cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of a male‐specific histocompatibility protein on preimplantation porcine embryos

An indirect immunofluorescence assay was used to detect the presence of male-specific protein(s) on various stages of preimplantation porcine embryos. Embryos were collected at slaughter from the reproductive tracts of day-2.5, -4, -5, -6, and -8 (day 0 = first day of estrus) sows and gilts. Embryos were placed in medium containing an anti-male primary antibody, washed, and transferred to culture drops containing a fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled secondary antibody. Embryos were classified as either fluorescent (H-Y positive) or nonfluorescent (H-Y negative), transferred to coded drops, and karyotyped to examine sex chromosomes. A total of 91 eight-cell to blastocyst stage embryos were evaluated; of these, 46% were classified as fluorescent and 54% as nonfluorescent. Of readable metaphase spreads (65%) from these embryos, 81% (48 of 59, P less than 0.005) were correctly sexed by immunological detection of the male-specific antigen. Although 13% (2/15) of four-cell embryos evaluated were classified as fluorescent, the accuracy with which embryos at this stage were sexed by detection of H-Y antigen was not different from 50%. Fifty percent of eight-cell embryos were classified as H-Y positive with 78% of embryos correctly sexed. It was concluded that the eight-cell embryo is the earliest stage of development for which there is evidence for expression of H-Y antigen. Detection of the male-specific protein was difficult at the expanded blastocyst stage.
Modeling Piezoresistive Microcantilever Sensor Response to Surface Stress for Biochemical Sensors

This paper considers mechanical stress and strain in a piezoresistive cantilever sensor under surface stress loading, which is the loading condition that occurs in biochemical sensing applications. Finite element simulations examine the piezoresistor sensitivity due to changes in cantilever length, width, and thickness, and piezoresistor size, location, and depth. A few unexpected results are found. Unlike cantilevers designed for atomic force microscopy, cantilevers for biochemical sensing should be short and wide. While shallow piezoresistors offer good sensitivity, the piezoresistor may extend far into the thickness of the cantilever and still be quite effective. The paper concludes with comments on design guidelines for piezoresistive cantilever sensors.
URBAN PLANNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN LOS ANGELES: AN OVERVIEW

This paper gives an overview of the urban planning management system in Los Angeles, United States. This system consists of institutional subsystem, legal subsystem, operational subsystem, and technical subsystem. The City of Los Angeles Planning Department carries out its urban planning responsibilities in accordance with the General Plan Guidelines promulgated by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. The planning process has a good balance between government activities and citizen participations. The City’s advanced technical tools, including internet-based Zoning Information and Map Access System and online filing system, have fostered the public interaction with the planning process. The City is recommended to incorporate more market-based planning measures in the future.
CD8 is required during positive selection of CD4-/CD8+ T cells.

Interactions between self-MHC molecules and T cells are necessary for the proper development of mature T cells, in part due to an absolute requirement for self-MHC-TCR interactions. Recently, we showed that CD4-mediated interactions also participate in shaping the T cell repertoire during thymic maturation. We now examine the possible role of the CD8 molecule during in vivo T cell development. Our results demonstrate that perinatal thymi treated with intact anti-CD8 mAb fail to generate CD8 single-positive T cells, while the generation of the other main phenotypes remains unchanged. Most importantly, the use of F(ab')2 anti-CD8 mAb fragments gave identical results, i.e., lack of generation of CD4-/CD8+ cells, with no effect on the generation of CD4+/CD8+. Furthermore, selective blocking of one CD8 allele with F(ab')2 mAbs in F1 mice expressing both CD8 alleles did not interfere with the development of CD4-/CD8+ cells, demonstrating that the absence of CD8+ T cells in homozygous mice is not due to depletion, but rather is caused by a lack of positive selection. This is most likely attributable to a deficient CD8-MHC class I interaction. Our findings strongly advocate that CD8 molecules are vital to the selection process that leads to the development of mature single-positive CD8 T cells.
Neuroimaging in Acute Stroke: Choosing the Right Patient for Neurointervention

Although the non-contrast computed tomography head continues as the sole mandatory imaging technique before intravenous thrombolysis, the increased availability of advanced infarct/penumbral imaging techniques and confidence in their use have led many to adopt them into routine practice—most particularly before intra-arterial interventions. Computed tomography versus magnetic resonance-based routes to imaging the cerebral vasculature, cell death, and parenchymal perfusion have differing advantages in terms of speed, availability, exposures to contrast and radiation, sensitivity, and resolution. Continued refinement and future developments, such as the ability to quantitate perfusion, promise to lead to tailored treatment protocols that respect the individual variations in anatomy, physiology, and pathology. This should lead both to an extension of treatment to patients currently excluded by rigid time windows and the avoidance of futile therapies and their associated morbidities.
EVAR in small versus large aneurysms: does size influence outcome?

