cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of the Performance of Children With and Without Autism on the Sensory Profile

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether the Sensory Profile discriminates between children with and without autism and which items on the profile best discriminate between these groups. Method Parents of 32 children with autism aged 3 to 13 years and of 64 children without autism aged 3 to 10 years completed the Sensory Profile. A descriptive analysis of the data set of children with autism identified the distribution of responses on each item. A multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) of each category of the Sensory Profile identified possible differences among subjects without autism, with mild or moderate autism, and with severe autism. Follow-up univariate analyses were conducted for any category that yielded a significant result on the MANCOVA: Results Eight-four of 99 items (85%) on the Sensory Profile differentiated the sensory processing skills of subjects with autism from those without autism. There were no group differences between subjects with mild or moderate autism and subjects with severe autism. Conclusion The Sensory Profile can provide information about the sensory processing skills of children with autism to assist occupational therapists in assessing and planning intervention for these children.
Insights into the molecular basis of ligand binding by the cholecystokinin receptor.

The receptor for the peptide hormone, cholecystokinin, is a G-protein-coupled receptor in the rhodopsin/β-adrenergic receptor family. A number of methodological approaches have been utilized to gain insights into the molecular basis for natural peptide ligand binding and activation of this physiologically important receptor. Insights into this have come from sequence analysis, ligand and receptor structure-activity data, receptor mutagenesis, conformational analysis of ligand and receptor fragments, and photoaffinity labeling. In this work, we review the contributions of each of these complementary approaches and provide a current integrated view of the active complex of cholecystokinin bound to its receptor.
A visible spectral survey from the Alcator C-Mod tokamak11This article is part of a Special Issue on the 10th International Colloquium on Atomic Spectra and Oscillator Strengths for Astrophysical and Laboratory Plasmas.

A visible spectral survey (3675–6744 A) from the Alcator C-Mod tokamak has been performed using a high-resolution visible spectrometer constructed at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The...
Pancreatic β-Cell Failure and Diabetes in Mice With a Deletion Mutation of the Endoplasmic Reticulum Molecular Chaperone Gene P58IPK

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) transmits apoptotic signals in the pancreas during ER stress, implicating ER stress-mediated apoptosis in the development of diabetes. P58(IPK) (DNAJC3) is induced during ER stress and functions as a negative feedback component to inhibit eIF-2alpha signaling and attenuate the later phases of the ER stress response. To gain insight into a more comprehensive role of P58(IPK) function, we generated deletion mutant mice that showed a gradual onset of glucosuria and hyperglycemia associated with increasing apoptosis of pancreatic islet cells. Lack of P58(IPK) had no apparent effect on the functional integrity of viable beta-cells. A set of genes associated with apoptosis showed altered expression in pancreatic islets from P58(IPK)-null mice, further substantiating the apoptosis phenotype. The data provide in vivo evidence to support the concept that P58(IPK) functions as a signal for the downregulation of ER-associated proteins involved in the initial ER stress response, thus preventing excessive cell loss by degradation pathways. Insulin deficiency associated with the absence of P58(IPK) mimics beta-cell failure associated with type 1 and late-stage type 2 diabetes. P58(IPK) function and activity may therefore provide a novel area of investigation into ER-mediated mechanistic and therapeutic approaches for diabetes.
Updated aluminum pharmacokinetics following infant exposures through diet and vaccination

Aluminum is a ubiquitous element that is released naturally into the environment via volcanic activity and the breakdown of rocks on the earth's surface. Exposure of the general population to aluminum occurs primarily through the consumption of food, antacids, and buffered analgesics. Exposure to aluminum in the general population can also occur through vaccination, since vaccines often contain aluminum salts (frequently aluminum hydroxide or aluminum phosphate) as adjuvants. Because concerns have been expressed by the public that aluminum in vaccines may pose a risk to infants, we developed an up-to-date analysis of the safety of aluminum adjuvants. Keith et al. [1] previously analyzed the pharmacokinetics of aluminum for infant dietary and vaccine exposures and compared the resulting body burdens to those based on the minimal risk levels (MRLs) established by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. We updated the analysis of Keith et al. [1] with a current pediatric vaccination schedule [2]; baseline aluminum levels at birth; an aluminum retention function that reflects changing glomerular filtration rates in infants; an adjustment for the kinetics of aluminum efflux at the site of injection; contemporaneous MRLs; and the most recent infant body weight data for children 0-60 months of age [3]. Using these updated parameters we found that the body burden of aluminum from vaccines and diet throughout an infant's first year of life is significantly less than the corresponding safe body burden of aluminum modeled using the regulatory MRL. We conclude that episodic exposures to vaccines that contain aluminum adjuvant continue to be extremely low risk to infants and that the benefits of using vaccines containing aluminum adjuvant outweigh any theoretical concerns.
Understanding Exception Handling: Viewpoints of Novices and Experts

