cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Marijuana: Use Among Young Males and Health Outcomes:

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug by adolescents and young adults, with more males than females reporting marijuana use. The adolescent and young adult years represent a critical period for interventions to prevent marijuana use and abuse. This article reviews relevant literature, including trends in young males' marijuana use and health effects of marijuana use. By most measures, there has been little net change in marijuana use among 12th graders and young adults since the 1990s. Despite males' greater use, little research has examined gender differences in areas such as metabolism of marijuana and long-term impact of marijuana use. In many areas, including dental health, fertility, and respiratory function, research is either sparse or has yielded conflicting results. Similarly, research on marijuana's carcinogenic effects has yielded conflicting results; however, a small but consistent literature indicates that marijuana use is linked to cancers unique to males. A stronger literature has identified an association between marijuana use and psychiatric problems. Clinical and program interventions for adolescents have potential to prevent marijuana use, as well as screen for and treat marijuana abuse. Improved research is needed, such as research with greater consistency in defining levels of use and greater emphasis on gender differences. Such research would help clinical and program interventions focus on those most at risk for adverse outcomes.
EFFECT OF MICRONIZING ON KERNEL CHARACTERISTICS OF SORGHUM VARIETIES WITH DIFFERENT ENDOSPERM TYPE

Micronizing is accomplished by heating the grain with infra-red burners and crushing the heated kernels between corrugated steel rollers. A laboratory model Pierce micronizer was used to process five sorghum varieties with differing endosperm characteristics: two waxy, one heterowaxy, and two nonwaxy. The waxy grain had the greatest expansion followed by the heterowaxy and nonwaxy grains. The greatest alteration in endosperm structure occurred in the waxy sorghum varieties. The extent of starch gelatinization, measured by several methods, was in decreasing order: waxy, heterowaxy, and nonwaxy sorghum varieties. Waxy sorghum varieties are more extensively gelatinized than nonwaxy sorghums for a given increment of heat treatment. Thus, waxy sorghums can be processed under lower heat and pressure requirements than presently necessary for nonwaxy sorghums.
Soluble Antigens of Mycelia and Spherules in the In Vitro Detection of Immunity to Coccidioides immitis

The effect of a Coccidioides immitis spherule-derived antigen (spherulin) upon in vitro thymidine uptake by sensitized and nonsensitized lymphocytes was studied, and optimal conditions for the assay were determined. The mitogenic portion of the antigen was shown to be nondialyzable, as was true for a mycelial-derived antigen (coccidioidin). Concentrations of 20 μg of nondialyzable spherulin solids and 17 μg of nondialyzable coccidioidin solids per ml of culture were shown to be suitable for differentiating skin test-positive from skin test-negative individuals. Comparison with mycelial filtrate suggested spherulin may be a more potent mitogen for sensitized lymphocytes.
Adaptive model-based control of the Utah/MIT hand

Although previous case studies rigorously investigated the feasibility of implementing passivity-based inner loop adaptation on an industrial manipulator, an unanswered question was the general validity of those results. That issue is addressed by repeating the analysis on a small serial robot with a pneumatic tendon drive system. Experimental analysis reverified the algorithm's adaptation/learning capabilities and provided insight into how the implementation issues of tuning and parameter convergence depend on specific manipulator structure. Direct adaptive control enhances trajectory efficacy for a wide range of manipulators. >
Process learning of network interactions in market microstructures

In this paper, we explore new models for explaining trends in high frequency market data. Market depth information such as volume at different price levels is used to develop more robust prediction models than typical ones learned on aggregate trade data. The latter ignore many of the evolving interactions of the agent based network. In light of this, two learned models incorporating various levels of price depth information are compared with a naive trading strategy. We explore the added value of using market maker network data. The study finds that on average, using information from multiple price levels gives better trend prediction results.
Generalized spin models for coupled cortical feature maps obtained by coarse graining correlation based synaptic learning rules

We derive generalized spin models for the development of feedforward cortical architecture from a Hebbian synaptic learning rule in a two layer neural network with nonlinear weight constraints. Our model takes into account the effects of lateral interactions in visual cortex combining local excitation and long range effective inhibition. Our approach allows the principled derivation of developmental rules for low-dimensional feature maps, starting from high-dimensional synaptic learning rules. We incorporate the effects of smooth nonlinear constraints on net synaptic weight projected from units in the thalamic layer (the fan-out) and on the net synaptic weight received by units in the cortical layer (the fan-in). These constraints naturally couple together multiple feature maps such as orientation preference and retinotopic organization. We give a detailed illustration of the method applied to the development of the orientation preference map as a special case, in addition to deriving a model for joint pattern formation in cortical maps of orientation preference, retinotopic location, and receptive field width. We show that the combination of Hebbian learning and center-surround cortical interaction naturally leads to an orientation map development model that is closely related to the XY magnetic lattice model from statistical physics. The results presented here provide justification for phenomenological models studied in Cowan and Friedman (Advances in neural information processing systems 3, 1991), Thomas and Cowan (Phys Rev Lett 92(18):e188101, 2004) and provide a developmental model realizing the synaptic weight constraints previously assumed in Thomas and Cowan (Math Med Biol 23(2):119–138, 2006).
Effects of long-term cigarette smoking on the human locus coeruleus.

