cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Syntactic Awareness in Young Monolingual and Bilingual (Urdu-English) Children.

Abstract In two experiments, bilingual (Urdu and English) 5- and 6-year-old children outperformed their monolingual (English) peers when asked to detect grammatically incorrect sentences on a syntactic awareness test. This result occurred when children were tested in English (Experiment 1) and when they were tested in English or in Urdu (Experiment 2). Bilingual children aged 3 and 4 were better at detecting grammatically incorrect sentences than their monolingual peers, but only when tested in Urdu. However, no significant differences appeared in monolingual and bilingual children's ability to detect grammatically correct sentences, suggesting that both grammatically correct and incorrect sentences should be used to obtain an accurate measure of syntactic awareness. The issue of whether it is bilingualism or the properties of a language that affect syntactic awareness is considered.
Hypophysectomy and hemivasectomy can inhibit the testicular hemicastration response of the mature rat.

Three questions were asked in an attempt to understand how testosterone (T) concentration in the veins of the remaining testis can double within 24 h after hemicastration in the mature rat without a change in plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. These three questions (and their answers) were: 1) Can the testicular hemicastration response occur in hypophysectomized rats? Answer, No. 2) Does LH binding to the testis increase after hemicastration? Answer, No. 3) Is there a neural route to the testis alternate to the superior spermatic plexi? Answer, Yes, apparently there is, since hemivasectomy contralateral to the excised testis partially suppressed the testicular hemicastration response (150.4 +/- 13.2 ng/ml in hemicastrated, sham- hemivasectomized rats [n = 18] vs. 109.4 +/- 11.6 ng/ml in hemicastrated, hemivasectomized rats [n = 18], P less than 0.026). It was concluded that LH was probably necessary to the testicular hemicastration response but that its presence did not provide a mechanism. The response was mediated at least partly through the inferior spermatic nerves associated with the vas deferens. A possible reason, although highly speculative, for failure to previously block the testicular hemicastration response by bilateral denervation of the superior spermatic plexi (Mock and Frankel , 1982) was that during the 12-wk interval between denervation and hemicastration, testicular innervation functionally transferred from the superior spermatic to the inferior spermatic nerves.
A pulse-matching method for estimating the gas amplification factor in proportional counters

Abstract The gas amplification factor in a proportional counter may be estimated by a comparison technique using an oscilloscope. A known capacitor is put in parallel with the input from the detector at the first group of the preamplifier and a unipolar output signal is generated by applying a voltage step from a precision pulse generator. This signal is then matched on the oscilloscope to a similar signal from the main amplifier as created by a monoenergetic X-ray pulse falling on the counter. To obtain the correct value for the gas amplification factor, the differences in rise-times between the charge input from the detector and the pulse generator must be taken into consideration. This correction is obtained from a calibration chart determined from a computer solution of the differential equations which describe the pulse shapes for the pulse generator and the proportional counter at various points in the preamplifier/amplifier system. The calculations assume (1) zero electron collection time in the detector, (2) a charge-sensitive low-noise preamplifier, and (3) a main amplifier having simple RC pulse-shaping networks. The errors introduced by a spread in the electron collection time are discussed. Experimental results which test and illustrate the use of the method are given.
A systematic approach for the analytical analysis and prediction of the yield from liquid propellant explosions.

Yield and combustion physics of liquid propellant explosions determined from analytic charts
Effects of mine effluent on uptake of Co, Ni, Cu, As, Zn, Cd, Cr and Pb by aquatic macrophytes

Concentrations of Ni, Co, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr and As were determined in aquatic sediments, water and macrophytes collected from a fluvial system, contaminated by mine effluents. Myriophyllum verticillatum collected in May below the trace element point source accumulated 169 µg/g of Ni, 860 µg/g of Co, 37 µg/g of Cu, 31 µg/g of Pb, 92 µg/g of Zn, 6.9 µg/g of Cr and 1,200 µg/g of As (concentrations in dry weight). The aquatic macrophytes Nymphaea odoratae and Pontederia cordata accumulated the investigated trace elements to a much lesser extent. The concentrations of trace elements in Myriophyllum verticillatum decreased from May to August. Correlations were found between the concentrations of total Ni, Co and Cu in the bottom sediment and in the submerged macrophytes. However, there was no correlation between the amounts of these trace elements extractable by 0.5 N HCl from the sediments and the concentrations in the macrophytes.
New parametrization of the Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix.

We propose a new perturbative parametrization of the quark mixing matrix (Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix) V-italic, in terms of xi = Vertical BarV-italic/sub u-italic//sub s-italic/V/sub cb/Vertical Bar/sup 1/2/approx. =0.11. Generalization to a fourth generation is conjectured and its phenomenological implications on C-italicP-italic nonconservation in the neutral-K-italic-meson system are discussed.
Incorporation and replication of 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine by the human mitochondrial DNA polymerase.