Objective: To determine whether there is a difference in outcome between endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (EVAR) of small versus large aneurysms. Methods: A total of 192 patients from the Power-link trial were subdivided into small abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA; ≤5 cm) and large AAA (>5 cm) groups. Demographics, perioperative morbidity, mortality, overall survival, and freedom from major adverse events, endoleak, aneurysm-related death, migration, and secondary procedures were assessed. Aneurysmal involvement of the iliacs as well as neck length and angulation was compared between groups. Results: Perioperative morbidity (P = 1.000), mortality (P = .4603), and extent of iliac involvement did not differ between groups (P = .2260). The necks in small AAA were longer (P = .0028) and less angulated (P < .0001). There was no difference in overall survival (P = .6066), freedom from major adverse events (P = .7842), endoleak, (P = .1832), migration (P = .5765), aneurysm-related death (P = .4728...
Foreign direct investment in computerized business simulations

By definition, foreign direct investment is an investment made under different national governments. However, current literature and research on foreign direct investment have not properly incorporated host-country government policies into the investment decision process. This article develops a theoretical framework to investigate the interaction between policies of the host-country governments and performance of foreign equity investment. Based on the theoretical framework, a computerized simulation model is developed. The model may be used as a tool for analysis of real-world foreign direct investments and as an aid to develop negotiation strategies for foreign direct investments.
Selection for Nonamyloidogenic Mutants of Islet Amyloid Polypeptide (IAPP) Identifies an Extended Region for Amyloidogenicity

The aggregation of the 37-residue protein, islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), as either insoluble amyloid or as small oligomers, appears to play a direct role in the death of pancreatic β-islet cells in type II diabetes. While IAPP has been known to be the primary component of type II diabetes amyloid, the molecular interactions responsible for this aggregation have not been identified. To identify the aggregation-prone region(s), we constructed a library of randomly generated point mutants of IAPP. This mutant IAPP library was expressed in Escherichia coli as genetic fusions to the reporter protein enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). Because IAPP aggregates rapidly, both independently and when fused to EGFP, the fusion protein does not yield a functional, fluorescent EGFP. However, mutations of IAPP that result in nonamyloidogenic sequences remain soluble and allow EGFP to fold and fluoresce. Using this screen, we identified 22 single mutations, 4 double mutations, and 2 triple mutations of IAPP th...
The effect of varicocelectomy on sperm count motility and conception rate.

One hundred and eighty-seven male partners of involuntarily infertile couples were evaluated and found to have dilatation of the left spermatic vein. One hundred and forty-nine underwent varicocelectomy and achieved a statistically significantly improved conception rate as compared with the nonoperated group. Although 70.5% of men whose wives subsequently conceived had improved semen count and motility postoperatively, no parameter distinguished these men from other patients with similar improvement who remained infertile.
A New Mechanism for Generating a Single Transverse Spin Asymmetry

Abstract Here we briefly outline the calculation of the single transverse spin asymmetry due to a new perturbative, saturation-mediated mechanism in high energy QCD. We use light-cone perturbation theory to study a simple model in which a transversely polarized quark scatters on a proton or nuclear target. The spin dependence of the scattering cross section is introduced by the lowest-order q → q G splitting wave function of the polarized projectile, while the time-reversal odd property of the asymmetry is generated by the antisymmetric odderon dipole scattering amplitude. We study the properties of the obtained STSA, some of which are in qualitative agreement with experiment: STSA increases with increasing projectile x F and is a non-monotonic function of the transverse momentum k T . Our mechanism predicts that the quark STSA in polarized proton–nucleus collisions should be much smaller than in polarized proton–proton collisions. We also observe that the STSA for prompt photons due to our mechanism is zero within the accuracy of the approximation.
Intravesical Botulinum Toxin for Persistent Autonomic Dysreflexia in a Pediatric Patient

Introduction. We present a novel case of persistent autonomic dysreflexia in a pediatric spinal cord injury patient treated successfully with intravesical botulinum toxin. Study Design. A retrospective chart review of one patient seen at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin from 2006 to 2012 was performed. Results. A pediatric spinal cord injury patient with known neurogenic bladder presented with severe hypertension consistent with autonomic dysreflexia. His symptoms and hypertension did not improve with conservative measures, and he necessitated ICU admission and antihypertensive drips. He was taken to the operating room for intravesical botulinum toxin for refractory bladder spasms. Following this, his symptoms abated, and he was weaned off IV antihypertensives and returned to his baseline state. His symptoms were improved for greater than six months. Conclusions. There are few treatment options for the management of refractory autonomic dysreflexia. Intravesical botulinum toxin has never been reported for this use. Dedicated research is warranted to assess its efficacy, as it was used successfully to abort autonomic dysreflexia in this patient.
Graphene “microdrums” on a freestanding perforated thin membrane for high sensitivity MEMS pressure sensors