Background: It has been hypothesized that cigarette smoking among subjects with major depression is a form of self-medication. To explore a possible biological basis for this hypothesis, noradrenergic proteins in the locus coeruleus (LC) were measured in long-term cigarette smokers and in nonsmokers. The LC was studied because elevated amounts of a2-adrenoceptors and tyrosine hydroxylase have been observed postmortem in the LCs of subjects with major depression or who commit suicide, and because long-term administration of antidepressant drugs to rats down-regulates these proteins in the LC. Methods: Postmortem LCs were obtained from longterm cigarette smokers (n=7) and from nonsmokers (n = 9), all of whom lacked diagnoses of major depression. Amounts of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity and radioligand binding to the norepinephrine transporter, monoamine oxidase A, and a2-adrenoceptors were measured. Results: Amounts of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity and radioligand binding to a2-adrenoceptors were significantly lower (approximately 60% and 40%, respectively) along the axis of the LCs of long-term smokers compared with nonsmokers. Smoking had no statistically significant effects on binding to monoamine oxidase A or to the norepinephrine transporter. Conclusion: This is the first demonstration that cigarette smoking affects noradrenergic proteins in the LC. The direction of these changes is opposite to that observed when comparing subjects who have major depression with normal controls and the same as that produced by long-term antidepressant treatment in animals. If the present observations reflect long-term effects of smoking on premortem noradrenergic biochemistry, smoking-induced changes in LC biochemistry may strengthen the smoking habit among subjects with major depression. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2001;58:821-827
Testing the Nearest Kronecker Product Preconditioner on Markov Chains and Stochastic Automata Networks

This paper is the experimental follow-up to Langville and Stewart (2002), where the theoretical background for the nearest Kronecker product (NKP) preconditioner was developed. Here we test the NKP preconditioner on both Markov chains (MCs) and stochastic automata networks (SANs). We conclude that the NKP preconditioner is not appropriate for general MCs, but is very effective for a MC stored as a SAN.
Submerged Jet Mixing of Non-Newtonian Fluids in a Waste Tank

Unsteady jet mixing of Non-Newtonian fluids was investigated in order to develop a mixing correlation for treatment of stored radioactive waste prior to disposal. The radioactive waste was simulated by using carbopol mixtures, which possess both Newtonian and Non-Newtonian fluid rheological characteristics. A particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique with high spatial and temporal resolution was used to measure jet axial velocity, vector field velocity, and mixing properties of the carbopol mixtures. The relationship between the decaying jet axial velocity, tank geometry, fluid rheology and initial jet velocity were determined. A mathematical correlation was developed to estimate jet velocity in submerged jet-agitated tanks using the Buckingham Pi theorem and Dimensionless Numbers that influence the jet velocity and agitation in the tank.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Coordinated variable structure switching in smart power systems: attacks and mitigation

Recently, a class of cyber-physical attacks termed coordinated variable structure switching attacks has been identified for future smart grid systems. Here, an attacker who has remotely gained access to a circuit breaker or switch is able to disrupt power system operation by applying a state-dependent switching sequence. The sequence can be effectively designed employing variable structure systems theory. In this work, we extend this research to demonstrate an approach to mitigation within this variable structure system framework. Specifically, we study strategies employed by a power system operator in the face of a switching attack to steer the system to a stable equilibrium through persistent co-switching and by leveraging the existence of a stable sliding mode. We demonstrate how such co-switching can be designed for a variant of the WECC 3-machine, 9-bus system using linearized models and then employ simulations in MATLAB/Simulink and PSCAD to demonstrate its potential in practice.
Coaching and positive psychology

Coaching is a practice without limits on its scope, lacking theoretical foundations and meaningful accreditation, one that has yet to develop a significant empirical base. The discipline of positive psychology can provide coaching with an evidence-based framework and a defined scope of practice. Further, positive psychology can provide a range of valid measures, evidence-based interventions and a reference point from which to develop meaningful training and accreditation processes that will help set the boundaries of responsible coaching practice.
Biochemical, cytological, and histological alterations in rat lung following acute beryllium aerosol exposure

Abstract Fischer 344 rats were exposed for 1 hr to an aerosol of BeO generated at a temperature of 560°C. An initial lung burden of 500 ± 4.1 ng Be was achieved. Animals were killed at 2.5 hr, and 2, 12, and 21 days postexposure. Bronchopulmonary lavage fluids were analyzed biochemically for enzymes, protein, lipids, and sialic acid, and cytologically to determine the composition of the free alveolar cell population. Nonspecific phagocytosis of yeast was measured in adherent macrophages. There were increases in all the biochemical parameters by 2 days postexposure, which peaked by Day 5 and then began to return to control levels. The cytological response on Days 2 and 5 was characterized by polymorphonuclear leucocyte infiltration and a depression in macrophage number and phagocytic activity. By Day 12, increased numbers of newly recruited macrophages with supranormal phagocytic activity populated the lung. During the same period, there was a reduction in lavage protein and lipid levels, perhaps due to a restoration of normal clearance mechanisms. Tissue morphological changes correlated well with the cytological and biochemical alterations.
Using patent technology codes to study technological change