Abstract To assess the role of oxidative stress on the replication of mitochondrial DNA, we examined the kinetics of incorporation of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine (8-oxodG) triphosphate catalyzed by the human mitochondrial DNA polymerase. Using transient state kinetic methods, we quantified the kinetics of incorporation, excision, and extension beyond a base pair containing 8-oxodG. The 8-oxodGTP was incorporated opposite dC in the template with a specificity constant of 0.005 μm-1 s-1, a value ∼10,000-fold lower than that for dGTP. Once incorporated, 96% of the time 8-oxodGMP was extended by continued polymerization rather than being excised by the proofreading exonuclease. The specificity constant for incorporation of 8-oxodGTP opposite a template dA was 0.2 μm-1 s-1, a value 13-fold higher than incorporation opposite a template dC. The 8-oxodG:dA mispair was extended rather than excised at least 70% of the time. Examination of the kinetics of polymerization with 8-oxodG in the template strand also revealed relatively low fidelity in that dCTP would be incorporated only 90% of the time. In nearly 10% of events, dATP would be incorporated, and once incorporated dA (opposite 8-oxodG) was extended rather than excised. The greatest fidelity was against a dTTP:8-oxodG mismatch affording a discrimination value of only 1800. These data reveal that 8-oxodGTP is a potent mutagen. Once it is incorporated into DNA, 8-oxodGMP codes for error prone DNA synthesis. These reactions are likely to play important roles in oxidative stress in mitochondria related to aging and as compounded by nucleoside analogs used to treat human immunodeficiency virus infections.
Earth's Earliest Atmosphere

The aftermath of the Moon-forming impact left Earth with a hot, CO 2 -rich steam atmosphere. Water oceans condensed from the steam after 2 Myr, but for some 10-100 Myr the surface stayed warm (∼500K), the length of time depending on how quickly the CO 2 was removed into the mantle. Thereafter a lifeless Earth, heated only by the dim light of the young Sun, would have evolved into a bitterly cold ice world. The cooling trend was frequently interrupted by volcanic- or impact-induced thaws.
Associations between residence at birth and mental health disorders: a spatial analysis of retrospective cohort data

Mental health disorders impact approximately one in four US adults. While their causes are likely multifactorial, prior research has linked the risk of certain mental health disorders to prenatal and early childhood environmental exposures, motivating a spatial analysis to determine whether risk varies by birth location. We investigated the spatial associations between residence at birth and odds of depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a retrospective cohort (Cape Cod, Massachusetts, 1969–1983) using generalized additive models to simultaneously smooth location and adjust for confounders. Birth location served as a surrogate for prenatal exposure to the combination of social and environmental factors related to the development of mental illness. We predicted crude and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for each outcome across the study area. The results were mapped to identify areas of increased risk. We observed spatial variation in the crude odds ratios of depression that was still present even after accounting for spatial confounding due to geographic differences in the distribution of known risk factors (aOR range: 0.61–3.07, P = 0.03). Similar geographic patterns were seen for the crude odds of PTSD; however, these patterns were no longer present in the adjusted analysis (aOR range: 0.49–1.36, P = 0.79), with family history of mental illness most notably influencing the geographic patterns. Analyses of the odds of bipolar disorder did not show any meaningful spatial variation (aOR range: 0.58–1.17, P = 0.82). Spatial associations exist between residence at birth and odds of PTSD and depression, but much of this variation can be explained by the geographic distributions of available risk factors. However, these risk factors did not account for all the variation observed with depression, suggesting that other social and environmental factors within our study area need further investigation.
Fuzzy-rough nearest neighbor algorithms in classification

In this paper, classification efficiency of the conventional K-nearest neighbor algorithm is enhanced by exploiting fuzzy-rough uncertainty. The simplicity and nonparametric characteristics of the conventional K-nearest neighbor algorithm remain intact in the proposed algorithm. Unlike the conventional one, the proposed algorithm does not need to know the optimal value of K. Moreover, the generated class confidence values, which are interpreted in terms of fuzzy-rough ownership values, do not necessarily sum up to one. Consequently, the proposed algorithm can distinguish between equal evidence and ignorance, and thus the semantics of the class confidence values becomes richer. It is shown that the proposed classifier generalizes the conventional and fuzzy KNN algorithms. The efficacy of the proposed approach is discussed on real data sets.
Are the Naranjo Criteria Reliable and Valid for Determination of Adverse Drug Reactions in the Intensive Care Unit

BACKGROUNDThe Naranjo criteria are frequently used for determination of causality for suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs); however, the psychometric properties have not been studied in the critically ill.OBJECTIVETo evaluate the reliability and validity of the Naranjo criteria for ADR determination in the intensive care unit (ICU).METHODSAll patients admitted to a surgical ICU during a 3-month period were enrolled. Four raters independently reviewed 142 suspected ADRs using the Naranjo criteria (review 1). Raters evaluated the 142 suspected ADRs 3–4 weeks later, again using the Naranjo criteria (review 2). Inter-rater reliability was tested using the kappa statistic. The weighted kappa statistic was calculated between reviews 1 and 2 for the intra-rater reliability of each rater. Cronbach alpha was computed to assess the inter-item consistency correlation. The Naranjo criteria were compared with expert opinion for criterion validity for each rater and reported as a Spearman rank (rs) coefficient.RESUL...
The Uncapacitated Time-Space Fixed-Charge Network Flow Problem: An Empirical Investigation of Procedures for Arc Capacity Assignment

