cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Beyond control of variables: What needs to develop to achieve skilled scientific thinking?

Abstract We identify three aspects of scientific thinking beyond the control-of-variables strategy that we claim are essential for students to master as a foundation for skilled scientific thinking. The first is strategic and involves the ability to coordinate effects of multiple causal influences on an outcome. The second is a mature understanding of the epistemological foundations of science, recognizing scientific knowledge as constructed by humans rather than simply discovered in the world. The third is the ability to engage in skilled argumentation in the scientific domain, with an appreciation of argumentation as entailing the coordination of theory and evidence. We present new empirical data with respect to the first two of these competencies, supporting the claim that they are not well developed by early adolescence and warrant attention and provision of effective kinds of scaffolding.
OVARIAN STIMULATION BY ADRENAL EXTRACTS

Although there seems to be a close relationship between the activities of the adrenal glands and the gonads, attempts to promote gonad stimulation by means of adrenal substances have not given consistent results. Nice and Shiffer (1931) produced precocious sexual maturity in young rats by means of adrenal transplants while Glaus (1931) obtained similar results in mice with alcohol soluble fractions of adrenal, cortex. Kaplan (1932) reported both positive and negative results from each of several different types of preparations. Cortical adrenal extracts, prepared by the method of Swingle and Pfiffner, have been tested by Corey and Britton (1931 and 1933), Connor (1931), and Gaunt and Parkins (1933). The former reported production of precocious maturity in rats, while the latter two failed to confirm this result. The gonadotropic hormones as obtained from the anterior pituitary, placenta, and blood and urine of pregnancy are insoluble in higher concentrations of acetone and ethyl alcohol. It seems logical,...
A convergence criterion for optimal linear combination procedures

Abstract Let U denote the set of n × n unitary matrices equipped with the Euclidean topology. Let H be the collection of all matrices of the form I-2xxT with ‖x‖ = 1, x ∈ Rn. U is compact and H is a closed subset of U . If ψ: U → R 1 is continuous we will define ψ max = l.u.b. U ψ(U) . ψ will be called H -sloped provided U ∈ U and ψ(U) H (dependent on U) such that ψ(U) {U i } i=1 ∞ in U will be called a ψ-Householder sequence provided H ∈ H and i an integer imply 1. (1) ψ(Ui) ⩽ ψ(Ui+1) 2. (2) ψ(HUi) ⩽ ψ(Ui+1) . We prove in the first part of this paper that lim i→∞ ψ(U i ) = ψ max for every ψ-Householder sequence {U i } i=1 ∞ if and only if ψ is H -sloped. In the second part of this paper we apply this result to the case of a finite family of multivariate normal densities each of whose covariance matrix is the identity matrix and where ψ is average interclass divergence. We show in that case that ψ is H -sloped.
Politics at the Water’s Edge Crisis Bargaining and Electoral Competition

The role of domestic politics is investigated, using a model to show how domestic opposition during a crisis can reveal to a rival state private information about the incumbent. In particular, the public nature of democratic competition results in the institutionally induced credibility of the message.
Arabidopsis Histone Lysine Methyltransferases

In eukaryotes, changes in chromatin structure regulate the access of gene regulatory sequences to the transcriptional machinery and play important roles in the repression of transposable elements, thereby protecting genome integrity. Chromatin dynamics and gene expression states are highly correlated, with DNA methylation and histone post-translational modifications playing important roles in the establishment or maintenance of chromatin states in plants. Histones can be covalently modified in a variety of ways, thereby affecting nucleosome spacing and/or higher-order nucleosome interactions directly or via the recruitment of histone-binding proteins. An extremely important group of chromatin modifying enzymes are the histone lysine methyltransferases (HKMTs). These enzymes are involved in the establishment and/or maintenance of euchromatic or heterochromatic states of active or transcriptionally repressed sequences, respectively. The vast majority of HKMTs possess a SET domain named for the three Drosophila proteins that are the founding members of the family: Suppressor of variegation, Enhancer of zeste and Trithorax. It is the SET domain that is responsible for HKMT enzymatic activity. Mutation of Arabidopsis HKMT genes can result in phenotypic abnormalities due to the improper regulation of important developmental genes. Here, we review the different classes of HKMTs present in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and discuss what is known about their biochemical and biological functions.
Quantum ant colony optimization with application

Aiming at the shortcoming of ant colony optimization of being only suitable for discrete problems and holding a slow convergence speed, a novel algorithm for continuous optimization problems is presented. In this algorithm, each ant carries a group of qubits which represents the position of its own. First, the destination to which ant want to move is selected according to the select probability based on pheromone information and heuristic information. Then, the ant's own qubits are updated by quantum rotation gates so as to move. Some ants' qubits are mutated by quantum non-gate so as to increase the diversity of positions. Finally, both information of the pheromone and the heuristic are updated according to the new position of each ant. In this algorithm, both probability amplitudes of a qubit are regarded as position information, a double searching efficiency is acquired for ant colony which hold the fixed number of ants. The availability of the proposed algorithm is illustrated by simulation examples of function extremum optimization.
Screening Tests for Urinary Tract Infection in Children: A Meta-analysis