Much work on technological change agrees that the recombination of new and existing technological capabilities is one of the principal sources of technological novelty. Patented inventions can be seen as bundles of distinct technologies brought together to accomplish a specific outcome—and this is how the U.S. Patent Office defines inventions. The technologies constituting inventions are identified by the U.S. Patent Office through an elaborate system of technology codes. A combinatorial perspective on invention, emblematic of approaches to technological change informed by evolutionary economics and complexity science, is inherent in the use of technology codes to summarize what is technologically novel about a patented invention. The technology codes represent a set of consistent definitions of technologies and their components spanning 220 years of inventive activity, and are an underutilized data resource for identifying distinct technological capabilities, defining technology spaces, marking the arrival of technological novelty, measuring technological complexity, and empirically grounding the study of technological change. The present discussion provides an introduction to the use of patent technology codes as well as some basic empirics. Our results highlight the highly discriminating nature of the codes and their usefulness in characterizing the type of processes by which technological capabilities generate novelty.
Flow-rate dependence of gel permeation chromatography

Analysis of polystyrene standards by gel permeation chromatography over a wide range of flow rates revealed two sources of error in volume measurement. These errors arise from solvent evaporation in the siphon chamber and from solvent continuing to flow into the siphon during discharge. Appropriate corrections are discussed, and a vapor feedback loop to eliminate the solvent evaporation error is described. The flow rate dependence of the GPC calibration curve, expressed in the corrected elution volumes, appears different from that reported in the literature. The corrected flow rate dependence of peak elution volumes is in agreement with the expectation of diffusion and exclusion theories.
Identification of multiple Caenorhabditis elegans caspases and their potential roles in proteolytic cascades.

Abstract Proteases of the caspase family play a central role in the execution of programmed cell death in all metazoans examined. The Caenorhabditis elegans caspase CED-3 is essential for programmed cell death in this organism. Three additionalC. elegans caspase-related genes, csp-1(cas pase homolog-1), which encodes the csp-1A, csp-1B, andcsp-1C RNA species; csp-2, which encodes thecsp-2A and csp-2B RNA species; andcsp-3 are identified. CSP-1A, CSP-1B, CSP-2A, and CSP-2B proteins are similar in sequence to caspase proproteins. CSP-1C is similar only to large caspase subunits, and CSP-3 is similar only to small caspase subunits. CSP-1B can be activated to become a cysteine protease by processing at internal aspartate residues. Activated CSP-1B can cleave the CSP-1B, CED-3, and CSP-2B proproteins, and activated CED-3 can cleave the CED-3 and CSP-2B proproteins. Inhibitor and synthetic substrate studies further suggest that activated CSP-1B and activated CED-3 have different substrate specificities. These results suggest that C. elegans encodes several caspases that might act in proteolytic cascades to regulate processes such as programmed cell death.
How Sensitive is the Amide I Vibration of the Polypeptide Backbone to Electric Fields

Site-selective isotopic labeling of amide carbonyls offers a nonperturbative means to introduce a localized infrared probe into proteins. Although this strategy has been widely used to investigate various biological questions, the dependence of the underlying amide I vibrational frequency on electric fields (or Stark tuning rate) has not been fully determined, which prevents it from being used in a quantitative manner in certain applications. Herein, through the use of experiments and molecular dynamics simulations, the Stark tuning rate of the amide I vibration of an isotopically labeled backbone carbonyl in a transmembrane α-helix is determined to be approximately 1.4 cm(-1) /(MV/cm). This result provides a quantitative basis for using this vibrational model to assess local electric fields in proteins, among other applications. For instance, by using this value, we are able to show that the backbone region of a dipeptide has a surprisingly low dielectric constant.
Prediction of Minimal Pressure Support During Weaning From Mechanical Ventilation

Our goal was to evaluate the accuracy of a prediction equation that estimates the minimal level of pressure support (PS) required to overcome the resistance of the ventilator circuit and the endotracheal tube during mechanical ventilation. We calculated the minimal PS (PSmin) by means of the relationship between airway resistance and peak inspiratory flow rate during mechanical ventilation. Measurements of breathing pattern, flow rates, work of breathing (WOB), pressure time product (PTP), and PEEPi were made during several modes of ventilation (PSmin, PSmin + 25 percent, PSmin-25 percent, flow by, CPAP 0 cm H 2 O) and while breathing through an endotracheal tube (ETT) and spontaneous breathing (EXT). The WOB was significantly higher during EXT than PSmin, PSmin-25 percent, and ETT (1.04 vs 0.45, 0.54, and 0.74 J/L, respectively, p
High Δε nematic liquid crystals: fluxional zwitterions of the [closo-1-CB9H10]−cluster

