cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Magic Numbers in DNA-Stabilized Fluorescent Silver Clusters Lead to Magic Colors

DNA-stabilized silver clusters are remarkable for the selection of fluorescence color by the sequence of the stabilizing DNA oligomer. Yet despite a growing number of applications that exploit this property, no large-scale studies have probed origins of cluster color or whether certain colors occur more frequently than others. Here we employ a set of 684 randomly chosen 10-base oligomers to address these questions. Rather than a flat distribution, we find that specific color bands dominate. Cluster size data indicate that these “magic colors” originate from the existence of magic numbers for DNA-stabilized silver clusters, which differ from those of spheroidal gold clusters stabilized by small-molecule ligands. Elongated cluster structures, enforced by multiple base ligands along the DNA, can account for both magic number sizes and color variation around peak wavelength populations.
Sterile "ready-to-use" AlloDerm decreases postoperative infectious complications in patients undergoing immediate implant-based breast reconstruction with acellular dermal matrix.

Background:Acellular dermal matrix is a commonly used adjunct in implant-based breast reconstruction. Several investigations have shown increased complications associated with its use. Therefore, the authors' institution placed strict limitations on its use and transitioned to sterile “ready-to-use”
SPARC overexpression combined with radiation retards angiogenesis by suppressing VEGF-A via miR‑410 in human neuroblastoma cells.

Abstract Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extra-cranial solid tumor in children and despite aggressive therapy survival rates remain low. One of the contributing factors for low survival rates is aggressive tumor angiogenesis, which is known to increase due to radiation, one of the standard therapies for neuroblastoma. Therefore, targeting tumor angiogenesis can be a viable add-on therapy for the treatment of neuroblastomas. In the present study, we demonstrate that overexpression of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) suppresses radiation induced angiogenesis in SK-N‑BE(2) and NB1691 neuroblastoma cells. We observed that overexpression of SPARC in SK-N-BE(2) and NB1691 cells reduced radiation induced angiogenesis in an in vivo mouse dorsal skin model and an ex vivo chicken CAM (chorioallantoic-membrane) model and also reduced tumor size in subcutaneous mouse tumor models of NB. We also observed that SPARC overexpression reduces VEGF-A expression, in SK-N-BE(2) and NB1691 NB cells via miR-410, a VEGF-A targeting microRNA. SPARC overexpression alone or in combination with miR-410 and radiation was shown to be effective at reducing angiogenesis. Moreover, addition of miR-410 inhibitors reversed SPARC mediated inhibition of VEGF-A in NB1691 cells but not in SK-N-BE(2) NB cells. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that the overexpression of SPARC in combination with radiation reduced tumor angiogenesis by downregulating VEGF-A via miR-410.
A Pressing Need for Vasopressin

This case discusses the pharmacodynamic interaction between angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is) and general anesthesia, resulting in profound hypotension. Preoperative recommendations and treatment of the hypotension is also discussed.
A high continental weathering flux into Paleoarchean seawater revealed by strontium isotope analysis of 3.26 Ga barite

Controls on Archean seawater chemistry remain controversial. Many studies have suggested that it was largely controlled by oceanic hydrothermal fluid circulation. Recent work, however, from clastic sequences, Hf–O isotope data from detrital zircons, and models for the Rb/Sr evolution of the continental crust suggest that intense continental weathering and low-temperature surface alteration were more important than previously thought during the early Archean. This is consistent with biogeochemical studies that suggest the Archean had a diverse microbial ecology, which would, in part, need to be sustained by nutrients (e.g., phosphorus) that were derived from continental weathering. To further quantify continental weathering during the early Archean, we analyzed 3.26 Ga barite from the Fig Tree Group, South Africa for strontium, oxygen, and sulfur isotope compositions. We propose that the seawater component of the barite is characterized by 87Sr/86Sr ratios >0.701, which is significantly more radiogenic than contemporaneous mantle (∼0.7007–0.7008). The radiogenic nature of seawater at this time suggests that the continental weathering flux at 3.26 Ga had a large impact on ocean chemistry 400 million years earlier than previously suggested.
The Transgender Studies Reader 2

The Transgender Studies Reader 2 is a thoroughly researched, deeply engaging volume of empirical and theoretical pieces with broad relevance to the field of higher education. Existing research demo...
A Comparative Study of Outcomes Between Single-Site Robotic and Multi-port Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: An Experience from a Tertiary Care Center

