cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pre and post-amputation mobility of trans-tibial amputees: correlation to medical problems, age and mortality

This retrospective study compares pre and post-amputation mobility and the influence of age and associated medical problems. Data from the charts of 120 male patients who underwent unilateral trans-tibial (below-knee) amputation at the Dallas Veteran's Administration Hospital between June, 1983 and October, 1991, were collected and analyzed. Mobility was assessed with a six level scale developed by Volpicelli et al. (1983). The presence of cardiac disease, pulmonary disease (COPD), peripheral vascular disease (PVD), diabetes mellitus, degenerative joint disease, blindness, cerebral vascular accident (CVA), and age are correlated with changes in mobility after amputation. Older patients had more medical problems and lower post-amputation scores. Individual medical problems did not influence mobility scores, but the presence of COPD and PVD lowered pre-amputation mobility scores. Cardiac disease and diabetes mellitus influenced post-amputation mobility scores by lowering them, either together or individuall...
Multilayer-coated optics: guided-wave coupling and scattering by means of interface random roughness

For plane-wave light incident upon multilayer optical components, we use first-order perturbation theory to calculate two effects of interface roughness: (1) angle-resolved scattering and (2) guided-mode coupling. The interface roughness, which is assumed to be a random variable having root-mean-square roughness much less than the incident wavelength, is the perturbation parameter. When guided-wave mode resonances are inherent in optical component design, we show that fractions of incident energy scattered directly and coupled into guided-wave modes are comparable. It follows that, in consideration of multilayer optics, energy coupled into guided-wave modes can be an equally important consideration, as this energy may then end up as an additional contribution to scattering and absorption.
Propanoic Acid, 2,2‐Dimethyl‐, (1S)‐2,2′‐bis(diphenylphosphino)[1,1′‐binaphthalene]‐3,3′‐diyl Ester

[864504-25-6] C54H48O4P2 (MW 822.9040) InChI = 1S/C54H48O4P2/c1-53(2,3)51(55)57-45-35-37-23-19-21-33-43(37)47(49(45)59(39-25-11-7-12-26-39)40-27-13-8-14-28-40)48-44-34-22-20-24-38(44)36-46(58-52(56)54(4,5)6)50(48)60(41-29-15-9-16-30-41)42-31-17-10-18-32-42/h7-36H,1-6H3 InChIKey = DDUVNJIHESUCQU-UHFFFAOYSA-N (the reagent is a chiral organocatalyst utilized in the asymmetric hydrogenation of enamides and in asymmetric Heck–Mizoroki reactions) Alternate Names: (S)-3,3′-di(pivaloyloxy)-BINAP. Physical Data: light yellow solid1; melting range: >275 °C, decomposed1; optical rotation: [α]D−96.99°, c = 0.0135 in chloroform.1 Solubility: sol CHCl3. Preparation: (S)-3,3′-di(pivaloyloxy)-BINAP was synthesized from 4-Bromo–2-naphthol over seven steps and 14.9 % overall yield (eq 1).1 (1)
Pto Mutants Differentially Activate Prf-Dependent, avrPto-Independent Resistance and Gene-for-Gene Resistance

Pto confers disease resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato carrying the cognate avrPto gene. Overexpression of Pto under the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter activates spontaneous lesions and confers disease resistance in tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum ) plants in the absence of avrPto . Here, we show that these AvrPto-independent defenses require a functional Prf gene. Several Pto-interacting (Pti) proteins are thought to play a role in Pto-mediated defense pathways. To test if interactions with Pti proteins are required for the AvrPto-independent defense responses by Pto overexpression, we isolated several Pto mutants that were unable to interact with one or more Pti proteins, but retained normal interaction with AvrPto. Overexpression of two mutants, Pto G50S and Pto R150S , failed to activate AvrPto-independent defense responses or confer enhanced resistance to the virulent P. s. pv tomato . When introduced into plants carrying 35S:: Pto , 35S:: Pto G50S dominantly suppressed the AvrPto-independent resistance caused by former transgene. 35S:: Pto G50S also blocked the induction of a number of defense genes by the wild-type 35S:: Pto . However, 35S:: Pto G50S and 35S:: Pto R150S plants were completely resistant to P. s. pv tomato ( avrPto ), indicating a normal gene-for-gene resistance. Furthermore, 35S:: Pto G50S plants exhibited normal induction of defense genes in recognition of avrPto . Thus, the AvrPto-independent defense activation and gene-for-gene resistance mediated by Pto are functionally separable.
Information-Theoretical Mining of Determining Sets for Partially Defined Functions

This paper describes an algorithm that determines the minimal sets of variables that determine the values of a discrete partial function. The algorithm is based on the notion of entropy of a partition and is able to achieve an optimal solution. A limiting factor is introduced to restrict the search, thereby providing the option to reduce running time. Experimental results are provided that demonstrate the efficiency of the algorithm for functions with up to 24 variables. The effect of the limiting factor on the optimality of the algorithm for different sizes of partial functions is also examined.
Treatment of varicose and telangiectatic leg veins with hypertonic saline: a comparative study of heparin and saline.