A new class of nematics with high dielectric anisotropy (Δe) for display applications has been developed and characterized by thermal and dielectric methods in mixtures with 3 nematic hosts: ClEster, 6-CHBT, and ZLI-1132. The key structural element is the zwitterionic derivative of the [closo-1-CB9H10]− anion substituted at the B(10) position with either pyridinium (3) or sulfonium (4) groups. The zwitterions increase the longitudinal molecular electric dipole moment by 8 D (4) or 12 D (3) and give rise to the extrapolated Δe in the range of 22 (4a)–113 (3c). The sulfonium derivatives 4 have higher solubility in nematic hosts, lower tendency to aggregate, and lower impact on host's viscosity than pyridinium 3. This, in part, is attributed to facile epimerization at the sulfur center in 4 and existence of the trans/cis equilibrium. Experimental results are augmented with DFT calculations and analyzed using the Maier–Meier relationship.
Joint compensation of transmitter and receiver impairments in OFDM systems

The implementation of OFDM-based systems suffers from impairments such as in-phase and quadrature-phase (IQ) imbalances in the front-end analog processing. Such imbalances are caused by the analog processing of the radio frequency (RF) signal and can be present at both the transmitter and receiver. The resulting IQ distortion limits the achievable operating SNR at the receiver and the achievable data rates. In this paper, the effect of both the transmitter and receiver IQ imbalances in an OFDM system is studied and algorithms are developed to compensate for such distortions in the digital domain. The algorithms include post-FFT least-squares and adaptive equalization, as well as a pre-distortion scheme at the transmitter and a pre-FFT correction at the receiver
Gender Inequality and Time Allocations Among Academic Faculty

This article focuses on faculty members’ allocation of time to teaching and research, conceptualizing these—and the mismatch between preferred and actual time allocations—as examples of gender inequality in academic employment. Utilizing data from the 1999 National Study of Postsecondary Faculty, I find that (1) women faculty members prefer to spend a greater percentage of their time on teaching, while men prefer to spend more time on research, although these preferences are themselves constrained; (2) women faculty members spend a greater percentage of their workweek on teaching and a smaller percentage on research than men, gaps that cannot be explained by preferences or educational and institutional attributes; and (3) women faculty members have larger time allocation mismatches than men—that is, their actual time allocations to both teaching and research diverge more from their preferred time allocations than those of men. These findings shed light on how gender inequality is both produced and maintai...
RANGE EXPANSION AND LOCAL POPULATION INCREASE OF THE EXOTIC ANT, PHEIDOLE OBSCURITHORAX, IN THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES (HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE)

Abstract The exotic ant, Pheidole obscurithorax Naves, is currently expanding its range and increasing in local density in the southeastern United States. We describe new county records from 5 states and local density increases along roadside transects in the Tallahassee, Florida area. The patchy distribution suggests that this species is being transported to new localities by people. Throughout its introduced range, this species is largely confined to highly disturbed habitats, such as lawns and roadsides and frequently co-occurs with the introduced fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren. Locally, although the maximum density of nests per unit area has not changed since 2002, the total area occupied, and the total number of nests of P. obscurithorax is much greater. Beyond these data, little is known of the biology of this species.
Income dynamics and health: A test of competing hypotheses

Abstract Objective This study aims to examine the temporal processes underlying the relationship between income and health among the elderly to demonstrate the extent to which income histories have an influence on health changes. Methods The empirical work of this study will be based on the 1992–2010 Health and Retirement Study (HRS). This study will test the low income hypothesis, the permanent income hypothesis, and the transitory income hypothesis using the method of growth curve modeling. Results Results from growth curve analyses suggest that distinguishing these three income hypotheses is useful on theoretical, empirical, and policy grounds. It shows that the impact of low income, anticipated fluctuations in household income over the long run, as well as unanticipated income change over the short term on the changes in health over time are shaped along both socioeconomic and racial/ethnic lines. Conclusion Given the present U.S. circumstances, perhaps something like a national healthcare system like the Obamacare and tax incentives and other benefit systems can be implemented to reduce the existing health disparities.
Cucurbitacin D Is a Disruptor of the HSP90 Chaperone Machinery

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) facilitates the maturation of many newly synthesized and unfolded proteins (clients) via the Hsp90 chaperone cycle, in which Hsp90 forms a heteroprotein complex and relies upon cochaperones, immunophilins, etc., for assistance in client folding. Hsp90 inhibition has emerged as a strategy for anticancer therapies due to the involvement of clients in many oncogenic pathways. Inhibition of chaperone function results in client ubiquitinylation and degradation via the proteasome, ultimately leading to tumor digression. Small molecule inhibitors perturb ATPase activity at the N-terminus and include derivatives of the natural product geldanamycin. However, N-terminal inhibition also leads to induction of the pro-survival heat shock response (HSR), in which displacement of the Hsp90-bound transcription factor, heat shock factor-1, translocates to the nucleus and induces transcription of heat shock proteins, including Hsp90. An alternative strategy for Hsp90 inhibition is disruption o...
The effect of Al on the corrosion behavior of Ni-Mo in a H2/H2O/H2S gas mixture