The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of single-site robotic cholecystectomy with multi-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy within a high-volume tertiary health care center. A retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained data was conducted on patients undergoing single-site robotic cholecystectomy or multi-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy between October 2011 and July 2014. A single surgeon performed all the surgeries included in the study. A total of 678 cholecystectomies were performed. Of these, 415 (61%) were single-site robotic cholecystectomies and 263 (39%) were multi-port laparoscopic cholecystectomies. Laparoscopic patients had a greater mean BMI (30.5 vs. 29.0 kg/m2; p = 0.008), were more likely to have undergone prior abdominal surgery (83.3 vs. 41.4%; p < 0.001) and had a higher incidence of preexisting comorbidities (76.1 vs. 67.2%; p = 0.014) as compared to the robotic group. There was no statistical difference in the total operative time, rate of conversion to open procedure and mean length of follow-up between the two groups. The mean length of hospital stay was shorter for patients within the robotic group (1.9 vs. 2.4 days; p = 0.012). Single-site robotic cholecystectomy was associated with a higher rate of wound infection (3.9 vs. 1.1%; p = 0.037) and incisional hernia (6.5 vs. 1.9%; p = 0.006). Multi-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy should remain the gold standard therapy for gallbladder disease. Single-site robotic cholecystectomy is an effective alternative procedure for uncomplicated benign gallbladder disease in properly selected patients. This must be carefully balanced against a high rate of surgical site infection and incisional hernia, and patients should be informed of these risks.
Low Prevalence of Clinically Significant Endoscopic Findings in Outpatients with Dyspepsia.

Background. The value of endoscopy in dyspeptic patients is questionable. Aims. To examine the prevalence of significant endoscopic findings (SEFs) and the utility of alarm features and age in predicting SEFs in outpatients with dyspepsia. Methods. A retrospective analysis of outpatient adults who had endoscopy for dyspepsia. Demographic variables, alarm features, and endoscopic findings were recorded. We defined SEFs as peptic ulcer disease, erosive esophagitis, malignancy, stricture, or findings requiring specific therapy. Results. Of 650 patients included in the analysis, 51% had a normal endoscopy. The most common endoscopic abnormality was nonerosive gastritis (29.7%) followed by nonerosive duodenitis (7.2%) and LA-class A esophagitis (5.4%). Only 10.2% had a SEF. Five patients (0.8%) had malignancy. SEFs were more likely present in patients with alarm features (12.6% versus 5.4%, ). Age ≥ 55 and presence of any alarm feature were associated with SEFs (aOR 1.8 and 2.3, resp.). Conclusion. Dyspeptic patients have low prevalence of SEF. The presence of any alarm feature and age ≥ 55 are associated with higher risk of SEF. Endoscopy in young patients with no alarm features has a low yield; these patients can be considered for nonendoscopic approach for diagnosis and management.
Gwyn E. Campbell y Amy R. Williamsen, eds., «Prismatic Reflections on Spanish Golden Age Theater. Essays in Honor of Matthew D. Stroud»

Review of Gwyn E. Campbell y Amy R. Williamsen, eds., Prismatic Reflections on Spanish Golden Age Theater. Essays in Honor of Matthew D. Stroud , Peter Lang, Nueva York, 2016, 374 pp. ISBN 9781433130083.
Ipsilesional Arm Aiming Movements After Stroke: Influence of the Degree of Contralesional Impairment

The authors examined the effects of the degree of impairment of the contralesional upper limb and the side of the hemispheric damage on ipsilesional upper limb performance in chronic stroke individuals. Right- and left-side stroke resulting in mild-to-severe impairment and healthy participants took part in simple and choice reaction time tasks involving aiming movements. The stroke individuals performed the aiming movements with the ipsilesional upper limb using a digitizing tablet to ipsi- or contralateral targets presented in a monitor. The global performance of the group with severe right hemispheric damage was worse than that of the other groups, indicating that the side of hemispheric damage and degree of motor impairment can adversely affect aiming movement performance.
Agricultural Cost Sharing and Water Quality in the Chesapeake Bay: Estimating Indirect Effects of Environmental Payments

This article analyzes the effect of agricultural cost sharing for cover crops on the acres of three conservation practices. A survey of farmers from Maryland is used to estimate the direct effect of cover crop cost sharing on the acres of cover crops, and the indirect effect of cover crop cost sharing on the acres of two other practices: conservation tillage and contour/strip cropping. A two‐stage simultaneous equation approach is used to correct for voluntary self‐selection into cost‐sharing programs, and to account for substitution effects among conservation practices. Using model parameters from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Chesapeake Bay Program, the estimated effects of cost sharing are then translated to pollution reduction in order to quantify water quality benefits. The results indicate that the large cover crop cost sharing effort in Maryland had considerable effects on cover crop acreage, substantially reducing nitrogen and phosphorus runoff. Moreover, after accounting for the indirect effects on conservation tillage, the cost per pound of phosphorus abatement in the Chesapeake Bay decreased by between 60–67%.
Grading Dysphagia as a Toxicity of Head and Neck Cancer: Differences in Severity Classification Based on MBS DIGEST and Clinical CTCAE Grades

