cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Pregnancy and Hormones on the Activity of Aspartate Transcarbamylase and the Level of Nucleic Acids in the Mammary Gland of the Rat

It is well established that pregnancy or the injection of certain hormones results in greatly increased levels of nucleic acids in the mammary gland of the rat. The present study involves the reinvestigation of the levels of nucleic acids in mammary tissue in pregnancy and lactation as well as in hormonally induced growth of the gland in an attempt to correlate the rise in the level of nucleic acids to the activity of aspartate transcarbamylase. A definite chronological correlation exists between enzymatic activity and the accumulation of RNA in mammary tissue in both normal pregnancy and hormonally induced growth. We interpret the results as indicating a possible dependence on an increased activity of aspartate transcarbamylase for the subsequent rise in the level of nucleic acids in the mammary gland of the rat. (Endocrinology 80: 505, 1967)
Mycobacterial RNA Polymerase Requires a U-Tract at Intrinsic Terminators and Is Aided by NusG at Suboptimal Terminators

Intrinsic terminators, which encode GC-rich RNA hairpins followed immediately by a 7-to-9-nucleotide (nt) U-rich "U-tract," play principal roles of punctuating and regulating transcription in most bacteria. However, canonical intrinsic terminators with strong U-tracts are underrepresented in some bacterial lineages, notably mycobacteria, leading to proposals that their RNA polymerases stop at noncanonical intrinsic terminators encoding various RNA structures lacking U-tracts. We generated recombinant forms of mycobacterial RNA polymerase and its major elongation factors NusA and NusG to characterize mycobacterial intrinsic termination. Using in vitro transcription assays devoid of possible mycobacterial contaminants, we established that mycobacterial RNA polymerase terminates more efficiently than Escherichia coli RNA polymerase at canonical terminators with imperfect U-tracts but does not terminate at putative terminators lacking U-tracts even in the presence of mycobacterial NusA and NusG. However, mycobacterial NusG exhibits a novel termination-stimulating activity that may allow intrinsic terminators with suboptimal U-tracts to function efficiently. IMPORTANCE Bacteria rely on transcription termination to define and regulate units of gene expression. In most bacteria, precise termination and much regulation by attenuation are accomplished by intrinsic terminators that encode GC-rich hairpins and U-tracts necessary to disrupt stable transcription elongation complexes. Thus, the apparent dearth of canonical intrinsic terminators with recognizable U-tracts in mycobacteria is of significant interest both because noncanonical intrinsic terminators could reveal novel routes to destabilize transcription complexes and because accurate understanding of termination is crucial for strategies to combat mycobacterial diseases and for computational bioinformatics generally. Our finding that mycobacterial RNA polymerase requires U-tracts for intrinsic termination, which can be aided by NusG, will guide future study of mycobacterial transcription and aid improvement of predictive algorithms to annotate bacterial genome sequences.
Performance improvement CME for quality: challenges inherent to the process.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the perspective debates upon the real-time challenges for a three-staged Performance Improvement Continuing Medical Education (PI-CME) model, an innovative and potential approach for future CME, to inform providers to think, prepare and to act proactively. Design/methodology/approach – In this discussion, the challenges associated for adopting the American Medical Association’s three-staged PI-CME model are reported. Findings – Not many institutions in USA are using a three-staged performance improvement model and then customizing it to their own healthcare context for the specific targeted audience. They integrate traditional CME methods with performance and quality initiatives, and linking with CME credits. Practical implications – Overall the US health system is interested in a structured PI-CME model with the potential to improve physicians practicing behaviors. Originality/value – Knowing the dearth of evidence for applying this structured performance...
Analyzing hyperspectral data with independent component analysis

Hyperspectral image sensors provide images with a large number of contiguous spectral channels per pixel and enable information about different materials within a pixel to be obtained. The problem of spectrally unmixing materials may be viewed as a specific case of the blind source separation problem where data consists of mixed signals and the goal is to determine the contribution of each mineral to the mix without prior knowledge of the minerals in the mix. The technique of independent component analysis (ICA) assumes that the spectral components are close to statistically independent and provides an unsupervised method for blind source separation. We introduce contextual ICA in the context of hyperspectral data analysis and apply the method to mineral data from synthetically mixed minerals and real image signatures.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Nigeria's South African policy 1973-1993 : a study in historical materialism and international relations

Historical materialism as a discourse assumes that the economic determines the political and other dimensions of society. Nigeria had set specific conditions for renewed relations with apartheid South Africa. These were yet to be met and the intensity that characterised Nigeria's pursuance of an aggressive anti-apartheid policy in the 1970s began to wane as from the 1980s. This article is of the view that 'dramatic changes' might have occurred in Nigeria itself that altered the level of priority on Southern Africa. These 'dramatic changes' were in the form of economic constraints which naturally led to a change in foreign policy choice for Nigeria between 1983 and 1993. This article is a study of the ebbs and flows in Nigeria's South African policy over two decades. Specifically, the article examines the extent to which the economic downturn occasioned by the fall in crude oil revenue from the 1980s altered Nigeria's hitherto aggressive anti-apartheid policy.
Does Obesity Induce Resistance to the Long-Term Cardiovascular and Metabolic Actions of Melanocortin 3/4 Receptor Activation?