The nodes and arcs of a network configuration replicated over time is a common structure found in many applications, particularly in the area of logistics. A common cost structure for flows in arcs for such problems involves both a fixed and variable cost. Combining the two concepts results in the uncapacitated time-space fixed-charge network flow problem. These problems can be modeled as mixed binary linear programs and can be solved with commercial software. To create these models for uncapacitated arcs requires determining artificial arc capacities that are sufficiently large so that the solution space has not been altered but are small enough that the linear programming relaxations are tight. In this investigation, we present a strategy for determining these artificial arc capacities for any time-space fixed-charge network flow problem. In extensive empirical tests, we provide statistical evidence that the strategy is superior to the usual techniques applied to this class of problem. Many of the most difficult problems were solved in only 5% of the computational time required by standard techniques.
DEMONSTRATION BY PRESSOR AND STEROIDOGENIC ASSAYS OF INCREASED RENIN IN LYMPH OF DOGS WITH SECONDARY HYPERALDOSTERONISM.

Thoracic duct lymph from normal dogs and from dogs with hyperaldosteronism secondary to thoracic inferior vena caval constriction was assayed for renin. After acidification, dialysis and incubation, lymph from animals with caval constriction showed more angiotensin-like material than lymph of normal dogs when assayed for both pressor and aldosterone-stimulating activities. Nephrectomy was followed by a marked decrease or disappearance of renin activity from lymph. Lymph from dogs with renal venous hypertension secondary to abdominal vena caval constriction did not show increased renin content. Dual assay makes detection of angiotensin II more specific and the findings indicate that increased amounts of renin are released from the kidney into lymph of dogs with experimental secondary hyperaldosteronism.
Wake Signature Detection

An accumulated body of quantitative evidence shows that bluff-body wakes in stably stratified environments have an unusual degree of coherence and organization, so characteristic geometries such as arrays of alternating-signed vortices have very long lifetimes, as measured in units of buoyancy timescales, or in the downstream distance scaled by a body length. The combination of pattern geometry and persistence renders the detection of these wakes possible in principle. It now appears that identifiable signatures can be found from many disparate sources: Islands, fish, and plankton all have been noted to generate features that can be detected by climate modelers, hopeful navigators in open oceans, or hungry predators. The various types of wakes are reviewed with notes on why their signatures are important and to whom. A general theory of wake pattern formation is lacking and would have to span many orders of magnitude in Reynolds number.
War Gaming Peace Operations

Today's military personnel fight against and work with a diverse variety of nonstate actors, from al-Qaeda terrorists to major nongovernmental organizations who provide vital humanitarian assistance. Furthermore, the nontraditional battle spaces where America and its allies have recently deployed (Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq) include a wide range of activities quite different from classic military campaign. How can the United States and its allies train its military personnel to think through the intersection of issues regarding working alongside and against nonstate actors, particularly in culturally sensitive environments? This article describes one such approach, the development of a war game for peace, designed for U.S. military officers and now utilized in the classrooms of several military colleges. More specifically, the article describes how reconstruction and stabilization operation decisions are modeled and worked through in the highly religious environment of contemporary Afghanistan through the use of an innovative board game, suggesting that this model can be applied to many other scenarios and classroom environments.
"It's all human error!": When a school science experiment fails

This paper traces the sophisticated negotiations to re-inscribe the authority of Nature when a school science experiment fails during the enactment of a highly rated science curriculum unit. Drawing on transcriptions from classroom videotapes, we identify and describe four primary patterns of interaction that characterize this process, arguing that these patterns recall the process of entextualization by which inscriptions in science
Amplified spontaneous emission-application to Nd:YAG lasers