Clinician-reported toxicity grading through common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE) stages dysphagia based on symptoms, diet, and tube dependence. The new dynamic imaging grade of swallowing toxicity (DIGEST) tool offers a similarly scaled five-point ordinal summary grade of pharyngeal swallowing as determined through results of a modified barium swallow (MBS) study. This study aims to inform clinicians on the similarities and differences between dysphagia severity according to clinical CTCAE and MBS-derived DIGEST grading. A cross-sectional sample of 95 MBS studies was randomly selected from a prospectively-acquired MBS database among patients treated with organ preservation strategies for head and neck cancer. MBS DIGEST and clinical CTCAE dysphagia grades were compared. DIGEST and CTCAE dysphagia grades had “fair” agreement per weighted κ of 0.358 (95% CI .231–.485). Using a threshold of DIGEST ≥ 3 as reference, CTCAE had an overall sensitivity of 0.50, specificity of 0.84, and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.67 to identify severe MBS-detected dysphagia. At less than 6 months, sensitivity was 0.72, specificity was 0.76, and AUC was 0.75 while at greater than 6 months, sensitivity was 0.22, specificity was 0.90, and AUC was 0.56 for CTCAE to detect dysphagia as determined by DIGEST. Classification of pharyngeal dysphagia on MBS using DIGEST augments our understanding of dysphagia severity according to the clinically-derived CTCAE while maintaining the simplicity of an ordinal scale. DIGEST likely complements CTCAE toxicity grading through improved specificity for physiologic dysphagia in the acute phase and improved sensitivity for dysphagia in the late-phase.
Rapid Fire: Pericardial Effusion and Tamponade

One of the most common causes of pericardial effusion in the Western world is malignancy. Emergency physicians must maintain vigilance in suspecting pericardial effusion and tamponade in patients with known or suspected malignancy who present with tachycardia, dyspnea, and hypotension. Diagnosis can be expedited by key physical examination, electrocardiogram, and sonographic findings. Unstable or crashing patients with tamponade must undergo emergent pericardiocentesis for removal of fluid and pressure to restore cardiac output.
Atherosclerosis and Inflammatory Heart Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality ­worldwide, with atherosclerosis accounting for most deaths. Inflammation is a key component in the pathogenesis of CVDs such as atherosclerosis, stroke, myocarditis, dilated cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. A number of recent clinical and animal model findings suggest that the pathogenesis of autoimmune and CVDs may be linked. Many potentially modifiable risk factors like diet, tobacco smoking, and infections have been associated with increased cardiovascular risk for both atherosclerosis and several autoimmune diseases including myocarditis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Although many autoimmune diseases are more prevalent in women, the risk for developing CVD remains elevated in men. Future studies should examine sex differences in CVD biomarkers following infection and/or toxicant exposure.
Reducing Kernel Surface Areas for Isolation and Scalability

Isolation is a desirable property for applications executing in multi-tenant computing systems. On the performance side, hardware resource isolation via partitioning mechanisms is commonly applied to achieve QoS, a necessary property for many noise-sensitive parallel workloads. Conversely, on the software side, partitioning is used, usually in the form of virtual machines, to provide secure environments with smaller attack surfaces than those present in shared software stacks. In this paper, we identify a further benefit from isolation, one that is currently less appreciated in most parallel computing settings: isolation of system software stacks, including OS kernels, can lead to significant performance benefits through a reduction in variability. To highlight the existing problem in shared software stacks, we first developed a new systematic approach to measure and characterize latent sources of variability in the Linux kernel. Using this approach, we find that hardware VMs are effective substrates for limiting kernel-level interference that otherwise occurs in monolithic kernel systems. Furthermore, by enabling reductions in variability, we find that virtualized environments often have superior worst-case performance characteristics than native or containerized environments. Finally, we demonstrate that due to their isolated software contexts, most virtualized applications consistently outperform their bare-metal counterparts when executing on 64-nodes of a multi-tenant, kernel-intensive cloud system.
Shoulder arthroplasty in patients with cerebral palsy: a matched cohort study to patients with osteoarthritis.

Background Patients with cerebral palsy (CP) often experience shoulder impairment via spasticity, muscle contractures, and joint instability. Currently, few studies investigate shoulder arthroplasty (SA) in patients with CP. This study reviewed the outcomes of both anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) in patients with CP. Methods Over a 30-year-period, 5 patients undergoing SA (2 TSA, 3 RSA) with a diagnosis of CP were identified. The cohort included 4 male patients with a mean age of 50.4 years (range, 44-58 years). CP patients were matched 1:2 based on age, sex, body mass index, and year of surgery with a group of patients undergoing SA for osteoarthritis (OA). Results Survival from implant revision for both TSA and RSA in CP was 100% at both 2 and 5 years postoperatively. Clinical complications were only observed in 2 patients after TSA, with 1 patient requiring revision at 14 years postoperatively. Collectively, there was no difference in the rate of complications and implant survival between patients with CP vs. OA. Prior to the surgical procedure, all CP patients had severe or moderate pain, with no moderate or severe pain postoperatively. Notable postoperative increases from preoperative baselines were noted in forward elevation (57°-106°), abduction (48°-84°), and external rotation (30°-64°). RSA had significantly improved postoperative abduction compared to TSA (97° vs. 64°, P Conclusions SA is a safe, durable procedure in patients with CP to clinically improve pain, function, and satisfaction. RSA was associated with better function and fewer complications than TSA.
The man in the mask.