Several recent studies indicate that many industrial applications exhibit poor quality in the design of exception-handling. To improve the quality of error-handling, we need to understand the problems and obstacles that developers face when designing and implementing exception-handling. In this paper, we present our research on understanding the viewpoint of developers-novices and experts-toward exception-handling. First, we conducted a study with novice developers in industry. The study results reveal that novices tend to ignore exceptions because of the complex nature of exception-handling. Then, we conducted a second study with experts in industry to understand their perspective on exception-handling. The study results show that, for experts, exception-handling is a crucial part in the development process. Experts also confirm the novices' approach of ignoring exception-handling and provide insights as to why novices do so. After analyzing the study data, we identified factors that influence experts' strategy selection process for handling exceptions and then built a model that represents a strategy selection process experts use to handle exceptions. Our model is based on interacting modules and fault scope. We conclude with some recommendations to help novices improve their understanding of exception-handling.
Face Processing: The Interplay of Nature and Nurture:

A number of behavioral and neuroscientific studies suggest that face processing is qualitatively different from the processing of other visual stimuli. Why? Is face processing in some sense innate? What role does experience play in the development of face processing? The authors review recent evidence related to these questions. They begin by identifying some of the ways in which face processing is special. They then consider findings that demonstrate a crucial role for experience-independent genetic mechanisms in the development of face processing and its neural substrates. Finally, the authors review studies demonstrating the crucial role played by experience-dependent mechanisms. These findings support the hypothesis that there is a genetic predisposition for a special face processing mechanism, but that experience plays a crucial role in tuning this mechanism during development.
Electroluminescence from ZnO/Si-Nanotips Light-Emitting Diodes

A new and general approach to achieving efficient electrically driven light emission from a Si-based nano p-n junction array is introduced. A wafer-scale array of p-type silicon nanotips were formed by a single-step self-masked dry etching process, which is compatible with current semiconductor technologies. On top of the silicon nanotip array, a layer of n-type ZnO film was grown by pulsed laser deposition. Both the narrow line width of 10 nm in cathodoluminescence spectra and the appearance of multiphonon Raman spectra up to the fourth order indicate the excellent quality of the ZnO film. The turn-on voltage of our ZnO/Si nanotip array is found to be ∼2.4 V, which is 2 times smaller than its thin film counterpart. Moreover, electroluminescence (EL) from our ZnO/Si nanotips array light-emitting diode (LED) has been demonstrated. Our results could open up new possibilities to integrate silicon-based optoelectronic devices, such as highly efficient LEDs, with standard Si ultralarge-scale integrated technology.
Integrating LiDAR Intensity and Elevation Data for Terrain Characterization in a Forested Area

Separating ground from nonground laser returns from airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data is a key step in creating digital terrain models (DTMs). In this letter, bare-earth and forested surfaces are classified from LiDAR intensity data in a data set from central Idaho, U.S. Next, a Gaussian fitting (GF) method is applied to determine ground elevations from LiDAR elevation data according to the land-cover information. In comparison to ground-based reference data, the GF method generated an accurate DTM in this study area. Overall, the DTM underestimated the ground observations by approximately 31 cm. A combination of LiDAR intensity and elevation data may be effectively used to develop DTMs in similar terrain of relatively simple land-cover classes.
Low‐Temperature Atomic Layer‐Deposited TiO2 Films with Low Photoactivity

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) has been successfully utilized for the conformal and uniform deposition of ultrathin titanium dioxide (TiO2) films on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) particles. The deposition was carried out by alternating reactions of titanium tetraisopropoxide and H2O2 (50 wt% in H2O) at 77°C in a fluidized bed reactor. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the deposition of TiO2 and scanning transmission electron microscopy showed the conformal TiO2 films deposited on polymer particle surfaces. The TiO2 ALD process yielded a growth rate of 0.15 nm/cycle at 77°C. The results of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy suggested that there was a nucleation period, which showed the reaction mechanism of TiO2 ALD on HDPE particles without chemical functional groups. TiO2 ALD films deposited at such a low temperature had an amorphous structure and showed a much weaker photoactivity intensity than common pigment-grade anatase TiO2 particles.
Acquiring and implementing videoconferencing technology to enhance the field work experience

To facilitate connections between the curriculum and field, faculty members at one university have explored and experimented with the use of videoconferencing technology for increased faculty communication with students and field instructors. This paper describes the planning and equipment acquisition process, from beginning conceptualization to current implementation. Further, it provides practical information about videoconferencing systems and suggests ways to maximize their use.
Radio-Frequency Electronics: Digital modulation techniques

