cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Iatrogenic perforation of upper pouch in pure esophageal atresia: a rare complication and review of literature.

Iatrogenic perforation of the neonate's pharynx and esophagus with normal anatomy was first described by Eklof et al in 1968. It typically occurs in severely premature neonates who have undergone repeated traumatic attempts at endotracheal intubation or passage of orogastric tubes. It may also mimic esophageal atresia (EA). Perforation of upper pouch in tracheoesophageal fistula with EA was rarely reported. We report a 1,400 g (32 weeks) neonate with pure EA and iatrogenic perforation of upper pouch due to use of catheter for diagnostic radiography.
Inelastic Neutron Scattering from Mn F 2 in the Critical Region

Detailed neutron-scattering measurements have yielded the behavior of the scattering function $S(q, \ensuremath{\omega})$ for both the transverse and longitudinal fluctuations in the critical region of the uniaxial antiferromagnet Mn${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$. The static wavelength-dependent susceptibilities are measured both above and below ${T}_{N}$. The relaxation rates for the longitudinal fluctuations are found to be correctly described by dynamical scaling both above and below ${T}_{N}$. The scaling functions ${\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}(\frac{q}{\ensuremath{\kappa}})$ applying respectively above and below ${T}_{N}$ are determined explicitly.
DC conduction in polymeric insulation

The importance of polymeric insulation in the electrical industry is shown by the many hundreds of published papers concerning the AC electrical conduction (or dielectric loss) of such materials. In contrast, not much attention has been given to the study of DC conduction with which we shall be exclusively concerned in this paper. Difficulty in the interpretation of the DC measurements is primarily responsible for this; however, some progress has been made in this direction and the present state of the art will be summarized in this paper.
Reforming General Education: A Departmental Experience With Mission and Assessment

Changes to general education curricula are taking place across the globe. From the Bologna Process in Europe to the Liberal Education and America’s Promise initiative in the United States, colleges and universities are reforming what constitutes general education for their students. At the University of Dayton, such reforms took the shape of a massive overhaul of general education to the new, student learning–driven Common Academic Program. The Department of Communication at University of Dayton was forced to fundamentally change its basic course in communication, formerly delivered in three separate one-credit modules, to a threecredit course with a different focus. This article details the story of how the Common Academic Program unfolded, what effect it had on the Department of Communication, and what process of reform was undertaken by the department to ensure that the new course remained a core aspect of the new Common Academic Program. This experience offers lessons to departments and administrators at institutions everywhere on how to effectively reform a general education course to accommodate a student learning focus, fit to university mission, and address the needs of the campus.
Mediating Mechanisms of Theory-Based Psychosocial Determinants on Behavioral Changes in a Middle School Obesity Risk Reduction Curriculum Intervention, Choice, Control, and Change

Abstract Background: A limited number of school-based intervention studies have explored mediating mechanisms of theory-based psychosocial variables on obesity risk behavior changes. The current study investigated how theory-based psychosocial determinants mediated changes in energy balance-related behaviors (EBRBs) among urban youth. Methods: A secondary analysis study was conducted using data from a cluster randomized controlled trial. Data from students at 10 middle schools in New York City (n = 1136) were used. The intervention, Choice, Control, and Change curriculum, was based on social cognitive and self-determination theories. Theory-based psychosocial determinants (goal intention, cognitive outcome expectations, affective outcome expectations, self-efficacy, perceived barriers, and autonomous motivation) and EBRBs were measured with self-report questionnaires. Mediation mechanisms were examined using structural equation modeling, Results: Mediating mechanisms for daily sugar-sweetened beverage (SS...
Investigation on Occupational Stress in Furniture Enterprises in Shenzhen

Objective To investigate the occupational stress status in the furniture enterprise workers in Guangming new district of Shenzhen,and to provide references for intervention measures and mental health promotions. Methods According to the characteristics of furniture enterprises,Occupational Stress Inventory( OSI- R) was used to survey 455 workers based on stratified sampling method. Results The occupational stress in different scale enterprises were statistically different( χ2= 27. 01,P 0. 01),the middle and small enterprise workers' occupational stress were both higher than large enterprises. The length of service workers' occupational stress was statistically different( χ2= 37. 78,P 0. 01),and those with one year and below was the highest. There were statistically differences in different age workers' occupational stress degree( χ2= 42. 17,P 0. 01),with 30- 40 years group as the highest. Male occupational stress degree was higher than that of female( χ2= 16. 98,P 0. 01). Conclusion Enterprises scale,gender,age and length of service could exert influence on workers' occupational stress,and thus the intervention measures should accordingly adjusted.
Low frequency dielectric behavior