Abstract. The clinical results of treating 800 patients with starburst varicosities using hypertonic saline with and without heparin are described. The extent and type of complications seen in this series of patients are indicated.
From Shape Rules to Rule Schemata and Back

Shape rules and rule schemata are compared in terms of their expressive and productive features in design inquiry. Two kinds of formal processes are discussed to facilitate the comparison. The first proceeds from shape rule instances and infers rule schemata that the shape rules can be defined in. The second proceeds from rule schemata and postulates shape rule instances that can be defined within the schemata. These two parallel processes mirror our intuition in design: the conceptual need to frame explicit actions within general frameworks of principles, and the productive need to supply general principles with an explicit system of actions.
Influence of flange, frequency, and liftoff on microwave detection of stress-induced fatigue cracks using open-ended rectangular waveguides

The influence of the waveguide flange, frequency of operation and liftoff on crack detection sensitivity using the dominant mode as well as the higher-order mode approaches are presented. The results indicate that the optimal choice of these parameters can significantly enhance crack detection sensitivity in practical applications.
Intergranular Interactions and Thermal Stability in Fe–Ti–N Thin Films

Intergranular interactions and thermal stability factors in Fe-Ti-N thin films were studied as a function of nitrogen content. This was done through: 1) measurements of the isothermal remanence magnetization and direct current demagnetization, coupled with an analysis based on a modified Che-Bertram interaction field model for the intergranular interactions and 2) measurements of the dependence of the coercive force on the holding time for the applied field, coupled with a Sharrock analysis in the case of the thermal stability. The data indicate that the intergranular interactions are mainly exchange dominated for nitrogen levels in the 0-4 at.% range, become primarily magnetostatic for 4-7 at.% nitrogen, and switch back to exchange dominated for higher levels. For nitrogen amounts in the 7-11 at.% range, the thermal stability factors are largest at about 7 at.% and decrease for higher nitrogen amounts. The inferred unit switching lateral size from the Sharrock analysis is about 10-20 times larger than the grain size. The changes in the intergranular interactions and the thermal stability factors with nitrogen content can be qualitatively explained by a grain size effect.
Genome-wide hypermethylation coupled with promoter hypomethylation in the chorioamniotic membranes of early onset pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is the leading cause of fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. Early onset pre-eclampsia (EOPE) is a disorder that has severe maternal and fetal outcomes, whilst its etiology is poorly understood. We hypothesize that epigenetics plays an important role to mediate the development of EOPE and conducted a case-control study to compare the genome-wide methylome difference between chorioamniotic membranes from 30 EOPE and 17 full-term pregnancies using the Infinium Human Methylation 450 BeadChip arrays. Bioinformatics analysis tested differential methylation (DM) at CpG site level, gene level, and pathway and network level. A striking genome-wide hypermethylation pattern coupled with hypomethylation in promoters was observed. Out of 385 184 CpG sites, 9995 showed DM (2.6%). Of those DM sites, 91.9% showed hypermethylation (9186 of 9995). Over 900 genes had DM associated with promoters. Promoter-based DM analysis revealed that genes in canonical cancer-related pathways such as Rac, Ras, PI3K/Akt, NFκB and ErBB4 were enriched, and represented biological functional alterations that involve cell cycle, apoptosis, cancer signaling and inflammation. A group of genes previously found to be up-regulated in pre-eclampsia, including GRB2, ATF3, NFKB2, as well as genes in proteasome subunits (PSMA1, PMSE1, PSMD1 and PMSD8), harbored hypomethylated promoters. Contrarily, a cluster of microRNAs, including mir-519a1, mir-301a, mir-487a, mir-185, mir-329, mir-194, mir-376a1, mir-486 and mir-744 were all hypermethylated in their promoters in the EOPE samples. These findings collectively reveal new avenues of research regarding the vast epigenetic modifications in EOPE.
Wireless SOC testing: Can RF testing costs be reduced?

Emerging wireless SOCs and SiPs are highly integrated devices containing logic, analog, RF, and even memory blocks. From a pure "can it be tested?" point of view, engineers are faced with a number of testing challenges. Add to that the economic challenges and the test community must find ways to test increasingly complex devices AND reduce cost of test. When approaching test, it is important to determine acceptable methodologies. For the purpose of this discussion, I propose three possible scenarios: 1) fault testing to verify that manufacturing processes produce a defect-free product; 2) functional testing to verify the SOC functions as intended; and 3) performance-based testing to verify the SOC meets published specs.
Are ‘Science’ and ‘Technology’ Necessary?: The Utility of Some Old Concepts in Contemporary Studies of the Research Process

