMENSIONAL NONLINEAR QUANTUM CELLULAR AUTOMATA

Unitarity of the global evolution is an extremely stringent condition on finite state models in discrete spacetime. Quantum cellular automata, in particular, are tightly constrained. In previous work we proved a simple No-go Theorem which precludes nontrivial homogeneous evolution for linear quantum cellular automata. Here we carefully define general quantum cellular automata in order to investigate the possibility that there be nontrivial homogeneous unitary evolution when the local rule is nonlinear. Since the unitary global transition amplitudes are constructed from the product of local transition amplitudes, infinite lattices require different treatment than periodic ones. We prove Unitarity Theorems for both cases, expressing the equivalence in 1+1 dimensions of global unitarity and certain sets of constraints on the local rule, and then show that these constraints can be solved to give a variety of multiparameter families of nonlinear quantum cellular automata. The Unitarity Theorems, together with a Surjectivity Theorem for the infinite case, also imply that unitarity is decidable for one dimensional cellular automata.
Examples of Spectra

The time has come to consider special cases. The first result is that for normal operators, the most amenable large class known, the worst spectral pathology cannot occur.
FLUORESCENCE AND THE STRUCTURE OF PROTEINS. III. EFFECTS OF DENATURATION ON FLUORESCENCE OF INSULIN AND RIBONUCLEASE.

Exposure of ribonuclease to acid, urea, or dodecyl sulfate resulted in enhancement of fluorescence of the tyrosyl residues. Fluorescence of insulin was elevated by the detergent cetyldimethylethylammonium bromide. Fluorescence of both proteins was increased by reduction of the disulfide bonds with mercaptoethanol, and values for quantum efficiency of fluorescence for the reduced proteins were in the range expected for tyrosyl residues in simple peptide linkage. These results indicate that some of the tyrosyl residues of native ribonuclease and insulin are so situated that their fluorescence is abolished or severely diminished and that those residues are transformed into a more normal environment during denaturation.
A case study of double cord persistence: Everyone wins

Double cord (DC) transplants (txp) as a treatment of choice for hematologic malignancies are much less frequently utilized when compared to MUD stem cell therapies. The vast majority of stem cell recipients (recip) receiving DC txp transition from 100% recip to 100% single cord blood unit (CBU), as usually one CBU “wins” and persists alone. This occurs within a few weeks to a few months post-txp. We present a case study in which neither cord is eliminated, but rather, long term engraftment of both CBUs persists. A 26 y/o, Caucasian, male with CML was conditioned for DC txp with busulfan, thiotepa and fludarabine due to lack of 10/10 MUDs and presence of inhibitor-resistant T315I mutation. DC txp is a low relapse option for CML patients who cannot be treated with the standard inhibitor therapies due to presence of T315I mutation. Engraftment monitoring (EM) analysis was performed by qPCR on day 18, revealing 0% recip, 86% CBU #1 and 14% CBU #2. These unexpected results, and the potential for artifacts of the newer qPCR method led us to confirm EM by qPCR in peripheral blood and bone marrow samples by standard STR analysis. The presence of both CBUs has persisted to 115 days post-txp at 83% CBU #1 and 17% CBU #2, contrary to the more common instance of single CBU engraftment. Both CBUs are a 5/6 antigen match to the recip. Coincidentally, both CBU were typed as HLA-A3; the only mismatched antigen. No anti-HLA antibodies were detected in the recip against this single HLA-A antigen mismatch. The recip and the dominant CBU #1 are blood type O-positive. The minor cord (CBU #2) is B-positive. CML patients are a small fraction of hematologic malignancy cases, and even further represent a very small % of DC recips; the majority being patients diagnosed with AML. The instance of the mixed DC chimerism described here is rare, especially compared to the mixed chimerism of recip and donor commonly seen in pediatric cases of single cord txp. This case is unique in the feature of total absence of recip and a mixture of 2 CBUs persisting in an adult double cord recip. CBUs’ mixed chimerism in adults txp with DCs is considered by some to be a negative prognostic predictor. In the case we present here, the recip is in clinically good condition and currently free of disease. This is a rare case of successful CML therapy upon DC txp in an adult with mixed donor chimerism persistence.
Editorial: NFAT signaling: no FAT as new weapon to fight shock.

