cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The value of human resource management for organizational performance

All executives would like to see their organizations perform better, and most search for tools that can help make this happen. For decades, human resource managers have believed that their function enhances performance. This contention has been met with skepticism on the part of executives, who wonder whether funds allocated to the human resource function are good investments. Dozens of studies have examined this issue, but their inconsistent results have provided no conclusions. To resolve a long-standing and controversial question – does human resource management matter for organizational performance? – we take stock of the available evidence. Based on data from over 19,000 organizations, we conclude that human resource management adds significant value for organizations. In addition, the value added is strongest when human resource systems are emphasized rather than individual practices, when human resource management decisions are tied to strategy, and among manufacturing firms.
Expression of VEGF Splice Variants 144/145 and 205/206 in Adult Male Tissues

Currently, at least five different mRNA species encoding vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) have been characterized. These variants result from alternative splicing of the VEGF-A transcript and encode human isoforms of VEGF protein of 121, 145, 165, 189, and 206 amino acids. In the rat, a similar profile of VEGF-A splice variants has been described, each encoding one fewer amino acid than the human species. Studies of mammalian tissues have shown that these mRNA isoforms vary in abundance. Whereas VEGF 188/189, 164/165, and 120/121 (rat/human, respectively) are the predominant forms expressed in most tissues and cells examined, VEGF 144/145 and 205/206 are rare variants. Previously, VEGF 144/145 had been detected only in placental and uterine tissues and endometrial carcinoma cell lines, whereas VEGF 205/206 was detected only in fetal liver and placenta. Using an RTPCR technique, cDNA cloning, and sequencing, we have detected and confirmed the presence of mRNA encoding VEGF 144/145 and 205/206 in both adult rat lung and penis. Therefore, these lowabundance VEGF splice variants have a more diverse expression pattern than originally predicted.
Catalytic Reduction of 1,6-Dihalohexanes by Nickel(I) Salen Electrogenerated at Glassy Carbon Cathodes in Dimethylformamide

Reaction between stoichiometric amounts of 1,6-dihalohexanes and electrogenerated nickel(I) salen in dimethylformamide containing 0.10 M tetramethylammonium tetrafluoroborate affords cyclohexane in up to 78% yield. Arising via a radical pathway, an ω-haloalkylnickel(II) species is a proposed intermediate for these reductions in which alkanes, 1-alkenes, and aldehydes are also produced. In cyclic voltammetric studies at scan rates of 5-25 mV s - 1 , formation of a passivating film on the surface of the carbon cathode has a dramatic effect on the catalytic reduction of 1,6-dihalohexanes, but this electrode fouling can be overcome by addition of acetic acid to the medium. For controlled-potential electrolyses involving the reduction of a 1,6-dihalohexane with catalytic amounts of electrogenerated nickel(I) salen in the presence of excess acetic acid, most of the substrate is converted into three different esters (hexyl acetate, 1,6-diacetoxyhexane, and dodecyl acetate) which arise via nucleophilic (S N 2) attack of acetate ion on the dihaloalkane.
A recursive least-squares algorithm with data-adaptive step size

A recursive least-squares (RLS) algorithm for adaptive filtering that requires no exponential weighting or finite memory for filtering nonstationary data is proposed. The algorithm is a generalization of the normalized least-mean-square (NLMS) algorithm. For noiseless observations, the algorithm is analyzed from a deterministic viewpoint and is shown to converge after exactly M iterations, where M is the filter length. The convergence properties of this algorithm also lend some insight into the convergence of the conventional RLS algorithm. Experimental results that demonstrate the improved convergence of this algorithm over the standard RLS algorithm in a time-varying system identification application are reported. These algorithms also easily lend themselves to fast implementations. >
Contribution of Meckel's Cartilage to Ossification of the Mandible in Mice:

The role of Meckel's cartilage in prenatal and neonatal osteogenesis of the mandible was studied in mice. Three ossification processes, two intramembranous and one endochondral, occurred concurrently in the anterior part of the mandible. The contribution of Meckel's cartilage was a transient one, but related to possible congenital defects.
An overview of simulation and gaming

Outlined are four general classes of simulations and games commonly encountered in the operational setting. Characterizations and summary comments related to analytic models, machine simulations, man-machine games, and free-form games are offered. Selected, representative references are suggested to facilitate more detailed examination.
High-frequency ultrasound for quantitative characterization of myocardial edema

Myocardial edema has been associated with impaired ventricular compliance and diastolic filling. To determine the sensitivity of high-frequency (40 MHz) ultrasound to myocardial edema, we employed a model in which myocardial edema was induced by immersion of tissue in isotonic saline. The effect of freezing tissue on edema formation was also evaluated. Rat hearts were arrested at end-diastole and insonified fresh within 15 min of excision (n = 5) or following being frozen for 24 h and thawed (n = 4). Measurements of attenuation, backscatter, tissue thickness and speed of sound were performed at baseline and hourly for 4 h, and compared with direct measurements of myocardial edema. Fresh tissue demonstrated a greater propensity for the development of edema than frozen tissue. Integrated backscatter increased in both tissues, whereas the magnitude and slope of attenuation decreased as edema evolved. We conclude that high-frequency ultrasound sensitively detects myocardial edema, and we propose that the extension of these methods to clinical frequencies may prove useful for monitoring and treatment of cardiac edematous disease states.
SiC Power Devices for Microgrids