Contemporary views on the nature of science and technology describe them as symmetrically interdependent subcultures, in contrast to the older view of technology as applied science. On closer inspection, however, these accounts provide two distinct descriptions. The first, that of “distinct subcultures,” sees science and technology as distinguishable based on their products, sectoral locations, or objectives. The second, that of a “holistic research system,” denies that any single dimension delivers the ideal typical constructs that have long been used to characterize science and technology. On balance, social studies of the research process would do well to dispense with the terms, except insofar as their use constitutes an explanatory project.
Tourmaline at diagenetic to low-grade metamorphic conditions: Its petrologic applicability

article i nfo Tourmaline developed under low-temperature conditions (b~300 °C) typically has distinctive morphological and chemical characteristics that reveal significant information about the environments in which they crys- tallize. Under diagenetic conditions, tourmaline can develop as overgrowths on detrital tourmaline cores or as new, authigenic crystals. Tourmaline, as monopolar crystal overgrowths, is found in sandstones, shales, conglomerates, dolostones and limestones nucleating exclusively at the positive end of the c axis (+cpole) on the detrital grain, a feature related to the mineral's polar nature. These overgrowths tend to have compo- sitions dominated by X-site vacant tourmaline species (e.g. foitite) and can be linked to growth in aqueous environments low in Na, with other chemical characteristics related to the host rocks. As temperature in- creases, tourmaline overgrowths develop at both the +cpole andc pole, but continue to exhibit a signif- icant degree of morphological and chemical asymmetries. These differences at either pole diminish as a function of increasing temperature such that it can be used as an intramineral geothermometer. Authigenic tourmalines without detrital tourmaline nuclei are found in many sedimentary or weakly meta- morphosed metasedimentary rocks as well as fluid-dominated geothermal systems. Here, tourmalines are commonly foititic, but have Mg-Fe contents influenced by the host rock composition. Low-temperature tour- malines developed in hypersaline environments (e.g. salt domes) have distinct chemical characteristics — high Na, Fe 3+ and W O, and follow a trend between "oxy-dravite" and povondraite (O-P trend). This composi- tional trend can be used as a guide to indicate tourmaline development within low-temperature hypersaline environments and appears to be diagnostic of an oxidizing environment with high Na in the fluid and high sa- linity with the resulting reduction of the activity of H2O. The O-P trend is retained in some meta-evaporite de- posits that are relatively high grade and is found in tourmaline from some types of economically important metal deposits. Although tourmalines in low temperature environments are largely overlooked, they have po- tential to be a useful indicator of the chemical and thermal environments in a regime largely absent of such indicators.
Groundscouts: architecture for a modular micro robotic platform for swarm intelligence and cooperative robotics

This paper presents architecture for a modular micro robotic platform for swarm intelligence and cooperative robotics research and applications. In a swarm the value of an individual is negligible since the goal of the swarm is essential. Thus, the agents (robots) need to be small, low cost, and cooperative. GroundScouts are designed based on these conditions. The proposed architecture slices a robot into abstract modules such as locomotion, control, sensors, communication, and actuation. Any mobile robot can be constructed by combining these abstract modules for a specific application. A modular embedded micro-OS with dynamic task uploading and multi-tasking abilities is developed. In order to create better interface between robots and the command center and among the robots. The dynamic, task uploading allows the robots change their behaviors in runtime. Thus, the robots can work in swarm, master-slave, or hybrid mode and possibly be used in other applications such as mobile sensor networks, remote sensing, and plant monitoring
Multiple band crossings in /sup 164/Er

High-spin states in $^{164}\mathrm{Er}$ have been populated by the reaction $^{150}\mathrm{Nd}(^{18}\mathrm{O}, 4n)^{164}\mathrm{Er}$. In addition to the lowest even-spin superband we present the first evidence for the lowest odd-spin and the second lowest even-spin superbands. We also observe the first example of the intersection of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-vibrational band with these superbands. The rotation-alignment model can explain the observed pattern of behavior.
Contrasting soil nitrogen dynamics across a montane meadow and urban lawn in a semi-arid watershed

Urbanization substantially increases nitrogen (N) inputs and hydrologic losses relative to wildland ecosystems, although the fate of N additions to lawns and remnant grasslands remains contested. In montane semi-arid ecosystems, N cycling is often closely coupled to snowmelt (the dominant period of infiltration) and snow cover, which impact soil temperature and moisture. Here, we compared soil N dynamics between a fertilized and irrigated urban lawn and nearby riparian meadow in Salt Lake City, Utah during a snow manipulation experiment. Snow removal increased freeze/thaw events but did not affect N pools, microbial biomass, denitrification potential, or soil oxygen (O2). Mineral N was similar between sites despite lawn fertilization, but dissolved organic N (DON) was four-fold greater (2.1 ± 0.1 mg N l−1) in lawn soil water. Infiltration was lower in the lawn subsoil, and leaching losses (modeled with Hydrus) were small at both sites (< 2 kg N ha−1 y−1) despite substantial lawn fertilization. Lawn soil O2 fluctuated between 20.9 and 1.6 % following snowmelt and irrigation, but remained near 20 % in the meadow; the lawn had more reducing microsites as indicated by iron speciation. Post-snowmelt potential denitrification was six-fold greater in the lawn than the meadow. Lawns can potentially provide hotspots of denitrification in a semi-arid landscape that exceed some natural riparian ecosystems, whereas DON may represent an increasingly important form of N loss from lawns.
A Function of the Epiphysis on the Foreleg of the Corn Earworm Moth, Heliothis zea