Digital modulation is both the newest and the oldest radio technique. Morse code transmissions were strictly binary, with “key down” and “key up” equivalent to multiplying the carrier by one or zero. Many modern systems also use binary keying, but the zero state is usually signaled by reversing the polarity of the signal ( binary phase-shift keying , BPSK) or by shifting the frequency ( binary frequency-shift keying , BFSK). This improves the probability of distinguishing zeros from ones in the presence of noise. In this chapter we look first at some of the methods used for binary and “ m -ary” modulation. We then see how specially shaped pulses can be used with these methods in order to avoid intersymbol interference when the pulses, dispersed in time, partially overlap at the receiver. The “8-VSB” system used for digital television in the U.S. (see Chapter 19) provides an example of pulse amplitude modulation (PAM). Finally, we discuss two newer digital modulation systems: multicarrier and spread spectrum. A glossary is provided at the end of this chapter, listing the many common abbreviations used (BPSK, BFSK, 8-VSB, PAM, etc.). Digital modulators Digital modulation differs from analog modulation in that only a discrete set of states (in the space of amplitudes, phases, and frequencies) is used, and that the time devoted to any state is always an integral multiple of a basic time-step. The state during this time period constitutes a transmitted “symbol,” and the symbol rate is one of the parameters defining a modulation system.
Flexible Gates: Dynamic Topologies and Functions for FG Nucleoporins in Nucleocytoplasmic Transport

The nuclear envelope is a physical barrier between the nucleus and cytoplasm and, as such, separates the mechanisms of transcription from translation. This compartmentalization of eukaryotic cells allows spatial regulation of gene expression; however, it also necessitates a mechanism for transport between the nucleus and cytoplasm. Macromolecular trafficking of protein and RNA occurs exclusively through nuclear pore complexes (NPCs), specialized channels spanning the nuclear envelope. A novel family of NPC proteins, the FG-nucleoporins (FG-Nups), coordinates and potentially regulates NPC translocation. The extensive repeats of phenylalanine-glycine (FG) in each FG-Nup directly bind to shuttling transport receptors moving through the NPC. In addition, FG-Nups are essential components of the nuclear permeability barrier. In this review, we discuss the structural features, cellular functions, and evolutionary conservation of the FG-Nups.
Single-crystal silicon torsional resonators

Micromechanical torsional resonators with micron-sized torsion rods fabricated from single-crystal silicon are described. The resonators and their excitation electrodes are fabricated with two simple processes called SCREAM (single-crystal-silicon reactive etch and metal). The properties of each electrode-actuator scheme are evaluated using electrostatic simulations. Such torsional resonators have potentially lower mechanical dissipation, and torsional resonators with integrated electrodes have potentially novel actuation applications. >
Overestimation by Doppler echocardiography of pressure gradients across starr-edwards prosthetic valves in the aortic position

Abstract The accuracy of continuous wave Doppler for estimating transvalvular pressure gradients in patients with aortic stenosis has been verified 1–3 ; however, few data are available regarding the precision with which gradients across prosthetic valves in the aortic position can be determined by Doppler. Two available relevant reports 4,5 describe a total of 12 patients studied by both Doppler and cardiac catheterization but include only a single Starr-Edwards (S-E) aortic prosthesis. We report our experience with measurement of pressure gradients across aortic S-E valves by continuous wave Doppler in 6 consecutive patients who also underwent transseptal cardiac catheterization at our hospitals.
Definability in the Monadic Second-Order Theory of Successor

Let D = be a relational system whereby D is a nonempty set and P i is an m i-ary relation on D. With D we associate the (weak) monadic second-order theory (W)MT[D] consisting of the first-order predicate calculus with individual variables ranging over D; monadic predicate variables ranging over (finite) subsets of D; monadic predicate quantifiers; and constants corresponding to P 1, P 2, ⋯ We will often use (W)MT[D] ambiguously to mean also the set of true sentences of (W)MT[D].
Radio telescopes

A radio telescope is used in radio astronomy to measure the intensity of the radiation received from various parts of the sky. Such a telescope must be able both to detect and to locate faint radio sources of small angular size, and also to measure the brightness distribution across extended radio sources or over large sky areas. Ideally the telescope should be capable of making such measurements over a wide frequency range and for different types of polarization of the incoming waves. The noise powers available in radio astronomy are very small, and some of the radio sources have angular sizes or angular structure of, perhaps, only one second of arc, so that a radio telescope needs both high gain and good resolving power. The paper describes various types of radio telescopes which have been built and tested, and outlines the astronomical needs which they fulfill. The parabolic reflector antenna is first described, with particular reference to the fully steerable 210-foot telescope at the Australian National Radio Astronomy Observatory and to the 300-foot transit telescope at the U. S. National Radio Astronomy Observatory. Of the telescopes which use fixed or partly fixed reflector surfaces, those at the University of Illinois, at the Nancay station of the Paris Observatory, and at the Arecibo Ionospheric Observatory in Puerto Rico are described in some detail. Instruments in which the resolution is improved without a corresponding increase of collecting area, such as the cross-type antennas, are briefly described. The future progress of radio telescope design is certain to follow the development of parabolic dishes to still greater sizes, and the exploitation of synthetic antenna systems; the article concludes with a survey of both developments.
Qualitative Platelet Defects

Familiarity with disorders of platelet function is important, as these defects are common causes of clinical bleeding, are common reasons for referral regarding unexplained bruising, and constitute the most common nontechnical cause of surgical hemorrhage. This article reviews the congenital, acquired, and drug-induced platelet function defects with which clinical and laboratory personnel should be familiar.
Optical components and circuits with photonic crystals