We present a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) graphene-based pressure sensor realized by transferring a large area, few-layered graphene on a suspended silicon nitride thin membrane perforated by a periodic array of micro-through-holes. Each through-hole is covered by a circular drum-like graphene layer, namely a graphene "microdrum". The uniqueness of the sensor design is the fact that introducing the through-hole arrays into the supporting nitride membrane allows generating an increased strain in the graphene membrane over the through-hole array by local deformations of the holes under an applied differential pressure. Further reasons contributing to the increased strain in the devised sensitive membrane include larger deflection of the membrane than that of its imperforated counterpart membrane, and direct bulging of the graphene microdrum under an applied pressure. Electromechanical measurements show a gauge factor of 4.4 for the graphene membrane and a sensitivity of 2.8 × 10(-5) mbar(-1) for the pressure sensor with a good linearity over a wide pressure range. The present sensor outperforms most existing MEMS-based small footprint pressure sensors using graphene, silicon, and carbon nanotubes as sensitive materials, due to the high sensitivity.
Lost in Translation: Criminal Jury Trials in the United States

Two features of the jury instructions in the Trayvon Martin case combined to make acquittal a virtual certainty: The court's failure to instruct the jury on the aggressor limitation on self-defense and its instruction on the so-called Stand Your Ground rule. However, unfortunate as that was, it was no mere aberration or particularly bad instance of judicial behavior. Rather, it revealed an extraordinary disconnect between courts and the juries that sit as fact-finders in an environment of almost stifling ignorance. They're not at fault, as our legal system, particularly in the criminal area, fails to provide juries with the proper tools to perform their jobs. And, worse, few seem to realize just what's wrong here.This piece examines some of the root problems in this area, focusing particularly on the too-passive role that judges frequently play. Thus, juries dutifully sit through trials, frequently for long periods, listening to testimony with little focus on what to be listening for. Then, they're finally instructed in language terribly ill-suited to the tasks at hand, left largely to fend for themselves. The results are unsurprising, but in this piece I advocate for some reforms that could change matters enormously.
Procainium Acetate Versus Procainium Acetate Dihydrate: Irreversible Crystallization of a Room-Temperature Active Pharmaceutical-Ingredient Ionic Liquid upon Hydration

Anhydrous procainium acetate is a room temperature ionic liquid (Tg = −25 °C); however, in the presence of water, this salt forms a crystalline dihydrate (Tm = 52 °C) that cannot be dehydrated without decomposition. Unintended crystallization of any active pharmaceutical ingredient can dramatically alter its solubility and bioavailability, making it essential that ionic liquid APIs be carefully studied for their crystallization behavior.
Flocks of Brown and Black New Guinean Birds: A Bicoloured Mixed-species Foraging Association

A type of itinerant mixed-species foraging association of New Guinean birds, the brown and black flock, is distinctive in that member species converge on two alternative colours rather than on one, and in that the flock retains its character through many geographic and altitudinal changes of species composition. To complement Bell's intensive study of a single lowland flock, I survey the flocks throughout their geographic and altitudinal range. The flocks are composed of 35 species belonging to 7 families and are led hierarchically: by the Rufous Babbler Pomatostomus kidorei if it is present, otherwise by the Rusty Pitohui Pitohui fermgineus if it is present, otherwise by one of four other Pitohui species. The followers include either of two drongo species, 15 bird-of-paradise species, seven cuckoo-shrike species, and five other species. Flock-joining species are all medium to large forest passerines coloured predominantly brown or black. In nine species the male is black, the female brown. Most member species are endemic to the New Guinean region, eat both fruit and insects, and can forage from the understorey to lower canopy. Different flock members may derive different benefits from joining the flocks, including access to food flushed by other species, opportunities for kleptoparasitism, protection from predators, overwhelming of temtorial defenders, and increased foraging efficiency. The possible benefits of convergence in colour include enhancing the confusion of predators, maintaining spacing of allospecific individuals, and promoting flock cohesion through economy of signal. I hypothesize that a flock forms when a noisy social species ('leader' species) provides a critical level of vocal and visual signals that attract other, ecologically and visually similar species ('follower' species).
Crashing the millionaires' club: Popular women's cinema in twenty-first century France

This article first surveys the rise of a contemporary French popular women's cinema, defined as female-directed films that attract over a million paying admissions. From 2000 to 2010 the so-called ...
Study on The Surveillance Data of Suspected Adverse Events Following Immunization in Fuzhou City in 2009

[Objective]To analyze the incidence of various adverse events following immunization(AEFI) and the operational state of Suspected AEFI Monitoring System,and provide scientific evidence for evaluation of vaccine safety.[Methods]The descriptive epidemiology was adopted to analyze the cases collected by Suspected AEFI Monitoring System in Fuzhou City.[Results]A total of 43 AEFI cases were reported including 22 eases with general reaction(51.16%),11 with abnormal reaction(25.58%),2 with coupling symptoms(4.65%) and 8 with unknown reasons(18.60%).Adverse reactions were induced by 6 kinds of vaccines,the total suspected abnormal reaction rate was 1.56/ 100 000,especially for the BCG.The most commonly reported adverse events were fever,local swelling and local induration.[Conclusion]To improve the quality of immunization services,the standardization of vaccination clinics must be strengthened,and the number of medical workers and the vaccination operation must be increased and standardized respectively.
Homozygous beta-thalassemia without anemia.