The epiphysis of a representative member of the Noctuidae (Lepidoptera), the corn earworm moth, Heliothis sea (Boddie), was described by Callahan (1969). Photographs of noctuid moths in full flight indicated that this organ, one of which is located at the distal end of the tibia of each foreleg, serves as an antenna cleaner, and observations indicated that moths with dirty antennae invariably cleaned them when they took flight. Also, several times during flight, moths were noted pulling an antenna between the epiphysis and the tibia.
What Makes Performance Appraisals Effective

Performance appraisals are often criticized and poorly done. However, they are not going away and should not go away. They are needed to effectively manage an organization’s talent. Our research suggests that performance management systems can be effective if they are designed and executed correctly. Performance management systems are effective when they are based on goals that are jointly set and are driven by an organization’s business strategy. The use of competency models that are based on business strategy is strongly associated with organizational effectiveness. When they drive salary increases and bonuses, they are executed better. Often absent but critical to the success of performance management systems is senior management leadership and ownership; much less important is ownership by human resources. Additional keys to effectiveness are training managers to do appraisals, holding them accountable for how well they do appraisals and using measures of how results are achieved.
Factors Affecting Farmers' Participation on Education and Control Program of Agricultural Non-point Source Pollution

This paper analyzes key factors affecting farmers' participation in education and control program of agricultural NPS pollution by using Logit model based on 331 surveys in Shaanxi province.The result shows that farmers' participation behavior for education and control program of agricultural NPS pollution is affected significantly by educational mechanism.Government should pay high attention to control agricultural NPS pollution with combination of education and supervision for farmers' behavior and establish a farmer-centered agricultural nonpoint source pollution control system.
At the Yongqingxian drinking water microbial pollution situation of investigation and analysis

Objective:To Yongqingxian at home by water outlet in microbiology indicators and bacterium colony number two indexes,the secondary pollution problems about water situation,analyze the causes,and put forward the improvement measures.Methods: The national standard test method for analysis and evaluation standard.Results: In 2009,inspection samples of 282 colony,total 219 qualified rate,total 77.6% coliforms qualified,qualified 274 97.2%),new colony to change water,drinking 82.1% total after two days for one week after drinking 69.3 percent for 62.5%,statistical processing χ2 = 8.11,P 0.01) 0.05,the different stages of the cycle of drinking significantly.The opening of the total water and ZhongDuanShui colony 69.5% respectively 85.8% and qualified,statistical processing χ2 = 10.78,P 0.01,both also have very significant difference,and the period of total through stages coliforms although no significant difference,but the total coliforms unqualified samples and seven from school.Conclusion: The drinking water at the microbial pollution problem,especially the total bacterial,And the main pollution total bacterium from school,Suggestions to improve citizen consciousness,develop good health habits,and strengthen supervision and management,ensure the safety of drinking water.
Dibutyryl cAMP, prostaglandin E2, and antioxidants protect cultured bovine bronchial epithelial cells from endotoxin.

Acute bronchitis secondary to bacterial infection in the airway is accompanied by an acute inflammatory response composed predominantly of neutrophils. Mucosal injury with denudation of the airway ...
Trends and directions in developmental research.

Perhaps one of the most dramatic fundamental changes in our views of child development has been the relatively recent shift from Freud’s view of the infant as an individual struggling to avoid displeasure to Piaget’s view of an individual who from the first day of life is essentially an active initiator of all kinds of interactions with his or her environment. Subsequent interactional research shifted the focus again to the interaction among biologic, psychological, and environmental factors. Within this context, infant behavior has probably been the largest single expanding area of child development research in recent years. Some discernible trends and directions of special interest to the clinician will be noted here.
Performance Study on Relay-Assisted Millimeter Wave Cellular Networks

Millimeter wave (mmWave) is recognized as a promising technology for the fifth generation cellular networks as it can increase system capacity significantly due to its abundant spectrum resources. Since mmWave signals are highly sensitive to blockages, received signals can experience severe none-line-of-sight (NLOS) pathloss if there are blockages between a mmWave base-station (mBS) and a user equipment (UE). Relay nodes (RNs) can be used in a mmWave cellular network to help alleviate blockages and provide alternative line-of-sight (LOS) links when blockage occurs. In this paper, we provide coverage study in a mmWave network with various distributions of mBSs, UEs, blockages, and RNs. Both analytical and simulation results show that with the assistance of RNs more LOS links are expected and the network signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or signal-to-interference-noise ratio (SINR) performance can be improved significantly.
WE-AB-207A-03: A CBCT Head Scanner for Point-Of-Care Imaging of Intracranial Hemorrhage