Electrical engineers, as well as polymer physicists and materials researchers, can gain useful information from a study of the behavior of dielectrics, and of high-megohm resistors, at very low frequencies. This is illustrated by examples. There are two main methods of obtaining ultra-low-frequency data. One is to apply a d.c. voltage producing a time-dependent current which corresponds to an inverse frequency plot. The other is to use an alternating voltage, usually sinusoidal, and apply this to a bridge circuit including the material under study. Recent developments in the latter methods are presented, along with some typical results.
Lack of evidence that bedbugs transmit pathogens to humans

To the Editor: The global population of bedbugs that feed on humans (Cimex lectularius, Cimex hemipterus, and Leptocimex boueti) has undergone a significant resurgence since the late 1990s. Due to increased international travel and pesticide resistance, bedbugs once thought to be native to certain geographic locations have been found in other parts of the world. Bedbugs present a socioeconomic burden because they are costly to eradicate and infestations often recur. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, bedbugs are ‘‘a pest of significant health importance,’’ and upwards of 45 disease pathogens have been reported in bedbugs. It stands to reason to ask if bedbugs might transmit human pathogens. We performed a literature review on August 6, 2015, and searched the computerizedmedical bibliographic databases PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science with the search terms: ‘‘bedbug’’ OR ‘‘cimex lectularius.’’ A total of 1790 articles were returned, and 12 articles were suitable for inclusion (clinical and laboratory published studies [1990 to 2015] investigating bedbugs as potential vectors of infectious disease) after screening of titles, abstracts, and/or full-text articles. These articles demonstrated that although bedbugs may carry pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, and hepatitis B virus, and may be competent vectors of Bartonella quintana and Trypanosoma cruzi, there were no confirmed cases of human disease transmission. Previous reports suggest that, although a number of different disease pathogen species have been detected in or on bedbugs, there is a lack of definitive evidence that bedbugs transmit human pathogens. An important challenge for scientists is to determine the reason for this interesting finding.
Giardiasis and infections with Dientamoeba fragilis.

The author discusses the epidemiology, pathogenesis and pathology, clinical aspects, immunity, diagnosis, and treatment of giardiasis and of Dientamoeba fragilis infection.
A CASE OF RED CELL APLASIA OCCURRING AS A RESULT OF ANTITUBERCULOUS THERAPY.

A case of reversible pure red cell aplasia, due to antituberculous therapy, is reported. Re-administration of isoniazid and para-aminosalicylic acid again produced erythroblastic aplasia.
Advanced C++ Program Structure

C++ allows programs to be separated into multiple files. The scope rules are similar to those for C programs. However, a struct defined within a C++ function can hide other variables of the same name. Moreover, an external variable cannot be multiply defined in different files in C++, although this is allowed in C. A function that is a member of one class can be made available to another class by declaring it to be a friend function. Classes can be grouped into files and directories. These can be made available to other classes on PCs (in Turbo C++ or Borland C++) by using the project facility of the development system. They can be made available to other classes in other directories on UNIX systems using links by means of the In UNIX utility. C++ has a facility for detecting, raising, and handling exceptions. A portion of a function that has a potential for a run-time error can be enclosed within a try block, using the C++ reserved word try. This allows an exception that is detected to be handled by an exception handler, if one is available. This is called throwing an exception. The exception handler is said to catch the exception. The exception handler uses the reserved word catch to indicate that it is an exceptional action. Some of the C++ exception-handling features are based on the exception-handling features of Ada. However, C++ programs always terminate when an exception is thrown. In particular, a C++ program cannot resume execution from the point at which an exception occurred.
A large animal model that recapitulates the spectrum of human intervertebral disc degeneration

Summary Objective The objective of this study was to establish a large animal model that recapitulates the spectrum of intervertebral disc degeneration that occurs in humans and which is suitable for pre-clinical evaluation of a wide range of experimental therapeutics. Design Degeneration was induced in the lumbar intervertebral discs of large frame goats by either intradiscal injection of chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) over a range of dosages (0.1U, 1U or 5U) or subtotal nucleotomy. Radiographs were used to assess disc height changes over 12 weeks. Degenerative changes to the discs and endplates were assessed via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), semi-quantitative histological grading, microcomputed tomography (μCT), and measurement of disc biomechanical properties. Results Degenerative changes were observed for all interventions that ranged from mild (0.1U ChABC) to moderate (1U ChABC and nucleotomy) to severe (5U ChABC). All groups showed progressive reductions in disc height over 12 weeks. Histological scores were significantly increased in the 1U and 5U ChABC groups. Reductions in T2 and T1ρ, and increased Pfirrmann grade were observed on MRI. Resorption and remodeling of the cortical boney endplate adjacent to ChABC-injected discs also occurred. Spine segment range of motion (ROM) was greater and compressive modulus was lower in 1U ChABC and nucleotomy discs compared to intact. Conclusions A large animal model of disc degeneration was established that recapitulates the spectrum of structural, compositional and biomechanical features of human disc degeneration. This model may serve as a robust platform for evaluating the efficacy of therapeutics targeted towards varying degrees of disc degeneration.
Abstract 146: Medical Home Model in the management of Heart Failure