The corrosion behavior of seven Ni-Mo-Al alloys was investigated over the temperature range of 600–950°C in a mixed-gas atmosphere of H2/H2O/H2S. The parabolic law was followed at low temperatures, while linear kinetics were generally observed at higher temperatures. At a fixed Mo content, the transition from parabolic to linear kinetics shifted to higher temperature with increasing Al concentration. Double-layered scales generally formed on alloys having a low Al content, consisting of an outer layer of nickel sulfide and a complex inner scale. The thickness of the outer scale and the inner scale decreased as the Al content increased. The outer scale became porous and discontinuous with increasing Al content and temperature. Al2O3was detected in the scales of all alloys corroded at higher temperatures (≥ 800°C), even though the amount of Al2O3was very small in some cases. The decrease in corrosion rate with increasing Al content may be attributed to the formation of Al2O3,Al0.55Mo2S4,and Al2S3in the inner scale.
A computationally efficient combustion trajectory prediction model developed for real-time diesel combustion control

The heterogeneous nature of diesel combustion adds many complexities that make understanding the combustion process difficult. Many researchers have made great efforts in diagnostics, prediction, a...
Who is in danger? Impingement and penetration of the anterior cortex of the distal femur during intramedullary nailing of proximal femur fractures: preoperatively measurable risk factors.

BACKGROUND Intramedullary nail (IMN) perforation through the cortex of the distal femur is a risk of intramedullary stabilization of proximal femur fractures. This study was performed to identify information that is available before operation that can pick out patients at risk for this complication. METHODS A retrospective review of records and roentgenograms of 150 patients treated with intramedullary stabilization of a proximal femur fracture during a 4-year period at a Level I trauma center was performed. The position of the tip of the IMN in the distal femur was measured on postoperative lateral roentgenograms and grouped into anterior, middle, or posterior one third positions. Patients in whom the tip of the nail contacted or penetrated through the anterior cortex were designated as having cortical impingement. RESULTS Nail tip position was in the anterior one third of the distal femur in 71 (47%) of 150 patients, and 38 (25%) of these patients fit the definition for cortical impingement. The radiographic femoral angle of incidence strongly correlated with an anterior nail tip position (p < 0.0001) and cortical impingement (p < 0.0001). Shorter patients were also more likely to have cortical impingement (p < 0.005), and patients less than 160 cm in height had a 49% likelihood of impingement. A starting point in the posterior one third of the greater trochanter increased the likelihood of having an anterior nail tip position as well (p < 0.007). CONCLUSION Of the 150 patients in whom an IMN was used for stabilization of a proximal femur fracture, 71 (47%) had the distal part of their nail positioned in the anterior one third of the distal femur. Patients who are shorter and/or had an increased femoral bow as measured on a lateral roentgenogram are more likely to have an anterior nail tip position or cortical impingement. Posterior starting points should be avoided to prevent this complication. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic study, level III; therapeutic study, level IV.
Response Reproducibility and Functional Localization using High-Density Diffuse Optical Tomography During Naturalistic Viewing

We used optical neuroimaging to record evoked cortical responses during a naturalistic viewing task. We show reproducible responses to movie-evoked responses and more specific activation maps related to processing specific aspects of the stimulus.
Rash Associated With Phototherapy in a 2-Day-Old Preterm Male Infant

A 2-day-old preterm male infant with hemolytic anemia and indirect hyperbilirubinemia receiving intensive phototherapy presents with a rash. ### Prenatal and Birth Histories ### Presentation On day 2, the patient developed erythema on the anterior chest. Throughout that day, the erythematous rash became purpuric. Only skin exposed to the phototherapy lights was affected (Figure 1). Figure 1. Well-demarcated, confluent macular purpura on the cheeks, chest, abdomen, anterior arms, and anterior legs. Purpura spares areas covered by monitor leads and wires. ### Vital Signs (Day 2)
Recognition of Passive Activity Losses in a Complete Redemption of S Corporation Stock

ABSTRACT: Under Section 302(b)(3), a taxpayer who redeems all of the stock he owns in an S corporation is treated as having surrendered his stock in a fully taxable exchange. The taxpayer generally recognizes the gain, or loss, realized on the exchange. Moreover, if the interest he redeems is an interest in a passive activity, Section 469(g) re-characterizes a loss on the exchange, and suspended passive activity losses (PAL) from the activity, as losses not from a passive activity, thus freeing up the suspended losses. However, when the taxpayer and the S corporation are related parties, Section 469(g)(1)(B) prohibits recognition of suspended PAL until the S corporation disposes of the “interest acquired” in a taxable transaction. Following a redemption, disposition of the “interest acquired” is not literally possible. Consequently, taxpayers question whether related-party S corporation shareholders lose the ability to recognize suspended PAL when they redeem their stock. For several years, the American I...
Hepatic Transaminase Activity in Alcoholic Liver Disease

Glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) activities were measured in percutaneous needle biopsy specimens of human liver tissue and compared with transaminase values in serum obtained on the day of biopsy. Hepatic GPT activity was significantly decreased in liver tissue of patients with alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis compared with the activity in individuals with normal livers (P
Sex differences and renal protection: Keeping in touch with your feminine side

Recognition of the fundamental roles played by sex-specific factors in health and disease led to the 1993 National Institutes of Health (NIH) Revitalization Act that mandates that National Institutes of Health researchers include women in clinical studies and that results be analyzed by sex or
Diagnostic study of vascular lesions.