Objective. To review systematically and to summarize the existing literature regarding performance of rapid diagnostic tests for urinary tract infection (UTI) in children. Design. Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods. Published articles reporting the performance of urine dipstick tests (leukocyte esterase [LE] and/or nitrite), Gram stain, or microscopic analysis of spun or unspun urine in the diagnosis of UTI in children ≤12 years of age. Articles were identified through a comprehensive MEDLINE search, and those articles meeting a priori inclusion criteria were selected. Eligibility criteria included the use of urine culture as the reference standard, independent comparison of urine culture with the results of one of the screening tests, definition of positive screening test results provided, only pediatric patients included or evaluable separately, and both gold standard and screening test performed on all patients. For each test, heterogeneity of reported sensitivity and specificity of all studies was determined. The subgroups of studies with similar definitions of UTI and age of study subjects were analyzed separately to account for some of the differences in reported results. When significant unexplained heterogeneity among studies precluded simple combining of results, a summary receiver–operator characteristic curve was fitted for each screening test, from which pooled estimates of true-positive rate (TPR; ie, sensitivity) and false-positive rate (FPR; 1-specificity) were calculated. Primary Results. A total of 1489 titles were identified by the MEDLINE search; 26 articles met all criteria for inclusion. There was significant heterogeneity among studies for nearly all tests for both TPR and FPR, which was explained only partially by the stringency of the definition of UTI or age of subjects studied. Based on the pooled estimates, the presence of any bacteria on Gram stain on an uncentrifuged urine specimen had the best combination of sensitivity (0.93) and FPR (0.05). Urine dipstick tests performed nearly as well, with a sensitivity of 0.88 for the the presence of either LE or nitrite and an FPR of 0.04 for the presence of both LE and nitrite. Pyuria had lower TPR and higher FPR: for presence of >5 white blood cells/high-power field in a centrifuged urine sample, the TPR was 0.67 and the FPR was 0.21, whereas for >10 white blood cells per mm 3 in uncentrifuged urine, the TPR was 0.77 and the FPR was 0.11. Conclusions. Both Gram stain and dipstick analysis for nitrite and LE perform similarly in detecting UTI in children and are superior to microscopic analysis for pyuria.
Petrov‐Galerkin methods on multiply connected domains for the vorticity‐stream function formulation of the incompressible Navier‐Stokes equations

SUMMARY In this paper we present streamline-upwind/Petrov-Galerkin finite element procedures for two-dimensional fluid dynamics computations based on the vorticity-stream function formulation of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. We address the difficulties associated with the convection term in the vorticity transport equation, lack of boundary condition for the vorticity at no-slip boundaries, and determination of the value of the stream function at the internal boundaries for multiply connected domains. The proposed techniques, implemented within the framework of block-iteration methods, have successfully been applied to various problems involving simply and multiply connected domains. There are some advantages in using the vorticity-stream function formulation of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations for two-dimensional computations. Compared to the velocity-pressure formulation, the vorticity-stream function formulation leads to computed flow fields which satisfy the incompressibility condition automatically; also the number of unknown functions is reduced from three to two and the vorticity field is computed directly instead of being obtained by differentiation of the velocity field. The last advantage becomes important if one needs to study the vorticity field and therefore wants that this field be represented as accurately as possible. We propose suitable finite element procedures for the solution of the time-dependent vorticity transport equation and the Poisson’s equation which relates the stream function to the vorticity. The difficulties associated with the convection term in the vorticity transport equation, lack of
Contamination of Catheter-Drawn Blood Cultures

To assess the risk of contamination, we reviewed retrospectively 1,408 matched pairs of simultaneous catheter-drawn and venipuncture blood cultures. Catheter-drawn cultures were equally likely to be truly positive (14.4 versus 13.7%) but more likely to be contaminated (3.8 versus 1.8% [P = 0.001]). Direct venipuncture cultures are preferred.
COMPARATIVE STUDIES BETWEEN SYNOVIAL FLUID AND PLASMA

1. Protein, chloride, sugar and non-protein nitrogen have been determined in plasma and pathological synovial fluids in twenty-three instances. 2. The protein content of the synovial fluids is less than that of the plasma. The chloride content is greater than that of the plasma. This inverse relationship of protein and chloride is analagous to that found between plasma and peritoneal effusions, pleural effusions, and the cerebrospinal fluid, and is probably influenced by the Donnan Membrane Equilibrium. 3. Low plasma chloride is accompanied by low chloride in the synovial fluid. 4. The non-protein nitrogen is approximately equally distributed between plasma and synovial fluid. 5. In fasting patients, the sugar content of non-infected synovial fluid is usually slightly lower than that of the plasma. 6. The hyperglycemia caused by anaesthesia is accompanied by a rise in sugar content of the synovial fluid. 7. In four instances of bacterially infected fluids the sugar content was markedly lowered, while in two cases of tuberculosis of the joint the sugar content was moderately lowered. This is analagous to the low sugar content of the cerebro-spinal fluid in purulent and tuberculous meningitis. 8. It is suggested that determination of the sugar content of synovial fluids may prove to be of diagnostic value.
A Unified Model of Depression Integrating Clinical, Cognitive, Biological, and Evolutionary Perspectives