Purpose: Heart failure (HF) continues as the most expensive diagnosis to manage in the US. Patient failure to adhere to medication regimens and fluid overload have been identified as causative factors in frequent exacerbations requiring hospitalization. This study was designed to evaluate outcomes over time of a Medical Home interdisciplinary team management and patient education design compared to standard of care in HF. Methods: The study was designed as a prospective case-control study. Enrollment occurred post HF hospitalization. During hospitalization all pts received education in Guideline-driven management of HF, and were discharged on evidence-based medications. Patients provided informed consent allowing review of medical records for 5 years. One group of pts agreed to participate in a Medical Home for the management of HF (MHHF) while another group chose management of HF by their own cardiologists. Data analysis was performed using case controlled pairing of pts based on age, gender and socio-economic status. Data represents results at 48 months. The Intervention group (22 pts: mean age 60.8) was followed in a MHHF which includes a HF specific clinic and a 12 week comprehensive HF management and exercise program (both clinic and HF management program have the same disease management protocols) and the Control group (48 pts: mean age 62.2) returned to standard follow up care for HF. In MHHF medications were optimized per evidence -based recommendations and education included use of medications, diet and effective sodium balance. Results: Functional Capacity Results: Medication adherence/Hospitalizations/ED visits Note: * baseline to 48 months. Hosp. visits = # hospitalizations/yr/ patient, ED Visits = # ED visits/yr/ patient. Medical record review of medication use for Standard of Care pts failed to provide adequate information on dose /patient. **Adherence was often self reported so true adherence may be lower than reported for this group. Conclusions: 1. Patients participating in MHHF demonstrated long-term improvement in medication adherence and smoking cessation. 2. Patients participating in MHHF demonstrated significantly fewer HF related Hospitalizations and ED visits 48 months following their baseline hospitalization. ![Graphic][1] [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif
The Consequences of Wynne and a Proposed Congressional Response

ABSTRACT: The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Comptroller of the Treasury of Maryland v. Wynne held that Maryland's individual income tax law violates the Dormant Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution because it failed to grant a full credit against both the state and county income tax for income taxes paid to other states. The extension of the Dormant Commerce Clause and the application of the internal consistency test to individual income taxes may lead to taxpayer challenges in other states with individual income taxes. We identify four possible tax regimes that meet the internal consistency test under Wynne and provide an example of the impact of each regime on state and local government revenue in both the resident and nonresident state. We then review current state and local tax regimes, focusing on the 14 states with local income taxes and those that do not grant a tax credit for out-of-state local taxes paid by residents. We evaluate whether those tax regimes may be subject to challenge based ...
The Effects of Aging and Sex Steroid Deficiency on the Murine Skeleton Are Independent and Mechanistically Distinct

Old age and sex steroid deficiency are the two most critical factors for the development of osteoporosis. It remains unknown, however, whether the molecular culprits of the two conditions are similar or distinct. We show herein that at 19.5 months of age-a time by which the age-dependent decline of cortical and cancellous bone mass and cortical porosity were fully manifested in C57BL/6J mice-these animals remained functionally estrogen sufficient. Transgenic mice with conditional expression of mitochondria-targeted catalase-a potent H2 O2 inactivating enzyme-in cells of the myeloid lineage (mitoCAT;LysM-Cre mice) were protected from the loss of cortical, but not cancellous, bone caused by gonadectomy in either sex. Consistent with these findings, in vitro studies with ERα-deficient Prx1+ cells and gonadectomized young adult mice showed that in both sexes decreased ERα signaling in Prx1+ cells leads to an increase in SDF1, a.k.a. CXCL12, an osteoclastogenic cytokine whose effects were abrogated in macrophages from mitoCAT;LysM-Cre mice. In contrast to sex steroid deficiency, the adverse effects of aging on either cortical or cancellous bone were unaffected in mitoCAT;LysM-Cre mice. On the other hand, attenuation of H2 O2 generation in cells of the mesenchymal lineage targeted by Prx1-Cre partially prevented the loss of cortical bone caused by old age. Our results suggest the effects of sex steroid deficiency and aging on the murine skeleton are independent and result from distinct mechanisms. In the former, the prevailing mechanism of the cortical bone loss in both sexes is increased osteoclastogenesis caused by estrogen deficiency; this is likely driven, at least in part, by mesenchymal/stromal cell-derived SDF1. Decreased osteoblastogenesis, owing in part to increased H2 O2, combined with increased osteoclastogenesis caused by aging mechanisms independent of estrogen deficiency, are the prevailing mechanisms of the loss of cortical bone with old age. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Ethnic Quotas and the Distribution of Public Benefits in India: A Replication and Reanalysis of Dunning and Nilekani (2013)