Microgrids with distributed generation sources are critical for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and imported energy. However, power converters and circuit breakers built with silicon (Si) switches are too bulky and inefficient to be used in the microgrid system. The development of high-voltage power devices based on silicon carbide (SiC) will be a critical component in building the microgrid with distributed and fluctuating sources of power generation. In this paper, the physics and technology of high-voltage (>10 kV) 4H-SiC power devices, namely MOSFETs and insulated gate bipolar transistors are discussed. A detailed review of the current status and future trends in these devices is given with respect to materials growth, device design, and fabrication processing.
Design and evaluation of a hybrid passive and active gravity neutral orthosis (GNO)

Neuromuscular diseases (NMD), including Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), result in progressive muscular weakness that often leaves patients functionally dependent on caregivers for many activities of daily living (ADL) such as eating, bathing, grooming (touching the face and head), reaching (grabbing for objects), and dressing. In severe cases, patients are unable to perform even the simplest of activities from exploring their 3D space to touching their own face. The ability to move and initiate age appropriate tasks, such as playing and exploration, are considered to be of vital importance to both their physical and cognitive development. Therefore, to improve quality of life and reduce dependence on caregivers in children and young adults with NMD, we designed, built and evaluated an assistive, active orthosis to support arm function. The goal of this project is the development and evaluation of a mechanical arm orthosis to both encourage and assist functional arm movement while providing the user a sense of independence and control over one’s own body.
In vivo demonstration of noninvasive thermal surgery of the liver and kidney using an ultrasonic phased array.

Abstract A 256-element, continuous-wave ultrasonic phased array has been used to thermally coagulate deep-seated liver and kidney tissue. The array elements were formed on a 1–3 piezocomposite bowl with a 10-cm radius of curvature and 12-cm diameter. The 0.65 × 0.65 cm 2 projection elements were driven at 1.1 MHz by a custom-built amplifier system. A series of in vivo porcine experiments demonstrated the ability to coagulate liver and kidney tissue using the large-scale phased array. The temperature response of the treatment was guided and monitored using magnetic resonance (MR) images. Focal lesion volumes greater than 0.5 cm 3 in kidney and 2 cm 3 in liver were formed from a single 20-s sonication.
The Aqueous Corrosion Behavior of Plutonium Metal and Plutonium-Gallium Alloys Exposed to Aqueous Nitrate and Chloride Solutions

Previous work in this laboratory examined the polarization behavior of high-purity plutonium metal exposed to various solutions, however, the polarization behavior of plutonium-gallium alloys has not been studied. The objective of this work is to establish the effect of gallium on the electrochemical behavior of plutonium metal exposed to nitric acid, sodium nitrate, and sodium chloride solutions. Results indicated that plutonium-gallium alloys were not passive in HNO3 solutions, unlike unalloyed plutonium. The dissolution of 0.5 and 1 wt % Ga alloys exposed to HNO3, and all materials exposed to NaCl, was found to be controlled by the presence of a corrosion product film. Relative oxide thickness measurements of unalloyed Pu exposed to HNO3 were obtained. Chloride was found to aggressively attack Pu and its alloys with increasing chloride concentration resulting in increased corrosion. Nitrate ions were shown to have a weak effect on the corrosion behavior of Pu, as compared to protons and chloride ions.
Joint power and thermal management for implantable devices

In this paper, a joint power and thermal management method is developed for implantable devices to achieve three goals: sustainable operation, performance maximization, and thermal safety. The sustainable operation and performance maximization are guaranteed by designing an appropriate objective function. The thermal safety during operation is ensured by adding a constraint that limits the maximum temperature. The temperature of the implantable device is provided by a thermal model implemented for the device. Then the theory of model predictive control is used to solve the problem. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated through a simulation study that is based on a previously published platform. The platform is a wireless powered optogenetic stimulation device, and the optics module temperature is a major concern for this application. The highest average input power to the LED is 250 mW in the active mode. The results of the simulation indicate that the proposed method can potentially achieve 34% more operation time while satisfying the same thermal constraint.
Assessing Parent Perceptions of School Fit: The Development and Measurement Qualities of a Survey Scale