A 37-year-old man of Guyanese origin was found to have homozygous beta- thalassemia without anemia. There were no physical stigmata of thalassemia. The hematocrit value was 41 to 45.8, the mean corpuscular volume was 61 fL, and the mean corpuscular hemoglobin was 18.9 pg. The HbF was 45% with a G gamma:A gamma ratio of 3:1. An acid elution preparation of the peripheral blood showed heterogeneous distribution of HbF, but all erythrocytes stained for fetal hemoglobin. The beta/alpha synthesis ratio in the peripheral blood was 0.25; the (beta + gamma)/alpha ratio was 0.55. Haplotype analysis revealed homozygosity for the -+-+ + + + pattern (Senegal, type IX) at seven polymorphic restriction sites within the beta-like gene complex. Digestion of DNA with Xmnl indicated that the -158 C-to-T transition was present in both beta-globin gene clusters. Oligomer hybridization analysis demonstrated homozygosity for the -29 A-to-G mutation in the beta-globin promoter region. Although this form of thalassemia can cause transfusion- requiring anemia, the high-HbF, high-G gamma phenotype associated with the linked +-+ + subhaplotype and -158 C-to-T substitution appears to have ameliorated the disease in this subject.
Scaling the Next-Generation Architecture: The Integration of 2.5D and 3D Integrated Circuits

On recent years, advancements in integrated circuit (IC) interconnection, packaging, and integration technologies have demonstrated the comprehensive solution benefits derived from three-dimensional (3D) IC and the 2.5-dimensional (2.5D) integration of heterogeneous dice. The current mass production of 3D IC devices utilizing silicon via technology, specifically within the memory IC industry, has enabled system designers to extract the maximum effective performance from the memory subsystem. An example of 3D ICs in mass production is high-bandwidth memory (HBM), a JEDEC standard memory solution, that is designed to scale next-generation memory subsystem requirements. This article will discuss the advanced packaging technology implemented on the HBM device, the resulting architecture, and the benefits when compared to existing external memory solutions. Examples of 2.5D heterogeneous system integration with the HBM device will also be highlighted.
Browsing through Enzensberger's Album

In a witty and unconventional foreword Hans Magnus Enzensberger tries to characterize his recently published (and unpaginated) Album, calling it amongst other things a ‘Potpourri’, a ‘Kuddelmuddel’, a ‘Sammelsurium’, a ‘ragbag’, and even an ‘olla podrida’, by all of which he means a collection of miscellaneous and heterogeneous texts loosely assembled in the manner of a scrapbook. He claims, moreover, that the disorderly and haphazard presentation of the material simply mirrors the chaotic functioning of that ‘undisciplined’ organ we call the brain! The main goal of this colourful and playful book is to rescue from obscurity, or indeed from oblivion, a whole array of previously published texts (essays, prefaces, newspaper articles, and the like) no longer readily accessible to the public at large. Notable among these are the ingenious word games that the poet had invented and exhibited, under the title WortSpielZeug, at the Deutsches Literaturarchiv in Marbach in 2007 and later at the Swarowski Kristallen...
Factors associated with family violence by persons with psychiatric disorders

Family violence by persons with psychiatric disorders (PD) is a highly under-researched area. The primary objective of the present analysis was to identify perpetrator, victim, and interaction/relationship factors associated with this phenomenon. The secondary objective was to examine the extent to which the relationship between caregiving and family violence was mediated by limit-setting practices used towards relatives with PD. 573 adults across the U.S. with an adult relative with PD completed an online survey. Multivariate logistic regression was performed examining the association of factors with the occurrence of family violence. Mediation was assessed with Sobel testing. Family violence was significantly associated with the following factors: perpetrator-income, illegal drug use, psychiatric hospitalization, treatment attendance, and use of medications; victim-age, employment status, income, and mental health status; interaction/relationship-parental relationship, co-residence, use of limit-setting practices, representative payeeship, and unofficial money management. Mediation was statistically significant. Increasing access to mental health and/or substance abuse treatment may decrease the risk of family violence. Interventions may benefit from attempting to decrease/modify the use of limit-setting practices. Where family representative payeeship or unofficial money management exists, it is advisable for practitioners to assess and address financial coercion and promote greater collaboration in financial decision-making.
In vivo mitochondrial function in aging skeletal muscle: capacity, flux, and patterns of use