A skeletonized body, wearing a black leather bondage mask, was found in a Revolutionary War smokehouse cave with two bullet holes in the back of the head. The body was skeletonized up to the maxillary area but the head region under the mask was well preserved and permitted a positive visual identification. There was evidence that the body had been eaten by small animals and subsequently burned. Investigations into this brutal murder revealed a tale of a bizarre sadomasochistic ritual that attained national prominence.
Preliminary Results for a Multi-Sensor Non-Destructive Test of Timber Strength

Several commercial instruments currently are sold for the purpose of determining the strength of timber [1]. This information is needed because of the reliance of several sectors of our infrastructure on this material. The most notable uses of large timber members are in telephone poles and bridges used on railroads. In many of these applications the strength of the timber is critical to the safety and reliability of the utilities and railroads. While the use of wood treatments has extends the useful life of timber, decay remains the primary mechanism of timber bridge deterioration [2]. Decay is defined as a process which adversely alters wood properties and can be attributed to two primary causes, biotic (living) agents and physical (non-living) agents. The mechanisms of decay are complex, however those factors which are of interest in the current effort affect the strength of the wood and thus impact the integrity of the structure.
Expression patterns and evolution of urocortin and corticotropin‐releasing hormone genes in a cichlid fish

The corticotropin-releasing hormone and urocortin family of peptides consists of five members in many vertebrates: CRH (crha/crhb in teleosts), CRH2, UCN/UTS1, UCN2, and UCN3. These genes differ in expression pattern, as well as receptor affinity, allowing them to serve a wide range of functions in a variety of species. To better understand the roles of these genes in a single species, we examined their expression patterns in the cichlid fish Astatotilapia burtoni. In situ hybridization to map mRNA expression patterns of crhb, uts1, ucn2, and ucn3 in the brain revealed conserved and distinct spatial features of expression. crhb- and uts1-expressing cells were the most broadly distributed, with several areas of co-regionalization. ucn3 was less abundant but was found in discrete regions throughout the extent of the brain, with high expression in the cerebellum, while ucn2 was restricted to only a few areas. RT-PCR showed that while crhb, uts1, and ucn3 are found in several body tissues and widespread throughout the brain, ucn2 is quite restricted in the brain, and crha is only expressed in the eye. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses identified detailed relationships and novel orthologs in the urocortin family. We found evidence for a UCN2 gene loss in some reptiles. Our detailed description of the complete family of genes in the central nervous system of a model organism will inform future studies on the function of these genes in A. burtoni and provides a foundation for comparative studies with teleosts and other vertebrates.
Prescription Opioid Dose After Vaginal Delivery and the Risk of Serious Opioid-Related Events: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract Purpose Postpartum opioid use remains common among women with uncomplicated vaginal delivery and may increase the risk of serious opioid-related events. Therefore, we examined the association between the dose of the first filled opioid prescription after vaginal delivery and the subsequent risk of serious opioid-related events. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study among women enrolled in Tennessee Medicaid with a vaginal delivery (2007–2015). We used Cox proportional hazards regression to model adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for serious opioid-related events after delivery according to the dose (morphine milligram equivalents [MME]) of the first postpartum opioid prescription, accounting for comorbidities, medication use, parity, and delivery complications. Serious opioid-related events were defined as the occurrence of persistent opioid use, a methadone or buprenorphine fill, opioid use disorder diagnosis, opioid overdose, or opioid-related death. We used filled pharmacy data to characterize the dose of the first postpartum opioid prescription filled within 4 days after delivery. Results More than one-half of women (53.2%; n = 147,598) filled an opioid prescription within 4 days of a vaginal delivery. After accounting for baseline risk factors, filling a postpartum opioid prescription was associated with an increased risk of serious opioid-related events across all dose categories, compared with women filling none (aHR 1–99 MME, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.33–1.74; aHR 100-149 MME, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.26–1.58; aHR 150–199 MME, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.26–1.57: and aHR ≥200 MME, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.43–1.78). Conclusions Filling a postpartum opioid prescription after a vaginal delivery was associated with an increased risk of serious opioid-related events, regardless of dose. Prescribing guidelines should discourage the routine prescribing of opioids after vaginal delivery.
Vaccination and Biosecurity Practices of Pennsylvania Dairy Producers

A 1994 outbreak of severe BVD in Pennsylvania prompted a study into the biosecurity and vaccination practices of dairy producers in the state. The objective of the survey was to determine how many herds might still be at risk for a disease for which a vaccine is available, such as BVD by assessing vaccination and biosecurity practices.
A Compact Model of Polycrystalline Ferroelectric Capacitor