The use of photonic crystals, a periodic dielectric materials, has led to important possibilities for novel optical components and circuits. In this talk, I will review some of these possibilities. We shall also consider the minimization of radiation losses in structures without complete photonic bandgap.
Abstract SY13-01: Reporter imaging in cancer biology and therapy

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL The tools of molecular imaging can provide spatially- and temporally-resolved information on biological structures and functions. Because researchers have increasingly recognized the importance of context for understanding gene expression and protein function as well as regulatory mechanisms within cellular micro-environments, they have turned to non-invasive imaging technologies to advance research on human health and disease. These non-invasive imaging data can interrogate protein processing, protein-protein interactions, gene expression and flux through metabolic pathways in real-time in cells and live animals, and are increasingly useful in understanding signal transduction and the pathobiology of cancer, which can facilitate development of effective therapies. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr SY13-01. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-SY13-01
The Marginal effect of K-12 English language development programs: Evidence from Los Angeles Schools

Abstract The growing number of K-12 non-native English speaking students increases the value of optimizing education policy to meet their academic needs. Using a regression discontinuity in test scores from the Los Angeles Unified School District, I analyze the optimal age and English proficiency level for students to enter and exit English language development (ELD) programs. I find marginal kindergarteners receive small academic gains from entering ELD classes. Marginal 2nd to 4th graders who are reclassified from ELD to mainstream English classes receive large benefits to their English test scores (0.25 SD) and GPA that persist over the next 7 years. Boys receive the majority of the benefits. I find no evidence that students reclassified in later grades receive any benefit. Achievement gains can be obtained by enrolling more students into ELD programs in kindergarten and choosing to transition them into mainstream English classes sooner.
Sanitary Quality of Purified Water in Hunchun City

[Objective] To understand the water quality of purified water in Hunchun City,provide scientific basis for making effective prevention and control measures.[Methods]15 brands of purified water in Hunchun market in 2008 were sampled,and the test was performed according to Standards for Drinking Water Quality 2006 and GB/T 4789-2003.[Results]The qualified rate of total bacteria number,coliform bacteria,yeast,mold,nitrite and chloride was 86.25%,93.50%,98.77%,88.26%,98.50% and 99.00%,respectively.[Conclusion]The sanitary quality of purified water in Hunchun market is not good.The health management of enterprises should be strengthened,sanitary responsibility system should be improved,food safety consciousness should be enhanced,food safety certification should be promoted faster,and comprehensive quality control should be carrier out.
Nursing the Congenital Biliary Atresia Infant after the Kasai Portoenterostomy

Objective To Summarize the ventilator assisted anesthesia recovery and monitoring experience of the children with congenital biliary atresia after receving the hepatic door jejunum anastomosis operation. Methods 27 cases of congenital biliary atresia liver door patients' postoperative nursing jejunum after receving postoperative nursing jejunum from November 2010 to July 2011 were summarized for the related experience. Results All 27 cases didn't have infection and the various pipeline complications, and all the patients were transferred out of general surgery wards. Conclusion Children with congenital biliary atresia after the hepatic jejunum door operation receiving a rigorous and circumspective nursing can lower the fatality rate and complication rate, which is meaning to improve the work efficiency in the care unit, lower the nursing pressure and ensure the safety of children.
Epidemiologic characteristics of tuberculosis in Yueyang from 2009-2013

[Objective]To understand the morbidity level and epidemiologic characteristics of tuberculosis( TB) in Yueyang,provide scientific basis for the further implementation of TB control strategy. [Methods]The data of TB in Yueyang from 2009-2013 were collected by " Infectious Disease Reporting Information System" and " Tuberculosis Information Management System" and then analyzed. [Results]There were 21 235 TB cases reported in Yueyang from 2009-2013. The average annual incidence rate was77. 14 /100 000( 21 235 /27 528 711),among which,the male incidence rate was 109. 40 /100 000( 15 631 /14 287 401) and the female incidence rate was 42. 32 /100 000( 5 604 /13 241 310),the sex ratio was 2. 59∶ 1,the incidence rate in males was significantly higher than that in females( χ2= 4012. 17,P 0. 01). The incidence rate of 55- 64 years old group was the highest( 193. 05 /100 000,4 528 /2 345 446),and the incidence rate of 0- 14 years old group was the lowest( 1. 23 /100 000,56 /4 410 100). In the occupational structure,the farmers were dominant which accounted for 70. 74%( 15 022 /21 235). In regional distribution,the highest incidence rate was in Yunxi district( 94. 3 /100 000,790 /837 750),followed by Linxiang City( 86. 15 /100 000,2 246 /2 606 950). [Conclusion]The work of TB control and prevention should be strengthened,especially in rural area and elder population. The modern TB control strategy should be adopted to control the TB epidemic situation.
Small particles and self-gravity wakes in Saturn's rings from UVIS and VIMS stellar occultations

