cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intrinsic membrane association of Drosophila cysteine string proteins

Cysteine string proteins (csps) are highly conserved constituents of vertebrate and invertebrate secretory organelles. Biochemical and immunoprecipitation experiments implied that vertebrate csps were integral membrane proteins that were tethered to the outer leaflet of secretory vesicles via the fatty acyl residues of their extensively acylated cysteine string. Independently, work of others suggested that Drosophila csps were peripheral membrane proteins that were anchored to membranes by a mechanism that was independent of the cysteine string and its fatty acyl residues. We extended these investigation and found first that sodium carbonate treatment partially stripped both csps and the integral membrane protein, synaptotagmin, from Drosophila membranes. Concomitantly, carbonate released fatty acids into the medium, arguing that it has a mild, solubilizing effect on these membranes. Second, we observed that Drosophila csps behaved like integral membrane proteins in Triton X-114 partitioning experiments. Third, we found that when membrane-bound csps were deacylated, they remained membrane bound. Moreover, it appeared that hydrophobic interactions were necessary for this persistent membrane association of csps. Thus, neither reducing conditions, urea, nor chaotropic agents displaced deacylated csps from membranes. Only detergents were effective in solubilizing deacylated csps. Finally, by virtue of the inaccessibility of deacylated csps to thiol alkylation by the membrane-impermeant alkylating reagent, iodoacetic acid, we inferred that it was the cysteine string domain that mediated the membrane association of deacylated csps. Thus, we conclude that under physiological conditions csps are integral membrane proteins of secretory organelles, and that the cysteine string domain plays a vital role in the membrane association of these proteins.
Patients on HAART often have an excess of unintegrated HIV DNA: Implications for monitoring reservoirs

HIV establishes a latent reservoir early in infection that is resistant to anti-retroviral therapy and has a slow rate of decay. It is thought that the majority of HIV DNA in treated patients is integrated since unintegrated HIV DNA appears to be unstable. Thus, to monitor the HIV latent reservoir, total HIV DNA is commonly measured in PBMC from infected individuals. We investigated how often total approaches integrated HIV DNA in treated patients. To do this, we first assessed how accurate our integration assay is and determined the error in our measurements of total and integrated HIV DNA. We demonstrated an excess of total over integrated HIV DNA was present in a subset of patients, suggesting that measurements of total HIV DNA do not always correlate to the level of integration. Determining the cause of this excess and its frequency may have important implications for understanding HIV latent reservoir maintenance.
A Therapeutic Moment? Identity, Self, and Culture in the Anthropology of Education.

Identity is a key area for consideration in contemporary educational analysis and in the anthropology of education in particular. This article considers the need for critical inquiry into the notion of identity, suggesting that the field might reconsider the need and value of an approach that moves beyond identity toward consideration of cultural models of self and their implications. The discussion outlines three areas where self appears to be a useful construct (cultural therapy, multiculturalism, and transcultural comparisons of teaching and learning).
Virtual Field Campaigns on Deep Tropical Convection in Climate Models

High-resolution time‐height data over warm tropical oceans are examined, from three global atmosphere models [GFDL’s Atmosphere Model 2 (AM2), NCAR’s Community Atmosphere Model, version 3 (CAM3), and a NASA Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO) model], field campaign observations, and observation-driven cloud model outputs. The character of rain events is shown in data samples and summarized in lagged regressions versus surface rain rate. The CAM3 humidity and cloud exhibit little vertical coherence among three distinct layers, and its rain events have a short characteristic time, reflecting the convection scheme’s penetrative nature and its closure’s concentrated sensitivity to a thin boundary layer source level. In contrast, AM2 rain variations have much longer time scales as convection scheme plumes whose entrainment gives them tops below 500 hPa interact with humidity variations in that layer. Plumes detraining at model levels above 500 hPa are restricted by cloud work function thresholds, and uppertropospheric humidity and cloud layers fed by these are detached from the lower levels and are somewhat sporadic. With these discrete entrainment rates and instability thresholds, AM2 also produces some syntheticlooking noise (sharp features in height and time) on top of its slow rain variations. A distinctive feature of the NASA model is a separate anvil scheme, distinct from the main large-scale cloud scheme, fed by relaxed Arakawa‐Schubert (RAS) plume ensemble convection (a different implementation than in AM2). Its variability is rich and vertically coherent, and involves a very strong vertical dipole component to its tropospheric heating variations, of both signs (limited-depth convective heating and top-heavy heating in strong deep events with significant nonconvective rain). Grid-scale saturation events occur in all three models, often without nonconvective surface rain, causing relatively rare episodes of large negative top-of-atmosphere cloud forcing. Overall, cloud forcing regressions show a mild net positive forcing by rain-correlated clouds in CAM3 and mild net cooling in the other models, as the residual of large canceling shortwave and longwave contributions.
The impact of an intense summer cyclone on 2012 Arctic sea ice retreat