We propose that depression can be viewed as an adaptation to conserve energy after the perceived loss of an investment in a vital resource such as a relationship, group identity, or personal asset. Tendencies to process information negatively and experience strong biological reactions to stress (resulting from genes, trauma, or both) can lead to depressogenic beliefs about the self, world, and future. These tendencies are mediated by alterations in brain areas/networks involved in cognition and emotion regulation. Depressogenic beliefs predispose individuals to make cognitive appraisals that amplify perceptions of loss, typically in response to stressors that impact available resources. Clinical features of severe depression (e.g., anhedonia, anergia) result from these appraisals and biological reactions that they trigger (e.g., autonomic, immune, neurochemical). These symptoms were presumably adaptive in our evolutionary history, but are maladaptive in contemporary times. Thus, severe depression can be c...
Multiple Suppression Using a Local Coherence Filter

Removal or attenuation of multiple reflections is an important problem in seismic data processing. Current solutions to the problem include: linear-weighted stack, nearoffset trace mute, velocity filters, predictive deconvolution, and wave equation methods. These methods are not always effective at attenuating multiples. When they are effective at attenuating multiples, they tend to distort the primary reflections. Some of these filters, such as wave equation methods and certain velocity filters, can also be expensive and difficult to use. We have developed a new type of velocity filter called a ‘local coherence filter’ that allows the multiple to be attenuated without distorting the primaries, assuming the velocity differences between multiples and primaries are great enough. Areas where the filter might be applied are intermediate and deep water bottom marine regions. It is also inexpensive and easy to use. The local coherence filter is a time-domain notch filter that attenuates or removes coherent events which have been flattened. A pair of local traces are broken into several small non-overlapping time windows and a normalized zero-lag cross-correlation is calculated for each window. Assuming the noise has been aligned (flattened) within the window, it should be highly correlated, whereas the primary signal should not. If the correlation value is at or above a given threshold, neighboring wavelets are subtracted in the specific time window. If the correlation value is below the threshold, then nothing is done. While the cross-correlation term is calculated using local, but non-neighboring traces (i.e. trace 1 and trace 5), the subtraction is performed with neighboring traces (trace 1 and trace 2). In this paper we use both model data and real data to compare local coherence filtering to two popular methods for multiple removal: f-k filtering and linear-weighted stacking. Results show that of the filters tested, local coherence filtering yields the maximum multiple attenuation ( roughly 40 dB energy loss) while causing the minimum primary distortion (less than 0.5 dB energy loss).
A White Variant of Caloscypha Fulgens From Northern Idaho

Caloscypha fulgens (Pers. ex Fr.) Boud. is a common spring-fruiting operculate discomycete in nothern Idaho and elsewhere. Eckblad (1968) places it in family Pyronemaceae of order Pezizales. The large apothecia (1-5 cm diam) typically are bright orange, the exterior often darker orange stained with green. April through early May, 1978 was an unusually favorable period for apothecial production by this fungus in northern Idaho. It is hardly an exaggeration to state that the ground beneath grand fir [Abies grandis (Dougl.) Lindl.] in certain areas of Latah Co., Idaho looked at a distance like fields of diminutive orange poppies. In the course of collecting these beautiful apothecia we discovered what we believe to be an albino ascocarp. Perusal of the literature and conversations with knowledgable mycologists (John Paden, University of Victoria; Donald Pfister, Harvard University; and Edmund Tylutki, University of Idaho) convinced us that such an albino ascocarp has not been described for C. fulgens. Our observations are thus reported below. The single ascocarp was collected near typical orange apothecia in Laird Park, Latah Co., Idaho. It was about 2 cm in diam, deeply cupulate with a milk-white hymenium. The exterior was likewise white, s a conclusion to the above the following new combination is proosed: A cyria obv lata (O der) Onsberg, comb. nov. asionym: Embolus obvelatus Oeder 1770, Flora Danica Fasc. 9, ab. 536.
Rabbit papilloma and vaccinia viruses and T2 bacteriophage of E. coli in shadow electron micrographs.