Editorial: NFAT signaling: no FAT as new weapon to fight shock By Shuang Zhang,* Min Wu,* and Hongwei Gao *Department of Basic Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; and Center for Experimental Therapeutics and Reperfusion Injury, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Overview of Current Knowledge of Metabolism of Vitamin A and Carotenoids

Current knowledge about the metabolism of naturally occurring retinoids and carotenoids was summarized. Dietary provitamin A carotenoids are largely converted to retinol (vitamin A) during intestinal absorption in the mucosal cell. In humans, a limited amount of carotenoids can be absorbed intact, along with retinyl esters (newly synthesized or from dietary vitamin A), mainly via lymph chylomicrons. Carotenoids are stored in several tissues, particularly liver and fat. They are transported in plasma by lipoproteins (density less than 1.21 g/ml), particularly by the low-density lipoproteins. Plasma carotenoids are usually a mixture of compounds with and without provitamin A activity; beta-carotene is about 20-25% of the total. Newly absorbed vitamin A is stored in the liver as retinyl esters. Storage involves both the hepatic parenchymal cells and the nonparenchymal stellate cells. Vitamin A is mobilized from liver stores and transported in plasma as retinol bound to a specific transport protein, retinol-binding protein (RBP). Retinol mobilization is highly regulated by factors that control the rates of RBP synthesis and secretion. Much is known now about the chemical structure, metabolism, and biologic roles of RBP, RBP delivers retinol to peripheral target tissues; delivery may involve cell surface receptors for RBP. Tissues of rats, humans, and other species contain soluble binding proteins with specificity for either retinol (cellular retinol-binding protein) or retinoic acid (cellular retinoic acid-binding protein). These intracellular proteins have been purified from several tissues and partly characterized. From both immunoassay and immunocytochemical studies, information is available about their tissue distribution and levels. Retinoic acid is mainly absorbed through the portal system and transported in plasma as the anion bound to serum albumin. Nonspecific and unregulated delivery of retinoids to biologic membranes apparently leads to vitamin A (retinoid) toxicity.
A Nonuniform Stepping Mechanism for E. coli UvrD Monomer Translocation along Single-Stranded DNA

E. coli UvrD is an SF1 helicase involved in several DNA metabolic processes. Although a UvrD dimer is needed for helicase activity, a monomer can translocate with 3' to 5' directionality along single-stranded DNA, and this ATP-dependent translocation is likely involved in RecA displacement. In order to understand how the monomeric translocase functions, we have combined fluorescence stopped-flow kinetic methods with recently developed analysis methods to determine the kinetic mechanism, including ATP coupling stoichiometry, for UvrD monomer translocation along ssDNA. Our results suggest that the macroscopic rate of UvrD monomer translocation is not limited by each ATPase cycle but rather by a slow step (pause) in each translocation cycle that occurs after four to five rapid 1 nt translocation steps, with each rapid step coupled to hydrolysis of one ATP. These results suggest a nonuniform stepping mechanism that differs from either a Brownian motor or previous structure-based inchworm mechanisms.
The Identity Substitution Syndrome

Excerpt This paper reports two cases that exemplify the abuse of identity documents for procurement of medical services. This practice may result in harmful treatment, delay appropriate treatment, ...
The relationship between exercise and anxiety, obsessive-compulsiveness, and narcissism