Previous studies suggest that blockade of melanocortin 3 and 4 receptors (MC3/4-R) markedly attenuates the chronic hypertensive effects of leptin. Although obesity has been reported to be associated with leptin “resistance,” it is unclear whether obesity alters the cardiovascular and metabolic effects of chronic MC3/4-R activation. Therefore, we tested whether the cardiovascular and metabolic actions of MC3/4-R activation are attenuated in Sprague-Dawley rats fed a high-fat diet (HF, n=6) compared with rats fed a standard chow (NF, n=6) for 12 months. A 21G steel cannula was placed in the lateral ventricle for ICV infusion, and arterial and venous catheters were implanted for measurement of mean arterial pressure (MAP) 24 hours/day and IV infusions. After a 5-day control period, rats were infused with MC3/4-R agonist melanotan II (10 ng/h, ICV), for 10 days followed by a 5-day recovery period. HF rats were heavier (558±21 versus 485±13 g) with 140% more visceral fat than NF rats, hyperleptinemic (8.9±0.5 versus 2.7±0.5 ng/mL), and insulin resistant. HF rats also had higher MAP (109±3 versus 100±1 mm Hg). Chronic melanotan II infusion significantly increased MAP in HF and NF (7±2 and 6±1 mm Hg), decreased caloric intake (−32±2 and −25 ±2 kcal/day), and reduced insulin levels in both groups by ≈50%. Thus, the metabolic and cardiovascular actions of chronic MC3/4-R activation are preserved in diet-induced obesity, supporting a potential role for the hypothalamic melanocortin system in obesity hypertension.
The influence of emotion expression on perceptions of trustworthiness in negotiation

When interacting with computer agents, people make inferences about various characteristics of these agents, such as their reliability and trustworthiness. These perceptions are significant, as they influence people's behavior towards the agents, and may foster or inhibit repeated interactions between them. In this paper we investigate whether computer agents can use the expression of emotion to influence human perceptions of trustworthiness. In particular, we study human-computer interactions within the context of a negotiation game, in which players make alternating offers to decide on how to divide a set of resources. A series of negotiation games between a human and several agents is then followed by a "trust game." In this game people have to choose one among several agents to interact with, as well as how much of their resources they will trust to it. Our results indicate that, among those agents that displayed emotion, those whose expression was in accord with their actions (strategy) during the negotiation game were generally preferred as partners in the trust game over those whose emotion expressions and actions did not mesh. Moreover, we observed that when emotion does not carry useful new information, it fails to strongly influence human decision-making behavior in a negotiation setting.
Neural-network speech processing for toys and consumer electronics

The ongoing challenge in speech research is the recognition of continuous, unconstrained speech. In comparison, isolated word recognition with small vocabularies is easy. Many research efforts and commercial ventures aim at the high end problem. Sensory Inc. has successfully focused on the low end, producing a family of inexpensive speech recognition ICs for markets such as interactive toys, consumer electronics, electronic learning aids, telecommunication devices, security systems, and household appliances. These markets are extremely cost conscious and demand solutions in the under five dollar price range. Previous low cost solutions relied on coarse properties of the speech signal, such as the amplitude envelope or zero crossing rates, and typically yielded poor recognition performance. Digital signal processor based approaches can achieve adequate performance but are beyond the low cost market's reach. Sensory uses a neural network based approach that provides robust performance at a low cost. Sensory's general purpose RSC-164 controller performs four speech recognition functions.
Generation and characterization of transgene-free human induced pluripotent stem cells and conversion to putative clinical-grade status