Students whose school environment fits their developmental needs also typically experience academic success and increased motivation. Most investigations of school fit, which focus on teachers’ and students’ perceptions, have found a general decline in fit across the transition from elementary to middle school. However, little research has examined the school-child fit from the parent perspective. In this article, we first detail the development process behind a new survey measure of parent perceptions of school fit. Second, using three online panel-based samples of parents from across the country (n1 = 323, n2 = 188, n3 = 1,033), we evaluate the scale's measurement properties and conduct exploratory analyses examining grade-level and income-based differences on reported school fit. Finally, in line with previous research, we find that parents of middle school children perceived statistically significantly worse fit than parents of elementary school children. Among parents of high school students, we foun...
Magnetic-Charge Analog of Ampère and Faraday Effects in Superfluid He 3 - A 1

Several novel electric field effects on superfluid helium-3 in the ${A}_{1}$ phase are proposed and analyzed which are based on the one-spin nature of this superfluid. It is shown that a steady-state superflow can generate an electric field distribution outside the superfluid channel, and an ac electric field can drive a fourth sound in this superfluid. Both effects are very weak, but seemingly detectable with present-day instrumentation.
Whole Body Turnover of Chloride in Adults of Drosophila (Drosophilidae) and Megaselia (Phoridae) (Diptera)

Adults of Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, D. repleta Wollaston, and Megaselia scalaris (Loew) were labeled with 36Cl by feeding on labeled standard media. Values of biologic half-life of whole body chloride were determined for flies of each species feeding (at 25°C) on various concentrations of chloride and other ions in the food. In all 3 species the biologic half-life of chloride (different among the three) decreased at nearly the same rate in relation to increases in the chloride concentration of the food. As with the turnover of sodium and potassium, there was very little further shortening of biologic halflife of chloride with concentrations of chloride in the food greater than about 160 mm per kilogram of food.
Assessing the impact of neuropsychiatric symptoms on distress in professional caregivers

Caregiver burden has been studied extensively in family caregivers of Alzheimer's patients. Behavioral disturbances have been widely reported to be a source of distress and burden for family caregivers. However, the study of the effects of behavioral disturbance on distress for professional caregivers in long-term care facilities has been relatively ignored. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of neuropsychiatric symptoms among patients with dementia on distress in nursing home caregivers. One hundred and five professional caregiver interviews were done in order to assess distress related to the frequency and severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms in one 125-bed proprietary nursing home staffed according to industry standards. Twelve licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) and 12 certified nurses aids (CNAs) were interviewed regarding 69 nursing home residents using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Nursing Home Version (NPI-NH). Agitation and apathy were found to be the two most distressing behaviors ...
Molecular Targets for Small-Molecule Modulators of Circadian Clocks.

Background Circadian clocks are endogenous timing systems that regulate various aspects of mammalian metabolism, physiology and behavior. Traditional chronotherapy refers to the administration of drugs in a defined circadian time window to achieve optimal pharmacokinetic and therapeutic efficacies. In recent years, substantial efforts have been dedicated to developing novel small-molecule modulators of circadian clocks. Methods Here, we review the recent progress in the identification of molecular targets of small-molecule clock modulators and their efficacies in clock-related disorders. Specifically, we examine the clock components and regulatory factors as possible molecular targets of small molecules, and we review several key clock-related disorders as promising venues for testing the preventive/therapeutic efficacies of these small molecules. Finally, we also discuss circadian regulation of drug metabolism. Results Small molecules can modulate the period, phase and/or amplitude of the circadian cycle. Core clock proteins, nuclear hormone receptors, and clock-related kinases and other epigenetic regulators are promising molecular targets for small molecules. Through these targets small molecules exert protective effects against clock-related disorders including the metabolic syndrome, immune disorders, sleep disorders and cancer. Small molecules can also modulate circadian drug metabolism and response to existing therapeutics. Conclusion Small-molecule clock modulators target clock components or diverse cellular pathways that functionally impinge upon the clock. Target identification of new small-molecule modulators will deepen our understanding of key regulatory nodes in the circadian network. Studies of clock modulators will facilitate their therapeutic applications, alone or in combination, for clock-related diseases.
Water Regimes and Water Rights Doctrines

The law of water rights embraces several diametrically opposing doctrines and numerous modifications and combinations of these doctrines. Different rules and hypotheses have been established for distinct classes and different geographic occurrences of water in an effort to isolate and scale down conflicts and to allow for flexibility in dealing with different environments and changing societal needs and attitudes. In this chapter we will consider the various water regimes and some of the fundamental legal doctrines that pertain to water rights.
Outpatient surgery in pediatric urology.