Because of the fundamental dependence of mammalian life on adequate mitochondrial function, the question of how and why mitochondria change in old age is the target of intense study. Given the importance of skeletal muscle for the support of mobility and health, this question extends to the need to understand mitochondrial changes in the muscle of older adults, as well. We and others have focused on clarifying the age-related changes in human skeletal muscle mitochondrial function in vivo. These changes include both the maximal capacity for oxidative production of energy (ATP), as well as the relative use of mitochondrial ATP production for powering muscular activity. It has been known for nearly 50 yr that muscle mitochondrial content is highly plastic; exercise training can induce an ∼2-fold increase in mitochondrial content, while disuse has the opposite effect. Here, we suggest that a portion of the age-related changes in mitochondrial function that have been reported are likely the result of behavioral effects, as physical activity influences have not always been accounted for. Further, there is emerging evidence that various muscles may be affected differently by age-related changes in physical activity and movement patterns. In this review, we will focus on age-related changes in oxidative capacity and flux measured in vivo in human skeletal muscle.
Zero-valent isocyanides of nickel, palladium and platinum as transition metal σ-type Lewis bases

Transition metal complexes that contain metal-to-ligand retrodative σ-bonds have become the subject of increasing studies over the last decade. Lewis acidic “Z-type ligands” can modulate the electronic structure of their resultant complexes in a manner distinct from 2e− donor ligands, and can also engage in cooperative reactivity with a Lewis basic transition metal. In this Feature article, we summarize our work with transition metal isocyanide complexes of group 10 metals that have exploited metal-based σ-type Lewis basicity. While the complexes Ni(CNArMes2)3, Pd(CNArDipp2)2 and Pt(CNArDipp2)2 were initially targeted as analogues to unstable, low-coordinate metal carbonyls, it soon became apparent that these zero-valent metal centers bore appreciable Lewis basic qualities due largely to the enhanced σ-donor/π-acid ratio of isocyanides compared to CO. Detailed spectroscopic and structural studies of metal-only Lewis pairs (MOLPs) formed from these complexes have furthered our understanding of the electronic structure perturbations effected by Z-type ligand binding. In addition, the platinum (boryl)iminomethane (BIM) complex Pt(κ2-N,B-Cy2BIM)(CNArDipp2) has illuminated a general ligand design strategy that can engender significant reverse-dative interactions with buttressed Lewis acids, and also has expanded the known scope of cooperative reactivity that can be realized at a transition metal–borane linkage.
Quantification of morphological changes in the spinal cord in chronic spinal cord injury using magnetic resonance imaging

Following spinal cord injury (SCI), morphological changes in the spinal cord are observed at the clinically diagnosed level of injury, as well as at segmental levels above and below the injury site due to axonal degeneration. In order to quantify the extent of morphological changes, a three dimensional segmentation of the spinal cord was constructed using magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the cervical spinal cord. Six neurologically intact (NI) and five spinal cord injured (SCI) subjects were scanned using an axial, T2 weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequence. The boundaries of the spinal cord volume were then identified using a three-dimensional, seeded region growing technique. The area of 4 slices approximating the C3 segment were measured and the mean area was calculated for each subject. In NI subjects the mean C3 cord area was 75.2 +/- 11 mm/sup 2/. In contrast, SC subjects had a mean C3 cord area of 60.4 +/- 7.3 mm/sup 2/. This 20% decrease in area for the SCI subjects, compared to the NI subjects, was statistically significant (t-test, p<0.05). These results show that the narrowing of the spinal cord after SCI is measurable using MRI.
The American Heart Association’s New Institute for Precision Cardiovascular Medicine

"One size does not fit all." These 6 simple words represent the fundamental concept driving an unprecedented initiative of the American Heart Association, the Institute for Precision Cardiovascular Medicine. In the field of heart disease and stroke research, we have seen enormous knowledge advances in recent decades, all of which have led to breakthroughs in our ability to treat and prevent these illnesses. We celebrate these advances because they are allowing us to save and improve more lives than ever before. Despite these great advances, there are still far too many patients suffering and dying prematurely. Through tremendous advances in cardiovascular science and the translation of knowledge into more effective therapies, a problematic aspect of many current therapies is that their efficacy can be variable. We are still not sure why some patients respond more favorably to certain medications, or certain dosages, than others. And we still cannot predict why a given surgical technique will achieve widely different results among patients. It seems clear that when it comes to providing patients with meaningful, efficacious solutions, one size does not fit all. We created the Institute for Precision Cardiovascular Medicine because we need to learn more, much more, about the patients who depend on us to provide care that is best suited for them. Each patient has a unique genetic profile, has unique lifestyle habits, and has been affected by unique environmental factors over the course of his or her life. All of these factors play a critical role in determining which approach might be best for addressing a patient's needs and in recognizing potential red flags that can complicate the treatment process or cause unnecessary risk. In addition to learning about patients, we want to find better ways to get to know patients. There is no shortage of discussions in the scientific literature about the need to improve doctor-patient communication and consider the quality of the overall patient experience as opposed to focusing solely on treatment outcomes. Patients should be given a platform to express their preferences and concerns, not only with respect to the clinical setting, but also in the design of research studies. All of us in the medical profession want to do our best on behalf of patients, and more effective listening to patients should improve their care.
An Assessment of the HIV Prevention Needs of Young Minority Women