We present a compact model of polycrystalline ferroelectric (FE) capacitors. The polycrystalline thin-film material is modeled as a collection of independent grains or grain groups. Each grain or grain group is characterized by its local field-dependent switching rate, which is characterized by a distribution function such as Gaussian or type-2 generalized beta distribution. This computationally efficient model accurately reproduces the published experimental polarization switching waveforms and the switching current waveforms in response to all reported applied voltage waveforms. The model tracks the polarization history so that it can simulate the transition between major and minor and among minor loops as well as accumulative polarization which cannot be captured by the conventional models. This model is intended for simulating circuits containing FE capacitors using commercial SPICE simulators for arbitrary applied voltage waveforms. It also has the capability of simulating the discrete switching and device variability in small-area FE capacitors having a small number of grains, although there is no available experimental data to check the model accuracy in this regard.
Accommodating and Assisting Human Partners in Human-Robot Collaborative Tasks through Emotion Understanding

Human-robot collaboration is inevitable in future smart manufacturing. In order to ensure safe human-robot collaboration, we develop a transfer learning-based approach to teach the robot to understand human emotions in smart manufacturing contexts. Our approach enables the robot to accurately understand human emotions and accommodate its human partner with corresponding assisting actions in collaborative tasks. This allows for improved collaboration-safety and enhanced ergonomics in human-robot partnerships. Experimental results and evaluations demonstrate that the robot can precisely understand human emotions in real time and effectively assist its human partner in real-world co-assembly tasks. Future work for this study is also discussed.
The 2D and 3D Linkage Technology of Design for Power Cable Engineering

This project proposes a 2D and 3D linkage design method for power cable engineering. First, it analyzes the necessity of introducing 3D design on the basis of traditional 2D design methods for power cable engineering, and thoroughly sorts out the work content and linkage methods of linkage design. Based on the design concept of "high cohesion, low coupling" and easy maintenance and easy expansion, a five-layer software architecture concluding presentation layer, business logic layer, functional service layer, data access layer and data storage layer has been built. The research puts forward the viewpoint and field synchronization, model mapping and linkage editing technology for power cable engineering, and builds a ground object model databases and parametric model databases, at the same time builds corresponding parametric modeling tools. Finally, a 2D and 3D linkage design system for power cable engineering is formed based on GIS, BIM and CAD technology.
Research on STEAM Education in China under the Framework of Supply and Demand Theory

This paper first explains the definition and historical evolution of STEAM education, which is different from the traditional Chinese education which focuses on the teaching of single subject book knowledge. STEAM education emphasizes the comprehensive application ability and creativity of disciplines, advocates the integration of subject knowledge in different fields, and forms the original scattered subject knowledge into a whole in practice, so that students can apply multiple disciplines in practice Knowledge solves problems. Then, this paper studies the current situation of STEAM education in China from the theoretical framework of supply and demand. On the demand side, the author analyzes the concept change of quality education driven by consumption upgrading, the demand for scientific and technological talents in the field of vocational education, and the enrichment of STEAM education products by technological progress. On the supply side, the author draws the upstream, midstream and downstream industry chain of STEAM education, and points out the problems existing in the industry, that is, the shortage of teachers, the serious homogenization of curriculum, and the high price limit the promotion of public schools. Finally, based on the above research, the author analyzes the future development trend of the industry, and believes that with the gradual improvement of social participation, the teaching scene will be more abundant, and the teaching mode will be more diversified, so as to provide suggestions and suggestions for the STEAM education industry practitioners.
Existence of Phase Transitions for φ24 Quantum Fields

The existence of phase transitions for λφ 2 4 quamtum fields in the region λ>>1 of bare coupling is established. Symmetry breaking for the interaction \( \mu \to \pm 0\left( {{\varphi ^4} - \mu \varphi } \right)\) is alsoproved and the distinction between phase transitions and symmetry breaking is emphasized.
Ten Guiding Principles for Truly Comprehensive Immigration Reform: A Blueprint

This Essay is part of a symposium held at Wayne State University Law School in February 2010 that will be published in a symposium issue of the Wayne Law Review. It articulates ten principles that I contend should guide immigration reform that would be meaningful, comprehensive, and long-lasting. My hope is to offer a roadmap to truly comprehensive immigration reform, rather than the ineffective piecemeal (and often half-baked) efforts at reform that we have seen over the last few decades. This is my basic pitch: to avoid a repeat of the failure of the last major attempt at “comprehensive” immigration reform in the Immigration reform and Control Act of 1986, we need to acknowledge that immigration – undocumented and not – is largely labor-driven; only by addressing that unquestionable truth reasonably and responsibly will we be able to reform the nation’s immigration laws so that they are enforceable, effective, efficient, and respected. At the same time, family unification, protection of refugees, and national security and public safety are other goals that, of course, cannot be ignored by the immigration laws. Still, those goals must be appropriately – and expressly – folded into, and carefully balanced in an, overall immigration reform package.
Vitamin A Deficiency