AbstractIndications for ambulatory pediatric urological surgery have been broadened to include most inguinal and scrotal surgery, many endoscopic procedures and distal hypospadias repairs with or without chordee or urethroplasty. We have reviewed a 1-year experience with the 440 outpatient urological procedures performed at Children’s Hospital of Michigan in 1984, and found a low (3.4 per cent) incidence of postoperative hospitalization and only a single complication. We conclude that outpatient surgery in well selected patients and procedures is safe, timely and economical.
EPIC-μCT Imaging of Articular Cartilage

Characterization of articular cartilage morphology and composition using microcomputed tomography (microCT) techniques requires the use of contrast agents to enhance X-ray attenuation of the tissue. This chapter describes the use of an anionic iodinated contrast agent at equilibrium with articular cartilage. In this technique, negatively charged contrast agent molecules distribute themselves inversely with respect to the negatively charged proteoglycans (PGs) within the cartilage tissue (Palmer et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 103:19255-19260, 2006). This relationship allows for assessment of cartilage degradation, as areas of high X-ray attenuation have been shown to correspond to areas of depleted PGs (Palmer et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 103:19255-19260, 2006; Xie et al. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 18:65-72, 2010).
Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists inhibit chick scleral chondrocytes.

PURPOSE. Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) have been implicated in the control of myopia in humans and in animal models. This study was conducted to determine whether mAChRs influence the growth of the chick sclera and, if SO, which mAChR subtypes are involved. METHODS. Sclera and scleral chondrocytes from normal and form-deprived eyes of 10- to 14-day-old chicks were treated with a total of seven ligands: two agonists, carbachol (nonselective) and McN-A-343 (selective for the Ml mAChR subtype); and five antagonists, atropine (nonselective), pirenzepine and telenzepine (M1), gallamine (M2), and 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidin methiodide (4-DAMP; M1 and M3). Incorporation of sulfate into glycosaminoglycans and of thymidine into DNA were quantified and normalized to sample DNA content. Possible toxicity of ligands at high doses was examined by analysis of cell number (by cell counting), viability (by trypan blue exclusion), and cellular metabolic activity (by dehydrogenase activity). RESULTS. Cellular proliferation and extracellular matrix production were inhibited by atropine in whole sclera and in its cartilaginous layer. Sulfate incorporation by chondrocytes from normal and form-deprived eyes was inhibited by mAChR antagonists with a rank order of potency (atropine > pirenzepine = 4-DAMP » gallamine) consistent with regulation by Ml, rather than M3 or M2 mAChR subtypes, Pirenzepine inhibited sulfate incorporation by chondrocytes from form-deprived eyes more effectively than those from normal eyes. Chondrocyte cultures were not viable when grown in high doses of any of the ligands used except gallamine. CONCLUSIONS. In chick scleral chondrocytes, synthesis of DNA and glycosaminoglycans was inhibited by mAChR antagonists. This inhibition was probably mediated by the Ml subtype mAChR. Therefore in vivo the sclera may be a site of action for the mAChR antagonists previously used to influence myopia. Although at high concentrations mAChR antagonists tested seemed to be toxic to chondrocytes, at lower doses inhibition occurred without toxic effects.
New Approaches to Osteoporosis Therapeutics

This chapter reviews new concepts in established treatments for osteoporosis and newer concepts that have promise for the therapeutics of osteoporosis. We assess new formulations and applications of osteoanabolic therapy with parathyroid hormone, parathyroid hormone-related protein and their analogs, as well as bisphosphonates. In addition, new molecules that are currently under development, such as cathepsin K inhibitors, Wnt antagonists, serotonin, nitric oxide, and integrin are covered. We evaluate both the basic principles and results from relevant clinical trials.
Systematic shifts in Budyko relationships caused by groundwater storage changes

Abstract. Traditional Budyko analysis is predicated on the assumption that the watershed of interest is in dynamic equilibrium over the period of study, and thus surface water partitioning will not be influenced by changes in storage. However, previous work has demonstrated that groundwater–surface water interactions will shift Budyko relationships. While modified Budyko approaches have been proposed to account for storage changes, given the limited ability to quantify groundwater fluxes and storage across spatial scales, additional research is needed to understand the implications of these approximations. This study evaluates the impact of storage changes on Budyko relationships given three common approaches to estimating evapotranspiration fractions: (1) determining evapotranspiration from observations, (2) calculating evapotranspiration from precipitation and surface water outflow, and (3) adjusting precipitation to account for storage changes. We show conceptually that groundwater storage changes will shift the Budyko relationship differently depending on the way evapotranspiration is estimated. A 1-year transient simulation is used to mimic all three approaches within a numerical framework in which groundwater–surface water exchanges are prevalent and can be fully quantified. The model domain spans the majority of the continental US and encompasses 25 000 nested watersheds ranging in size from 100 km2 to over 3 000 000 km2. Model results illustrate that storage changes can generate different spatial patterns in Budyko relationships depending on the approach used. This shows the potential for systematic bias when comparing studies that use different approaches to estimating evapotranspiration. Comparisons between watersheds are also relevant for studies that seek to characterize variability in the Budyko space using other watershed characteristics. Our results demonstrate that within large complex domains the correlation between storage changes and other relevant watershed properties, such as aridity, makes it difficult to easily isolate storage changes as an independent predictor of behavior. However, we suggest that, using the conceptual models presented here, comparative studies could still easily evaluate a range of spatially heterogeneous storage changes by perturbing individual points to better incorporate uncertain storage changes into analysis.
An Application of the Species-Specific Defense Reaction Hypothesis