SUMMARY Detailed diagnostic evaluation of upper extremity vascular lesions is not possible with any single existing test or study. Arteriography and improved arteriographic techniques, including digital subtraction imaging, have increased dramatically the resolution of this procedure. Unfortunately, reactive vasospasm and limited runoff still preclude the provision of complete information about vascular anatomy. Surgical exploration, of course, provides direct access to arterial and venous structures in a limited area, but it has obvious limitations. Indirect information about the structural anatomy can be obtained by Doppler techniques, ultrasound scans, and radionuclide imaging. These techniques also provide limited information about changes in perfusion during stress. Plethysmography, thermography, thermometry, and measurements of segmental arterial pressure, when combined with stress testing, provide excellent indirect evidence of both static and dynamic states. A combination of pressure measurements and intraoperative ultrasound associated with direct surgical measurement will provide quantitative and qualitative analysis of antegrade and retrograde flow and allow the surgeon to look at the intima of vessels without surgically traumatizing the vessel wall. Within the next decade, real-time information with three-dimensional reconstruction of arterial and venous structures as well as quantitative analysis of segmental areas of blood flow will be provided by the use of combinations of these techniques or techniques that have not yet been reported.
Hypoxemia and hypercapnia in conscious dogs: opioid modulation of catecholamines.

The role of endogenous opioids in systemic and renal circulatory changes during combined acute hypoxemia and hypercapnic acidosis was evaluated in seven conscious female mongrel dogs in rigid sodium balance. Animals were studied 2 wk apart in separate protocols of combined acute hypoxemia (arterial O2 tension = 33 +/- 1 mmHg) and hypercapnic acidosis (arterial CO2 tension = 56 +/- 1 mmHg, pH = 7.19 +/- 0.01) of 40 min duration during 1) naloxone, 5 mg/kg iv bolus followed by an intravenous infusion of 5 mg.kg-1.h-1, and 2) vehicle (5% dextrose in water) alone. Systemic circulatory changes during the combined acute blood-gas derangement including increased mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and cardiac output and decreased total peripheral resistance were comparable between naloxone and vehicle treatments. However, in striking contrast to the brief fall in renal hemodynamic function during combined acute hypoxemia and hypercapnic acidosis with vehicle, naloxone administration during the combined acute blood-gas derangement resulted in a sustained decrease in effective renal plasma flow, glomerular filtration rate, and filtered sodium load and enhanced rise in circulating norepinephrine and epinephrine. Changes in plasma renin activity were comparable between vehicle and naloxone protocols except that plasma renin activity increased from the first to the second 20-min periods of combined hypoxemia and hypercapnic acidosis with naloxone. These observations suggest that endogenous opioids may contribute to preservation of renal hemodynamic function during acute blood-gas derangements, possibly through attenuation of sympathetic nervous system and renin-angiotension activation.
Applications of connectivity graph processes in networked sensing and control

This paper concerns the problem of controlling mobile nodes in a network in such a way that the resulting graph-encoding of the inter-node information flow exhibits certain desirable properties. As a sequence of such transitions between different graphs occurs, the result is a graph process. In this paper, we not only characterize the reachability properties of these graph processes, but also put them to use in a number of applications, ranging from multi-agent formation control, to optimal collaborative beamforming in sensor networks.
The effects of twins on the large strain deformation and fracture of hexagonal close packed crystalline materials

Abstract We investigated how twin modes in hexagonal close packed materials can affect large inelastic strain behavior and fracture. We considered the two twin mode systems of ( 11 2 ¯ 1 ) [ 1 ¯ 1 ¯ 26 ] and (0001) [ 1 ¯ 1 ¯ 20 ] in zircaloy-2, with each mode having 24 unique twin systems. We then incorporated these twin and parent slip systems with a dislocation-density crystalline plasticity, a non-linear finite-element, and fracture framework that accounts for crack nucleation and propagation. We investigated how these twin modes affect the interrelated effects of crack nucleation and propagation, dislocation density and inelastic slip evolution, stress accumulation, and lattice rotation. The predictions indicate that twin modes significantly affect local deformation and fracture behavior, and, therefore, are essential for the accurate representation of behavior at different physical scales in heterogeneous crystalline hexagonal close packed systems.
Constructing citizenship in post-conflict contexts: the cases of Liberia and Rwanda