Abstract The distribution of particle sizes in Saturn's rings roughly follows a truncated inverse power-law. Though it is well known that differential optical depths provide a way to probe the parameters of size distribution (i.e. Zebker et al. [1985] Icarus, 64, 531–548), the technique is complicated by the presence of self-gravity wakes which introduce a geometric dependence to the observed optical depth. Here we present a method of extracting information about the size distribution of the particles in the gaps between the self-gravity wakes. The Cassini Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) occultations measure starlight at an effective wavelength of 2.9 µm falling onto a single pixel with angular dimensions 0.25 mrad × 0.5 mrad while Cassini Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph (UVIS) occultations measure starlight at a much smaller effective wavelength of 0.15 µm and over a field of view with larger angular dimensions of 6.0 mrad × 6.4 mrad. Starlight diffracted out of the VIMS pixel by particles smaller than 1.22 λ VIMS /2 θ ∼8.86 mm, is not replaced by neighboring particles, while the UVIS instrument, with its larger field of view and smaller effective wavelength, collects all of the light diffracted by particles larger than 1.22 λ VIMS /2 θ ∼0.025 mm. Consequently, measurements by VIMS overstate the optical depth in regions where sub-centimeter-sized particles are present. Using the rectangular cross section wake model of ( Colwell et al. [2006 ], Geophys. Res. Lett., 33, L07201) and (Colwell et al. [2007] Icarus, 190, 127–144) with a new parameter to represent the excess VIMS optical depth not seen by UVIS, we combine VIMS and UVIS occultations for the first time for particle size analysis. We find a significant fraction of sub-cm particles only in the outermost portion of the A ring, and in the B1 region of the B ring. In the Trans-Encke region, we find a trend of increasing abundance of sub-cm particles as the outer edge of the A Ring is approached, consistent with previous differential optical depth studies at radio wavelengths ( Zebker et al. [1985 ] Icarus, 64, 531–548), measurements of diffraction in stellar occultations at the ring edges ( Becker et al. [2015 ] Icarus), and measurements from VIMS solar occultations ( Harbison et al. [2013 ] Icarus, 226, 1225-1240). This may be due to greater erosion of weakly bound particle aggregates by interparticle collisions in regions where satellite perturbations are strong.
Impacting Rapid Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) Commercialization

Alternative propulsion technologies are becoming increasingly important with the rise of stricter regulations for vehicle efficiency, emission regulations, and concerns over the sustainability of crude oil supplies. The fuel cell is a critical component of alternative propulsion systems, and as such has many aspects to consider in its design. Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) powered by proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEFC) and fueled by hydrogen, offer the promise of zero emissions with excellent driving range of 300-400 miles, and fast refueling times; two major advantages over battery electric vehicles (BEVs). FCEVs face several remaining major challenges in order to achieve widespread and rapid commercialization. Many of the challenges, especially those from an FCEV system and subsystem cost and performance perspective are addressed in this book. Chapter topics include: • impact of FCEV commercialization • ways to address barriers to the market introduction of alternative vehicles • new hydrogen infrastructure cost comparisons • onboard chemical hydride storage • optimization of a fuel cell hybrid vehicle powertrain design
Asymptotic analysis of steady two-reactant premixed flames using a step-function reaction rate model

Abstract A step-function reaction rate model is used to study the problem of steady, 1D, planar two-reactant premixed flames. The analysis yields leading order solutions for the flame structure and the dependence of the flame speed on reaction and transport parameters. The results for the flame speed reproduce the same scaling obtained using activation energy asymptotics. Two analytical solutions are derived for the cases of stoichiometric and far from stoichiometric flames. These solutions constitute the first closed-form solutions of the flame structure at non-unity Lewis numbers for the reactants. Comparisons between numerical solutions based on an Arrhenius reaction rate with the analytical solutions show an excellent agreement.
InP integrated circuit technology for microwave, digital, and optoelectronic applications

The authors summarize the status of InP-based electronic and optoelectronic device and circuit technology, with particular emphasis on the performance and manufacturability of the technology. It is pointed out that InP-based electronic and optoelectronic device and circuit technology is maturing rapidly, due to active worldwide research in a number of areas. Epitaxial growth technology is capable of realizing a variety of AlInGaAsP alloys that exhibit useful electronic and optoelectronic properties. InP-based MODFETs have realized extrinsic f/sub T/'s of over 300 GHz and 60 GHz noise figures of under 1.0 dB. InP-based heterojunction bipolar transistors have demonstrated excellent digital and linear IC performance, with clock rates exceeding 35 GHz. Optoelectronic ICs have been demonstrated with speeds of 10 Gb/s. >
Nasal Septal Perforation: A Rare Extraintestinal Manifestation of Crohn's Disease