Acquisition of lever pressing by rats required to escape and avoid unsignalled shock in a test chamber equipped with 2 response levers was examined. Similarity of the arbitrary lever press to one of the S’s species-specific defense reactions (SSDR) to shock —flight—was manipulated by raising and lowering sliding hatches directly above and behind each response lever. Specific sequences of manipulating abortive escape routes proved critical, but results generally support Bolles’ assertion that learning an avoidance response is facilitated if the required response is a SSDR to the aversive stimulus —or at least closely resembles one. In addition, data on escape and avoidance lever-holding during successive portions of the session verify, with only minor qualification, Bolles’ account of the importance of freezing, another Ssdr, in the acquisition of the lever-press avoidance response.
Focused ultrasound therapy combined with pembrolizumab in metastatic breast cancer.

TPS19Background: Focused ultrasound (FUS) is an ablative therapy which can heat tumors rapidly to cell damaging temperatures and simultaneously perturb the microenvironment, the microvasculature, and the lymphatics. At typical energy levels, FUS can induce controlled apoptotic cell death rather than liquefactive necrosis. FUS does not involve radiation. FUS is a partially ablative therapy using high energy ultrasound waves to induce heat shock proteins, cytokine release and cellular mediated mechanisms resulting in T cell activation and recognition of tumor antigens. FUS has been demonstrated to be an effective method for inducing tumor antigen exposure and presentation to dendritic cells, thus acting as an auto-vaccine. Pembrolizumab (PBZ) is a PD-1 targeted antibody used in multiple solid tumors to augment T cell activation. It is hypothesized that the combination of these two modalities will result in T cell infiltration into breast tumors as well as systemic immune responses. Methods: In this pilot st...
Curative intent surgery and associated overall survival variation between elderly and younger patients in the National Cancer Database.

373Background: Margin negative oncologic resection drastically improves survival in pancreatic cancer (PC) with low morbidity and mortality rates. Increasing age at the time of surgery may have an ...
Strongly negative δ34S values associated with secondary pyrite above and below the J-M Reef, Stillwater Complex, Montana

Abstract Previous sulfur isotope studies of the Stillwater Complex, and in particular the J-M Reef, have noted the generally restricted range of δ34S values in the range of 0 ± 2.5‰ (e.g., Zientek and Ripley, 1990; Ripley et al., 2017). Detailed studies of high-S zones in both the hanging wall of the Reef Package, which contains the J-M Reef, and the footwall within the Reef Package but below the mineralized J-M-Reef, indicate the presence of significant quantities of secondary pyrite. The pyrite-rich intervals are characterized by δ34S values that strongly differ from those of the J-M Reef, in the range of 0.2 to −17.4‰. The pyrite-rich rocks above and below the J-M Reef are both serpentinized lherzolites. Although the J-M Reef is locally strongly altered to clinozoisite-epidote-rich assemblages, only the sepentinized lherzolites show anomalously low δ34S values. The highly negative δ34S values of the pyrite-rich assemblages result from oxidation processes and S isotope fractionation between reduced and oxidized S species. One possible process involves the production of a mixed sulfate-sulfide fluid with pyrite produced from H2S with low δ34S values. A second alternative is that infiltration of an oxidized fluid and interaction with sulfide-bearing rocks of the Complex produced a sulfate-rich fluid that then underwent partial reduction to sulfide via reaction with reduced Fe-bearing minerals. Strongly negative δ34S values would characterize secondary pyrite produced as a result of either process due to the large S isotope fractionation between oxidized and reduced S species at hydrothermal temperatures of ~400 °C or below. The varying degrees of alteration and restricted pyrite-rich intervals with highly negative S isotope signatures suggest that fluid infiltration was not pervasive; secondary pyrite that was produced as a result of redox-driven reactions is preserved only in olivine-rich lithologies characterized by a high degree of serpentinization.
The Anxious Brain in Pain: Increased Levels of Anxiety, Depression and Stress Associated with Chronic Daily Headache Patients Presenting to University-based Headache Clinic (P1.197)