SummaryElectron micrographs of the rabbit papilloma and vaccinia viruses and the T2 bacteriophage of E. coli were obtained with the metal-shadowing technic. The papilloma virus dried in vacuo for application of the metal appeared spheroidal in shape, flattened especially at the region of contact with the film. The vaccinia virus was greatly flattened and showed the presence of a denser internal material bulging beneath the surface. The bacteriophage was a tadpole-shaped structure with a headpiece of well-rounded contours and a stubby tailpiece. The findings were discussed with respect to their bearing on the shape of the viruses in the wet state.
Systemic risk and alternative investments:A summary of selections from the state of the art

Alternative investments, by definition, are chosen by investors to be relatively less correlated with broad market factors. However, recent events have demonstrated that during periods of extreme market dislocation, even alternative assets may be affected by market dysfunction. In this survey, which serves as an introduction to this Special Issue, the editors summarize a number of articles from some of the leading researchers currently studying systemic risk to provide readers with a sampling of some of the contours of the landscape of this important field. Although far from comprehensive, the perspectives of these articles give a sense of the wide range of issues involved in measuring systemic risk and the corresponding diversity of methods for understanding them—often bringing together experts and methods from outside of traditional finance. Importantly, there is no consensus regarding a single measure or method for understanding systemic risk. In general, most researchers in both academia and the industry favor using a number of approaches, depending on the questions being explored; thus it benefits readers to get a broad view of the various emerging approaches. While the editors have tried to provide one such view, they note that the snapshot these articles present is not intended as a primer on systemic risk. Rather, they provide an enticing in vivo sampling of where this dynamic and expanding field is and where it appears to be headed.
Life at the frontier

The theoretical physicist Steven Weinberg once famously captured the traditional image of what physics is all about. Writing in a 1963 document that was designed to garner public support for what was eventually to become the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in the US, the future Nobel laureate likened scientists to "members of an expedition sent to explore an unfamiliar but civilized commonwealth whose laws and customs are dimly understood". While these explorers may find it "exciting and profitable... to establish themselves in the rich coastal cities of biochemistry and solid-state physics", the most vital work, he implied, was carried out by those who continue "up river, past the portages of particle physics and cosmology, toward the mysterious inland capital where the laws are made".
Psychiatric Assessment in the Home: Applications in Home Care

Home evaluation of the client experiencing psychiatric problems is a complex task, but it does not have to be an overwhelming or impossible one. Home care nurses, with their broad assessment skills and ability to make independent decisions, are in the ideal position to assess and detect the presence of clients' psychiatric problems. Although the psychiatric clinical nurse specialist (or mental health nurse practitioner) can be an important resource, it is the nurse, who is in the home daily, who has the advantage of really knowing the client and recognizing early signs of emotional/mental distress. Through early recognition of problems, thorough assessments, and appropriate planning, the client experiencing psychiatric problems in the home will receive the care he or she deserves.
Antenna and pulse designs for meeting UWB spectrum density requirements

Antenna design in ultra-wideband (UWB) systems is a major challenge. For, in contrast to conventional systems, wherein waveform distortion by the antenna is negligible, there is potentially significant waveform distortion by UWB antennas. A further challenge to UWB system design is posed by mandated limits on power spectrum density, such as the FCC emission mask. In this paper, we join these two issues for the case of impulse radio (IR)-type UWB, showing how antenna design, transmit pulse design, filter design and attainable output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) are intertwined. In particular, through software simulation, several antenna frequency responses are calculated, and a modified inversely-positioned bowtie antenna ('rounded diamond') is found to give the broadest frequency response. An integrated design of antenna, transmit pulse shaping and receive filtering is presented that gives near-maximal SNR under the FCC mask constraint, and comparisons are made to alternative designs.
Quantification of ADAMTS13 Antigen Levels in Healthy Donors and Patients with Thrombotic Microangiopathies by a Newly Developed Sandwich ELISA.

Abstract The prolonged presence of unusually large VWF multimers due to reduced or absent proteolytic degradation by ADAMTS13 has been recognized as the main cause for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Congenital TTP is associated with gene defects whereas acquired TTP, is caused by autoantibodies to ADAMTS13. Such antibodies might block ADAMTS13 enzymatic activity or enhance its clearance from the circulation. There is an unknown correlation between ADAMTS13 activity and ADAMTS13 antigen level. Here we report for the first time the development of an ELISA to quantify ADAMTS13 antigen levels in human plasma derived from healthy controls, and patients diagnosed with thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs) like TTP or the haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). To set up the ELISA system, we used an affinity purified polyclonal rabbit anti-human ADAMTS13 IgG fraction to capture the human plasmatic ADAMTS13 and the same antibody preparation, although horseradish-peroxidase-labeled, as detection antibody. Quantification of bound ADAMTS13 was performed using ADAMTS13 depleted human plasma as matrix and recombinant human ADAMTS13 as standard. An interference of ADAMTS13 autoantibodies with the ELISA system was excluded by spiking experiments. In total we analyzed 94 individuals, 25 healthy donors and 69 patients with the clinical diagnosis of TMA. In the TMA group 17 patients were suffering from hereditary TTP/HUS, 40 patients had acquired TTP and 12 patients had HUS. In healthy donors the ADAMTS13 activity range was 0.46-1.25U/ml and the normal range obtained for ADAMTS13 antigen levels was 680–1350ng/ml (mean 1010ng/ml). Patients with diagnosis of hereditary TTP/HUS had low or undetectable ADAMTS13 activities and antigen levels
501. In Vivo Gene Editing for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Gene replacement therapies utilizing adeno-associated viral vector delivery of truncated versions of dystrophin (mini- and microdystrophins) hold great potential for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). However, these truncated dystrophins are not fully functional and episomal AAV vectors are not permanently retained following delivery to muscle. A more long-lasting and effective approach to gene therapy could result from methods to modify the dystrophin gene using gene editing strategies. The CRISPR/Cas9 system has been shown to be a highly specific method for genetic modifications, and recently has been proven applicable to correct mutations responsible for DMD. Here we present in vivo approaches for targeted correction of the dystrophin gene in the mdx4cv mouse model of DMD using both single- and dual adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector delivery systems of Cas9 and DMD mutation specific targeting guide RNA's. Treated muscles demonstrated successful targeting of the dystrophin gene leading to a corrected open reading frame in the messenger RNA resulting in a restoration of near-to full-length dystrophin expression in up to 70% of treated muscle cross-sectional area. These results demonstrate that successful in vivo dystrophin correction can be achieved following AAV mediated delivery of CRISPR/Cas9, showing promise for the development of future clinical application of technologies for permanent correction of mutations leading to DMD and other genetic muscle disorders.
Diffusive fractionation of volatiles and their isotopes during bubble growth in magmas