Amplified spontaneous emission can seriously degrade the Q-switched performance of a strong four-level transition such as the 1.064 /spl mu/m Nd:YAG transition or can even prevent oscillation on a weaker quasi-four-level transition such as the 0.946-/spl mu/m Nd:YAG transition. To characterize, and thus be able to mitigate, amplified spontaneous emission, a closed-form model is developed. By employing a closed-form solution, the differential equations describing both the evolution and decay of the upper laser manifold population density can be solved exactly. An advantage of this model is the separation of the spectral and spatial portions of amplified spontaneous emission. Gain measurements, as a function of time and pump energy, are compared with the model and good agreement is found. With these principles in mind, a flashlamp-pumped Nd:YAG laser was designed to operate at 0.936 /spl mu/m. At room temperature, a threshold of 12 J and a slope efficiency of 0.009 was achieved.
Feasibility and economic impact of same-day discharge for women who undergo laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Objective We examined the use, safety, and economic impact of same-day discharge for women undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy. Study Design We identified women in the Perspective database who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy from 2000 through 2010. Discharge was classified as same-day, 1 day, and ≥2 days. Multivariable models were used to examine predictors of same-day discharge, reevaluation, and cost. Results Among 128,634 women, 34,070 (26.5%) were discharged on the day of surgery. Same-day discharge increased from 11.3% in 2000 to 46.0% by 2010 ( P P Conclusion Same-day discharge after laparoscopic hysterectomy is safe and associated with decreased cost.
No Parent Left Behind: Predicting Parental Involvement in Adolescents' Education within a Sociodemographically Diverse Population.

Numerous studies have investigated the util- ity of the Hoover-Dempsey and Sandler (HDS) model for predicting parents' involvement in students' education. Yet, the model has yet to be thoroughly evaluated with respect to youth who are (a) in high school and (b) from sociodemo- graphically diverse families. Using a nationally representa- tive sample of 3,248 parents drawn from the 2007 National Household Educational Survey, the authors examined the re- lationship of high school outreach efforts, parent satisfaction with the school, and parental beliefs to 3 types of parent in- volvement. The analysis largely confirmed the power of the HDS model. Furthermore, the findings suggest that school outreach efforts are particularly important in promoting his- torically disenfranchised parents' involvement in the schools, whereas enhancing parenting self-efficacy is crucial for sup- porting their engagement at home.
Learning Sparse Multiscale Image Representations

We describe a method for learning sparse multiscale image representations using a sparse prior distribution over the basis function coefficients. The prior consists of a mixture of a Gaussian and a Dirac delta function, and thus encourages coefficients to have exact zero values. Coefficients for an image are computed by sampling from the resulting posterior distribution with a Gibbs sampler. The learned basis is similar to the Steerable Pyramid basis, and yields slightly higher SNR for the same number of active coefficients. De-noising using the learned image model is demonstrated for some standard test images, with results that compare favorably with other denoising methods.
Induction of stable microtubules in 3T3 fibroblasts by TGF-beta and serum

Previous studies have shown that fibroblasts induced to migrate into an in vitro wound rapidly generate an array of stable, post-translationally detyrosinated microtubules (Glu MTs) oriented toward the direction of migration. To understand how cells generate a stable array of MTs at a specific location, we have analyzed the contribution of media components to the formation of oriented Glu MTs in wounded monolayers of 3T3 fibroblasts. When confluent monolayers were placed in serum-free medium (SFM) for 2 days before wounding, the cells contained virtually no Glu MTs or nocodazole-resistant MTs and were incapable of generating Glu MTs in response to wounding. Such SFM-treated monolayers were capable of generating oriented Glu MTs within 1 hour of wounding, if calf serum (CS) was added back to the medium. The Glu MTs in the CS refed cells were oriented toward the wound in cells at the wound edge, and were juxtanuclear in cells within the monolayer, demonstrating that CS restored the Glu MT array characteristic of each cell type. To determine the nature of the 'Glu MT-inducing' factor in CS, we subjected CS to different treatments and found that the CS factor was nondialyzable, resistant to heat, mild acid and trypsin, but inactivated by treatment with dithiothreitol. The factor was not absorbed by charcoal and was present in lipoprotein-deficient serum. These properties are consistent with the properties of a number of polypeptide growth factors, so we screened purified growth factors for their ability to induce Glu MTs in wounded SFM-treated monolayers. Of all the growth factors tested, only TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 induced a significant level (> or = 70% of the CS response) of oriented Glu MTs. The SFM-treated cells were exquisitely sensitive to TGF-beta 1, with significant induction of Glu MTs observed at 0.01 ng/ml TGF-beta 1. Induction of Glu MTs observed by immunofluorescence after CS or TGF-beta treatments were paralleled by increases in Glu tubulin detected on western blots. The Glu MTs formed after either CS or TGF-beta 1 treatment showed enhanced resistance to nocodazole, confirming that both treatments increased the level of stable MTs in cells. The TGF-beta 1 induction of stable MTs was slower than that of CS (2-4 hours onset versus 1 hour onset), but by 24 hours the level of MT stabilization in TGF-beta 1 was even greater than that in CS.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Very high-frequency radar mapping of surface currents