The reprogramming of a patient’s somatic cells back into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) holds significant promise for future autologous cellular therapeutics. The continued presence of potentially oncogenic transgenic elements following reprogramming, however, represents a safety concern that should be addressed prior to clinical applications. The polycistronic stem cell cassette (STEMCCA), an excisable lentiviral reprogramming vector, provides, in our hands, the most consistent reprogramming approach that addresses this safety concern. Nevertheless, most viral integrations occur in genes, and exactly how the integration, epigenetic reprogramming, and excision of the STEMCCA reprogramming vector influences those genes and whether these cells still have clinical potential are not yet known. In this study, we used both microarray and sensitive real-time PCR to investigate gene expression changes following both intron-based reprogramming and excision of the STEMCCA cassette during the generation of human iPSCs from adult human dermal fibroblasts. Integration site analysis was conducted using nonrestrictive linear amplification PCR. Transgene-free iPSCs were fully characterized via immunocytochemistry, karyotyping and teratoma formation, and current protocols were implemented for guided differentiation. We also utilized current good manufacturing practice guidelines and manufacturing facilities for conversion of our iPSCs into putative clinical grade conditions. We found that a STEMCCA-derived iPSC line that contains a single integration, found to be located in an intronic location in an actively transcribed gene, PRPF39, displays significantly increased expression when compared with post-excised stem cells. STEMCCA excision via Cre recombinase returned basal expression levels of PRPF39. These cells were also shown to have proper splicing patterns and PRPF39 gene sequences. We also fully characterized the post-excision iPSCs, differentiated them into multiple clinically relevant cell types (including oligodendrocytes, hepatocytes, and cardiomyocytes), and converted them to putative clinical-grade conditions using the same approach previously approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the conversion of human embryonic stem cells from research-grade to clinical-grade status. For the first time, these studies provide a proof-of-principle for the generation of fully characterized transgene-free human iPSCs and, in light of the limited availability of current good manufacturing practice cellular manufacturing facilities, highlight an attractive potential mechanism for converting research-grade cell lines into putatively clinical-grade biologics for personalized cellular therapeutics.
Pathological Changes Associated with Eggs and Larvae of Unionicola sp. (Acari: Unionicolidae) Infecting Strophitus connasaugaensis (Bivalvia: Unionidae) from Alabama Creeks

Abstract: We detail gross and histopathological changes associated with infection by the eggs, larvae, and cuticular remnants of Unionicola sp. in the mantle, gill, and visceral mass of 25 Alabama creekmussels, Strophitus connasaugaensis, collected during May 2010 through July 2012 from 2 Alabama streams. A multitude (estimated mean intensity >100) of mite eggs and larvae typically infected mantle, gill, and visceral mass integument. Pathology associated with eggs (prevalence = 0.57) and larvae (prevalence = 0.39) typically consisted of localized distension of the infection site; a host response to these infections was indeterminate. However, larval mites embedded in suprabranchial connective tissues were typically encapsulated (prevalence = 0.89). Mite remnants (prevalence = 0.5) occurred in mantle, gill, visceral mass integument, foot, heart, pericardial gland, intestinal lamina propria, and were typically encapsulated. We speculate that S. connasaugaensis clears some infections but is recolonized by a...
Directional Darwinian Selection in proteins

Molecular evolution is a very active field of research, with several complementary approaches, including dN/dS, HON90, MM01, and others. Each has documented strengths and weaknesses, and no one approach provides a clear picture of how natural selection works at the molecular level. The purpose of this work is to present a simple new method that uses quantitative amino acid properties to identify and characterize directional selection in proteins. Inferred amino acid replacements are viewed through the prism of a single physicochemical property to determine the amount and direction of change caused by each replacement. This allows the calculation of the probability that the mean change in the single property associated with the amino acid replacements is equal to zero (H0: μ = 0; i.e., no net change) using a simple two-tailed t-test. Example data from calanoid and cyclopoid copepod cytochrome oxidase subunit I sequence pairs are presented to demonstrate how directional selection may be linked to major shifts in adaptive zones, and that convergent evolution at the whole organism level may be the result of convergent protein adaptations. Rather than replace previous methods, this new method further complements existing methods to provide a holistic glimpse of how natural selection shapes protein structure and function over evolutionary time.
Brief rapid pacing depresses contractile function via Ca2+/PKC-dependent signaling in cat ventricular myocytes

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of brief rapid pacing (RP; ∼200–240 beats/min for ∼5 min) on contractile function in ventricular myocytes. RP was followed by a sustained inhib...
Gratitude and Hume's Conventional Morality

This essay draws from Hume's Treatise to formulate a theory of gratitude consistent with both ordinary notions of gratitude and the particular demands of Hume's theory of moral sentiments. The essay argues that gratitude plays a critical role, heretofore unexamined, in Hume's practical morality by providing the explanatory mechanism for how the conventional, cooperative mores of promise-keeping come to attain normative force. The second horn of this paper's argument concerns Hume's scheme to self-correct moral judgments against his worry about natural biases cropping up when moral judges evaluate actions. Hume admits that the sympathies crucial to Hume's account of moral judgment are naturally and problematically more efficacious the nearer and more intimate the relation between the actor and the judge, and with these natural limits in view, I clarify why Hume's theory of moral sentiments fails to adequately treat the problems of making moral judgments, including judgments of gratitude or ingratitude, in societies characterized by systemic class oppression and structural barriers separating the actor from the judge.
The Silk Road Health Project: How Mobility and Migration Status Influence HIV Risks among Male Migrant Workers in Central Asia.