Bubbles grow in decompressing magmas by simple expansion and by diffusive supply of volatiles to the bubble/melt interface. The latter phenomenon is of significant geochemical interest because diffusion can fractionate elements and isotopes (or isotopologues) of dissolved components. This raises the possibility that the character of volatile components in bubbles may not reflect that of volatiles dissolved in the host melt over the lifetime of a bubble—even in the absence of equilibrium vapor/melt isotopic fractionation. Recent experiments have confirmed the existence of an isotope mass effect on diffusion of the volatile element Cl in silicate melt [Fortin et al. (Isotopic fractionation of chlorine during chemical diffusion in a dacitic melt and its implications for isotope behavior during bubble growth (abstract), 2016 Fall AGU Meeting, 2016)], so there is a clear need to understand the efficacy of diffusive fractionation during bubble growth. In this study, numerical models of diffusion and mass redistribution during bubble growth were implemented for both “passive” volatiles—those whose concentrations are generally well below saturation levels—and “active” volatiles such as CO2 and H2O, whose elevated concentrations and limited solubilities are the cause of bubble nucleation and growth. Both diffusive and convective bubble-growth scenarios were explored. The magnitude of the isotope mass effect on passive volatiles partitioned into bubbles growing at a constant rate R in a static system depends upon R/D L, K d and D H/D L (K d = bubble/melt partition coefficient; D H/D L = diffusivity ratio of the heavy and light isotopes). During convective bubble growth, the presence of a discrete (physical) melt boundary layer against the growing bubble (of width x BL) simplifies outcomes because it leads to the quick onset of steady-state fractionation during growth, the magnitude of which depends mainly upon R∙x BL/D L and D H/D L (bubble/melt fractionation is maximized at R∙x BL/D L ≈0.1). Constant R is unrealistic for most real systems, so other scenarios were explored by including the solubility and EOS of an “active” volatile (e.g., CO2) in the numerical simulations. For plausible decompression paths, R increases exponentially with time—leading, potentially, to larger isotopic fractionation of species partitioned into the growing bubble. For volatile species whose isotope mass effects on diffusion have been measured (Cl, Li), predicted isotope fractionation in the exsolved vapor can be as large as −4‰ for Cl and −25‰ for Li.
Born-Oppenheimer Dynamics, Electronic Friction, and the Inclusion of Electron-Electron Interactions

We present a universal expression for the electronic friction as felt by a set of classical nuclear degrees of freedom (DOFs) coupled to a manifold of quantum electronic DOFs; no assumptions are made regarding the nature of the electronic Hamiltonian and electron-electron repulsions are allowed. Our derivation is based on a quantum-classical Liouville equation for the coupled electronic-nuclear motion, followed by an adiabatic approximation whereby electronic transitions are assumed to equilibrate faster than nuclear movement. The resulting form of friction is completely general, but does reduce to previously published expressions for the quadratic Hamiltonian (i.e., Hamiltonians without electronic correlation). At equilibrium, the second fluctuation-dissipation theorem is satisfied and the frictional matrix is symmetric. To demonstrate the importance of electron-electron correlation, we study electronic friction within the Anderson-Holstein model, where a proper treatment of electron-electron interactions shows signatures of a Kondo resonance and a mean-field treatment is completely inadequate.
Interrelationship of the Fanconi Anemia/BRCA Pathway

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer in women, and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Approximately 10% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have some familial history of the disease. Prevalence of breast cancer in some families led to the discoveries of BRCA1 and BRCA2, the well-established breast cancer susceptibility genes. Loss or mutation of BRCA1 or BRCA2 results in widespread genomic instability that is strikingly similar to the genomic instability found in the inherited disease Fanconi anemia (FA).
How Would the Twenty-First-Century Warming Influence Pacific Decadal Variability and Its Connection to North American Rainfall: Assessment Based on a Revised Procedure for the IPO/PDO