In contrast to previous research, Dunning and Nilekani (2013 APSR) find that household level data do not support the view that the distribution of targeted public benefits to scheduled castes and scheduled tribes has increased as a result of quotas in Indian village councils. Using a natural experiment created by rotating reserved council presidencies for these historically disadvantaged groups, the authors contend that the marginal effects of quotas are not significantly different from zero. Although a strong design, a transparent estimation strategy, and fully replicable results make the study compelling, we combine an intuitive presentation of power calculations and equivalence tests (Hartman and Hidalgo 2011), to show that the study is able to reject a null hypothesis of no effect only under an alternative hypothesis of a large difference in means. The study also lacks the power to reject a null of effect sizes previously documented in the literature on reservations in Indian village councils. Through the utilization of minimum detectable effects and equivalence testing, we provide a principled approach for evaluating null results in other settings.
Technical Note: Behavior effects of mixing different breeds to evaluate electric fence strand additions to barbed wire fence to contain mature and growing meat goats

In Exp. 1, 80 Boer and 80 Spanish does were used to evaluate effects of grouping method, single breed (SGL) and breeds combined (COM), on behavior when exposed to electric fence treatments (FT). Five evaluation pens with one side consisting of a 5-strand barbed wire fence for cattle had electric fence strands added at 15 and 43 (LwHi), 15 and 23 (LwMd), 15 (Lw), 23 (Md), and 43 cm (Hi) from the ground. After 5 wk for becoming accustomed to measurement conditions, does were divided into 2 replication sets per grouping. Each of 5 evaluation pens held 4 does for 1 h exposure to FT while behavior was observed. Grouping method and FT interacted (P < 0.01) in percentage of does exiting pens (Boer-COM: 0, 50, 50, 88, and 75%; Boer-SGL: 0, 13, 13, 50, and 63%; Spanish-COM: 25, 88, 100, 100, and 100%; and Spanish-SGL: 75, 100, 63, 100, and 63% for LwHi, LwMd, Lw, Md, and Hi, respectively; SE = 13.2). In Exp. 2, 78 Boer and 80 Spanish growing kids were used with similar procedures. Grouping method and FT interacted (P = 0.01) in pen exit (Boer-COM: 50, 25, 75, 86, and 43%; Boer-SGL: 13, 75, 88, 75, and 100%; Spanish-COM: 63, 63, 76, 88, and 75%; and Spanish-SGL: 25, 38, 88, 100, and 100% for LwHi, LwMd, Lw, Md, and Hi, respectively; SE = 15.4). In conclusion, grouping mature but not growing Boer and Spanish goats together was effective in decreasing breed differences in behavior for evaluating electric fence strand treatments.
Urban Political Images in Search of a Historical Context

This chapter originated with a broad contemporary curiosity that led to a set of quite specific historical questions about Progressive-era urban reform. The research ended up turning on the question of urban images as a historical problem—how and why they occur as they do and how they change over time. In particular, the investigation required me to explore in detail the sources, structure, and consequences of urban imagery in the emerging academic discipline of political science.
Formation and Control of Sulfur Oxides

Gaseous emissions of sulfur oxides from coal combustion are mainly sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) and, to a much lesser extent, sulfur trioxide (SO 3 ) and gaseous sulfates. Sulfur dioxide is one of the most abundant air pollutants emitted in the United States, totaling about 5 million short tons in 2014, with stationary fuel combustion accounting for approximately 82% of the total anthropogenic emissions (i.e., 4.1 million short tons). Of the 4.12 million short tons, electric generating utilities are the largest source of SO 2 emissions compared to industry with electric utilities accounting for 64%, or about 3.2 million short tons of all SO 2 emissions. Sulfur dioxide emissions have, however, decreased 81% and 78% for the periods from 1980 to 2014 and from 1990 to 2014, respectively. Reductions in SO 2 emissions and concentrations since 1990 are primarily due to controls implemented under the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Acid Rain Program beginning in 1995. As of Mar. 2015, the US power fleet capacity was 280 gigawatts (GW) of which 214.1 GW, or 76% of the total, contained scrubbers for SO 2 control.
A matrix-free, implicit finite volume lattice Boltzmann method for steady flows