Objectives We examined whether mobility, migrant status, and risk environments are associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV risk behaviors (e.g. sex trading, multiple partners, and unprotected sex). Methods We used Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) to recruit external male migrant market vendors from Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan as well internal migrant and non-migrant market vendors from Kazakhstan. We conducted multivariate logistic regressions to examine the effects of mobility combined with the interaction between mobility and migration status on STIs and sexual risk behaviors, when controlling for risk environment characteristics. Results Mobility was associated with increased risk for biologically-confirmed STIs, sex trading, and unprotected sex among non-migrants, but not among internal or external migrants. Condom use rates were low among all three groups, particularly external migrants. Risk environment factors of low-income status, debt, homelessness, and limited access to medical care were associated with unprotected sex among external migrants. Conclusion Study findings underscore the role mobility and risk environments play in shaping HIV/STI risks. They highlight the need to consider mobility in the context of migration status and other risk environment factors in developing effective prevention strategies for this population.
Comparison of the Aptima and Cervista tests for detection of high-risk human papillomavirus in cervical cytology specimens.

Objectives: The Aptima and Cervista tests (Hologic/ Gen-Probe, San Diego, CA) were compared for detection of high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) in cervical cytology specimens. Methods: A total of 208 specimens were tested with both tests, and those with discordant results were tested with the Cobas HPV test (Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis, IN). HPV test results were correlated with cytologic findings for all specimens and concurrent cervical biopsy specimens in 31 women. Results: The agreement between the results of the two tests was only 88% (McNemar test, P < .001). HPV was detected by both tests in 83 specimens, by Aptima alone in two, and by Cervista alone in 23. Both tests were negative in 100 specimens. One (50%) of two specimens positive by Aptima alone and only five (22%) of 23 specimens positive by Cervista alone were positive by the Cobas test. Of the 23 Cervista-positive/Aptima-negative specimens, 13 were positive in all three of the Cervista reaction mixtures for HPV clades A5/A6, A7, and A9, and 85% of these had high human genomic DNA fold-over-zero ratios (≥15). Conclusions: We found poor positive percent agreement between the results of the Aptima and Cervista HPV tests and described an important source of false-positive Cervista results.
Circumventing Scherzer's Theorem: Large Numerical Aperture Objective Lenses for Pulsed Electron Microscopy

Scherzer’s theorem states that all static round magnetic and electro-static electron lenses possess positive spherical aberration [1]. As a result, in recent years, much effort has been invested in techniques to correct for the spatial aberrations (Cs) of objective lenses in high resolution electron microscopy. For pulsed electron sources, such as those required for ultrafast transmission electron microscopy (UTEM), an alternative strategy for Cs aberration correction is possible through the use of the dynamic lensing properties of RF cavities [2] that, when operated in the appropriate oscillation mode, can possess negative spherical aberration [3]. For single-shot imaging UTEM, which requires ~ 10 8 electrons/pulse, simulations indicate that a large numerical aperture (NA > 0.1) objective lens will also be required to mitigate against deleterious space-charge effects [4] – effectively by minimizing the time electrons experience a high charge density. Here, we present a theoretical analysis of the possibility of using the focusing properties of RF cavities to compensate for the spherical aberration of large NA objective lenses for pulsed electron microscopy.
Amblyospora connecticus sp. nov. (Microsporida: Amblyosporidae): Horizontal transmission studies in the mosquito Aedes cantator and formal description