Nasal manifestations of Crohn's disease are quite rare. They are typified by chronic mucosal inflammation, obstruction, bleeding, and occasionally septal perforation--signs and symptoms that are common to many disease states of the nose. Nasal findings, much like oral lesions, can precede the more typical gastroenterologic manifestations of Crohn's disease. Otolaryngologists should be aware of such an association and consider the diagnosis of Crohn's disease in atypical cases of nasal disease. We report the case of a 12-year-old boy who had severe Crohn's disease and a nasal septal perforation, and we discuss this complication in the context of its otolaryngologic manifestations.
Authentic Science Inquiry Learning at Scale Enabled by an Interactive Biology Cloud Experimentation Lab

National guidelines advocate for a more sophisticated STEM education that integrates complex and authentic scientific practices, e.g., experimentation, data collection, data analysis, and modeling. How to achieve that is currently unclear for both presential and distance education. We recently developed a scalable cloud lab that enables many online users to perform phototaxis experiment with real, living Euglena cells (opposed to just simulations). Here we iteratively designed and deployed an open course on the edX platform including suitable user interfaces that facilitates inquiry-based learning on this cloud lab: Online students (>300) run real experiments (>2,300), performed data analysis, explored models, and even formulated and experimentally tested their own hypotheses. Platform and course content are now suited for global adaptation in formal K-16 education. We will demo our cloud lab at the conference.
Teaching as a Women's Occupation: A Feminist Critique.

This article analyzes teaching as a women's occupation. It begins with undergraduate teacher-preparation programs and the ways in which women are influenced to view teaching as a desirable occupati...
Mechanical Circulatory Support in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure and Shock

An array of interventional therapeutics is available in the modern era, with uses depending on acute or chronic situations. This article focuses on support in acute decompensated heart failure and cardiogenic shock, including intra-aortic balloon pumps, continuous aortic flow augmentation, and extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation.
Performance of cigarette susceptibility index among e-cigarette and hookah users.

Abstract Objective Susceptibility to cigarette smoking has been used since the mid-1990s as a measure to identify youth at risk of cigarette initiation. However, it is unclear how well this measure predicts future smoking among electronic (e-)cigarette or hookah users, or among those in tobacco-friendly social environments. Methods We used prospective data from the Southern California Children’s Health Study to evaluate the performance (sensitivity, specificity, predictive value) of a composite index assessing susceptibility to smoking, and to evaluate whether performance of the measure differed by use of e-cigarettes or hookah, or immersion in a tobacco-friendly social environment. Susceptibility to cigarette smoking was measured in 11th/12th grade (2014) among never cigarette-smokers (N = 1266); follow-up data on smoking initiation were obtained approximately 16 months later. Results Overall, 16.4% of youth initiated smoking between baseline and follow-up. The sensitivity of the susceptibility to smoking index was low (46.4%), and specificity was high (79.0%). No difference in sensitivity was observed by baseline e-cigarette use; specificity was higher among never e- cigarette users. Differences in negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive value (PPV) were also observed by baseline e-cigarette and hookah use. Specificity was generally lower, and sensitivity was generally higher for those in tobacco-friendly social environments. Conclusions Our findings suggest that use of the susceptibility to smoking index in cross-sectional studies of older adolescents to identify those likely to begin smoking may be inappropriate for those using alternative tobacco products (e.g., e-cigarettes or hookah).
Towards improved automatic chemical kinetic model reduction regarding ignition delays and flame speeds

Abstract In chemical kinetic model reduction under internal combustion engine conditions, most implementations only consider ignition related chemistry without consideration of flame speed prediction. In practice, flame propagation commonly exists in spark ignition engines, dual-fuel with pilot injection compression ignition engines, reactivity controlled compression ignition engines, and etc. Due to the inherent time-consuming nature, it is impractical to run a 1-D flame code with trial-and-error methods for model reduction, especially when starting with a large chemical kinetic model. In this paper, an improved reduction methodology is proposed for construction of a small set of species that give accurate predictions of both flame speeds and ignition delays. First, a strong correlation is found between the errors of maximum H radical and the errors in prediction of laminar flame speeds. Addition of H to the search targets in graph-based methods is conducted showing improvement in accuracy of flame speed prediction. Second, the normalized flame speed sensitivity with rate constants is analyzed for identifying a set of species that strongly influences the prediction of flame speeds. Finally, a trial-and-error based method is used for further reduction with a 0-D testbed for prediction of ignition only, while keeping the species important to flame chemistry. The newly proposed reduction methodology is used for development of accurate skeletal models predicting both ignition and flame speeds for several hydrocarbon fuels. These skeletal models include methane (27 species), propane (32 species), n-heptane (126 species), and primary reference fuel gasoline surrogates (207 species) with high fidelity to be used in engine simulations.
E-cigarette smoke damages DNA and reduces repair activity in mouse lung, heart, and bladder as well as in human lung and bladder cells.