ABSTRACTThis study tested the reliability of nine scales assessing psychosocial mediators of HIV-risk and protective behaviors of young minority women in New York City. Sixty-nine age-eligible women were approached during clinical sessions, 90% (n = 62) agreed to participate, and 83% (n = 57) completed a web-based survey. With one exception, scale measures were reliable. The exception was the scale assessing frequency of sexual communication with partners. This scale did not demonstrate adequate interitem reliability for Black women. Findings provide program planners with a reliable set of measures that may be useful for preintervention needs assessments of young minority women at-risk of acquiring HIV.
No Surprise: The Rate of Fatal Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities Is Related to Poverty.

In this issue of Pediatrics , Farrell et al1 describe research linking poverty with child maltreatment fatalities. The American Academy of Pediatrics has addressed the overall issue of the effects of poverty in a recent policy statement.2 An increasing number of reports linking ecology with outcomes for both adults and children have been published describing risk factors for overall health, brain health, and lifetime health trajectories.3,4 Given the sociologic, economic, medical, and myriad other challenges related to poverty, it is not surprising that the authors report a significant increase in fatal child maltreatment related specifically to socioeconomic status. What may be surprising is that although this fact is both intuitive … Address correspondence to Robert W. Block, MD, FAAP, Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma/Tulsa University School of Community Medicine, 4502 E. 41st St, Tulsa, OK 74114. E-mail: rblock{at}aap.net
Comparison of Vis–NIR on in situ, intact core and dried, sieved soil to estimate clay content at field to regional scales

We evaluated the in situ performance of a newly designed visible and near-infrared (Vis–NIR) penetrometer to predict clay content for 10 fields, 151 profile locations and 485 samples that span four orders of the USDA Soil Taxonomy across the Pacific Northwest region of the USA. The clay mineralogy of the soil families is mixed and heterogeneous. To minimize the effects of soil moisture, in situ Vis–NIR measurements were taken during the summer in a Mediterranean climate when most soil is at or near wilting point. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) and leave-one-core-out cross-validation were used to assess the different soil Vis–NIR measurements: (i) standard error of prediction (SEP) = 5.7, residual product differential (RPD) = 1.69 for in situ, (ii) SEP = 5.3, RPD = 1.83 for laboratory measurements of intact cores and (iii) SEP = 4.7, RPD = 2.0 for laboratory measurements of dried, sieved soil. The two primary factors contributing to larger in situ errors of prediction relative to laboratory-based measurements of dried, sieved soil were (i) scanning an intact soil surface at field moisture compared with dried, sieved-homogenized soil and (ii) problems with instrument drift and referencing in the field. For four of the 10 fields with similar loess soil and 24 cores per field, we found that for all soil preparations (in situ, intact core and dried, sieved) field-specific calibrations (SEP = 5.1, RPD = 1.29 for in situ; SEP = 3.3, RPD = 2.0 for dried, sieved samples) out-performed both a single calibration for the four fields and a calibration that included all 10 fields in this study. More research is required to understand better the effects of examining intact rather than crushed-sieved soil material, a potentially important factor for in situ spectroscopy. In situ predictions could probably be improved with a more stable and internally referenced field spectrometer, but even with these challenges the results show that penetrometer-derived in situ spectroscopy can be used to map the variation in soil profile clay content semi-quantitatively. Highlights We evaluated a new Vis–NIR penetrometer foreoptic to predict clay content in situ. We compared sources of error from in situ and laboratory Vis–NIR. Sample preparation markedly affected (intact soil or dried, sieved) Vis–NIR model performance. We identified major differences in clay content with penetrometer-based Vis–NIR spectroscopy.
Associations between circulating sex steroid hormones and leukocyte telomere length in men in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Preliminary evidence suggests that sex steroid hormones, such as danazol (a synthetic sex steroid hormone), may be involved in enhancing telomerase activity. Elucidating underlying mechanisms of telomerase activity may further therapeutic options for individuals with telomeropathies and potentially avert certain age-related conditions. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate the relationship between circulating sex steroid hormones and SHBG with leukocyte telomere length among 499 males in NHANES (1999-2002 surveys). Sample-weighted linear regression analyses were conducted to assess age-adjusted and multivariable-adjusted estimates of associations. Estimates were rescaled to represent telomere length change in base pairs per half the value of the interquartile range of the independent variable. Estradiol and free estradiol were significantly inversely associated with leukocyte telomere length (βcontinuous per §IQR = -61, p = 0.04; free estradiol βcontinuous per §IQR = -67, p = 0.03). Testosterone, free testosterone, androstanediol glucuronide, and SHBG were not associated with leukocyte telomere length. The inverse association seen in this study indicates that a danazol-induced hypoestrogenic state could partly underlie the previously observed association between danazol therapy and increased leukocyte telomere length.
Development of the Trying New Foods Scale: A preschooler self-assessment of willingness to try new foods