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to survey patients referred to a university-based headache clinic with chronic daily headache (CDH) regarding perceived stress, anxiety and depression. Background: Patients referred to specialty headache clinics are more likely to have CDH, to be intractable, and have medication overuse. These patients report increased rates of mood, anxiety, and stress issues. Design/Methods: All new patients at a tertiary headache clinic complete a detailed patient intake questionnaire prior to their first visit. Of the 1826 completed patient intake surveys, 1150 reported CDH. Headache triggers, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores, PHQ-4 assessments of anxiety and depression were assessed. Results: Patients with CDH report stress as their most common trigger (603, 52.6%). CDH patients had elevated PSS scores with a mean of 17.5 compared with a normative value of 13.7. When stratified according to PSS scores, 55% (613) had moderate stress (PSS 14 to 27) and 12% (142) severe stress (PSS >27). Patients had elevated scores on the PHQ4 measurement of depression and anxiety, with a 3.8 mean. When we examined those patients with a PHQ4 score of 5 or above, which is suggestive of a diagnosable mood or anxiety disorder, they represented 33.7% of the chronic headache patients, with very elevated PSS scores with a mean of 24.3 Conclusions: Patients with CDH referred to a tertiary university headache clinic were noted to have elevated stress levels on the PSS and identify stress as their most significant headache trigger. Significant fractions of the CDH group reported either extremely high stress scores or high depression and anxiety scores. Since it is not realistic or helpful to simply counsel these patients to “avoid stress” or “avoid nervousness”, headache providers must be able to address these behavioral issues in their clinics or through referrals. Disclosure: Dr. Murinova has nothing to disclose. Dr. Krashin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Schorn has nothing to disclose.
Relating student performance to action outcomes and context in a choice-rich learning environment

This paper presents results from a recent classroom study using Betty's Brain, a choice-rich learning environment in which students learn about a scientific domain (e.g., mammal thermoregulation) as they teach a virtual agent named Betty. The learning and teaching task combines reading and understanding a set of hypertext resources with constructing a causal map that accurately models the science phenomena. The open-ended nature of this task requires students to combine planning, targeted reading, teaching, monitoring their teaching, and making revisions, which presents significant challenges for middle school students. This paper examines students' learning activity traces and compares learning behaviors of students who achieved success with those who struggled to complete their causal maps. This analysis focuses on students' actions leading to changes in their causal maps. We specifically examine which actions led students to make correct versus incorrect changes to their causal map. The results of this analysis suggest future directions in the design and timing of feedback and support for similarly complex, choice-rich learning tasks.
The calcium-sensing receptor regulates calcium absorption in MDCK cells by inhibition of PMCA

Calcium transport across a monolayer of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells was measured in response to stimulation of the basal surface with calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) agonists. Stimulation of the CaR resulted in a time- and concentration-dependent inhibition of calcium transport but did not change transepithelial voltage or resistance. Inhibition of transport was not altered by pretreatment of cells with pertussis toxin but was blocked by the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U-73122. To determine a potential mechanism by which the CaR could inhibit calcium transport, we measured activity of the plasma membrane calcium ATPase (PMCA). Stimulation of the CaR on the basal surface resulted in an inhibition of the PMCA in a concentration- and PLC-dependent manner. Thus stimulation of the CaR inhibits both calcium transport and PMCA activity through a PLC-dependent pathway. These studies provide the first direct evidence that calcium can inhibit its own transcellular absorption in a model of the distal tubule. In addition, they provide a potential mechanism for the CaR to inhibit calcium transport, inhibition of PMCA.
Establishing Minimal Important Differences for the VR-12 and SANE Scores in Patients Following Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tears.

Background:Minimal important differences (MIDs) for the Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12) and the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) have not been reported in patients following ...
Insect-based compost and vermicompost production, quality and performance

In an attempt to utilize large amounts of Japanese beetles, Popillia japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) that were captured using a mass trapping system, compost using Japanese beetle carcasses was prepared with the layer method. Carbon sources included shredded paper, wood chips and leaves, while the sole nitrogen source was frozen Japanese beetles. In addition, Japanese beetle-based vermicompost was prepared in the greenhouse by mixing the Japanese beetle-based compost with sphagnum peat moss and moist shredded paper and exposing this mixture to composting earthworms (Eisenia fetida). Chemical analyses of the Japanese beetle carcasses indicated that 10.8% of their body weight is nitrogen (N). Analyses of the resulting Japanese beetle-based compost and vermicompost indicated that both types of materials are good quality soil amendments. Greenhouse studies were conducted to quantify the effects of varying proportions of Japanese beetle-based vermicompost and compost mixed with a potting medium and varying dosages of synthetic fertilizer 20-0-0, on mean fresh and dry weight of lettuce shoots and leaf area. Japanese beetle-based compost and vermicompost increased lettuce biomass to an extent that was comparable with the addition of synthetic N-based fertilizer. A mixture of 15 and 30% of each compost type with potting media significantly increased plant weight and leaf area compared with potting medium alone. Results indicate that composting and vermicomposting insect carcasses are a simple, effective and affordable method to augment fertilization in support of organic production.
A previously unrecognized source of the O2 Atmospheric band emission in Earth’s nightglow

Earth’s night sky continuously produces a faint chemiluminescence known as nightglow. Two prominent nighttime emissions around 90 km are the O 2 Atmospheric and the OH Meinel band systems. Despite a plethora of studies since their identification seven decades ago, substantial gaps persist in our understanding of the mechanisms that control them. This report shows that oxygen atoms connect these two emissions: Fast, multiquantum, vibrational-to-electronic relaxation of OH(v) by O atoms activates a pathway that generates O 2 Atmospheric band emission. This newly discovered source exhibits a strong altitude dependence and can contribute a majority of the observed O 2 Atmospheric band emission when the peaks of the OH and O-atom layers overlap. The new findings call for a reinterpretation of Earth’s nightglow emissions and a revision of relevant atmospheric models.
Samuel Beckett and the politics of aftermath