Abstract Regular physical activity is considered an important preventative health behavior and contributes many physical and psychological benefits ( ICEFH Consensus Statement, 1989 ). However, when too intense, it can be maladaptive and associated with such psychological characteristics as anxiety, obsessive-compulsiveness, and narcissism ( Davis, 1990a , Morgan, 1976 , Yates, 1991 ). A total of 210 research participants completed: the Trait Anxiety Scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Scale, the Narcissistic Personality Inventory, the Commitment to Exercise Scale, and the Frequency of Physical Activity Form. Results of the simultaneous linear multiple regression analyses overall supported the hypotheses. Anxiety and obsessive-compulsiveness were related to commitment to exercise. Narcissism was related to physical activity.
Soft computing in intrusion detection: the state of the art

The state of the art is explored in using soft computing (SC) methods for network intrusion detection, including the examination of efforts in ten specific areas of SC as well as consecutive, ensemble, and hybrid combinations. Numerous comparisons of these methods are listed followed by a recommendation for future research. This paper can be used as a reference of strategies, and as a resource for planning future research.
Developing self‐control: the role of parental stress

This article presents a test of the key propositions from self‐control theory. We explore the mediating role of parenting practices (i.e., use of discipline and display of approval) for the link between parental stress via interparental conflict on self‐control development. The results of the study, which are based on self‐reports from a national probability sample of 1148 mothers and children, show partial support for this mediating view. The results are qualified by methodological and analytical limits. Despite the limits, the study represents an addition to the growing body of literature on self‐control theory.
Recognition of a 5‘-(A,T)GGG(A,T)2-3‘ Sequence in the Minor Groove of DNA by an Eight-Ring Hairpin Polyamide

The use of pyrrole−imidazole polyamides for the recognition of core 5‘-GGG-3‘ sequences in the minor groove of double stranded DNA is described. Two hairpin pyrrole−imidazole polyamides, ImImIm-γ-PyPyPy-β-Dp and ImImImPy-γ-PyPyPyPy-β-Dp (Im = N-methylimidazole-2-carboxamide, Py = N-methylpyrrole-2-carboxamide, β = β-alanine, γ = γ-aminobutyric acid, and Dp = ((dimethylamino)propyl)amide), as well as the corresponding EDTA affinity cleaving derivatives, were synthesized and their DNA binding properties analyzed. Quantitative DNase I footprint titrations demonstrate that ImImIm-γ-PyPyPy-β-Dp binds the formal match sequence 5‘-AGGGA-3‘ with an equilibrium association constant of K_a = 5 × 10^6 M^(-1) (10 mM Tris·HCl, 10 mM KCl, 10 mM MgCl_2, and 5 mM CaCl_2, pH 7.0 and 22 °C). ImImImPy-γ-PyPyPyPy-β-Dp binds the same site, 5‘-AGGGAA-3‘, approximately two orders of magnitude more tightly than the six ring polyamide, with an equilibrium association constant of K_a = 4 × 10^8 M^(-1). The eight-ring hairpin polyamide demonstrates greater specifity for single base pair mismatches than does the six ring hairpin. Polyamides with an EDTA·Fe(II) moiety at the carboxy terminus confirm that each hairpin binds in a single orientation. The high affinity recognition of a 5‘-GGG-3‘ core sequence by an eight ring polyamide containing three contiguous imidazole amino acids demonstrates the versatility of pyrrole−imidazole polyamides and broadens the sequence repertoire for DNA recognition.
Polyethylene glycol modified FGF21 engineered to maximize potency and minimize vacuole formation.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is involved in regulating energy metabolism, and it has shown significant promise as a treatment for type II diabetes; however, the native protein has a very sho...
Infrared reflectance of polypyrrole: ‘metal’ with a gap in the spectrum of charged excitations

Abstract We report reflectance (R) measurements of polypyrrole (PPy) films with d.c. conductivity of 350 S/cm at 300 K. The reflectance is metal-like in the IR at all temperatures, with R increasing in the far-IR to about 100% at temperatures below 50 K. The optical conductivity, σ(ω), and the real part of the dielectric function, ϵ1(ω), are not typical of a Drude metal. At 10 K, e1(ω) = − A/ω2 for h ω cm −1 while σ(ω) decreases in the same spectral range, implying a narrow peak in σ(ω) at ħω well below 20 cm−1 with oscillator strength corresponding to about 2% of the total free-carrier oscillator strength. ‘Metallic’ PPy is, therefore, a conductor with a gap in the spectrum of charged excitations; the d.c. conductivity comes from a narrow peak in σ(ω) at or near ω = 0.
Predictive and concurrent validity of the Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire among American Indian adolescents.