Abstract The morphology, development, and ultrastructure of an Amblyospora (Microsporida) species parasitic in the salt marsh mosquito, Aedes cantator , were investigated following horizontal transmission of infection from the intermediate copepod host, Acanthocyclops vernalis . Infections were readily transmitted to A. cantator in the laboratory when larvae were allowed to feed on spores harvested from A. vernalis . The microsporidium was observed to initially invade the midgut and gastric caeca of host larvae and then spread to the muscles, oenocytes, and Malpighian tubules. It divides by binary fission within these host tissues and produces uninucleated gametes that undergo plasmogamy to form diplokaryotic stages in adult hosts. Diplokaryotic sporonts sporulate in adult female hosts only when a blood meal is taken and this results in the formation of binucleated spores that are responsible for transovarial transmission to the next host mosquito generation. Quantitative studies show that male mosquito hosts are more susceptible and develop more progressive infections than females. However, the microsporidium never sporulates in males and the fate and function of these infections in male hosts remain unknown. A new species, Amblyospora connecticus , is proposed for this isolate and a formal taxonomic description is given based on its entire life cycle in both hosts.
Effect of antibiotics on the productivity of genetic strains of Tribolium confusum and Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Genetic differences in the responses of Tribolium confusum (duVal) and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) to antibiotics are reported. The antibiotics erythromycin, tetracycline, and spectinomycin were tested for their effect on productivity of each of three strains of T. confusum and T. castaneum . The results of two experiments examining productivity of populations in environments containing antibiotics are presented. The first experiment examines strain and species sensitivity to low dosages (0.005% by weight) of three antibiotics. For T. castaneum , the antibiotics significantly affect productivity in only one of the three strains examined. In T. confusum , there is a significant genotype-environment interaction; that is, the different strains react in different ways to the antibiotics. The second experiment examines the effects of different dosages (0.0625–0.25% by weight) of tetracycline on the three strains of T. confusum , and demonstrates genetic differences among strains in sensitivity to dosage of antibiotic. Differences in antibiotic sensitivity are of general interest because antibiotics are often used in laboratory insect diets.
Failure of Vitamin Supplementation to Alter the Fatty Liver Syndrome Caused by Aflatoxin

Abstract A mixture of choline, inositol, vitamin B12, and vitamin E has been reported to cure the fatty liver syndrome of laying hens, but the inability to reproduce this syndrome in the laboratory has prevented controlled evaluation of the proposed cure. Since dietary aflatoxin causes reproducibly in the laboratory a fatty liver syndrome, an experiment was designed to establish whether the vitamin mixture was effective in treating the syndrome caused by aflatoxin. Hens selected for similar age, weight, and egg production were used in a 2×2 factorial experiment for the presence and absence of the added dietary vitamins and 10 μg./g.aflatoxin. After three weeks the aflatoxin caused a significant increase in liver size, liver total lipid, and percent of egg as shell and a decrease in egg roduction while the added vitamins were without effect on these parameters. Half of the birds which had received aflatoxin were placed on the control diet while the other half were fed the control diet supplemented with the vitamin mixture. In three weeks, all parameters returned to control values and the added vitamins had no significant effect on the recovery. These results suggest that the proposed vitamin mixture is not effective in altering the development or enhancing the recovery from the fatty liver syndrome caused by aflatoxin.
Evaluation on the disease burden and trend of diabetes in Ningbo using DALY

Objective To assess the disease burden and trend of diabetes in Ningbo by using disability adjusted life years(DALY). Methods Disability adjusted life years(DALY)of diabetes was calculated with the prevalence,mortality,incidence and literature data of diabets in Ningbo by DisModⅡ. Results The overall burden of diabetes DALYs were 262,771.20during 2002to 2011,with the intensity of 4.69DALYs per 1000population in Ningbo,which were both higher in females than in males,and majority were older than 40 years old.The intensity of burden showed upward trend during the 10year period. Conclusions The disease burden of diabetes becomes heavier each year,suggesting that residents aged over 40years especially women should be screened regularly for diabetes in order to relieve the heavy burden caused by diabetes.
Identifying Traits and Values of Top-Performing Information Security Personnel

ABSTRACTEnterprise information security is a talent-centric proposition. Information assurance is a product of the combined expertise, attention-to-detail, and creativity of an information security team. A competitive edge can be obtained by hiring the top information security professionals. Therefore, identifying the right people is a mission-critical task. To assist in the candidate selection process, this research analyzes the enduring traits and values of top security performers. It identifies the personality traits and values which distinguish high-performing information security workers. In a laboratory study, a series of simulations were administered to 61 subjects to assess their ability to solve various information security problems. The characteristics of top information security performers were contrasted against the rest of the cohort. In terms of personality, the top performers have higher levels of conscientiousness and openness. With respect to values, the top performers have stronger theor...
Assessment of Dentally Related Function in Individuals with Cognitive Impairment: The Dental Activities Test.

Objectives To develop and validate the Dental Activities Test (DAT), a clinical tool for measuring dentally related function in cognitively impaired older adults. Design Cross-sectional study design. Setting Three assisted living residences in North Carolina. Participants Assisted living residents with normal to impaired cognition aged 50 and older; not blind, deaf, or severely physically disabled; and English speaking (N = 90). Measurements Items for the DAT were developed based on focus group discussions, literature review, and clinical relevance. Cronbach alpha, interrater reliability, and test–retest reliability were examined, and construct validity was assessed in relation to correlations with cognitive and functional assessments. Correlations between the DAT and oral health measures were also analyzed to evaluate the concurrent validity of the DAT. Results The DAT has excellent internal consistency reliability (Cronbach alpha 0.90), test-retest reliability (correlation coefficient (r) = 0.84), and interrater reliability (r = 0.90). In terms of construct validity, higher DAT scores were significantly associated with better cognitive function, as well as better activity of daily living and instrumental activity of daily living function. Finally, the DAT was significantly associated with oral hygiene and gingival health. Conclusion The DAT is a reliable and valid instrument to measure dentally-related function in older adults with cognitive impairment.
Genetics of pediatric cardiomyopathies