Vitamin A deficiency is common among children in developing countries, and is responsible for one to two million deaths and half a million new cases of blindness every year. Improving vitamin A status can dramatically improve child health, vision and survival. Keywords: nutrition; blindness; xerophthalmia; vitamin A; child survival
Power devices on bulk gallium nitride and diamond substrates: An overview of ARPA-E's SWITCHES program

Wide bandgap (WBG) power semiconductor devices offer substantial energy efficiency opportunities in a wide range of applications. The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) has invested in WBG power semiconductor devices since 2010. ARPA-E's ADEPT (Agile Delivery of Electrical Power Technologies) program, funded several teams to develop a range of SiC and GaN devices and demonstrate their efficacy in power converters. Despite recent progress, high cost remains an important barrier to the widespread adoption of WBG devices. Also, most WBG discrete devices demonstrated to date have had relatively low current ratings.
Differences in Polymorphonuclear Cell Counts Between Healthy White and Black Infants: Response to Meningitis

Both black adults and black children have significantly lower total WBC counts and absolute polymorphonuclear WBC counts than do white adults and white children. In an effort to determine whether similar differences existed in infancy, 50 health black infants and 50 white infants were examined. The black infants, 9 to 12 months of age, were found to have significantly lower total WBC counts, absolute neutrophil counts, and absolute lymphocyte counts. In ten of the 50 black infants, the absolute neutrophil counts were less than 1,000/microL; none of the white infants had absolute neutrophil counts of less than 1,000/microL. Even in the presence of a serious infection, meningitis, significantly fewer black infants had absolute neutrophil counts greater than 10,000/microL than did their white counterparts.
Straight from the Tap

Abstract The bottled water industry has experienced explosive growth during the past decade, largely due to a widely held consumer perception that bottled water is purer and healthier than tap water. Recent research raises questions about whether bottled water is actually better than tap water. Amid the controversy, there is a need to help clarify current consumer perceptions concerning water quality and purity and to examine associated new product development implications. A product concept test among 386 bottled water consumers is used here to provide an evaluation of a proposed bottled water brand that would be produced by a local water company. Overall, the findings indicate that the product concept is promising, but needs some refinement. The managerial implications, particularly concerning additional purification of tap water and critical success factors, apply not only to the proposed product but also to many other entrants into the bottled water market.
Utilizing population variation, vaccination, and systems biology to study human immunology

The move toward precision medicine has highlighted the importance of understanding biological variability within and across individuals in the human population. In particular, given the prevalent involvement of the immune system in diverse pathologies, an important question is how much and what information about the state of the immune system is required to enable accurate prediction of future health and response to medical interventions. Towards addressing this question, recent studies using vaccination as a model perturbation and systems-biology approaches are beginning to provide a glimpse of how natural population variation together with multiplexed, high-throughput measurement and computational analysis can be used to uncover predictors of immune response quality in humans. Here I discuss recent developments in this emerging field, with emphasis on baseline correlates of vaccination responses, sources of immune-state variability, as well as relevant features of study design, data generation, and computational analysis.
Microchip electrophoresis at elevated temperatures and high separation field strengths

We report free-solution microchip electrophoresis performed at elevated temperatures and high separation field strengths. We used microfluidic devices with 11 cm long separation channels to conduct separations at temperatures between 22 (ambient) and 45°C and field strengths from 100 to 1000 V/cm. To evaluate separation performance, N-glycans were used as a model system and labeled with 8-aminopyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid to impart charge for electrophoresis and render them fluorescent. Typically, increased diffusivity at higher temperatures leads to increased axial dispersion and poor separation performance; however, we demonstrate that sufficiently high separation field strengths offset the impact of increased diffusivity in order to maintain separation efficiency. Efficiencies for these free-solution separations are the same at temperatures of 25, 35, and 45°C with separation field strengths ≥ 500 V/cm.
Strategies to Increase Representation of Students with Disabilities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

As a nation wrestles with the need to train more professionals, persons with disabilities are undereducated and underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The following project was proposed to increase representation of students with disabilities in the STEM disciplines. The program emphasizes an integrated program of interventions for college students with disabilities (SwD) majoring in STEM which centers on a system of continuous student monitoring with rapid access to academic and personal services, as well as professional development and degree enhancing experiences supplied during the entire period of college attendance.
Measuring disability, physical functions and cognitive abilities of adults: Survey enhancements and options for a new panel study

This paper reviews measures of the physical and cognitive abilities of adults in the context of a national household panel survey and considers whether a new household panel survey is needed to answer scientific and policy questions related to disability. To address this topic, we first review illustrative scientific and policy issues related to disability and functioning and review gaps in the nation’s disability-related data system. Next, we offer a set of key domains to be measured, review several additional covariates of interest, and describe existing summary measures to identify the population living with disability. Finally, we take up the challenging issue of tradeoffs in starting a new household survey versus enhancing existing studies or developing specialized studies with a focus on disability to address these issues.
To have or not to have: Advance planning by same-sex couples