E-cigarette smoke delivers stimulant nicotine as aerosol without tobacco or the burning process. It contains neither carcinogenic incomplete combustion byproducts nor tobacco nitrosamines, the nicotine nitrosation products. E-cigarettes are promoted as safe and have gained significant popularity. In this study, instead of detecting nitrosamines, we directly measured DNA damage induced by nitrosamines in different organs of E-cigarette smoke-exposed mice. We found mutagenic O6-methyldeoxyguanosines and γ-hydroxy-1,N2-propano-deoxyguanosines in the lung, bladder, and heart. DNA-repair activity and repair proteins XPC and OGG1/2 are significantly reduced in the lung. We found that nicotine and its metabolite, nicotine-derived nitrosamine ketone, can induce the same effects and enhance mutational susceptibility and tumorigenic transformation of cultured human bronchial epithelial and urothelial cells. These results indicate that nicotine nitrosation occurs in vivo in mice and that E-cigarette smoke is carcinogenic to the murine lung and bladder and harmful to the murine heart. It is therefore possible that E-cigarette smoke may contribute to lung and bladder cancer, as well as heart disease, in humans.
Exploiting Data Partitioning To Provide Approximate Results

Co-hash partitioning is a popular partitioning strategy in distributed query processing, where tables are co-located using join predicates. In this paper, we study the benefits of co-hash partitioning for obtaining approximate answers.
Comparison of Sparse Arrays From Viewpoint of Coarray Stability and Robustness

Sparse arrays, such as minimum redundancy arrays (MRA), nested arrays, and coprime arrays, can resolve $\mathcal{O}(N^{2})$ , uncorrelated sources with $N$ physical sensors, since they possess an $\mathcal{O}(N^{2})$ -long uniform segment in the difference coarray, which is defined as the differences between sensor locations. Empirically, this $\mathcal{O}(N^{2})$ , property is susceptible to sensor failures. On the other hand, uniform linear arrays (ULA) are known to be robust, but they possess only $\mathcal{O}(N)$ elements in the difference coarray. This paper compares the size and the robustness of the difference coarray for a wide variety of array geometries. It is observed from numerical examples that, for a fixed N, increasing the size of the difference coarray typically makes it less robust to faulty sensors. Furthermore, it is noticed from examples that given two arrays with the same $N$ and the same difference coarray, one could be much more robust than the other.
Retaliatory Antidumping by China: A New Look at the Evidence

China is the most frequent target of antidumping (AD) filings and the sixth most frequent user of antidumping duties. In this paper, we investigate the factors that influence China’s decision to retaliate using AD filings from 1995 to 2015. We consider an AD filing by China to be retaliatory if it occurs within 1 year of an initial AD filing against them and determine the factors that explain retaliatory antidumping filings. We find that higher levels of China’s country-specific imports, lower growth rates of Chinese GDP, and China’s WTO membership increase the likelihood of retaliation. In contrast, higher import growth reduces AD retaliation.
Does influenza vaccination or RSV prophylaxis impact resource utilization for children after the diagnosis of airway disorders

Abstract Objective Quantify the rates influenza vaccination and RSV prophylaxis for children with airway stenosis and/or other disorders and assess impact on resource utilization. Methods This was a retrospective study with data extracted from Duke Enterprise Data Unified Content Explorer (DEDUCE) between January 1, 2006 and December 1, 2017. Children aged 18 years and younger with at least one diagnosis code for airway stenosis and/or disorders were included. The index date was defined as the first date of airway stenosis/disorders diagnosis. Each patient was followed for up to one year after the index date. Influenza vaccination or RSV prophylaxis documented within one year of index date were included. We defined emergency department (ED) visits and/or hospital admissions related to respiratory diagnoses as the primary outcome of increased resource utilization. Results A total of 2718 patients were included. In our institution, our results have indicated that there are fairly low vaccination documentation rates of influenza vaccination, RSV prophylaxis, or both provided to children with airway stenosis/disorders, 14.1% (389/2718), 1.1% (30/2718), and 0.6% (17/2718), respectively, within the first year after diagnosis. Around 5% (139/2718) and 10% (269/2718) experienced ED visits or hospitalizations related to respiratory issues within the first year after diagnosis, respectively. Among 139 and 269 patients with ED visits or hospitalizations, 34 (25%) and 54 (20%) had multiple visits, respectively. Very few patients had documented influenza vaccination (11/139, 0.4%) or RSV prophylaxis (5/269, 0.18%) before ED visits or hospitalization. Conclusions There is little available evidence at this time for strategies to prevent adverse events or complications in children with airway stenosis/disorders. In our institution, our results have indicated that there are fairly low documented rates of influenza vaccination, RSV prophylaxis, or both provided to children with airway stenosis/disorders in the first year after diagnosis. This is an area of significant clinical interest for potentially limiting adverse events and optimizing resource utilization for children with airway stenosis/disorders.
Maintenance of polymorphism by potentially injurious genes in eight natural populations of the platyfish,xiphophorus maculatus

The polymorphism of the platyfish,Xiphophorus maculatus, consists in part of a series of seven tail patterns produced by micromelanophores, which are controlled by an autosomal series of dominant multiple alleles. Also present are a series of five body patterns produced by macromelanophores which are controlled by an incompletely sex-linked series of dominant multiple alleles.
Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome: A novel mechanism for neurologic complications in Schimke Immuno-osseus Dysplasia. (P3.300)