Abstract Genetic testing in children with cardiomyopathies can be helpful to confirm the diagnosis and clarify prognosis, determine if treatments are available such as for inborn errors of metabolism, and identify need for additional subspecialist medical care or surveillance such as occurs in many syndromic cardiomyopathies. Genetic testing also provides information to stratify risk for other family members, provide recurrence risk, and identify families that may consider options for family planning. In the future there may also be prevention and treatment strategies for individuals with pathogenic variants in sarcomere and other genes. The identification of families with pathogenic variants in these genes may promote more effective care for these children and their families.
Error-Free Operation in a Hybrid-Silicon Quantum Dot Comb Laser

We investigate amplitude noise in a wafer-bonded quantum dot laser on silicon. Error-free operation at room temperature and under continuous current injection in the three highest-power channels is observed with a signal-to-noise ratio of 11.5 dB or larger. These devices are attractive candidates as an optical engine for interconnects in next-generation data centers and exascale computers.
Intravenous administration of synthetic platelets (SynthoPlate) in a mouse liver injury model of uncontrolled hemorrhage improves hemostasis.

BACKGROUNDClinical resuscitative treatment of traumatic hemorrhage involves transfusion of RBC, platelets and plasma in controlled ratios. However, use of such blood components, especially platelets, present many challenges including availability, portability, contamination risks, and short shelf-li
Reassessing the bulk ionic conductivity of solid-state electrolytes

The ionic conductivity of solid-state electrolytes is a crucial factor for futuristic battery applications. It is measured via the bulk resistance of the pellet, which not only depends on the properties of the materials but also on the physical parameters including frequency. It is shown in this study that the high-frequency point affects the ionic conductivity more than other variables. With a growing number of solid-state battery studies, we believe that now is the time to establish a common standard to measure ionic conductivity of the solid-state electrolytes for Li-ion batteries.
Frequency comb formation over the entire lasing range of quantum cascade lasers

By incorporating a two-section geometry featuring an electrically tunable dispersion compensator, we demonstrate terahertz quantum cascade lasers exhibiting comb operation from Ith to Imax, covering the entire bias range of lasing.
Breeding Hard Red Spring Wheat for FusariumHead Blight Resistance

Fusarium head blight (FHB) or scab (caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe [telomorph Gibberella zeae (Schwein.) Petch]) is one of the most destructive diseases of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) worldwide, causing significant reductions in grain yield and quality. In the USA, since the 1993 FHB epidemic, tremendous research efforts have been undertaken to address this major problem that causes substantial economic losses for the wheat growers, industry, and export market. The deployment of resistant varieties is the only effective, economical and environmentally safe way to control FHB in wheat. More than a decade of classical breeding efforts to develop scab resistant hard red spring wheat (HRSW) cultivars at North Dakota State University (NDSU) resulted in releasing several HRSW cultivars with varying levels of FHB resistance. Since 2000, three major HRSW cultivars with FHB resistance were released and grown on large scale in the Northern-Central plains of the USA. These are ‘Alsen’ (2000), ‘Steele-ND’ (2004), and ‘Glenn’ (2005). Alsen has been grown, in average, on more than one million hectares in the last 3 years. However, Alsen and most FHB resistant wheat cultivars released by other wheat programs in the USA, trace back to the Chinese line ‘Sumai-3’ (PI481542) or its derivatives. The HRSW breeding program at NDSU has invested substantial breeding efforts to identify, introgress novel resistance genes from other sources to enhance genetic diversity, and facilitate pyramiding these resistance genes. The ultimate objective is developing HRSW cultivars with effective and durable FHB resistance. Our efforts have yielded in releasing the HRSW cultivars ‘‘Steele-ND’’ in 2004 and ‘‘Glenn’’ in 2005. Steele-ND traces its resistance to the wheat relative species Triticum dicoccoides and Glenn combines both Alsen and Steele-ND resistances. This paper addresses the breeding efforts at NDSU to release FHB resistant HRSW cultivars and elite germplasm as parental material for many breeding programs worldwide; and the future challenges to keep our research efforts ahead of the FHB disease
Mammography screening: published guidelines and actual practice.