Abstract Food neophobia, or reluctance to try new foods, emerges typically in early childhood and can impact child food acceptance and dietary quality. Measures of child neophobia have largely been developed from an adult point of view and the items focusing on fear and disgust were created from observations of children's behaviors or from adult assumptions regarding the source of children's reluctance to try new foods. Using group interviews with 3-5-y-old children (n = 229) we investigated what the experience of being asked trying new foods is like for preschoolers. From their answers, we crafted a new assessment, The Trying New Foods Scale, designed to ask children about their self-competence to try new foods. Next, we measured preschoolers' responses (n = 233; 3–5 years of age; 107 boys, 126 girls) to these items and observed their willingness to taste 7 novel foods and their affective ratings of the foods as measures of criterion validity. A principal components analysis (PCA) revealed a single 9-item component for the Trying New Foods Scale (mean ± s.d. = 3.08 ± 0.70; α = 0.88). Children's Trying New Foods Scale score positively correlated with their willingness to try foods ratio (r = 0.21, p = .001). Initial findings indicate that the Trying New Foods Scale for preschoolers has good psychometric characteristics, including preliminary evidence of criterion validity. Children who perceived themselves as more willing to try foods actually performed the behavior of trying more foods and rated the foods more favorably than children who reported lower self-competence to try foods. Understanding neophobia from the perspective of the young child, and their perceptions of self-competence related to trying new foods, may facilitate our ability to evaluate young children's food acceptance patterns.
Factors Influencing Gastric Emptying

Gastric emptying time may be of investigative value and evidentiary significance in estimating the time of death. However, in order to express an expert opinion with a degree of certainty, the time, volume, and character of the last meal must be known, and other factors considered. The maximum normal emptying time for the healthy intact stomach is 6 h. Factors accelerating or delaying gastric emptying include fear and apprehension, acute and chronic diseases, trauma, drugs, and the stomach that has undergone surgery. Recognition of these influences supports the conclusions that the forensic pathologist draws regarding the interval between the last meal and death.
Integrated Cyber Physical Assessment and Response for Improved Resiliency

Cyber-physical systems (CPS) are control systems that facilitate the integration of physical systems and computer-based algorithms. These systems are commonly used in control system and critical infrastructure for control and monitoring applications. The internet-of-things (IoT) is a subset of CPS in which multiple physical embedded devices and sensors are connected via a distributed network to communicate and transfer data while being driven by computational algorithms for data delivery and decision-making tasks.
Disparities in cancer outcomes across age, sex, and race/ethnicity among pancreatic cancer patients.

e18071Background: Age, sex, and racial/ethnic disparities exist for several malignancies, but these relationships are understudied in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We used the Surveillance, Epi...
In Vivo Effects of Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase Deficiency in Drosophila melanogaster

The deleterious alteration of protein structure and function due to the oxidation of methionine residues has been studied extensively in age-associated neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. Methionine sulfoxide reductases (MSR) have three well-characterized biological functions. The most commonly studied function is the reduction of oxidized methionine residues back into functional methionine thus, often restoring biological function to proteins. Previous studies have successfully overexpressed and silenced MSR activity in numerous model organisms correlating its activity to longevity and oxidative stress. In the present study, we have characterized in vivo effects of MSR deficiency in Drosophila. Interestingly, we found no significant phenotype in animals lacking either methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MSRA) or methionine sulfoxide reductase B (MSRB). However, Drosophila lacking any known MSR activity exhibited a prolonged larval third instar development and a shortened lifespan. These data suggest an essential role of MSR in key biological processes.
Mathematics Teacher Retention

The main question addressed in this Discussion Group is whether professional development can have a positive effect on the retention of mathematics teacher, and if so what is the nature of professional development that leads to teacher retention and how (what are the mechanisms by which) such professional development supports teacher retention.
A Multiple-Input Deep Neural Network Architecture for Solution of One-Dimensional Poisson Equation