Abstract In the present paper, a matrix-free, implicit finite volume lattice Boltzmann method for steady flow on unstructured mesh is proposed. The approximate linear system arising from the implicit finite volume discretization of lattice Boltzmann equation (LBE) is solved by a novel algorithm, which combines the lower-upper symmetric Gauss–Seidel (LU-SGS) and the Jacobi iteration schemes. A remarkable feature of the present implicit method is that the storage of the Jacobian matrixes of the convection and collision terms can be completely eliminated by approximating the Jacobian matrix-solution incremental vector product with appropriate numerical flux incremental vector and the numerical increment of collision term, resulting a matrix-free implicit scheme. The present method is validated by several two-dimensional testing cases.
Hyperlipidemia increases the risk of retear after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Background Hyperlipidemia (HL) has been identified as a risk factor for rotator cuff tear, but no studies have evaluated its effects on healing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of HL and statin use on rotator cuff healing after arthroscopic repair. Methods This was a retrospective review of 85 patients (86 shoulders) who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with postoperative ultrasound evaluation. Ultrasound findings were graded no retear, partial-thickness retear (PT), or full-thickness retear (FT). Results Average age was 62.1 years (45.3-74.3 years). On ultrasound evaluation, 65 shoulders (75.5%) had no retear, 14 (16.3%) had PT, and 7 (8.1%) had FT. There was no significant difference in retear rate by age, technique, or tissue quality. There were 33 patients (38.8%) who had the diagnosis of HL, and all were taking a statin medication. Compared with patients without HL, patients with HL had significantly higher rates of FT (18.1% vs. 1.9%; P P P Conclusion After arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, HL was a risk factor for retear. Further investigation is warranted on this topic, and these results may help in managing expectations after surgery.
Active Experiential Sustainable Engineering Module for Engineering Education

AbstractThis paper explores the cognitive and affective outcomes of the Sustainable Metrics (SusMet) Module for introducing engineering students to concepts of design for end-of-life and design for...
Introducing Green GDP as an Objective to Account for Changes in Global Ecosystem Services Due to Biofuel Production

Abstract Accounting for ecosystem services is necessary for sustainable processes or systems. Biofuels production impacts land use change and, thus, ecosystem services. However, studies that minimise loss of ecosystem services from biofuels are rare. Ecosystem service values evaluate services – in monetary units – that ecosystems provide and could naturally be integrated into decision-making processes. The concept of Green GDP emerges when these values are considered with nominal GDP, providing an economic objective for large-scale biofuel value chains. We consider a biofuel value chain for the United States that considers process economics, supply chain economics, and the value of ecosystem services in a holistic, integrated model. First, we consider a case study where the objective is to maximise the US’s Green GDP before considering a case study where the objective is to minimise the overall annual cost. Loss of ecosystem services of the resulting value chain range from 4.7% to 6.8% of the overall cost of the value chain. Gains in green GDP compared to gains in nominal GDP are lower by 12.0% when optimising Green GDP and by 13.1% when optimising only for value chain cost.
A dynamical context for the origin of Phobos and Deimos

We show that a model in which Mars grows near Earth and Venus but is then scattered out of the terrestrial region yields a natural pathway to explain the low masses of the Martian moons Phobos & Deimos. In this scenario, the last giant impact experienced by Mars is followed by an extended period (tens to hundreds of Myr) of close passages by other planetary embryos. These close passages perturb and dynamically heat any system of forming satellites left over by the giant impact and can substantially reduce the mass in the satellite system (sometimes to zero). The close passage of massive perturbing bodies also offers the opportunity to capture small objects by three-body scattering. Both mechanisms lead to low mass moon systems with a substantially collisional history.
Folk economics and its role in Trump’s presidential campaign: an exploratory study

This article focuses on an area of study that may be called folk economics and that is currently not on the social science agenda. Folk economics has as its task to analyze and explain how people view the economy and how it works; what categories they use in doing so; and what effect this has on the economy and society. Existing studies in economics and sociology that are relevant to this type of study are presented and discussed. A theoretical framework for analyzing folk economic issues is suggested, centered on the distinction between episteme and doxa or between scientific knowledge, on the one hand, and everyday knowledge, on the other. This is then applied to an exploratory case study of the role that folk economics played in Trump’s presidential campaign. It is shown that Trump and his voters thought in a parallel way on key economic issues, especially protectionism.
Effects of Mg2+ on recovery of NMDA receptors from inhibition by memantine and ketamine reveal properties of a second site.

Abstract Memantine and ketamine are NMDA receptor (NMDAR) open channel blockers that are thought to act via similar mechanisms at NMDARs, but exhibit divergent clinical effects. Both drugs act by entering open NMDARs and binding at a site deep within the ion channel (the deep site) at which the endogenous NMDAR channel blocker Mg2+ also binds. Under physiological conditions, Mg2+ increases the IC50s of memantine and ketamine through competition for binding at the deep site. Memantine also can inhibit NMDARs after associating with a second site accessible in the absence of agonist, a process termed second site inhibition (SSI) that is not observed with ketamine. Here we investigated the effects of 1 mM Mg2+ on recovery from inhibition by memantine and ketamine, and on memantine SSI, of the four main diheteromeric NMDAR subtypes. We found that: recovery from memantine inhibition depended strongly on the concentration of memantine used to inhibit the NMDAR response; Mg2+ accelerated recovery from memantine and ketamine inhibition through distinct mechanisms and in an NMDAR subtype-dependent manner; and Mg2+ occupation of the deep site disrupted memantine SSI in a subtype-dependent manner. Our results support the hypothesis that memantine associates with, but does not inhibit at the second site. After associating with the second site, memantine can either slowly dissociate directly to the extracellular solution, or transit to the deep site, resulting in typical channel block. Memantine's relatively slow dissociation from the second site underlies the dependence of NMDAR recovery from inhibition on both memantine concentration and on Mg2+.
Molecular, morphological and biochemical characterization of some Turkish bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) genotypes