An ocean surface current radar (OSCR) in the very high frequency (VHF) mode was deployed in South Florida Ocean Measurement Center (SFOMC) during the summer of 1999. During this period, a 29-d continuous time series of vector surface currents was acquired starting on 9 July 1999 and ending 7 August 1999. Over a 20-min sample interval, the VHF radar mapped coastal ocean currents over a 7.5 km /spl times/ 8 km domain with a horizontal resolution of 250 m at 700 grid points. A total of 2078 snapshots of the two-dimensional current vectors were acquired during this time series and of these samples, only 69 samples (3.3%) were missing from the time series. During this period, complex surface circulation patterns were observed that included coherent, submesoscale vortices with diameters of 2 to 3 km inshore of the Florida Current. Comparisons to subsurface measurements from moored and ship-board acoustic Doppler current profiles revealed regression slopes of close to unity with biases ranging from 4 to 8 cm s/sup -1/ between surface and subsurface measurements at 3 to 4 m beneath the surface. Correlation coefficients were 0.8 or above with phases of - 10 to - 20/spl deg/ suggestive of an anticyclonic veering of current with depth relative to the surface current. The radar-derived surface current field provided spatial context for an observational network using mooring-, ship- and autonomous underwater vehicle-sensor packages that were deployed at the SFOMC.
The effect of prey availability on metabolism and activity in the tarantula Phormictopus cancerides

Spiders typically exhibit very low resting metabolic rates (RMR) and altered feeding behaviors as mechanisms to survive extended periods of limited food availability. We examined the effect of different periods of food deprivation on RMR and foraging activities in the Hispaniolan giant tarantula (Phormictopus cancerides (Latreille, 1806)) (Araneae: Theraphosidae). Juvenile tarantulas were separated into two feeding groups and fed once either every 5 or 30 days. Monthly feeding trials were preceded by RMR measurements. During feeding trials, we compared differences between the two groups in (i) prey capture frequency, (ii) time to prey capture, (iii) locomotory activity, and (iv) the predator’s prey detection distance. Metabolic rates increased for the well-fed group but remained constant for individuals fed once a month. Time to prey capture decreased for food-limited individuals and the proportion of individuals that ate during each feeding trial was significantly higher in the 30-day group. Conversely, ...
The Pharmacology of para-Chlorophenylalanine, a Selective Depletor of Serotonin Stores

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the biosynthetic and metabolic pathways of the brain monoamines, NE, dopamine, and 5-HT by the characterization of the specific enzyme systems concerned in each step. The enzyme in brain responsible for the hydroxylation of tryptophan to 5-HTP has recently been studied in several laboratories, and its existence is now firmly established. p -chlorophenylalanine ( p -CPA) in vitro inhibits tryptophan hydroxylation by enzyme systems capable of converting tryptophan to 5-HTP and exerts potent blockade in vivo of the liver enzyme and the brain enzyme. Inhibition of liver tryptophan hydroxylase in vitro by p -CPA or p -chlorophenylpyruvic acid is markedly decreased in the presence of 6,7-dimethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydropterin (DMPH), a synthetic cofactor. p -CPA fails to modify the symptomatic effects of reserpine-like drugs, and does not augment the slight sedation seen after nontoxic doses of a-methyltyrosine. p -CPA does give an indication of hyperalgesic activity, of blocking the analgesic action of morphine, of facilitating convulsions, and of antagonizing sleep. The compound also promises to be an excellent means of producing a model for phenylketonuria.
A Survey On Spine Surgeons’ Opinions On The Release Of The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Data

Background In April 2014 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a dataset for the public which included information on services provided by physicians and healthcare providers for Medicare beneficiaries in the 2012 calendar year. The objective of this study is to determine spine surgeons’ opinions on the release of the CMS data, and determine how they feel this information may affect patient care. Methods A survey was sent to members of the Association for Collaborative Spine Research (ACSR) regarding their practice patterns and opinions on the release of the CMS data. Determinants included surgical subspecialty, practice setting, years in practice and region. The average response was collected for each question and compared across groups. Additionally, questions in which greater than 75% of respondents either agreed (agree or strongly agree) or disagreed (disagree or strongly disagree) were identified. Results Seventy-six surgeons completed the survey, and while the overall interobserver reliability between each question was only slight (κ = 0.11), more than 75% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed with five statements and, more than 75% of respondents either disagreed or strongly disagreed with six statements. While 86% of surgeons are in favor of more transparency, 83% of respondents felt that without the proper context, the data released does not accurately portray spine surgery. Additionally, 96% of spine surgeons do not believe the CMS data helps patients decide which spine surgeon is best for them. Conclusions The small percentage of spine surgeons who responded to this survey are in favor of more transparency but do not feel the release of the CMS data either accurately represents spine surgeons or will help patients better identify the appropriate surgeon. In spite of these concerns, it is unlikely the release of the CMS data will significantly impact the accessibility of a spine surgeon to a Medicare beneficiary.
A Practitioner’s Guide to Prescribing Topiramate for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

We developed this topiramate guideline using drug prescribing information and reviewing the available literature on relevant neuropsychiatric disorders in populations without intellectual disabilities because of the dearth of available literature on the population with intellectual disabilities. This guideline includes indications, contraindications, assessments prior to and during treatment, dosing with particular focus on dosing modifications required by drug–drug interactions or personal characteristics, and adverse drug reactions. The procedures contained in this guideline may not fully account for all of the possible risks of treatment in this population because of the limited studies available; thus, there will be a need to periodically update this guideline as new information becomes available. Nevertheless, we believe that this guideline provides a useful resource for clinicians who treat epilepsy in adult ­individuals with intellectual disabilities. A topiramate drug utilization review that summarizes this guideline is described.
Intron-Mediated Regulation of Gene Expression