ABSTRACTIn post-conflict and fragile contexts, one central aim of education is to prepare citizens to rebuild society and manage conflict. In this paper, we discuss the ways that citizenship education, students’ civic attitudes, and student civic practices vary across two post-conflict contexts in Africa: Liberia and Rwanda. First, we consider the historical and current complexities of citizenship education in these countries drawing on a post-colonial framework and Osler and Starkey’s three dimensions of citizenship. Next, we discuss survey and interview data from secondary students based on separate multi-level case studies in the respective countries. We note differences and similarities in student conceptions of good citizenship, civic identity, classroom climate, and civic engagement across the two countries, as well as variation by school type and gender. Some notable findings included less active conceptions of citizenship and openness to discussing controversial issues in Rwanda than in Liberia, a...
Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase Autoantibodies-Related Encephalitis

Researchers at University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland, report a case of glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibodies (GADA)-related encephalitis in a 6-year-old girl and review the literature.
Genetic Counselor Practices Involving Pediatric Patients with FAP: an Investigation of their Self‐Reported Strategies for Genetic Testing and Hepatoblastoma Screening

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a cancer predisposition syndrome that causes early-onset polyposis and is associated with an increased risk for hepatoblastoma. There is currently a lack of consensus on when to order APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) gene testing or implement surveillance for hepatoblastoma. An online questionnaire was completed by 62 genetic counselors to capture their current practices regarding these questions. Extracolonic findings associated with FAP that were most likely to prompt APC testing in an otherwise asymptomatic 10 year-old child with a negative family history were multiple desmoid tumors, congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (CHRPE), jaw osteomas, and hepatoblastoma. For hepatoblastoma screening, the majority did recommend this in children less than age five years with known APC mutations. An interval of every 3-6 months was most commonly suggested; however, responses extended to screening on a less than annual basis. These results highlight the need for further investigation into why some genetic counselors do not recommend APC testing in young at-risk children and what factors influence views about the ideal age and indication for APC testing. Studies of these issues would help to define the best clinical practice model for genetic testing and hepatoblastoma screening in pediatric patients with FAP.
On the existence of near-optimal fixed time control of traffic intersection signals

Traffic intersection signal control usually employ fixed-time, or periodic control policies. Yet, their optimality is unknown. Recent work has proposed queue-dependent max-weight scheduling policies that are optimal. But these are not regarded as practical and unlikely to be adopted. This paper considers the question whether there exist optimal fixed-time signal control policies. We consider a fluid model for arrivals and departures. For simplicity, only one queue is actuated at a time, though this can be generalized. Furthermore, switching the actuation from one queue to the next incurs an all-red Δ delay. We show that there exists a fixed-time signal control policy that is near-optimal. The proof is non-constructive. Nevertheless, it answers an important question and suggests the existence of approximate optimal fixed-time policies that would be practical as well.
Consortial Collaboration and the Creation of an Assessment Instrument for Community-Based Learning

This article describes the development of the Community-Based Learning (CBL) Scorecard by a grant­-funded consortium of liberal arts institutions. The aim of the scorecard was to promote assessment that improves student learning with an instrument that employs a quantitative scale, allowing for benchmarking across institutions. Extensive interviews with faculty who participated in the pilot (Charles & Choi, 2013), including specific perceptions of the value of using the scorecard to assess the students’ CBL experience and improve learning outcomes, were reviewed. Results indicated that the CBL Scorecard, with appropriate administration, serves as an adaptable tool for assessment of CBL that can provide timely feedback and reminders of best practices to faculty. Increasing student response rates, the scorecard’s value for faculty development, and improving the experience for community partners are discussed.
Computations of a Hydrogen-Fueled Scramjet Combustor on Locally Refined Meshes

Simulations of an experimental hydrogen-fueled scramjet combustor are conducted using a novel dynamic hybrid Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes/large-eddy simulation (DHRL) modeling framework. The combustor has a Mach 2 core flow with a ramp fuel injector resulting in an equivalence ratio of 0.17. Three grid resolutions are obtained using local refinement by a factor of two in each direction in the fuel mixing and combustion region, and results from the three grids are used to understand the effect of grid refinement. Simulations reproduce temperature, pressure, velocity, and fuel concentrations in reasonable agreement with experimental measurements. Although heat release decreases on average, as the mesh is refined, peaks of heat release are intensified causing locally elevated temperatures. Spectral analysis of turbulence kinetic energy and heat release suggests stringent resolution requirements for reacting simulations capable of accurately resolving the effects of chemical reactions. Using the medium grid the DHRL model is compared to the improved delayed detached eddy simulation (IDDES) model and two Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) models. Overall, the DHRL framework significantly outperforms other methods when compared to the experimental pressure rise. Additionally, spectral analysis suggests that the current framework is capable of accurately resolving turbulent structures at frequencies higher than IDDES. The study is the first documenting the use of DHRL for supersonic reacting flow and results suggest that it is a viable alternative to existing turbulence treatments for these types of flows.
Abstract 234: AGEs Enhance the Metabolism of Angiotensin-(1-7) and Lower Intracellular Peptide Expression