Abstract Bitter melon or bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) of the Cucurbitaceae family is valuable plant for their nutritive and medicinal properties. In this study, molecular, morphological and some biochemical properties of 12 bitter gourd genotypes from different parts of Turkey were determined. Considerable morphological variation among the genotypes was observed for fruit properties such as fruit length (9.33 to 14.33 cm) and time for maturity (late June to late September). For molecular caharacterization fifteen ISSR primers were produced, on average, 113 bands in the accessions were examined and 59 (52%) of them were detected as to be polymorphic, which resulted in a Jaccard’s similarity range from 0.80 to 0.98. According to biocehmical analyses, palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and eleostearic acids were detected as the major fatty acids in the studied bitter gourd seeds. Eleostearic acid had the highest proportion among the fatty acids (42.66-61.99%). The bitter gourd genotypes showed different fractions of vitamin E. G1 contained alpha, gamma and delta tocopherol, while G2, G18, G19 and G24 contained only gamma and delta tocopherols. Beta carotene was also present in all genotypes and the ratio was between 56.57 and 116.75 mg/kg. In addition, the genotypes were evaluated for their mineral composition and phosphorus was the major mineral for the genotypes and only sodium was not observed in all genotypes among the studied minerals. This study provided useful information for nutritional perspective of bitter melon and also breeding studies.
Chest Wall Reconstruction: the Sternal Wound

A 25-year-old man with Down’s syndrome presented with constrictive pericarditis 6 weeks after surgical closure of a ventricular septal defect. Repeat sternotomy was necessitated for pericardiectomy to relieve his constriction.
Virtual prognostication: When virtual alcohol choices predict change in alcohol consumption over 6-months.

Abstract Narrative games, in which users interact with virtual agents, are increasingly being used in health interventions to change targeted behaviors. In virtual social interactions, based on similar real-life contextual cues, past behavior can predict virtual choices. Here, based on theories in learning and interactivity, we examined the whether following a virtual intervention, choices in social interactions may be particularly diagnostic of future behavior changes. To test this, we needed to (1) leverage a contextualized risk (e.g., involving alcohol consumption): scenario (e.g., having one more drink with my partner) given a target audience (e.g., sexually risky young men who have sex with men (YMSM)), (2) include within this context an evidence-based virtual intervention (e.g., promoting alcohol reduction), (3) instantiate and record a virtual choice (water or alcohol) in a virtual dating game scenario intervention with IA for that target audience, and (4) assess pre and 6-months post-intervention YMSM's alcohol use. Using a Socially Optimized Learning Environment (SOLVE) intervention game with IA and alcohol use measures, we found that virtual water choice (versus virtual alcohol choice) significantly predicted real-life alcohol consumption change. Furthermore, personality factors (e.g., Behavioral Approach System) predicted virtual choices and alcohol consumption change. Implications of these findings are discussed.
SMT/PTH Solder Joint Reliability under Extreme Cold Thermal Cycles

This paper presents reliability of surface mount technology (SMT) packaging assemblies compared to decades old pin grid array (PGA) assembled with hand soldering that were subjected to extreme cold thermal cycles representative of high-reliability applications for deep-space missions. The advanced SMT packages included commercial–off-the-shelf (COTS) column grid array (CGA), leaded thin small outline (TSOP), leadless quad flat no-lead (QFN), and passive technologies. Tin-lead eutectic solders were used for soldering; they were either in paste form for assembling SMT packages or solid wire for hand soldering plated-through hole (PTH) for PGA ceramic packages. It is a general perception that the PTH technologies are an order of magnitude more robust in thermal cycle reliability than SMTs. However, this may not be true under extreme cold environmental conditions. Design for reliability (DfR) may requires compromising the stand-off height of PGA assembly and the thickness of printed circuit board (PCB) to achieve the desired long-term reliability. This paper presents the key parameters affecting the reliability of SMT package assemblies including TSOP, QFN, CGA, and PGA assemblies as well as associated test results under standard and extreme cold harsh thermal shock/cycle conditions. The standard thermal cycle conditions for high-reliability applications included were in the range of (−55°C to 100°C) and (−55°C to 125°C) whereas extreme cold cycles were harsh (−135°C to 70°C) and (−120°C to 85°C), or milder (−110°C to 20°C). Test results presented include non-destructive optical/SEM and X-ray images and daisy-chain resistances as well as destructive failure analyses performed by X-sectioning. Finally, key findings for various packaging technologies under extreme cold thermal cycles are presented.
Ongoing Assessment in the Management of Stuttering