Suicide is currently the second leading cause of death for ages 15–24 years; reports indicate that 6–8% of American teens have attempted suicide. Rates of suicide and suicide attempts are at least as high, if not higher, for American Indian adolescents and young adults. The Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire (Junior High School Version) (SIQ-JR) could be used to identify young people who may be at risk for attempting suicide, since this questionnaire focuses on suicidal ideation, a major risk factor for suicide attempt. However, little is known about the predictive validity of the SIQ-JR, particularly in American Indian adolescent populations. A suicide attempt cluster at an American Indian boarding school provided the unique opportunity to examine the performance of the SIQ-JR in a group of American Indian high school students who had taken the SIQ-JR approximately 2 months prior to the outbreak of attempts. The SIQ-JR proved to be an excellent predictor of future suicide attempts when compared to other measures of distress: anxiety, depression, and alcohol use. The SIQ-JR is an effective screener for suicide risk in this American Indian adolescent population.
Personality Traits Associated with Occupational "Burnout" in ABA Therapists.

Background Applied behaviour analysis (ABA) therapists typically work one-to-one with children with autism for extended periods of time, which often leads to high levels of job-related stress, lower levels of job satisfaction, increased frequency of occupational ‘burnout’ and higher than average job turnover (Journal of Autism Development, 39, 2009 and 42). This is particularly unfortunate, in that these vulnerable clients need stability and consistency in care, both of which are empirically related to clinical outcomes (Journal of Autism Development, 39, 2009 and 42). It is reasonable to assume that some individuals, by virtue of their personal characteristics, are better suited to this type of work than are others. Method The purpose of the this study was to investigate associations between personality traits, using the five-factor model of personality, and key job-related variables, including burnout and job satisfaction, in a sample of therapists (n = 113) who work one-to-one with individuals diagnosed with autism. Results Significant correlations were found between Neuroticism and all three subscales of burnout (Exhaustion, Cynicism and Professional Efficacy). Extraversion and Conscientiousness were significantly negatively correlated with Cynicism and positively correlated with Professional Efficacy. Agreeableness was positively associated with Professional Efficacy. Job satisfaction was correlated positively with Extraversion and negatively with Neuroticism. Level of perceived personal and professional support partially mediated the effect of personality traits on job satisfaction. Conclusions These results may help to identify job applicants who are dispositionally less suited to this type of work, as well as currently employed therapists who are in need of support or intervention.
Evidence for Histamine in the Urticating Hairs of Hylesia Moths

An urticarial dermatosis after contact with the urticating hairs of the adult female Hylesia moth may occur by several mechanisms including the intradermal injection of inflammatory mediators through the urticating hairs. Extracts were prepared from whole moths, urticating hairs, and other moth parts. Each of these extracts was subjected to a radioenzyme assay for histamine. Histamine was present in extracts made from whole moths and from urticating hairs. Extracts made from other moth parts contained no histamine. Cutaneous wheals occurred after intradermal injections of histamine and various concentrations of Hylesia extract (HE) into the backs of cynomolgus monkeys. This whealing response was suppressed by pretreatment of the animals with diphenhydramine hydrochloride, but not by pretreatment with indomethacin. Histologic examinations showed a perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate around dilated capillaries without evidence of mast cell degranulation in HE-injected sites but not in controls. These findings provide evidence that histamine may be the mediator responsible for the urticarial lesions seen after contact with Hylesia moths.
Open space protection and flood mitigation: A national study