Introns can significantly affect gene expression in plants and many other eukaryotes in a variety of ways. Several types of gene regulation, both positive and negative, that involve plant introns are reviewed in this chapter. Some introns contain enhancer elements or alternative promoters, while many others elevate mRNA accumulation by a different process that has been named intron-mediated enhancement (IME). The introns involved in IME must be within transcribed sequences near the start of a gene and in their natural orientation to increase expression. The intron sequences involved are still poorly defined, and the mechanism of IME remains mysterious. A model of IME is presented in which introns increase transcript elongation.
Structural Predictors of Renal Function Decline

The diagnosis of CKD is typically made on the basis of interpretations of reduced renal function (using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease eGFR<60 ml/min per 1.73m2), kidney damage, the presence of small kidneys on imaging, or oliguria ([1][1]). The natural decline in renal function in adults
Early Events of Synapse Disassembly in the Damaged Retina.

In mammalian retina, the gradual degeneration of photoreceptors is a hallmark of several genetic disorders that ultimately lead to blindness. Over long time periods, the depletion of photoreceptors dramatically influences downstream retinal circuitry by causing dendritic remodeling and disassembly
A semi-micromethod for the determination of serum iron and iron-binding capacity without deproteinization.

A simple and rapid, yet accurate, method for determination of serum iron (SI) and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) is presented. The serum is first treated with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) to obtain a clear solution without deproteinization. This is followed by addition of acetate-SLS, hydroxylamine, and sulfonated bathophenathroline (SBP) as a single solution; these act as a buffer, a reducing agent, and a chromogen, respectively. The effect of temperature on color stability has been studied. Good recovery of iron added to serum, ranging from 96 to 100%, was obtained. Serial determinations with pooled sera yielded a range of 75 to 80 μ g. per 100 ml., with a mean of 77.4 μ g. per 100 ml. ± 1.3 SD, SE of the mean ± 0.24. Results of the method correlate well with results of the precipitation methods. The comparatively small serum samples utilized in this method make it suitable for routine pediatric analyses also.
Role of intermediate-range order in predicting the fragility of network-forming liquids near the rigidity transition

Studies of network-forming oxide liquids are combined with studies of network-forming chalcogenide glasses to demonstrate a universal dependence of the glass forming fragility on the topological connectivity of the network. This connection between structure and dynamics is congruent with theoretical predictions for a rigidity transition near an average bond number of 2.4, and the common pattern of fragility may be traced via a simple two-state bond model to a common variation of configurational entropy with connectivity. However, in order for this universality to appear the connectivity of the oxide networks must be defined in a progressive manner that accommodates the presence of those rigid structural units that comprise both the short-range and intermediate-range order. Replacement of these robust structural units by equivalent network nodes is necessary but can be viewed as a coarse-graining of the network to a bond lattice of weakest links that are most relevant to zero-frequency properties like the fragility.
Starting the conversation: Patient initiation of weight-related behavioral counseling during pregnancy.

Abstract Objective To examine the relationship between patient initiation and weight-related behavioral counseling during pregnancy. Methods We examined audio recordings of prenatal visits between 22 obstetricians and 120 patients for behavioral counseling using the Roter Interaction Analysis System and the 5A’s behavioral counseling framework. We used multivariate regression models to examine the relationship between patient initiation and communication outcomes. Results Overall, 55% of prenatal visits included any behavioral counseling. Patients initiated counseling episodes 45.5% of these visits. Patients were less verbally dominated by their clinicians in prenatal visits with patient-initiated behavioral counseling episodes (difference in clinician verbal dominance ratio = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.16–1.30). Patient-initiated counseling episodes included more socioemotional communication relative to those initiated by clinicians (p = 0.02). The total duration of counseling was 28 s longer (95% CI 0.27–56.0 s) and clinicians were more likely to use two or more 5A’s strategies (OR = 3.61, 95% CI = 1.01–12.88) when patients initiated discussions. Conclusions Patient initiation may lead to behavioral counseling that is longer in duration and includes more 5A’s strategies, possibly mediated by socioemotional communication. Practice implications Participatory prenatal care communication may lead to more effective counseling that is responsive to women’s concerns.
Two Dimensional Optimal Projection Angle of Intracranial Aneurysm-Evaluation from the Results of Three Dimensional Angiography