Samuel Beckett’s work has often invited ahistorical and apolitical interpretations. But readers and viewers have long sensed something that scholarship was less likely to consider, namely that Beck...
Immigration Enforcement Policies and Latinx Health: State of Knowledge

In recent years, immigration enforcement policies have exacerbated Latinx immigrants’ health-related vulnerabilities and threatened the health and well-being of entire communities, including US-born citizen children in mixed-status families. Accordingly, the relationship between health, immigration status, and immigration enforcement has become an important public health issue in the USA, necessitating long-term attention to immigration policies and their impacts. This chapter examines how local and state governments’ enforcement of immigration policies are related to health by presenting the conceptual and theoretical approaches used to conduct this research and inform interventions. We end by identifying future research priorities and intervention needs.
Correlation between Sex Hormones and Dyslipidemia

A correlation between sex hormones and lipids has been previously demonstrated in males, but no studies have fully explored the relationship between sex hormones and dyslipidemia. The objective of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that a correlation exists between sex hormones and dyslipidemia, and to evaluate the confounding effect of age, gender, race/ethnicity, and menopausal status on this correlation. This retrospective cross-sectional study included 442 male subjects from the 2003-2004 survey and 2122 male or female subjects from the 2011-2012 survey from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention9s National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES) database. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine whether there was a correlation between sex hormones including estradiol (E2), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), total testosterone (TST), and androstenedione (AED) and dyslipidemia including total cholesterol, direct high-density lipoprotein, and calculated low-density lipoprotein. Mann Whitney U tests were used to examine whether age, gender, race/ethnicity, and menopausal status affected the correlation between TST and dyslipidemia. Results suggested that there was no significant correlation between E2, SHBG, or AED and dyslipidemia in males. Testosterone significantly affected the prevalence of dyslipidemia depending on gender (p=
A Winning Backscatter Modulator: A Quarter-Gram, Ultrahigh-Frequency RFID for On-Metal Operation

Wireless sensors have become commonplace in our daily lives for such tasks as tracking temperature, measuring humidity, and sensing light and gas. Many technologies capable of relaying sensor information are continually being refined, but the search for a robust and customizable technology to satisfy the exponentially increasing demand for largescale and low-cost deployment of these wireless sensor nodes while minimizing power consumption has led to backscatter radio as a potential solution. Backscatter radio, first proposed in the 1940s as "communication by means of reflected power" [1], is a fairly mature technology that has been used in a variety of modern applications, especially those employing passive RFID technology in the ultrahigh-frequency band. The tags used in these applications are usually made up of just a transistor or switch and an antenna. These tags can be activated using only the RF power from an interrogating signal and, as a result, can be operated without any external energy source. Communication ranges of up to a few meters have been reported using this technology [2], [3].
The Differences Between Individuals Engaging in Nonsuicidal Self-Injury and Suicide Attempt Are Complex ( vs. Complicated or Simple)

Background Why do some people engage in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) while others attempt suicide? One way to advance knowledge about this question is to shed light on the differences between people who engage in NSSI and people who attempt suicide. These groups could differ in three broad ways. First, these two groups may differ in a simple way, such that one or a small set of factors is both necessary and sufficient to accurately distinguish the two groups. Second, they might differ in a complicated way, meaning that a specific set of a large number of factors is both necessary and sufficient to accurately classify them. Third, they might differ in a complex way, with no necessary factor combinations and potentially no sufficient factor combinations. In this scenario, at the group level, complicated algorithms would either be insufficient (i.e., no complicated algorithm produces good accuracy) or unnecessary (i.e., many complicated algorithms produce good accuracy) to distinguish between groups. This study directly tested these three possibilities in a sample of people with a history of NSSI and/or suicide attempt. Method A total of 954 participants who have either engaged in NSSI and/or suicide attempt in their lifetime were recruited from online forums. Participants completed a series of measures on factors commonly associated with NSSI and suicide attempt. To test for simple differences, univariate logistic regressions were conducted. One theoretically informed multiple logistic regression model with suicidal desire, capability for suicide, and their interaction term was considered as well. To examine complicated and complex differences, multiple logistic regression and machine learning analyses were conducted. Results No simple algorithm (i.e., single factor or small set of factors) accurately distinguished between groups. Complicated algorithms constructed with cross-validation methods produced fair accuracy; complicated algorithms constructed with bootstrap optimism methods produced good accuracy, but multiple different algorithms with this method produced similar results. Conclusions Findings were consistent with complex differences between people who engage in NSSI and suicide attempts. Specific complicated algorithms were either insufficient (cross-validation results) or unnecessary (bootstrap optimism results) to distinguish between these groups with high accuracy.
Immunosurveillance of CCR6+ T-cells predicts treatment response to dimethyl-fumarate: implications for personalized treatment strategies in multiple sclerosis