Open space protection is increasingly being used for flood mitigation at the local level. However, little if any empirical research has been conducted on the effectiveness of this land use policy in terms of reducing actual damage caused by floods. Our study addresses this issue by statistically examining the performance of open space dedicated for flood mitigation purposes across a nationally representative sample of local jurisdictions. We measure the amount of open space protection designated under FEMA's Community Rating System (CRS) program for 450 local communities, and then test the degree to which this strategy reduces insured flood damages over an eleven-year period from 1999 to 2009. Results indicate that, even when controlling for environmental, socioeconomic, and policy-related variables, open space protection is an important land use planning tool for mitigating the adverse impacts of flood events in the U.S. Our findings provide insights for local planners and decision makers interested in pursuing an avoidance strategy of flood mitigation, where people and structures are essentially removed from the most vulnerable locations.
Instability Boundary for Rotor-Hydrodynamic Bearing Systems, Part 2: Rotor With External Flexible Damped Support

A rotor-hydrodynamic bearing system having external flexible damped bearing supports is more complicated than that discussed in Part 1 but it can provide a means to improve the stability of the rotor system. A model for both vertical and horizontal analysis is developed first. Then, the analytical study on the vertical rotor is conducted. The results show that there can be up to four threshold speeds in this configuration that form a consecutive regional pattern, taking turns by stable or unstable regions. Furthermore, the numerical calculation by MATLAB is carried out to obtain the results for the horizontal system. The stability maps for various parametric configurations are presented. It has been shown that the value of support damping has a strong effect on the first several lower threshold speeds. But it has little effect on the last top threshold speed which is mainly determined by the portion of journal mass. Within a certain range of external damping value, the first several regions of instability can be reduced or eradicated. As far as the entire stability map is concerned, there is an optimum range of support damping that can make the rotor have only one top threshold speed over the entire running speed range. When the support stiffness is increased, the stem stability map becomes narrow which means a small support stiffness is good for broadening the range of optimum external damping.
Existence of axisymmetric modes of thin cylindrical shells with axial displacement restraint

A necessary and sufficient condition is derived for the existence of the axisymmetric mode of cylindrical shells with a radial displacement having one half wave along the axis and axial displacement restrained at both ends. The condition is purely geometric and consists of an upper bound on the mean radius of thickness ratio for a given fixed value of the length to mean radius ratio, above which the mode with one half wave in radial displacement along the axis ceases to exist. The proof is based on enforcing two basic lemmas concerned with the simplicity of the eigenvalues of the shell and the uniform ordering of these eigenvalues with the number of nodes of their corresponding radial displacement eigenfunctions.
A modified Brent's method for finding zeros of functions

Brent's method, also known as zeroin, has been the most popular method for finding zeros of functions since it was developed in 1972. This method usually converges very quickly to a zero; for the occasional difficult functions encountered in practice, it typically takes $$O(n)$$ iterations to converge, where $$n$$ is the number of steps required for the bisection method to find the zero to approximately the same accuracy. While it has long been known that in theory Brent's method could require as many as $$O(n^2)$$ iterations to find a zero, such behavior had never been observed in practice. In this paper, we first show that Brent's method can indeed take $$O(n^2)$$ iterations to converge, by explicitly constructing such worst case functions. In particular, for double precision accuracy, Brent's method takes $$2{,}914$$ iterations to find the zero of our function, compared to the $$77$$ iterations required by bisection. Secondly, we present a modification of Brent's method that places a stricter complexity bound of $$O(n)$$ on the search for a zero. In our extensive testing, this modification appears to behave very similarly to Brent's method for all the common functions, yet it remains at worst five times slower than the bisection method for all difficult functions, in sharp contrast to Brent's method.
Atypical lymphocytic lobular panniculitis: a clonal subcutaneous T-cell dyscrasia.