Purpose: This work reports the design, development, and first technical assessment of a cone-beam CT (CBCT) scanner developed specifically for imaging of acute intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) at the point of care, with target applications in diagnosis and monitoring of traumatic brain injury, stroke, and postsurgical hemorrhage. Methods: System design employed a task-based image quality model to quantify the influence of factors such as additive noise and high-gain (HG) detector readout on ICH detectability. Three bowtie filters with varying bare-beam attenuation strength and curvature were designed to enable HG readout without detector saturation, and a polyenergetic gain correction was developed to minimize artifacts from bowtie flood-field calibration. Image reconstruction used an iterative penalized weighted least squares (PWLS) method with artifact correction including Monte Carlo scatter estimation, Joseph-Spital beam hardening correction, and spatiotemporal deconvolution of detector glare and lag. Radiation dose was characterized for half-scan and full-scan protocols at various kV, and imaging performance was assessed in a head phantom presenting simulated ICH with diameter ranging 2–12 mm. Results: The image quality model guided system design and was validated by measurements on a CBCT imaging bench. Compared to low-gain readout without a bowtie filter, the combination of HG readout and a modest bowtie improved the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR per unit square-root dose) by 20% in the center of the image but degraded noise performance near the periphery (20% reduction in CNR). Low-frequency bowtie artifacts (∼100 HU magnitude) were corrected by the polyenergetic gain correction. Image reconstructions on the prototype scanner demonstrate clear visibility of the smallest ICH insert (2 mm diameter) in both HG readout (with a bowtie) and dual-gain readout (without bowtie). Conclusion: Technical assessment of the prototype scanner suggests the capability for reliable visualization of small (2 mm), low-contrast (50 HU) ICH at <20 mGy dose and motivates translation to clinical studies, now underway. Xiaohui Wang and David Foos (co-authors) are employees of Carestream Health. Research funding support from Carestream Health.
Mental health communication and self efficacy: Designing a responsive information architecture

A technical communicator's role in mediating information seeking between seemingly disparate audiences is an important concern when considering issues of disciplinary identity or advocacy. This brief paper describes the design of responsive information architecture that helps the residents of a women's residential drug and treatment center to recognize and articulate symptoms of clinical and subclinical mental disorders, and then communicate this information to onsite healthcare providers. Using the applied Comprehensive Model of Information Seeking (CMIS) to determine consumers' demographics, experience, salience, and beliefs, this information architecture promotes communication and self-efficacy in this underserved environment. Mental Health Literacy communication is needed in this treatment center because research suggests that recognition of a mental disorder leads to better treatment preferences and understanding. When technical communicators can predict what causes the residents of this treatment center to seek information and resources regarding their own mental health, we will be able to improve the self-efficacy of this community, and of other underserved communities.
The influence of diabetes mellitus on myocardial glucose utilization in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy

1539 Objectives High free fatty acid with reduced glucose utilization in diabetes mellitus (DM) impairs cardiac function. In this study, we investigated the kinetics of FDG and the influence of DM on myocardial glucose utilization and clinical outcomes in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). Methods Twenty-five patients (60±14y, 20men) with ICM and left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction of 21±8 (9-40)% were studied with dipyridamole Tl SPECT and dynamic ECG-gated, glucose-loaded insulin-stimulated FDG PET. The FDG uptake constant Ki and metabolic rate of glucose (MRGlu) were derived using 2-compartment model analysis (PMOD Ltd). The data are summarized by volume-weighted averaging to AHA 17-segment model. Patterns of SPECT/PET were classified as normal perfusion, perfusion/metabolic mismatch and match. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were collected from medical records. Results There were no significant difference of clinical, echocardiographic parameters and SPECT/PET patterns between DM (n=15) and non-DM (n=10) subjects. Compared to non-DM, patients with DM had higher fasting glucose level, higher dose of glucose load and insulin (P Conclusions We found comparable MRGlu values in DM and non-DM subjects with ICM, which lower in ischemic but viable myocardium compared to normal perfusion areas. The shift in myocardial substrate use may indicate the impaired energy efficiency in the failing heart. Research Support MOST 101-2314-B-418 -012 -MY3 from Ministry of Science and Technologyof Taiwan.
Confounding Factors in TRD (Part 1): The Role of Subtyping and Bipolarity

The current system of payment for mental health care in the US can lead, or even incentivize, clinicians to focus on and code for Axis I disorders and their more readily reimbursed psychopharmacological treatment approaches.
Self-Efficacy and Self-Regulated Learning: The Dynamic Duo in School Performance