Abstract Objective The field of multiple sclerosis (MS) has seen a tremendous expansion of treatments in the past decade. However, treatment response in individual patients can currently be determined only by waiting for breakthrough disease activity to occur. This highlights a critical need for biomarkers that can predict treatment response and stratify the risk of impeding disease activity before damage is inflicted to the CNS. Here we show that CCR6+CD3+ T-cell surveillance in peripheral blood can be used to discriminate responders and non-responders to dimethyl-fumarate. Methods A cohort of 101 treatment-naive, dimethyl-fumarate (DMF) treated MS patients and healthy controls was immunophenotyped and then responders and non-responders were determined retrospectively after clinical and radiographic follow up. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, linear and logistic regression, mixed effects models, and cox proportional hazards were used for the analysis. Results Among various clinical and immunophenotypic metrics, the percentage of CCR6+CD3+ T-cells was the most significant predictor of impending disease activity. This immunophenotypic metric was able to discriminate responders and non-responders to DMF with an area under the ROC of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.71–0.99), which was higher than that achieved using surrogate metrics for T-helper-1-like T-helper-17 or T-cytotoxic-17 cells. DMF-treated patients with the highest percentage of CCR6+CD3+ T-cells had a significantly higher risk of impending disease activity compared to patients with a low percentage. Interpretation Changes in CCR6+CD3+ T-cells in the periphery could precede disease activity by many months and potentially serve as an early biomarker of treatment response, at least for DMF. These results have implications for novel personalized treatment strategies in MS.
Adhesion layer-free attachment of gold on silicon wafer and its application in localized surface plasmon resonance-based biosensing.

Abstract The use of a metallic adhesion layer between plasmonic-active nanostructures and a solid support is known to dampen the plasmonic response. To overcome this problem, organic adhesion layers have been introduced, which in turn can undermine the stability of the film. Moreover, both types of layers limit the regeneration of the nanostructures for multiple uses. Here we report a quick and simple approach to prepare intermediate adhesion layer-free binding of nanostructured films of gold on silicon wafers. The approach involves scratching and etching of the silicon wafer before sputter coating with a thin layer of Au. The plasmonic-active nanostructures were then prepared on this thin Au film using electrochemical deposition. As-prepared plasmonic-active nanostructured thin films of gold (PANTF-Au) are easy to handle, physically robust, and can be regenerated. The bulk refractive index sensitivity of PANTF-Au is 150 nm/RIU with the figure of merit 1.4, and with a plasmonic field-decay length of 27 nm. We further used these thin films to study interactions between lectin and glycoprotein inside a flow cell as well as on a microplate made of PANTF-Au. The PANTF-Au can be easily integrated with electrochemical devices and microfluidics, which can help to pave the way toward the development of ideal optical-electrochemical point-of-care biosensors.
Bone density, microarchitecture and strength estimates in white versus African American youth with obesity

Abstract Background African Americans (AA) have more favorable bone density and microarchitecture compared to Whites (W), which may explain their observed lower fracture rates. Obesity has deleterious effects on bone microarchitecture and strength estimates and is associated with an increase in fracture risk. Adolescence and young adulthood are periods of active bone accrual and also periods characterized by an increasing prevalence of obesity. The effect of obesity on the relationship between race and bone parameters remains unclear, particularly in youth. Objective To assess differences in BMD, bone microarchitecture and strength estimates in AA and W adolescents and young adults with moderate to severe obesity. We hypothesized that racial differences in bone endpoints in lean youth would also be noted in youth with moderate to severe obesity. Methods We evaluated 24 AA and 48 W adolescent and young adults with a mean age of 18.2 ± 2.4 years and a median body mass index (BMI) of 44.8 (40.5–49.4) kg/m2 who underwent dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT), extended cortical analysis (ECA) and micro-finite element analysis (FEA) to obtain measures of volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), bone geometry, microarchitecture, and strength estimates at the distal radius and tibia. Results We found no differences between AA and W for total fat and lean mass, and areal BMD Z-scores (p > 0.05 for all). At the distal radius, no significant differences were detected in vBMD, bone geometry or microarchitecture (p > 0.05 for all); however, stiffness and failure load were higher in the AA group (p = 0.031 and 0.047 respectively). At the distal tibia, cortical vBMD was higher in AA vs. W (p = 0.012), while trabecular number was higher and trabecular separation lower in W vs. AA (p ≤ 0.028). Stiffness and failure load trended higher in AA vs. W (p = 0.052 and p = 0.048, respectively). Groups did not differ for any other bone parameter (p > 0.05). Conclusion Racial differences in bone endpoints appear to be less marked in those with moderate to severe obesity, suggesting that effects of obesity may blunt the effect of race on bone endpoints.