A rationale is offered supporting the need for ongoing or time-series assessment in the treatment of stuttering. Several measurement strategies and their reliability/validity are reviewed. An examp...
Selective targeting of multiple myeloma by B cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-specific central memory CD8 + cytotoxic T lymphocytes: immunotherapeutic application in vaccination and adoptive immunotherapy

To expand the breadth and extent of current multiple myeloma (MM)-specific immunotherapy, we have identified various antigens on CD138+ tumor cells from newly diagnosed MM patients (n = 616) and confirmed B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) as a key myeloma-associated antigen. The aim of this study is to target the BCMA, which promotes MM cell growth and survival, by generating BCMA-specific memory CD8+ CTL that mediate effective and long-lasting immunity against MM. Here we report the identification of novel engineered peptides specific to BCMA, BCMA72-80 (YLMFLLRKI), and BCMA54-62 (YILWTCLGL), which display improved affinity/stability to HLA-A2 compared to their native peptides and induce highly functional BCMA-specific CTL with increased activation (CD38, CD69) and co-stimulatory (CD40L, OX40, GITR) molecule expression. Importantly, the heteroclitic BCMA72-80 specific CTL demonstrated poly-functional Th1-specific immune activities [IFN-γ/IL-2/TNF-α production, proliferation, cytotoxicity] against MM, which were correlated with expansion of Tetramer+ and memory CD8+ CTL. Additionally, heteroclitic BCMA72-80 specific CTL treated with anti-OX40 (immune agonist) or anti-LAG-3 (checkpoint inhibitor) display increased immune function, mainly by central memory CTL. These results provide the framework for clinical application of heteroclitic BCMA72-80 peptide, alone and in combination with anti-LAG3 and/or anti-OX40 therapy, in vaccination and/or adoptive immunotherapeutic strategies to generate long-lasting anti-tumor immunity in patients with MM or other BCMA expressing tumors.
Let-7f microRNA expression within established bladder cancer subtypes and upregulation with recombinant interferon-alpha.

462Background: Let7f is a microRNA (miR) that may act as a tumor suppressor in multiple human malignancies. In patients with BCG-refractory non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, detectable let7f leve...
Doctor, My Child Snores and Has ADHD. Is There a Relationship?

Comorbid sleep disorders are at least twice as common in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as compared with typically developing (TD) children. Subjective sleep-wake complaints most often reported by parents of children with ADHD are bedtime resistance, longer sleep latencies, more nighttime awakenings, and daytime sleepiness. Management of sleep problems in children with ADHD includes sleep hygiene and behavioral interventions which include establishing a consistent bedtime ritual, limit setting, a behavioral reward system, relaxation strategies, and setting times for returning to check on the child during the night. Parent-reported moderate-to-severe sleep problems found sleep hygiene and parenting were modifiable factors independently associated with sleep problems in children with ADHD. Poorer sleep hygiene was associated with increased bedtime resistance, sleep duration problems, and daytime sleepiness. More consistent parenting was associated with decreased bedtime resistance and sleep anxiety.
Visualizing the periodic Ribo-seq reads with RiboPlotR

ABSTRACT Background Ribo-seq has revolutionized the study of mRNA translation in a genome-wide scale. High-quality Ribo-seq data display strong 3-nucleotide (nt) periodicity, which corresponds to translating ribosomes decipher three nucleotides each time. While the 3-nt periodicity has been widely used to study novel translation events and identify small open reading frames on presumed non-coding RNAs, tools which allow the visualization of those events remain underdeveloped. Findings RiboPlotR is a visualization package written in R that presents both RNA-seq coverage and Ribo-seq reads for all annotated transcript isoforms in a context of a given gene. In particular, RiboPlotR plots Ribo-seq reads mapped in three reading frames using three colors for one isoform model at a time. Moreover, RiboPlotR shows Ribo-seq reads on upstream ORFs, 5’ and 3’ untranslated regions and introns, which is critical for observing new translation events and potential regulatory mechanisms. Conclusions RiboPlotR is freely available (https://github.com/hsinyenwu/RiboPlotR) and allows the visualization of the translating features in Ribo-seq data.
Roman Invisibility Cloak? [Turnstile]

Discusses the concept of "invisibility cloaks" and examines its significance for building the smart cities of the future.
Drosophila TRIM32 cooperates with glycolytic enzymes to promote cell growth