Twenty-eight same-sex couples were interviewed regarding advance planning documents (e.g., wills and powers of attorney). Results revealed motivating and inhibiting factors in decisions whether to execute documents. Couples who had executed advance planning documents were motivated by their desire for protection, by their commitment to their relationships, by their families of origin, by their friends and life experiences, and by the sociopolitical culture. Couples who had not executed advance planning documents did not place a priority on nor have a sense of urgency about obtaining documents. They were further deterred by their feelings of good health and youth and by a lack of resources, including knowledge about advance planning. The unique experiences of same-sex couples and resulting policy implications are discussed within a theoretical framework of minority stress.
Babel or great wall: social media use among chinese students in the United States

We investigated how social media support the acculturation process for an expatriate group: Chinese students in the United States. We interviewed 20 participants and found that 1) students extensively used Chinese social media to maintain their original self, especially through social bonding and information surveillance activities, while facing culture shock; 2) social media were also critical in helping students assimilate into their new (American) culture, through affordances for scaffolding, bridging, and surveillance; 3) the use of social media across the acculturation process is evolving in the context of the changing ecology of social media. This study expands existing HCI work on inter-cultural communication and collaboration activities toward consideration of acculturation strategies, online support for identity, and designing for individual development.
Increased efficacy of in vitro Photofrin photosensitization of human oral squamous cell carcinoma by iron and ascorbate.

Abstract Photofrin ® , a photosensitizer used in the photodynamic therapy of cancer, selectively localizes in cellular membranes. Upon exposure to visible light, Photofrin ® produces singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ), which reacts with membrane polyunsaturated fatty acids forming lipid hydroperoxides. Transition metals, such as Fe 2+ , catalyze the production of cytotoxic free radicals from lipid hydroperoxides. Ascorbate reduces ferric to ferrous iron, further augmenting lipid peroxidation. Therefore, to increase the efficacy of Photofrin ® photosensitization, we added 20 μM ferrous sulfate and 100 μM ascorbic acid, in an aqueous layer over SCC-25 oral squamous cell carcinoma cells during in vitro illumination. In electron paramagnetic resonance spin trapping experiments, using POBN (α-(4-pyridyl-1-oxide)- N-tert -butylnitrone), we observed that the presence of this pro-oxidant combination greatly increases the production of membrane-derived lipid free radicals. The effect was time dependent but only partially concentration dependent. Trypan blue dye exclusion demonstrated that this increase in lipid radical formation correlated with cytotoxicity. These observations support the hypothesis that Photofrin ® photosensitization leads to lipid hydroperoxide formation, which increases the cell's susceptibility to iron-induced Fenton chemistry. The resulting free radical-mediated lipid peroxidation results in cell death. From these data we hypothesize that the efficacy of photodynamic therapy of superficial cancer might be increased by the topical application of the pro-oxidant combination of iron and ascorbate. Furthermore, their use will probably allow lower doses of Photofrin ® without compromising antitumor effect.
Local trans fat bans and consumer autonomy.

David Resnik (2010) argues that current efforts to ban trans fats from restaurant foods are problematic because they risk further bans on unhealthy foods, which would be an unjustified restriction ...
HIV affected households in Western Kenya experience greater food insecurity

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the ?rst Millennium Village in Western Kenya. We com- pared the food security status of households affected by HIV/AIDS to households not affected by HIV/ AIDS. We also identi?ed coping strategies adopted by members of food insecure households.315 Households were included in the study, consisting of 169 HIV affected households, (44 households with self-identi?ed HIV positive adults, 80 households with orphans, and 45 households with both orphans and self-identi?ed HIV positive adults). These households were compared to 146 HIV unaffected households.Food security status was measured using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale Indicator (HFIAS) guide. Coping strategies were measured using the Coping Strategies Index (CSI).HIV affected households had a signi?cantly higher food insecurity score 11.11, compared to 9.53 in HIV unaffected households (p = 0.037). Female headed households had the worst food security, regardless of household type. There were also signi?cant difference in the coping strategies scores between HIV affected (64.48) and unaffected households (50.31) (p = 0.004). HIV affected households were associated with more severe coping strategies. The food security of HIV affected households is compromised by a variety of factors including the synergy generated by hosting a HIV positive family member and orphans. The gender of the household head is also an important consideration. Households headed by women tend to be more vulnerable, predisposing households to greater food insecurity.
Sovereignty: An Institutional Perspective