Advancedglycated end products (AGEs) including glucose- and methylglyoxal-modified albumin (MGA) may be important mediators of diabetic pathologies. An accompanying abstract described AGE-dependent cellular hypertrophy and myofibroblast transition (MT) in NRK-52E renal epithelial cells that was abolished by treatment with the alternative angiotensin (Ang) product Ang-(1-7); the inhibitory effect of Ang-(1-7) was likely mediated by attenuation of ERK and TGF-β stimulated pathways. AGEs evoke multiple signaling events, but the impact on the Ang-(1-7) system is unknown. The present study addressed whether AGEs suppress the Ang-(1-7) axis, and thus facilitate their deleterious actions. MGA exposure for 48 hrs significantly reduced the cellular expression of Ang-(1-7) [396 ± 59 vs. 219 ± 54 fmol/mg protein; p
Patient-Derived Mouse Models of Sarcoma

The diversity and rarity of sarcomas has led to many challenges in the management of these malignancies. While local control can often be provided by surgical resection and radiation therapy, there is still a need for more effective systemic treatments in order to prevent distant recurrence and manage metastatic disease. Recent work has elucidated the underlying molecular biology in a handful of sarcoma subtypes, thereby providing avenues for targeted systemic therapy. Unfortunately, for the majority of sarcoma histological subtypes, systemic therapy continues to rely on traditional chemotherapy, often with toxic side effects. Patient-derived mouse models of sarcoma are paving the way for more personalized and targeted therapy that is both patient and tumor specific. Early trials in both subcutaneous and orthotopic models have begun to demonstrate the potential for translating xenograft findings to clinical care and represent an opportunity to personalize treatment for sarcoma patients and ultimately improve the outcomes of patients with these aggressive malignancies.
Enhanced Hydrothermal Stability and Catalytic Activity of LaxZryOz Mixed Oxides for the Ketonization of Acetic Acid in the Aqueous Condensed Phase

Common ketonization catalysts such as ZrO2-, CeO2-, and TiO2-based catalysts have been reported to lose surface area, undergo phase transformation, and lose catalytic activity when they are utilized in the condensed aqueous phase. In this work, we synthesized a series of LaxZryOz mixed-metal oxides with different La:Zr atomic ratios with the goal of enhancing the catalytic activity and stability for the ketonization of acetic acid in condensed aqueous media at 568 K. We synthesized a hydrothermally stable LaxZryOz mixed-metal oxide catalyst with ketonization activity 265 and 45 times more active than La2O3 and ZrO2, respectively. Catalyst characterization techniques suggest that the enhanced stability of the LaxZryOz catalysts is observed with the formation of a phase isomorphic with tetragonal ZrO2. DRIFTS spectroscopy measurements indicated the enhanced catalytic activity of LaxZryOz catalysts correlated with greater acetic acid surface population in the presence of H2O versus pure ZrO2.
THE BROWSING VICTORIAN READER

John Stuart Mill famously writes in his Autobiography (1873) that reading William Wordsworth's poetry brought him relief when he was depressed. Exhausted by the “habit of analysis” instilled in him through his father's rigorous educational program, Mill recalls that “the state of my thoughts and feelings made the fact of my reading Wordsworth for the first time . . . an important event in my life” (137, 146; ch. 5). He describes how he “took up the collection of [Wordsworth's] poems from curiosity, with no expectation of mental relief from it,” but fortuitously found “the precise thing for [his] mental wants at that particular juncture,” the delightful “states of feeling” the poems conjure in their renderings of beauty (146-48; ch. 5).
Leveraging Genomics for Head and Neck Cancer Treatment.

The genomic landscape of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has been recently elucidated. Key epigenetic and genetic characteristics of this cancer have been reported and substantiated i...
Response to Mungall et al. letter to the editor on Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 19A: worldwide epidemiology. Expert review of vaccines 2017;16(10):1007-27.

We thank Mungall and colleagues for their interest in our manuscript that focused on serotype 19A. The letter addresses a diversity of issues beyond the original topic of our article. It also conta...
Residential Environments and Active Living

Abstract Obesity and inactivity have become increasingly urgent threats to public health. The design of our residential environments, both the homes themselves and their neighborhood communities, play important roles in how physically active we are. Communities are fostering walkability—the design supports for walking and other physical activity—to reverse health threats and encourage high quality homes and neighborhoods. Walkable community designs, bolstered by psychological, social, and policy supports, are important parts of healthy communities. Increasingly, design interventions in the community intended to encourage active living, such as new parks, transit, and streetscapes, can be evaluated for effectiveness in order to foster evidence-based healthy community design. This chapter reviews some of the methodological challenges and substantive findings regarding residential environments that support active living.
Competing Events, Formation of Cohesive Subgroups, and Non-Profit Partnering

While events that bring organizations together, such as conferences, negotiations, and regulatory hearings, have been recognized to play a role in organizing fields, less attention has been paid to...