Publisher Summary This chapter explains self-efficacy and self-regulated learning. The chapter believes that self-efficacy plays a mediating role in learning, even in the primary classroom. Self-efficacy is distinct from other conceptions of self because it involves judgments about capabilities specific to a particular task. Self-concept is a more global construct that contains many perceptions about the self, including self-efficacy. Self-concept is developed as a result of external and internal comparisons, using other people or other aspects of the self as frames of reference. But self-efficacy focuses on ability to successfully accomplish a particular task with no need for comparisons. Self-efficacy beliefs and self-regulated learning strategies are interdependent; both require the presence of specific cognitive capacities, including the ability to set goals, self-monitor, reflect, and make judgments. Both also support personal agency or control. Examining the self-regulated learning skills of primary-aged children is essential for understanding the maintenance of self-efficacy. Both self-regulated learning and self-efficacy judgments require a similar series of cognitive and meta cognitive processes, including self-observation, self-judgment, and self-reaction. More research with children of this age group may lead to a fuller and deeper understanding of the exact nature of these beliefs to provide all children with a positive and exciting start in their quest for life-long learning.
Differential Effects of Antiretroviral Drugs on Neurons In Vitro: Roles for Oxidative Stress and Integrated Stress Response

Mounting evidence suggests that antiretroviral drugs may contribute to the persistence of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), which impact 30%-50% of HIV-infected patients in the post-antiretroviral era. We previously reported that two first generation HIV protease inhibitors, ritonavir and saquinavir, induced oxidative stress, with subsequent neuronal death in vitro, which was reversed by augmentation of the endogenous antioxidant response by monomethyl fumarate. We herein determined whether two newer-generation PIs, darunavir and lopinavir, were deleterious to neurons in vitro. Further, we expanded our assessment to include three integrase strand transfer inhibitors, raltegravir, dolutegravir, and elvitegravir. We found that only lopinavir and elvitegravir were neurotoxic to primary rat neuroglial cultures as determined by the loss of microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2). Intriguingly, lopinavir but not elvitegravir led to oxidative stress and induced the endogenous antioxidant response (EAR). Furthermore, neurotoxicity of lopinavir was blocked by pharmacological augmentation of the endogenous antioxidant heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), expanding our previous finding that protease inhibitor-induced neurotoxicity was mediated by oxidative stress. Conversely, elvitegravir but not lopinavir led to increased eIF2α phosphorylation, indicating the activation of a common adaptive pathway termed the integrated stress response (ISR), and elvitegravir-mediated neurotoxicity was partially alleviated by the ISR inhibitor trans-ISRIB, suggesting ISR as a promoter of elvitegravir-associated neurotoxicity. Overall, we found that neurotoxicity was induced only by a subset of protease inhibitors and integrase strand transfer inhibitors, providing evidence for class- and drug-specific neurotoxic effects of antiretroviral drugs. Future in vivo studies will be critical to confirm the neurotoxicity profiles of these drugs for incorporation of these findings into patient management. The EAR and ISR pathways are potential access points for the development of adjunctive therapies to complement antiretroviral therapies and limit their contribution to HAND persistence.
Specific globin mRNAs in human erythroleukemia (K562) cells

Specific globin mRNA accumulation was quantitated in several lines of K562 cells in the absence and the presence of hemin. Using specific cloned DNA probes, the amounts of zeta, alpha, epsilon and gamma mRNAs were shown to be increased 2–3-fold in the presence of 20 microM hemin. No delta- or beta-globin mRNAs were detectable in any of the lines. In one line, Bos, there was a marked decrease in epsilon-globin mRNA, which increased with hemin, although still to much lower levels than in the other lines. The decreased epsilon-globin mRNA accumulation in Bos is shown to be due to decreased epsilon-globin gene transcription.
Fossil fuel subsidies in the Pacific island context: Analysis of the case of Kiribati

Abstract Kiribati is highly vulnerable to climate change induced sea level rise. At the same time, the country is also very dependent on fossil fuel imports. Kiribati uses price controls and tax exemptions to make fossil fuels more affordable for low-income households. This study reviews the subsidies on consumption of fossil fuels, specifically gasoline, diesel, and household kerosene in Kiribati and investigates their macroeconomic, fiscal, distributional, and environmental impact. The subsidies are quantified using price gap approach. Over a five year period, the subsidies were on average AUD 4.2 million when using 2011–2015 data with 2015 tax policies. This is equivalent to 2.2 per cent of Kiribati GDP. Over 2011–2014 the average fiscal impact would have been equivalent to 3.7 per cent of government revenues and 29 per cent of government health expenditure. Apart from being a fiscal burden the subsidies increase greenhouse gas emissions and make Kiribati even more dependent on fossil fuel imports and more vulnerable to volatility in international fuel prices. No evidence was found to support the argument for using the subsidies to support low-income households. In fact, there are signs of considerable leakages to high-income households, which is consistent with findings from studies in other countries.
The effect of hook spacing on longline catch rates: Implications for catch rate standardization