Contemporary social science analysis is dominated by utilitarian or functional approaches in which institutional structures are assumed to adapt in an optimal fashion to changing environmental cond...
Butyrate differentially regulates cytokines and proliferation in porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Although butyrate modulates proliferation and cytokine production by PBMC in some species, the role of butyrate as a regulator of immunocyte function in the pig has not been studied. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to determine whether butyrate influences peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation, cytokine secretion and mRNA expression in the pig in vitro. We also sought to determine whether alterations in cytokine production attributable to butyrate were associated with changes in the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS3). Porcine PBMC were isolated from venous blood and stimulated with concanavalin A (ConA) in the presence or absence of sodium butyrate at 0.2 or 2.0 mM. Butyrate at 2.0 mM suppressed (P < 0.05) ConA-induced PBMC proliferation and led to a paradoxical increase (P < 0.05) in IL-2 mRNA expression. The secretion and mRNA expression of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) by ConA-activated PBMC was increased (P < 0.05) by butyrate at 2.0 mM. Exposing activated PBMC to butyrate at 2.0 mM decreased (P < 0.05) the secretion of interleukin-10 (IL-10). In contrast, butyrate at 0.2 mM increased (P < 0.05) both IL-10 secretion and mRNA expression. Activation of porcine PBMC with ConA increased (P < 0.05) the expression of SOCS3 mRNA, and butyrate treatment further augmented (P < 0.05) SOCS3 mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner. Mechanistically, pretreatment with the adenyl cyclase inhibitor 2,5-dideoxyadenosine abolished (P < 0.05) the inhibitory effect of 2.0 mM butyrate on IL-10 secretion, and partially reversed (P < 0.05) the increase in IFN-γ secretion induced by 2.0 mM butyrate. These data indicate that the effect of butyrate on cytokine production by porcine PBMC is dose-dependent, and that butyrate increases the expression of SOCS3 in activated PBMC. In addition, we provide evidence that the effects of butyrate on IFN-γ and IL-10 production are mediated in part via a cAMP-dependent mechanism.
Generalized Conditions for Hydraulic Criticality of Oceanic Overflows

Two methods for assessing the hydraulic criticality of an observed or modeled overflow are discussed. The methods are valid for single-layer deep flows with arbitrary potential vorticity and cross section. The first method is based on a purely steady view in which the flow at a given section is divided up into a group of “streamtubes.” A hydraulic analysis requires an extension of Gill’s functional formulation to systems with many degrees of freedom. The general form of the critical condition and associated compatibility condition for such a system are derived and applied to the streamtube model. As an aside, it is shown by example that Gill’s original critical condition can fail to capture all possible critical states, but that this problem is fixed when the multivariable approach is used. It is also shown how Gill’s method can be applied to certain dispersive or dissipative systems. The second method of assessing criticality involves direct calculation of linear, long-wave speeds using a time-dependent version of the streamtube model. This approach turns out to be better suited to the analysis of geophysical datasets. The significance of the local Froude number F is discussed. It is argued that F must take on the value unity at some point across a critical section.
Type III adenylyl cyclase localizes to primary cilia throughout the adult mouse brain

Solitary primary cilia project from nearly every cell type in the human body. These organelles are considered to have important sensory and signaling functions. Although primary cilia have been detected throughout the mammalian brain, their functions are unknown. The study of primary cilia in the brain is constrained by the scarcity of specific markers for these organelles. We previously demonstrated that type III adenylyl cyclase (ACIII) is a marker for primary cilia on neonatal hippocampal neurons in vivo and in vitro. We further showed that ACIII localizes to cilia on cultured glial cells. Here, we report that ACIII is a marker for primary cilia throughout many regions of the adult mouse brain. Furthermore, we report that ACIII localizes to primary cilia on choroid plexus cells and some astrocytes in the brain, which to our knowledge is the first report of a marker for visualizing cilia on glia in vivo. Overall, our data indicate that ACIII is a prominent marker of primary cilia in the brain and will provide an important tool to facilitate further investigations into the functions of these organelles.
Activation of male-typical aggression by testosterone but not its metabolites in C57BL/6J female mice.

Abstract Ovariectomized adult C57BL/6J mice were exposed to androgens, estrogens, or combined androgen-estrogen treatments and tested for the display of male-typical aggressive behavior toward olfactory bulbectomized stimulus males. Among the androgenic treatments (testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, or methyltrienolone) only testosterone, which, in contrast to the other androgens, can be aromatized, activated fighting behavior. In the second experiment, estradiol benzoate (EB) was totally ineffective as an aggression-promoting compound. Lastly, combined EB+dihydrotestosterone also did not induce male-like aggression. These data suggest that T itself may be capable of promoting aggression without undergoing aromatization or 5α-reduction.
Antecedents and outcomes of targeting older applicants in recruitment

Inspired by Rynes and Barber's and Avery and McKay's theoretical work, we examined factors that influence organizations’ decision to target older applicants and the influence of this decision on other recruiting strategies. Our study of two samples of HR professionals provides mixed support for these theoretical frameworks. Incumbent age and an organizational climate that rewards diversity were related to targeting older workers, whereas an ageist climate and labour market tightness were not. Further, the decision to target older applicants was related to the number of recruitment sources used and, in one sample, an emphasis on work environment benefits. However, this decision was not related to an emphasis on financial stability benefits or to recruiter age.