By midsummer 1975, the future of mammography screening in the United States seemed assuredly successful. The 29 nationwide centers of the American Cancer Society-National Cancer Institute (ACS-NCI)-sponsored Breast Cancer Detection Demonstration Project (BCDDP) had been in operation since 1973. They had enrolled 280000 asymptomatic women aged 35–74 years for annual screening by mammography and physical examination for four successive years (Baker 1982). Recruitment of women into the project was excellent due in part to media attention given to the wife of the President of the United States, Mrs. Gerald Ford, and the wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Nelson Rockefeller, both of whom were successfully treated for breast cancer.
Planar Cell Polarity in the Cochlea

Fields across which cells are oriented and patterned with stunning precision are a recurring theme in biology. Our sense of hearing and balance depends on precise cellular patterning and coordinated orientation of sensory hair cells in each sensory organ of the inner ear. The elaborate cellular patterning and intricate polarity of the hair bundle in the cochlea are morphogenetic readouts of a very complex developmental program that controls the development of the cochlea and its sensory organ. In this chapter we discuss the genetic pathway, the planar cell polarity pathway, governing the genesis of the reiterative pattern of the coordinated orientation and alignment of cells, and summarize the morphological and molecular events associated with planar cell polarity regulation in the cochlea.
Using plan and ordinance quality to evaluate the implementation of riparian buffer policies

Abstract Comprehensive plans, development management ordinances, and approved development applications help shape the landscape features that affect water resources. The translation of a plan and ordinances into action, however, cannot be assumed. This paper examines riparian buffers, a prominent stormwater control measure. The central research question is: Does the quality of policy inputs help explain the amount of tree cover and impervious surface within riparian buffers? Data come from a cross-sectional study of 178 development applications sampled from 14 jurisdictions in two watersheds in North Carolina and Maryland. Research methods include 1) the content analysis of policy inputs including plans, ordinances, and development applications, 2) tree cover and impervious surface calculations within riparian buffers using 1 m high-resolution land classification maps, and 3) logistic regressions to test the relationships among these variables and community and site-specific variables. The likelihood of a buffer contained 75% or more tree cover increased with higher plan and ordinance quality scores and decreased for developments with more lots. The likelihood of a development’s buffer contained 5% or more impervious surface increased with higher growth rate, higher population density, and in developments containing more lots. Results suggest jurisdictions could include more of the goals, fact base, and policies the water resource protection literature associate with watershed protection and optimal riparian buffer functioning. Findings could also inform outreach during the permitting process and help practitioners create monitoring and restoration programs targeted at developments where impervious surface encroachment is more likely to occur.
Healthcare Costs for High-grade Glioma.

Background/aim Data on verified healthcare costs for high-grade gliomas (HGGs) are limited. This study aimed to determine the healthcare costs for HGGs. Materials and methods A total of 88 primary HGGs patients diagnosed and treated at our Institution between 2011 and 2017 who had insurance plans administered with Excellus BCBS were retrospectively identified. Patient clinical information was linked with all verified insurance payment data. Results Median insurance payments for clinical management of HGGs were $184,159.83. The leading cost was therapeutic radiation oncology. Patients under commercial insurance had a longer survival time, and higher healthcare expenditures in total and in each phase of clinical care. Healthcare costs were higher during therapy initiation and at disease recurrence and lower during the interim. A generalized linear model showed that patients with commercial insurance, better Karnofsky Performance Status, and longer survival time had higher healthcare expenditures. Conclusion Healthcare payments for HGGs patients were substantial and such high healthcare expenditures were positively associated with patient survival and commercial insurance.
Sorting Effects of Broad-Based Equity Compensation

We examine the sorting role of broad-based equity pay using detailed employee-level data. We propose trust in management as an important and beneficial characteristic over which equity pay sorts employees, as such pay typically leaves employees with concentrated positions in employer stock and therefore more exposed to the outcomes of management’s actions. Consistent with this conjecture, we find a negative relation between equity pay and retention among employees who are less trusting of management, but no relation among more trusting employees. Our findings provide insight into how broad-based equity pay can improve firm performance despite theoretical challenges regarding its incentive effects.
A framework to promote equity in clinical clerkships.