Background: Atypical lymphocytic lobular panniculitis (ALLP) is a recently described entity characterized by waxing and waning plaques. A morphologic and biologic continuum with subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma has been suggested. Methods: Between 2003 and 2007, we encountered five patients with ALLP. Comprehensive phenotypic and molecular studies were performed using multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Results: The patient population comprised four women, one man and two boys, age range of 6–42 years. All patients had a similar clinical presentation, being one of the recurrent infiltrative plaque-like lesions. All cases showed a permeation of the interstitial spaces of the subcutis by well-differentiated lymphocytes unaccompanied by significant fat necrosis. Molecular studies showed a clonal and/or oligoclonal profile in all cases. In all cases in which multiple biopsies were obtained, there was preservation of the identical T-cell clonotypes at different biopsy sites and over time. No patient progressed to lymphoma. One patient achieved remission with isotrentinoin. Conclusions: ALLP represents a form of cutaneous lymphoid dyscrasia given the relatively self-limited nature of the eruption, albeit in the context of clinical recurrence.
Evaluation of twelve cassava genotypes in derived guinea savanna agroecological zones of Nigeria

Cultivar adaptability trials were conducted for two years in two different locations of derived guinea savanna agroecological zones of Nigeria, Ibadan (07' 22°E, 03' 55°N, temperature 27°C, relative humidity:60-80%, rainfall: 1308 mm), and Ilorin (08' 30°E, 04' 46°N, temperature 28°C, relative humidity 60-80%, rainfall 1050 mm) using 12 cassava genotypes. Data collected included number of tuberous root yield, shoot weight and harvest index. The results showed significant differences (P < 0.05) in cassava genotype performance among the environments (Ilorin, 1992/93; Ilorin 1993/94; Ibadan, 1992/93, Ibadan, 1992/93, Ibadan, 1993/94) for number of tuberous roots, shoot weight, fresh tuberous yield and harvest index. Cassava genotypes grown at Ilorin, 1993/94 had the highest mean values for the number of tuberous roots, fresh tuberous root yield, shoot weight and harvest index at 12 months after planting. Genotypic differences were observed across locations and years for tuberous root number, fresh cassava tuberous root yield shoot weight and harvest index. In across locations and years, TMS 30572, TMS 81/01635, TMS 82/00058 and TMS81/00110 had the highest mean values for total tuberous root number, shoot weight, fresh tuberous of tuberous root yield, shoot weight and harvest index. The results showed significant differences (P < 0.05) in cassava genotype performance among the environments (Ilorin, 1992/93; Ilorin 1993/94; Ibadan, 1992/93, Ibadan, 1992/93, Ibadan, 1993/94) for number of tuberous roots, shoot weight, fresh tuberous yield and harvest index. Cassava genotypes grown at Ilorin, 1993/94 had the highest mean values for the number of tuberous roots, fresh tuberous root yield, shoot weight and harvest index at 12 months after planting. Genotypic differences were observed across locations and years for tuberous root number, fresh cassava tuberous root yield shoot weight and harvest index. In across locations and years, TMS 30572, TMS 81/01635, TMS 82/00058 and TMS81/00110 had the highest mean values for total tuberous root number, shoot weight, fresh tuberous root yields and harvest index respectively. In Ibadan, TMS 82/00058 and TMS 91934 had the highest values for parameter measured whereas in Ilorin, TMS 30572, TMS 82/00058, TMS 81/01635 and TMS 81/00110 performed better than other genotypes tested. Stability analyses were carried out on fresh tuberous root yield. When all the rank sums were summed for each genotype used as a parameter for stability, the result showed that for tuberous root yield, TMS 82/00942, TMS 82/00058 and TMS 30572 could be the most stable genotypes for the derived guinea savanna ecology. TMS 30572 has been widely adopted in some parts of these areas. TMS 82/00942 and TMS 82/00058 are new genotypes which are promising for distribution to farmers in derived guinea savanna ecology. Journal of Agriculture, Science and Technology Vol. 8 (1) 2006: pp. 92-102
Reading supermarket tabloids as menippean satire

This essay uses theoretical positions established in contemporary cultural studies to analyze “outlandish” American supermarket tabloids like the Weekly World News and the Sun. In particular, Pierre Bourdieu's notion of cultural capital, Mikhail Bakhtin's conception of menippean satire, Michel Foucault's theory of disciplinary power, and John Fiske's understanding of the popular are used to explain various aspects of tabloid discourse. The paper also draws upon evidence from a recently published study of tabloid readers.
"Health in All Policies": taking stock of emerging practices to incorporate health in decision making in the United States.