Abstract Catch per unit effort (CPUE) is a widely used index of population abundance for informing stock assessments for the purpose of estimating population status and setting fishing policies. However, for CPUE to be an unbiased index, influences that are not related to population abundance (e.g., spatial variation in effort and temporal changes in gear efficiency) must be accounted for in analyses known as CPUE standardization. In longline fisheries, one important factor that can affect CPUE is the spacing between hooks (‘spacing effect’), which influences effective effort and has largely been ignored in previous analyses. Here, we use the Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) long-line fishery as a case study to explore the spacing effect. Both commercial and experimental (fishery-independent) data with hook spacing, and a survey-based CPUE series, are available for this fishery. It thus provides a unique opportunity to explore the effect of hook spacing and its effect on CPUE trends. We quantify this effect using non-parametric and parametric relationships inside a spatially-explicit (geospatial) CPUE standardization model for commercial data, and non-linear mixed-effects model for experimental data. We found a clear non-linear spacing effect (i.e., hooks were less effective the closer they were), but accounting for space had a larger effect on CPUE trends than accounting for hook spacing. For this stock, it is likely the effect of hook spacing on CPUE was minimal due to little variation in average hook spacing over time. Regardless, historical and future trends in hook spacing can have important effects on longline CPUE standardization, highlighting the value of collecting this information. Accounting for hook spacing effects in other fisheries may improve estimates of trends in relative abundance and lead to better management.
High-resolution techno–ecological modelling of a bioenergy landscape to identify climate mitigation opportunities in cellulosic ethanol production

Although dedicated energy crops will probably be an important feedstock for future cellulosic bioenergy production, it is unknown how they can best be integrated into existing agricultural systems. Here we use the DayCent ecosystem model to simulate various scenarios for growing switchgrass in the heterogeneous landscape that surrounds a commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol biorefinery in southwestern Kansas, and quantify the associated fuel production costs and lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We show that the GHG footprint of ethanol production can be reduced by up to 22 g of CO2 equivalent per megajoule (CO2e MJ–1) through careful optimization of the soils cultivated and corresponding fertilizer application rates (the US Renewable Fuel Standard requires a 56 gCO2e MJ−1 lifecycle emissions reduction for ‘cellulosic’ biofuels compared with conventional gasoline). This improved climate performance is realizable at modest additional costs, less than the current value of low-carbon fuel incentives. We also demonstrate that existing subsidized switchgrass plantings within this landscape probably achieve suboptimal GHG mitigation, as would landscape designs that strictly minimize the biomass collection radius or target certain marginal lands. Dedicated energy crops are an important feedstock for bioenergy systems, but uncertainties remain over how best to integrate them into agricultural landscapes. Here, the authors use high-resolution ecosystem modelling to explore how selection of the soils cultivated and fertilizer application rates affects feedstock costs and emissions footprints.
The Mexican Revolution's Wake: The Making of a Political System, 1920-1929

Throughout the 1920s Mexico was rocked by attempted coups, assassinations, and popular revolts. Yet by the mid-1930s, the country boasted one of the most stable and durable political systems in Latin America. In the first book on party formation conducted at the regional level after the Mexican Revolution, Sarah Osten examines processes of political and social change that eventually gave rise to the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), which dominated Mexico's politics for the rest of the twentieth century. In analyzing the history of socialist parties in the southeastern states of Campeche, Chiapas, Tabasco, and Yucatan, Osten demonstrates that these 'laboratories of revolution' constituted a highly influential testing ground for new political traditions and institutional structures. The Mexican Revolution's Wake shows how the southeastern socialists provided a blueprint for a new kind of party that struck calculated balances between the objectives of elite and popular forces, and between centralized authority and local autonomy.
Macrophages and Kupffer Cells in Drug-Induced Liver Injury

Activation of innate and adaptive immune responses in drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a response to an initial hepatocellular injury during xenobiotic metabolism. Indeed, in most cases of DILI, this secondary activation of the immune response is required for acute liver failure. Kupffer cells, the resident macrophages in the liver, as well as peripheral monocytes/macrophages recruited to the liver, have complex roles in the response of the liver to injury. An initial activation of macrophages is part of the innate immune response to endogenously produced danger signals (or DAMPs) and facilitates the recovery of the liver following injury. However, if the activation of hepatic macrophages is not appropriately resolved, then activated macrophages can contribute to the uncontrolled expression of proinflammatory cytokines and further exacerbate injury in the liver. Understanding the protective versus harmful effects of hepatic macrophages in DILI may facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies for improving clinical outcomes in DILI.
Vascular phenotype of amyloid precursor protein-deficient mice.

Male amyloid precursor protein (APP)-deficient mice have higher circulating levels of catecholamines as compared with female APP-deficient mice. As a consequence, endothelium-dependent and endothel...
Photoelectrochromism in Chemically Modified Nickel−Titanium Dioxide Nanocomposite Films

A new approach to photoelectrochromism based on chemical modification of a nickel−TiO2 nanocomposite film is described. Such nanocomposite films, previously developed in our laboratory, are comprised of TiO2 particles that are dispersed in a continuous nickel matrix. Either chemical or electrochemical modification of the nickel component in a ferricyanide medium results in a surface layer of nickel hexacyanoferrate (NHF). Photoexcitation of TiO2 results in electron transfer to NHF and a photoelectrochromic transition of the film from yellow to blue. The reverse transition can be electrochemically driven in the dark.
Call It By Its Name