Background Diversifying the medical student body without striving for equity in the clerkship (first full-time clinical training year) learning environment disadvantages under-represented in medicine (UIM) students and undermines the educational process. Context To characterise and address inequities within an internal medicine clerkship, we conducted a multi-phased process to promote equity in the clerkship learning environment at an urban medical school with multiple sites. … we conducted a multi-phased process to promote equity in the clerkship learning environment … INNOVATION: The process to improve the learning environment and equity in the clerkship included: (i) a literature review and needs assessment (focus group) with UIM students; (ii) a medicine clerkship retreat with school leaders and diversity experts to reflect on the needs assessment data and generate interventions to improve equity; (iii) a member checking session with UIM students to ensure that the proposed solutions addressed the inequities that were noted in the needs assessment. Implications The needs assessment revealed eight themes in the clerkship learning environment that were mapped to a published framework describing barriers encountered by UIM students. These themes informed the development of five clerkship pilot interventions. Implementing interventions inspired by UIM student perspectives may improve the learning environment in clinical clerkships by encouraging a culture of equity. The three-phased approach described here provides leaders who direct educational programmes with a framework to initiate change by characterising inequities as a springboard for developing solutions.
Tools of the Trade: Persuasive Communications for Feminist Practice

This paper details the development of an undergraduate communications course designed to provide students with tools to actively address gender equity issues on campus and in their community. Over the course of a semester, undergraduate students learn the strategies and tactics behind successful advocacy campaigns, including website design, coalition building, social media constituency development, op-ed writing and persuasive public speaking. By the end of the semester, students have identified a policy they wish to change in their community, the entity with the capability to make the change, and how they must go about appealing to that group within the confines of their bylaws and/or policies. The culminating project is a classroom simulation of a real-world scenario where the students appeal to stakeholders and decision-makers, with each student assigned the role of advocate or skeptic. Following their oral presentation, students receive immediate feedback on both their reasoning and delivery skills.
Referral outcomes from a vision screening program for school-aged children.

Abstract Objective To assess ocular diagnoses and follow-up patterns of children referred for a comprehensive eye examination after a school-based vision screening program. Design Retrospective chart review. Participants Students in grades K–5 from the School District of Philadelphia public schools screened by The Wills Eye Vision Screening Program for Children between January 2014 and June 2015. Methods Children with subnormal best-corrected visual acuity or other ocular conditions were referred to the Wills Eye pediatric ophthalmology service. A social worker assisted parents/guardians of referred children in scheduling an appointment and navigating insurance/payment issues. Measured outcomes included demographic information, ocular diagnoses, treatments, and follow-up patterns. Results Of 10 726 children screened, 509 (5%) were referred for a follow-up eye examination. Of these 509 children, only 127 (25%) completed a referral eye examination with parental consent. Most children (58%) were diagnosed with more than one eye condition, including refractive error (76%), amblyopia (43%), strabismus (16%), and anisometropia (13%). Other conditions included macular hypoplasia, ptosis, and other congenital anomalies. Conclusions This program discovered and addressed potentially vision-threatening conditions in underserved children susceptible to amblyopia by offering social worker services and financial support to enable referred children to complete an eye examination. Contact by the social worker required consent. Obtaining such consent proved to be a barrier to connecting children with the recommended consultation.
Robust Deep Reinforcement Learning for Traffic Signal Control

A traffic signal is a fundamental part of the traffic control system to reduce congestion and enhance safety. Since the inception of motorized vehicles, traffic signal controllers are put in place to coordinate and maintain traffic flow. With the number of vehicles on the road increasing exponentially, it is imperative to innovate new traffic control frameworks to cope with the high-density traffic demand. In this regard, recent advances in machine/deep learning have enabled significant progress towards reducing congestion using reinforcement learning for traffic signal control. However, most of these works are still not ready for deployment due to assumptions of perfect knowledge of the traffic environment. In reality, congestion detection or prediction systems are at best able to approximate the traffic state with significant noise. In this work, we propose a robust training framework for reinforcement learning agents that can handle such noisy approximation of the traffic states. Specifically, we show that by carefully adding synthetic perturbations to the state space, such as the queue length during training, the reinforcement learning agents can be robustified. Conceptually, our approach is similar to adversarial training schemes and can lead to successful deployment of reinforcement learning agent-based traffic signal controllers.
MRAC-RL: A Framework for On-Line Policy Adaptation Under Parametric Model Uncertainty.

Reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms have been successfully used to develop control policies for dynamical systems. For many such systems, these policies are trained in a simulated environment. Due to discrepancies between the simulated model and the true system dynamics, RL trained policies often fail to generalize and adapt appropriately when deployed in the real-world environment. Current research in bridging this sim-to-real gap has largely focused on improvements in simulation design and on the development of improved and specialized RL algorithms for robust control policy generation. In this paper we apply principles from adaptive control and system identification to develop the model-reference adaptive control & reinforcement learning (MRAC-RL) framework. We propose a set of novel MRAC algorithms applicable to a broad range of linear and nonlinear systems, and derive the associated control laws. The MRAC-RL framework utilizes an inner-loop adaptive controller that allows a simulation-trained outer-loop policy to adapt and operate effectively in a test environment, even when parametric model uncertainty exists. We demonstrate that the MRAC-RL approach improves upon state-of-the-art RL algorithms in developing control policies that can be applied to systems with modeling errors.