AbstractDecadal climate variability of sea surface temperature (SST) over the Pacific Ocean can be characterized by Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO) or Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) based on Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis. Although the procedures to derive the IPO and PDO indices differ in their regional focuses and filtering methods to remove interannual variability, IPO and PDO are highly correlated in time and are often used interchangeably. Studies have shown that the IPO/PDO play a vital role in modulating the pace of global warming. It is less clear, however, how externally-forced global warming may, in turn, affect IPO/PDO. One obstacle to revealing this effect is that the conventional definitions of IPO/PDO fail to account for the spatial heterogeneity of background warming trend, which causes IPO/PDO to be conflated with the warming trend, especially for the 21st-century simulation when the forced change is likely to be more dominant. Using a large-ensemble simulation in C...
U.S. Operating-Asset or Whole-Business Securitization:An Alternative to Bank/Bond Deals

This article articulates some of the compelling features of whole-business/operating-business securitization when compared to traditional bank/bond deals. The author explains the structure of whole-business deals on a general basis and discusses the salient legal issues involved. The article identifies companies and businesses that are potential users of whole-business securitization and why this technique may become more popular over time.
Stent Reconstruction of Carotid Tonsillar Loop Dissection Using Telescoping Peripheral Stents.

Background Endovascular treatment options for internal carotid artery (ICA) dissection with tandem intracranial occlusion are evolving. We report 2 cases of stent reconstruction of carotid loop dissections. Methods Two patients with symptomatic ICA dissections of true 360° tonsillar loops and tandem intracranial occlusions were treated with manual aspiration thrombectomy (MAT) and telescoping Zilver self-expanding peripheral stents. Patient demographics, clinical presentations, endovascular techniques, and clinical outcomes were reviewed. Results In both cases, MAT achieved modified Treatment in Cerebral Ischemia scale 2B reperfusion, and complete endovascular reconstruction of the dissected extracranial loop was performed. Both patients had improved pre- to postintervention National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores (16 to 0 and 14 to 0), and both had modified Rankin scale scores of 1 at 3-month follow-up. Conclusions Stent reconstruction of complex cerebrovascular anatomy is increasingly feasible with advancements in stent technology and catheter support system design. This technique may be of use to neuroendovascular surgeons who encounter variant ICA anatomy.
Evaluating the efficacy of a student-centered active learning environment for undergraduate programs (SCALE-UP) classroom for major and non-major biology students

AbstractDuring the 2012–2013 academic year the University of North Dakota (UND) piloted the use of a Student Centered Active Learning Environment for Undergraduate Programs (SCALE-UP) classroom. Genetics, a 300 level class for Biology majors, and Concepts of Biology, an introductory course for non-majors were two of the classes piloted. Here, we examine the effects of this transition on overall academic performance, grade distribution, exam question performance classified by Bloom’s Taxonomy, student performance by quartile, and University Student Assessment of Teaching (USAT) surveys. Comparisons are made to historical data from a lecture-based setting to examine the effects of switching from an instructor-centered to a learner-centered format. Following the transition, both courses showed a higher proportion of students receiving an A/B/C grade and a concomitant decrease in D/F/W grades, and students continued to have positive perceptions about themselves, the course and the instructor. Paradoxically, b...
Interaction studies on a jet engine model by characteristic methodologies

It is shown how the generalized characteristic locus method developed by MacFarlane (1972) can be used for the step-by-step design of multivariable closed-loop compensators. The design procedure attempts to strike a balance between four conflicting objectives: stability, integrity, interaction, and accuracy. The generalized locus method is illustrated by a jet engine example.
Entwicklung der Handfunktion

Der Gebrauch der Hande ist ein integraler Bestandteil der menschlichen Natur. Die Vielseitigkeit unserer manuellen Fertigkeiten wird oft erst dann wahrgenommen, wenn durch Verletzung ein Verlust an Handfunktion ensteht. Ein grundlegendes Wissen, wie sich im Laufe der menschlichen Evolution der Gebrauch der Hande verandert hat, und wie sich die Kontrolle von Handbewegungen in der Kindheit entwickelt, hilft uns, die Komplexitat der Handfunktion Erwachsener einzuordnen und entsprechende Defizite nach Hirnschadigung besser zu verstehen.
Initial Results of the Software-driven Navigation for Station Experiment

To enable the next generation of robotic and human exploration of the solar system, improvements are needed to enable robust and accurate autonomous navigation. The purpose of this work is to take advantage of the growth in and use of software-defined platforms to incorporate additional navigation capability on existing assets, while also incorporating with new vehicle designs. The Software-driven Navigation for Station Experiment focuses on implementing two soft solutions to this: transmitting pseudolite signals to perform ranging and Doppler measurements as part of the signal coding (similar to underlying Global Navigation Satellite System approaches), and the Multi-spacecraft Autonomous Positioning System, which uses existing communication protocols to embed navigation and timing information to be shared among all assets in a peer-to-peer network. These technologies were implemented on the SCaN Testbed onboard the International Space Station and exercised over the course of mid-June and late-July 2018. This paper will discuss the operational architecture, experiment plan, and initial results from the data collected. One of the key conclusions of this work is the strong need for stable accurate clock synchronization across the dispersed space network.
Multiple fractures of different ages