Objective: Policies affecting the determinants of health lie largely outside the control of the health care and public health sectors. Ensuring health considerations in the formation and implementation of policies, programs, projects, and plans from all sectors, though lofty, is the overall aim of Health in All Policies. The purpose of this article was to identify categories of strategies that illustrate how Health in All Policies had been implemented in the United States. Design: We used a 3-phased process: (1) review of the published and gray literature; (2) analysis of case examples to identify a draft framework, which included tactics and strategies for implementing Health in All Policies; and (3) vetting the draft framework through individual and group consultation. Results: We identify 7 interrelated strategies for incorporating health considerations into decisions and systems: (1) developing and structuring cross-sector relationships; (2) incorporating health into decision-making processes; (3) enhancing workforce capacity; (4) coordinating funding and investments; (5) integrating research, evaluation and data systems; (6) synchronizing communications and messaging; and (7) implementing accountability structures. For each strategy, we provide illustrative examples from the United States to help public health leaders identify effective tactics for Health in All Policies implementation. Conclusions: Through our review, we offer a starting point for categorizing and describing the emerging practices used to work across sectors and address the determinants of health. By delineating the different types of strategies and tactics to achieve Health in All Policies, we provide public health practitioners with a “menu” of options for incorporating Health in All Policies into their work.
Loss of Cocaine Locomotor Response in Pitx3-Deficient Mice Lacking a Nigrostriatal Pathway

Both the dorsal and ventral striatum have been demonstrated to have a critical role in reinforcement learning and addiction. Dissecting the specific function of these striatal compartments and their associated nigrostriatal and mesoaccumbens dopamine pathways, however, has proved difficult. Previous studies using lesions to isolate the contribution of nigrostriatal and mesoaccumbens dopamine in mediating the locomotor and reinforcing effects of psychostimulant drugs have yielded inconsistent and inconclusive results. Using a naturally occurring mutant mouse line, aphakia, that lacks a nigrostriatal dopamine pathway but retains an intact mesoaccumbens pathway, we show that the locomotor activating effects of cocaine, including locomotor sensitization, are dependent on an intact nigrostriatal dopamine projection. In contrast, cocaine reinforcement, as measured by conditioned place preference and cocaine sensitization of sucrose preference, is intact in these mice. In light of the well-established role of the nucleus accumbens in mediating the effects of psychostimulants, these data suggest that the nigrostriatal pathway can act as a critical effector mechanism for the nucleus accumbens highlighting the importance of intrastriatal connectivity and providing insight into the functional architecture of the striatum.
The Timeliness of the Bond Market Reaction to Bad Earnings News

We find that bond price quotes impound bad earnings news on a more timely basis than good earnings news and that the bond market impounds bad news on a more timely basis than the stock market. We also find that the timeliness of the bond market reaction to bad news is concentrated primarily among speculative-grade bonds, consistent with earnings news having a larger effect on bond price quotes when default risk is high. In addition, we find that a portion of the bad news impounded by the bond market reverses following the earnings announcement. Overall, our findings are consistent with bondholders� asymmetric payoff function having important implications for the valuation role of accounting information in the bond market. Specifically, our findings indicate that bond quotes impound bad earnings news much earlier in the pre-earnings announcement period than stock prices. In addition, bondholders appear to overreact to the bad earnings news initially and correct this overreaction subsequent to the earnings announcement.