Objective To evaluate the two dimension(2D) optimal projection angle in showing intracranial aneurysm under three dimensional angiography guided.Methods From August 1999 to December 2005, 218 patients with 244 intracranial saccular aneurysms underwent endovascular embolization by three dimension(3D) method.These images were reviewed in order to find out the informations of the general regulation of projection for intracranial aneurysm common seen.Results 3D angiography could provide useful informations in showing intracranial aneurysm,and also was useful to help the determination of projection angle of 2D angiography.Conclusion By analysis of 3D angiography method,the optimal projection angle in showing intracranial aneurysm on 2D angiography can be got.
Clomiphene citrate reduces serum insulin-like growth factor I and increases sex hormone-binding globulin levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objectives To evaluate the effect of clomiphene citrate (CC) on circulating levels of insulinlike growth factor I (IGF-I) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Design Prospective open trial. Patients Eight women with clinical and biochemical evidence of PCOS. Intervention One hundred fifty milligrams CC was administered orally for 5 days. Main Outcome Measures Serum IGF-I, SHBG, LH, FSH, and E 2 levels were determined for 8 days, beginning 3 days before CC treatment. Results A progressive decline in serum IGF-I levels was observed in all subjects reaching a maximum of 30% on the 5th day of therapy (40.6±5.1 to 28.7±4.0nmol/L [conversion factor to SI unit, 0.13]). This was correlated inversely with the expected rises in LH, FSH, and E 2 levels. Concomitantly, there was a 23% rise in SHBG levels. The absolute decrease of IGF-I levels was negatively correlated with age and was independent of body mass index. Conclusions These observations suggest that oral administration of CC has an impact on the IGF-I and SHBG systems, which may be involved in the initiation of ovulatory function in PCOS.
Competition between continuously evolving lineages in asexual populations

In an asexual population, the fate of a beneficial mutation depends on how its lineage competes against other mutant lineages in the population. With high beneficial mutation rates or large population sizes, competition between contending mutations is strong, and successful lineages can accumulate multiple mutations before any single one achieves fixation. Most current theory about asexual population dynamics either neglects this multiple-mutations regime or introduces simplifying assumptions that may not apply. Here, we develop a theoretical framework that describes the dynamics of adaptation and substitution over all mutation-rate regimes by conceptualizing the population as a collection of continuously adapting lineages. This model of “lineage interference” shows that each new mutant’s advantage over the rest of the population must be above a critical threshold in order to likely achieve fixation, and we derive a simple expression for that threshold. We apply this framework to examine the role of beneficial mutations with different effect sizes across the transition to the multiple-mutations regime.
A statistical software procedure for exact parametric and nonparametric likelihood-ratio tests for two-sample comparisons

ABSTRACTTwo-sample comparisons belonging to basic class of statistical inference are extensively applied in practice. There is a rich statistical literature regarding different parametric methods to address these problems. In this context, most of the powerful techniques are assumed to be based on normally distributed populations. In practice, the alternative distributions of compared samples are commonly unknown. In this case, one can propose a combined test based on the following decision rules: (a) the likelihood-ratio test (LRT) for equality of two normal populations and (b) the Shapiro–Wilk (S-W) test for normality. The rules (a) and (b) can be merged by, e.g., using the Bonferroni correction technique to offer the correct comparison of the samples distribution. Alternatively, we propose the exact density-based empirical likelihood (DBEL) ratio test. We develop the tsc package as the first R package available to perform the two-sample comparisons using the exact test procedures: the LRT; the LRT comb...
Women and the Arab Spring: A Transnational, Feminist Revolution

Spanning the Middle East and North Africa region and using real cases, this chapter traces the trajectory of euphoria, backlash, and persistence that has marked women’s participation in the Arab Spring transnational revolution. The chapter reveals how in revolutions, as in wars, norms and values are suspended “for the duration” in order to accommodate necessary breaches of what is normally considered appropriate. It also shows that when the crisis is over, the cultural police try to restore traditional gender norms in an attempt to “squeeze the genie back into the lamp.” The chapter highlights how women in the Middle East and North Africa are learning various lessons from the different revolutions, starting with the Algerian revolution, going through the Palestinian revolution, and moving on to the Arab Spring.
On coming out in practicum: An autoethnography of (non) disclosure

ABSTRACTDrawing on an autoethnographic approach, the purpose of this article is to support: 1) teacher educators in thinking about how to mentor sexual minority students as they consider the decision to disclose (or not) their sexual identities in their school placements; and 2) sexual minority students in navigating the decision to disclose (or not) their sexual identities in the context of practicum or student teaching. Early childhood teacher education faculty must be prepared to support sexual minority students in confronting decisions about disclosing their sexual orientation in the context of practicum and student teaching. Though sexual minority educators may choose to seek employment in schools or districts with explicit values about nondiscrimination, preservice teachers may not enjoy similar agency or protection, given that student placements are often dictated by geographic proximity to the university and partnerships with teacher preparation programs.
Breast carcinoma with an Oncotype Dx recurrence score <18: Rate of distant metastases in a large series with clinical follow-up.