A 2-year-old boy, who was previously well, was admitted for limping associated with left knee pain of 1 month duration. There was no history of witnessed trauma or significant infective symptoms. Systemic review was otherwise unremarkable. Prior to his onset of signs, he was able to cruise with support, and had some mild isolated speech delay. There was no significant family history of medical conditions. His main caregivers on weekdays were two sets of grandparents when his parents were working, while his parents took over his care on weekends. Physical examination was normal, except for tenderness of his left knee joint and his inability to weight-bear. An X-ray of his left knee joint showed a healing fracture of the left distal femoral metaphysis with associated bony sclerosis at the fracture margins, as well as periosteal reaction in the distal femur. In addition, there were also areas of lucencies in the left proximal tibia metaphysis (figure 1). Question 1 What are the possible causes of his current presentation? Non-accidental injury Vitamin D deficiency Osteogenesis imperfecta Leukaemia All of the above His full blood count revealed mild normochromic normocytic anaemia (haemoglobin 10.9 g/L), total white cell count of 6.70×109/L and platelet count of 144×109/L. The peripheral blood film did not show any blast cells. His liver function test showed mild transaminases (aspartate aminotransferase 106 U/L, alanine aminotransferase 244 U/L). His renal function test, bone panel, uric acid and lactate dehydrogenase levels were all normal. A skeletal survey showed presence of metaphyseal fractures of different ages at several sites, as well as subtle areas of lucencies in the right proximal tibia metaphysis (figures 2 and 3). He was managed conservatively and subsequently discharged back home to the same caregivers with plans for home monitoring visits by social services. He was readmitted 1 month later for worsening symptoms of 1 week duration. He was unable to crawl and had developed a fever over 1 day. Systemic review was otherwise unremarkable. Other than a mild normochromic, normocytic anaemia, the full blood count was normal. Physical examination was normal, except for a slightly swollen right knee joint. A right knee X-ray showed worsening osteopenia and sclerosis in keeping with a healing fracture. An MRI showed diffuse marrow changes in the femur with patchy enhancement. Question 2 Which further investigation(s) would be useful in establishing his diagnosis? Bone marrow biopsy Genetic testing for osteogenesis imperfecta Vitamin C level Bone mineral density test Answers can be found on page 3.
Ultrasonographic Diagnosis of Placenta Accreta Spectrum

As the number of cesarean deliveries continues to increase, the incidence of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) has also increased. This is likely due to the abnormal placenta/uterus interface caused by macro- or microscopic scar tissue from prior instrumentation or previous infection. Due to increasing incidence, it is important to be aware of the imaging findings of PAS, as well as the strengths and limitations of different imaging modalities. This review focuses on the ultrasound evaluation of PAS, evaluating the accuracy of various sonographic findings and comparing these results to other imaging modalities, particularly MRI. We explore the updated current guidelines for the imaging work up of PAS as suggested by relevant societies. Additionally, we present a brief discussion of recently introduced structured reporting templates for ultrasound reporting and statistical models to predict diagnostic accuracy for PAS. Many updates have recently been published evaluating ultrasound and MRI as screening and diagnostic tools for diagnosing PAS. This review describes and highlights many of the new developments and promising future advances.
Hemodynamic effects of chest compression interruptions during pediatric in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Abstract Aim Animal studies have established deleterious hemodynamic effects of interrupting chest compressions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of interruptions on invasively measured blood pressures (BPs) during pediatric in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). Methods This was a single-center, observational study of pediatric ( Results Thirty-two IHCA events met inclusion criteria, yielding 161 evaluable interruptions. The median age was 2.1 years. Return of circulation was achieved in 24 (75%). The median interruption duration was 2.4 [1.4, 7.0] seconds. Most patients were intubated pre-arrest and received epinephrine during CPR. BPs were not different pre- vs. post-interruption (DBP: 28.7 [21.6, 38.2] vs. 28.3 [21.0, 37.4] mmHg, p = 0.81; SBP: 82.0 [51.7, 116.7] vs. 85.4 [55.7, 122.2] mmHg, p = 0.07). DBP decreased 8.41 ± 0.73 mmHg (p Conclusions BPs following chest compression interruptions did not differ from pre-interruption BPs. These findings suggest that in the setting of high-quality in-hospital CPR, brief chest compression interruptions do not have persistent detrimental hemodynamic impact.
Challenging dominant breast cancer research agendas: perspectives on the outcomes of the interagency breast cancer and environment research coordinating committee.