This writing is the keynote speech delivered at the Stetson Law Review’s April 2018 symposium on my book, Animus: A Brief Introduction to Bias in the Law (NYU Press 2017). The speech makes the case for celebrating the Supreme Court’s embrace of the equal protection “animus” doctrine. It argues that that doctrine provides courts with a vehicle by which they can respond directly and candidly to some of the maladies currently afflicting American society and politics. It argues that it can play this role in a way that more closely connects modern equal protection law to its historical aspirations. At the same time, it cautions that animus should not become an all-purpose argument for equal protection plaintiffs. Nevertheless, when confined to its proper sphere, animus doctrine can constitute a positive contribution to the evolution of American equality law. The speech argues for continued scholarly engagement with the animus idea, to help create a doctrine that can both realize this potential but also remain limited to its appropriate sphere.
Investigación sobre literatura: Conversaciones que involucran el translenguar y temas de immigración en una clase dual/A Literature Inquiry: Discussions Involving Translanguaging and Immigration Issues in a Dual Language Classroom

The article analyzes bilingual students’ uses of their two languages, Spanish and English, in literacy discussions in a third-grade bilingual classroom in the Southwest of the United States. With a...
Ancestral Haplotype Reconstruction in Endogamous Populations using Identity-By-Descent

ABSTRACT In this work we develop a novel algorithm for reconstructing the genomes of ancestral individuals, given genotype or sequence data from contemporary individuals and an extended pedigree of family relationships. A pedigree with complete genomes for every individual enables the study of allele frequency dynamics and haplotype diversity across generations, including deviations from neutrality such as transmission distortion. When studying heritable diseases, ancestral haplotypes can be used to augment genome-wide association studies or compute polygenic risk scores for the reconstructed individuals. The building blocks of our reconstruction algorithm are segments of Identity-By-Descent (IBD) shared between two or more genotyped individuals. The method alternates between finding a source for each IBD segment and assembling IBD segments placed within each ancestral individual. After each iteration we perform conflict resolution to remove IBD segments that do not align with well-reconstructed haplotypes and upweight the probability that these segments should be placed in other individuals. We repeat this process until we are no longer successfully reconstructing additional ancestral haplotypes. Unlike previous approaches, our method is able to accommodate complex pedigree structures with hundreds of individuals genotyped at millions of SNPs. We apply our method to an Old Order Amish pedigree from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, whose founders came to the United States from Europe during the early 18th century. The pedigree includes 1338 individuals from the past 10 generations, 394 with genotype data. The motivation for reconstruction is to understand the genetic basis of diseases segregating in the family through tracking haplotype transmission over time. Using our algorithm thread, we are able to reconstruct an average of 230 ancestral individuals per autosome. thread was developed for endogamous populations, but can be applied to any extensive pedigree with the recent generations genotyped. We anticipate that this type of practical ancestral reconstruction will become more common and necessary to understand rare and complex heritable diseases in extended families.
Investigating sources of inaccuracy in wearable optical heart rate sensors

As wearable technologies are being increasingly used for clinical research and healthcare, it is critical to understand their accuracy and determine how measurement errors may affect research conclusions and impact healthcare decision-making. Accuracy of wearable technologies has been a hotly debated topic in both the research and popular science literature. Currently, wearable technology companies are responsible for assessing and reporting the accuracy of their products, but little information about the evaluation method is made publicly available. Heart rate measurements from wearables are derived from photoplethysmography (PPG), an optical method for measuring changes in blood volume under the skin. Potential inaccuracies in PPG stem from three major areas, includes (1) diverse skin types, (2) motion artifacts, and (3) signal crossover. To date, no study has systematically explored the accuracy of wearables across the full range of skin tones. Here, we explored heart rate and PPG data from consumer- and research-grade wearables under multiple circumstances to test whether and to what extent these inaccuracies exist. We saw no statistically significant difference in accuracy across skin tones, but we saw significant differences between devices, and between activity types, notably, that absolute error during activity was, on average, 30% higher than during rest. Our conclusions indicate that different wearables are all reasonably accurate at resting and prolonged elevated heart rate, but that differences exist between devices in responding to changes in activity. This has implications for researchers, clinicians, and consumers in drawing study conclusions, combining study results, and making health-related decisions using these devices.
Taming the bear: American liquified natural gas (LNG) exports and the negation of Russian influence in Europe

The rapid growth of US LNG exports is promoted by the US government in Europe as a viable substitute for Russian gas. But is American LNG actually the “game-changer” that some officials claim it to...
Women Law Professors: The First Century

This article addresses the history of women as law professors from 1896 to 1996. It discusses the discrimination faced by women in legal academia over time, and also illustrates the contributions women have made to legal education.
Bridging the gap: ethical considerations of providing psychological assessment results in research studies

There is limited guidance about whether and how to provide psychological assessment results to research participants. This paper considers several ethical challenges associated with offering indivi...
Affective block and the musical racialisation of Romani sincerity

This article analyses field research on tambura chordophone traditions among Croatian-, Serbian-, and Romani-Americans to consider diverse performers’ strategies of musical (in)sincerity. These str...