BACKGROUND A 21-gene expression assay (Oncotype DX recurrence score [RS]) that uses reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction is used clinically in patients with early-stage, estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast carcinoma (ER+/HER2- BC) to determine both prognosis with tamoxifen therapy and the usefulness of adding adjuvant chemotherapy. Use of the assay is associated with reductions in overall chemotherapy use. The current study examined the treatments and outcomes in patients with low RS. METHODS The authors reviewed the institutional database to identify patients with lymph node-negative, ER+/HER2- BC who were treated at the study institution between September 2008 and August 2013 and their 21-gene RS results. RESULTS A total of 1406 consecutive patients with lymph node-negative ER+/HER2- BC and a low RS were identified (510 patients had an RS of 0-10 and 896 patients had an RS of 11-17). The median age at the time of diagnosis of BC was 56 years; 63 patients (4%) were aged <40 years. Overall, 1361 patients (97%) received endocrine therapy and 170 patients (12%) received chemotherapy. The median follow-up was 46 months. Six patients (0.4%) developed distant metastases (1 patient with an RS of 5 and 5 patients with an RS of 11-17). In the cohorts of patients with an RS of 11 to 17, the absolute rate of distant metastasis among patients aged <40 years was 7.1% (3 of 42 patients) versus 0.2% among patients aged ≥40 years (2 of 854 patients). CONCLUSIONS The data from the current study document a 0.4% rate of distant metastasis within 5 years of BC diagnosis among patients with lymph node-negative ER+/HER2- BC with an RS <18. Patients aged <40 years at the time of BC diagnosis were observed to have a higher rate of distant metastases. Analysis of data from other studies is necessary to validate this observation further. Cancer 2017;131–137. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Definition and Classification of ADHD

Issues relating to the definition and classification of ADHD are outlined from the Departments of Pediatrics, Neurology, and Child Study, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.
Cost effective Vehicle Classification using a single wireless magnetometer

Traffic monitoring systems play a key role in the transition toward smart cities and more efficient transportation systems. Roads and highways are now equipped with sensors to measure traffic flow, predict congestion, and adaptively control traffic routes. Traffic planning applications rely on sensors to provide accurate information about vehicles and infrastructure status. Vehicle class is an important parameter measured by most traffic monitoring systems, playing a key role in traffic planning and optimization. This paper introduces algorithms to classify vehicles using inexpensive, easy-to-install magnetometers. The system uses a battery-powered magnetometer and requires minimum installation. The proposed classification system uses Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to automatically extract features from magnetic signatures and classify vehicles into three categories.
Whole Genome Sequencing in the Molecular Pathology Laboratory

With the introduction of massively parallel sequencing (including whole exome sequencing and whole genome sequencing), the field of molecular diagnostics is moving incredibly rapidly toward platforms that will interrogate many or all genes simultaneously. These approaches have many benefits and limitations that are being identified and overcome simultaneously with their clinical deployment. Variant interpretation is and will likely continue to be a challenge for the foreseeable future, particularly as we begin to consider the clinical relevance of noncoding variants as part of the scope of clinical diagnostic evaluations. This chapter takes a broad look at the scope of whole genome sequencing and how it may be incorporated into molecular diagnostic testing.
MNGO-17EFFECTS OF LAPATINIB ON MENINGIOMAS IN ADULTS WITH NEUROFIBROMATOSIS TYPE 2 (NF2)

BACKGROUND: EGFR and ErbB2 are overexpressed schwannomas and meningiomas. Preclinical and clinical data indicate that lapatinib, an EGFR/ErbB2 inhibitor, has antitumor activity against schwannomas. METHODS: We conducted a single institution, retrospective review of patients with NF2 and progressive vestibular schwannomas treated on a Phase II clinical trial with lapatinib (NCT00973739). We included patients with at least one volumetrically measurable meningioma (>0.5cm3) who received at least five 28-day courses of therapy. Lapatinib was administered in continuous 4-week courses receiving standard adult doses (1,500mg once daily). Meningioma response was assessed using 3-dimensional MRI volumetrics. Progressive meningioma growth and response were defined as +20%/-20%-change from baseline in tumor volume, respectively. Off-treatment defined as any period >5 months without lapatinib. RESULTS: Eight patients (ages: 20-58 years) who met criteria had 17 evaluable meningiomas with a combined volume of 61.35cc baseline, 61.17cc during treatment, and 108.86cc (+77.44%-change) off-treatment. Tumor volume differences were significant (p = 0.0033) using a two-sided Wilcoxon-Signed-Rank test. Median time on-therapy: 15 months and off-therapy: 14 months (both ranged 5-29 months). We calculated a median and mean annual growth rate off-treatment: 10.42% and 20.05%, respectively. The best response to therapy was -26.1% after 23 months on lapatinib. Two of 17 tumors grew >20% on-treatment while 9 of 17 grew >20% off-treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that lapatinib has modest growth-inhibitory effects on meningiomas in NF2 patients. Prospective studies of lapatinib for NF2 patients with progressive meningiomas may be warranted.