As breast cancer rates increase globally, there is growing scientific consensus that greater understanding of the causes of breast cancer is needed to better prevent its occurrence. Genetics accounts for a small percentage of cases, thus environmental factors and epigenetics are increasingly suspect in breast cancer etiology. Within the breast cancer and environmental breast cancer social movements, there are longstanding calls for research and policy aimed toward the prevention of breast cancer. To better understand the opportunities and barriers to addressing environmental contributors to breast cancer, this article investigates both outcomes and perceptions of stakeholders involved in the Interagency Breast Cancer and Environment Research Coordinating Committee (IBCERCC). The IBCERCC was mandated by the 2008 U.S. Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act, a law representing years of advocate and researcher efforts to produce national strategies and federal funding for breast cancer prevention research. To understand the meaning and impact of the IBCERCC advisory committee and final report, Prioritizing Prevention, I draw on fifteen confidential semi-structured interviews with members of the twenty-five person IBCERCC, in addition to six confidential semi-structured interviews with key breast cancer funders, advocates, and researchers affiliated with national reports on environmental contributors to cancer. I examine media coverage, congressional hearing transcripts, and official responses to the release of the IBCERCC report by governmental and non-governmental organizations. Interviews and publicly available documents reveal a set of direct and indirect outcomes of the 2013 IBCERCC report. Interviewees in government positions perceived the 2014 renewal of the Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Program to result from IBCERCC efforts, notable in the context of declining U.S. federal research funding. Interviews also revealed a suite of potential barriers to the implementation of report recommendations including: distinct interpretations of the federal mandate, disparate assessments of scientific evidence, government funding crises, and lack of specificity around responsibility for implementation of report findings. This article examines efforts to shift institutional research and funding priorities in cancer research towards prevention. Social science research can support efforts to shift institutional priorities by identifying broader social contexts and underlying values typically unnamed in scientific discourse
Association of serum androgens and coronary artery calcium scores in women

Objective To determine the association between serum androgens measured by high-resolution liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Academic institution. Patient(s) A total of 239 women, aged 40–75 years, with CAC testing and complete cardiovascular disease risk evaluation. Total T, DHEA, and androstenedione were measured using high-resolution liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, whereas E2 and sex hormone–binding globulin were measured using commercial assays. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Independent associations between CAC scores and sex steroids. Result(s) Overall, 164 subjects had a CAC score 100. There were no differences in sex hormone levels between women with CAC scores > 10 vs. CAC scores ≤ 10. In multivariable models adjusting for age, body mass index, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, a higher T/E2 ratio was associated with an elevated CAC score, with an unadjusted odds ratio associated with 1-SD change in log-transformed T/E2 of 1.38 (95% confidence interval 1.01–1.89) and adjusted OR 1.02 (95% confidence interval 1.002–1.04). Total T, DHEA, androstenedione, sex hormone–binding globulin, and E2 levels were not associated with increased CAC. Conclusion(s) In the general population, there are mixed reports regarding the relationship between serum androgens and risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and limited information on the relationship between androgens and subclinical atherosclerosis. Our study shows that increased androgens relative to estrogens may have a weak but independent association with subclinical atherosclerosis, as measured by CAC scores.
The association of obstructive sleep apnea and left ventricular hypertrophy in obese and overweight children with history of elevated blood pressure.

Obesity is a potent cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor and is associated with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common among individuals with obesity and is also associated with CVD risk. The authors sought to determine the association of OSA, a modifiable CVD risk factor, with LVH among overweight/obese youth with elevated blood pressure (EBP). This was a cross-sectional analysis of the baseline visit of 61 consecutive overweight/obese children with history of EBP who were evaluated in a pediatric obesity hypertension clinic. OSA was defined via sleep study or validated questionnaire. Children with and without OSA were compared using Fisher's exact tests, Student's t tests, and Wilcoxon rank sum test. Multivariable logistic regression evaluated the association between OSA and LVH. In this cohort, 71.7% of the children had LVH. Children with OSA were more likely to have LVH (85.7% vs 59.4%, P = 0.047). OSA was associated with 4.11 times greater odds of LVH (95% CI 1.15, 14.65; P = 0.030), remaining significant after adjustment for age, sex, race, and BMI z-score (after adjustment for hypertension, P = 0.051). A severe obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (AHI >10) was associated with 14 times greater odds of LVH (95% CI 1.14, 172.64, P = 0.039). OSA was significantly associated with LVH among overweight/obese youth with EBP, even after adjustment for age, sex, race, and BMI z-score. Those with the most severe OSA (AHI >10) had the greatest risk for LVH. Future studies exploring the impact of OSA treatment on CVD risk in children are needed.
4-Chloro-3-ethyl-phenol.

The title compound, C8H9ClO, packs with two independent mol­ecules in the asymmetric unit, without significant differences in corresponding bond lengths and angles, with the ethyl group in each oriented nearly perpendicular to the aromatic ring having ring-to-side chain torsion angles of 81.14 (18) and −81.06 (19)°. In the crystal, mol­ecules form an O—H⋯O hydrogen-bonded chain extending along the b-axis direction, through the phenol groups in which the H atoms are disordered. These chains pack together in the solid state, giving a sheet lying parallel to (001), via an offset face-to-face π-stacking inter­action characterized by a centroid–centroid distance of 3.580 (1) A, together with a short inter­molecular Cl⋯Cl contact [3.412 (1) A].