Cell growth and/or proliferation may require the reprogramming of metabolic pathways, whereby a switch from oxidative to glycolytic metabolism diverts glycolytic intermediates towards anabolic pathways. Herein, we identify a novel role for TRIM32 in the maintenance of glycolytic flux mediated by biochemical interactions with the glycolytic enzymes Aldolase and Phosphoglycerate mutase. Loss of Drosophila TRIM32, encoded by thin (tn), shows reduced levels of glycolytic intermediates and amino acids. This altered metabolic profile correlates with a reduction in the size of glycolytic larval muscle and brain tissue. Consistent with a role for metabolic intermediates in glycolysis-driven biomass production, dietary amino acid supplementation in tn mutants improves muscle mass. Remarkably, TRIM32 is also required for ectopic growth - loss of TRIM32 in a wing disc-associated tumor model reduces glycolytic metabolism and restricts growth. Overall, our results reveal a novel role for TRIM32 for controlling glycolysis in the context of both normal development and tumor growth.
Giant Granular Cell Tumor of the Cervical Spinal Cord Resected via Anterior Corpectomy with Reconstruction: Technical Note and Review of Literature

Background Granular cell tumors (GCT) are rare soft tissue neoplasms with a nerve sheath origin, most often found in female adult populations. When these tumors arise in the central nervous system, they most commonly appear intradurally in the thoracic or lumbar spine. GCT malignancy rates vary and recurrence rates can be relatively high, thereby necessitating complete resection. Case Description We present an exceedingly rare case of an intradural, extramedullary GCT originating in the anterior cervical spine of a male pediatric patient who presented with progressive neck pain and gait instability. Conclusions The patient underwent an anterior C7 corpectomy for resection of the tumor, followed by stabilization and fusion, and recovered without neurologic deficit. A literature review of spinal GCTs is provided.
What’s Your Diagnosis? A Rapid Inquiry–Based Game To Differentiate and Review Medically Important Microbes†

A central component of science education involves teaching the process of hypothesis development and modification. This is often done through repeated cycles of questioning, followed by data collection and refinement of hypotheses. Microbiology courses often include units on infectious diseases grouped by body system, with the goal of allowing students to make observations and use data to identify a specific microbe or class of microbes. Given that disease syndromes often have similar signs and symptoms, but diverse etiologies, it can be difficult for students to distinguish and differentiate them. We present a rapid-paced and engaging game that enables students to practice deductive and inductive cycles of reasoning to distinguish among various causes of infectious disease. This game requires students to identify a microbe from a field of diverse, yet medically important, microorganisms by asking a series of Yes/No questions and replicating the process of elimination used in differential diagnosis. Students compete against each other, individually or in teams, to be the first to reach a “diagnosis” and learn to quickly refine their hypotheses and determine the most direct line of investigation using simple Yes/No questioning. This game can be played in 15 to 30 minute sessions, and can be easily customized to a particular course’s content.
The Myth of 'Anonymous' Gamete Donation in the Age of Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing

The United States has long had a history of allowing anonymous gamete donation. Even as other countries have embraced a trend towards donor-conceived children receiving open access to information about their genetic origins, donor anonymity is the norm in the United States. The vast majority of sperm donors in the United States sell their sperm with the understanding that their identity will not be revealed. In one study, almost one third of current donors indicated that they would no longer sell their sperm if anonymity was not preserved.However, this so-called anonymity is merely a facade given the increasingly widespread use of direct-to-consumer (“DTC”) genetic testing. This chapter describes why gamete donor anonymity is a myth and how claiming such anonymity is harmful to both donors and those who use donor gametes. This chapter proceeds as follows: Part II of this chapter discusses how consumer genetic testing has overturned the promise of gamete donor anonymity. Part III describes the history and state of sperm donation in the United States, as well as the reasons often given for preserving donor anonymity by donors, those who use donor sperm, and sperm banks. This Part also discusses the business of so-called donation. Part IV provides the legal and governance landscape for sperm banks and sperm donations in the United States. Part V suggests that at a minimum, sperm banks and the assisted reproduction industry should address the anonymity issue with vigorous self-policing.
Shades of pink and blue: Unidimensional spectra of identity within a multidimensional model of diversity.

There is currently no unifying theory providing a science-based rationale of shared origins for conventional and unconventional human identities. Contemporary notions of human identity increasingly challenge traditional binary concepts, yet, despite identity's subdivision into numerous sub-categories, there is debate on how to represent and interpret them. In contrast to classic bipolar theories, and following other recent models, this paper examines complex spectrum theory to include gender and other facets of identity aligned along separate minimalist spectra. It hopes to provide a scientifically grounded, yet simplistic contribution to visualizing the infinite expression of human identity diversity. The article presents multidimensional aspects of identity, including gender, as lying within a canalized range of variation The physiological linking of these spectra may assist in evaluating the shared origins of all human identity.
Linguistic Variation in the Acquisition of Morphosyntax: Variable Object Marking in the Speech of Mexican Children and Their Caregivers

Research in language development has only recently begun to focus on the inherent variability of language. Previous studies have explored at what age children begin to produce variable linguistic f...