In this letter, we demonstrate that a multiple-input deep neural network architecture can be used for the solution of a one-dimensional (1-D) second-order boundary value problem. We investigate the solution of the 1-D Poisson equation, while using sinc- and cosine-type functions to emulate typically found electromagnetic field distributions. Network architecture, modeling of the derivative, and boundary condition criteria are implemented, and test cases are used for validation. For the considered second-order boundary value problems, we obtain $-$ 80 dB error convergence in 8.2 s, showing a successful demonstration of the method. We further investigate the effect of the number of nodes, number of layers, and learning rate on the convergence of the method.
Improved Integrated Powertrain Control of Gearshifts Using Linear Parameter Varying Control

Automatic transmission designs in automotive powertrains are expected to continue present trends towards higher numbers of transmission gear ratios with wider ratio spreads and smaller ratio steps, owing to their ability to improve fuel economy, while simultaneously satisfying stringent emissions norms. They are also expected to exhibit increased frequency of gearshifting, which requires re-evaluation of various aspects of the control of gearshifts. It is recognized here that clutch-to-clutch gearshift efficiency and quality (comfort) can be improved by minimizing the energy dissipated by the (oncoming) clutch during the speed synchronization (inertia) phase of a power-on upshift, which in turn would require control of both the engine and the (oncoming) clutch during the inertia phase. In order to achieve this control objective in a robust manner, it is proposed that both the engine and the (oncoming) clutch be under feedback control, unlike current practice in transmission control design where only the clutch is under feedback control. Gearshift control is particularly challenging for a 1–2 power-on upshift since the powertrain response is nonlinear due to the open torque converter clutch and, furthermore, a large ratio change is involved. The linear parameter varying (LPV) control technique is used here to design a gain-scheduled observer-based state feedback controller. It is shown through tests on a powertrain simulation that the resulting control solution is effective in controlling the inertia phase of gearshifts at different throttle openings, and is also robust to realistic modeling errors.
Abstract P300: C-reactive Protein and Racial Differences in Type 2 Diabetes Incidence: Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS)

Introduction: Black Americans have a higher incidence of diabetes and have elevated inflammatory biomarkers compared to white Americans. Elevated inflammation is a risk factor for diabetes but the ...
Examining the role of high school athletic directors in promoting leadership development in high school student-athletes

ABSTRACTLeadership training is a valuable but underutilized process for high school student-athletes to experience. Athletic directors represent a unique opportunity to foster environments of leade...
Video-Based Motion Analysis Use: A National Survey of Orthopedic Physical Therapists

Objective Motion analysis is performed by physical therapists (PTs) to assess and improve movement. Two-dimensional video-based motion analysis (VBMA) is available for smartphones/tablets and requires little to no equipment or cost. Research on VBMA use in clinical practice is limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the current use of VBMA in orthopedic physical therapist practice. Methods Members of the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (AOPT) completed an online survey. Questions examined frequency of VBMA use, reasons for use, facilitators/barriers, device/apps used, practice patterns, other certificates/degrees, and demographic information. Results Among our final analysis sample of 477 respondents, 228 (47.8%) use VBMA. Of 228 VBMA users, 91.2% reported using it for ≤ 25% of their caseload, and 57.9% reported using their personal device to capture movement. Reasons for using VBMA included visual feedback for patient education (91.7%), analysis of movement (91.2%), and assessment of progress (51.8%). Barriers to use included lack of device/equipment (48.8%), lack of space (48.6%), and time restraint (32.1%). Those respondents with ≤ 20 years of clinical experience (odds ratio [OR] = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.21-2.76), residency training (OR = 2.49, 95% CI = 1.14-5.43), fellowship training (OR = 2.97, 95% CI = 1.32-6.66), and from the West region of the United States (OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.07-2.56) were more likely to use VBMA. Conclusions More than half of surveyed orthopedic physical therapists do not use VBMA in clinical practice. Future research should be directed toward assessing reliability and validity of VBMA use by smartphones, tablets, and apps and examining whether VBMA use enhances treatment outcomes. Data security, patient confidentiality, and integration into the electronic medical record should be addressed. Impact This study is the first to describe the use of VBMA in orthopedic physical therapist practice in the United States. It is first step in understanding how VBMA is used and might be used to enhance clinical assessment and treatment outcomes.
Multiplication Facts in the Continuum of Skills.

This study investigated differences between students’ multiplication fact automaticity scores and student competencies on five problems from Intermediate Algebra assessments with a sample of univer...
Antibiotics for otitis media with effusion in children.

Otitis media with effusion (OME), one of the most common diseases in early childhood, is a self-limited illness1 with an estimated recurrence rate of 50% within 24 months2 . OME is characterized by an accumulation of fluid in the middle ear without symptoms or signs of acute infection.3 In most cases OME causes mild hearing impairment for a short period. OME in the pediatric population can lead to diminished hearing which in theory could hinder early learning. Some studies have shown an association with adult hearing loss as well.4 In one study, for instance, OME and recurrent otitis media before the age of 3 were weakly associated with worse classroom concentration, mathematical skills, oral performance and reading skills5 .