Objective: To present a novel observation in a rare disorder, demonstrating new mechanisms of disease. Background: Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia (SIOD) is rare autosomal recessive disease secondary to mutations in SMARCAL1, characterized by the triad of short stature, nephropathy and immunodeficiency, presenting in early childhood. Approximately 50% of affected individuals have neurologic complications including migraines, transient neurological attacks, and strokes. Accelerated atherosclerosis has been a proposed cause for the neurologic complications but is not universally present. Design/Methods: NA Results: We present a SIOD patient without evidence of atherosclerotic disease who suffered recurrent episodes of severe headache, hemiparesis of variable side, and aphasia, starting at five years of age. While MRI brain and MRA were normal during the initial episode, with subsequent attacks, MRI brain frequently demonstrated reversible areas of restricted diffusion. Assessment of cerebral perfusion by arterial spin labeling (ASL), demonstrated reversible decreased perfusion corresponding to symptomatology even when there was no restricted diffusion or other changes on MRI. MRA was significant for progressive intracranial stenosis, extending from proximal to more distal segments, without collateralization. Conclusions: This constellation of symptoms and imaging findings is consistent with the mechanism of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS). RCVS is a relatively newly described clinico-radiologic syndrome, presenting as a “thunderclap” headache with or without neurological symptoms, with reversible segmental constriction of intracranial vessels on imaging studies. This syndrome has not been well described in the pediatric population, with only 13 reported cases in the literature. We propose RCVS as the mechanism for the transient neurologic attacks and infarcts in SIOD, as opposed to the “traditional” TIA due to the accelerated atherosclerosis alone. This new insight may provide a basis for novel preventative therapy in this rare disorder. Disclosure: Dr. Haffner has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rollins has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dowling has nothing to disclose.
Strategic Anticipation and En Banc Oversight Procedures in the U.S. Courts of Appeals

The U.S. Courts of Appeals must ordinarily convene en banc to overturn circuit law. However, roughly half of the circuit courts have adopted an alternative, less costly procedure, the informal en b...
Evaluation of ‘the R-Model’ crisis intervention de-escalation training for law enforcement:

This study presents findings from a process and outcome evaluation of a custom crisis intervention and de-escalation training for law enforcement, delivered in-house to a suburban Minnesota police ...
Biophysical and biomechanical properties of neural progenitor cells as indicators of developmental neurotoxicity.

Conventional in vitro toxicity studies have focused on identifying IC50 and the underlying mechanisms, but how toxicants influence biophysical and biomechanical changes in human cells, especially during developmental stages, remain understudied. Here, using an atomic force microscope, we characterized changes in biophysical (cell area, actin organization) and biomechanical (Young’s modulus, force of adhesion, tether force, membrane tension, tether radius) aspects of human fetal brain-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs) induced by four classes of widely used toxic compounds, including rotenone, digoxin, N-arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA), and chlorpyrifos, under exposure up to 36 h. The sub-cellular mechanisms (apoptosis, mitochondria membrane potential, DNA damage, glutathione levels) by which these toxicants induced biochemical changes in NPCs were assessed. Results suggest a significant compromise in cell viability with increasing toxicant concentration (p < 0.01), and biophysical and biomechanical characteristics with increasing exposure time (p < 0.01) as well as toxicant concentration (p < 0.01). Impairment of mitochondrial membrane potential appears to be the most sensitive mechanism of neurotoxicity for rotenone, AEA and chlorpyrifos exposure, but compromise in plasma membrane integrity for digoxin exposure. The surviving NPCs remarkably retained stemness (SOX2 expression) even at high toxicant concentrations. A negative linear correlation (R2 = 0.92) exists between the elastic modulus of surviving cells and the number of living cells in that environment. We propose that even subtle compromise in cell mechanics could serve as a crucial marker of developmental neurotoxicity (mechanotoxicology) and therefore should be included as part of toxicology assessment repertoire to characterize as well as predict developmental outcomes.
DOA estimation in heteroscedastic noise

The paper considers direction of arrival (DOA) estimation from long-term observations in a noisy environment. In such an environment the noise source might evolve, causing the stationary models to fail. Therefore a heteroscedastic Gaussian noise model is introduced where the variance can vary across observations and sensors. The source amplitudes are assumed independent zero-mean complex Gaussian distributed with unknown variances (i.e. the source powers), inspiring stochastic maximum likelihood DOA estimation. The DOAs of plane waves are estimated from multi-snapshot sensor array data using sparse Bayesian learning (SBL) where the noise is estimated across both sensors and snapshots. This SBL approach is more flexible and performs better than high-resolution methods since they cannot estimate the heteroscedastic noise process. An alternative to SBL is simple data normalization, whereby only the phase across the array is utilized. Simulations demonstrate that taking the heteroscedastic noise into account improves DOA estimation.