[1] This model study examines the impact of an intense early August cyclone on the 2012 record low Arctic sea ice extent. The cyclone passed when Arctic sea ice was thin and the simulated Arctic ice volume had already declined ~40% from the 2007–2011 mean. The thin sea ice pack and the presence of ocean heat in the near surface temperature maximum layer created conditions that made the ice particularly vulnerable to storms. During the storm, ice volume decreased about twice as fast as usual, owing largely to a quadrupling in bottom melt caused by increased upward ocean heat transport. This increased ocean heat flux was due to enhanced mixing in the oceanic boundary layer, driven by strong winds and rapid ice movement. A comparison with a sensitivity simulation driven by reduced wind speeds during the cyclone indicates that cyclone-enhanced bottom melt strongly reduces ice extent for about 2 weeks, with a declining effect afterward. The simulated Arctic sea ice extent minimum in 2012 is reduced by the cyclone but only by 0.15 × 106 km2 (4.4%). Thus, without the storm, 2012 would still have produced a record minimum.
Integration of Plasmids into the Bacteriophage T4 Genome

We have analyzed the integration of plasmids into the bacteriophage T4 genome via homologous recombination. As judged by genetic selection for a plasmid-borne marker, a mutation in phage gene uvsX or uvsY essentially blocked the integration of a plasmid with homology to the T4 genome but no phage replication origin (non-origin plasmid). The strict requirement for these two proteins suggests that plasmid integration can proceed via a strand-invasion reaction similar to that catalyzed in vitro by the T4-encoded strand-exchange protein (UvsX) in concert with UvsY and gp32. In contrast to the results with the non-origin plasmid, a mutation in uvsX or uvsY reduced the integration of a T4 replication origin-containing plasmid by only 3-10-fold. These results suggest that the origin-containing plasmid integrates by both the UvsXY-dependent pathway used by the non-origin plasmid and by a UvsXY-independent pathway. The origin-containing plasmid integrated into the phage genome during a uvsX- or uvsY-mutant infection of a recA-mutant host, and therefore origin-dependent integration can occur in the absence of both phage- and host-encoded strand-exchange proteins (UvsX and RecA, respectively).
Mixed-integer nonlinear programming: some modeling and solution issues

We examine various aspects of modeling and solution via mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP). MINLP has much to offer as a powerful modeling paradigm. Recently, significant advances have been made in MINLP solution software. To fully realize the power of MINLP to solve complex business optimization problems, we need to develop knowledge and expertise concerning MINLP modeling and solution methods. Some of this can be drawn from conventional wisdom of mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) and nonlinear programming (NLP), but theoretical and practical issues exist that are specific to MINLP. This paper discusses some of these, concentrating on an aspect of a classical facility location problem that is well-known in the MILP literature, although here we consider a nonlinear objective function.
Postmastectomy radiotherapy for breast cancer: patterns, correlates, communication, and insights into the decision process.

BACKGROUND: Given accumulating evidence supporting postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) in selected patients, it is important to evaluate patterns and correlates of PMRT utilization, including communication and attitudinal factors. METHODS: The authors surveyed 2382 patients diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002 and reported to the Los Angeles and Detroit Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries (n ¼1844, 77.4% response rate). Analyses were restricted to patients with nonmetastatic invasive breast cancer treated by mastectomy who had decided whether or not to undergo PMRT (n ¼396). The authors assessed rates of explanation, recommendation, and receipt of radiation by indication grouping, defined primarily by the 2001 American Society of Clinical Oncology guidelines. They evaluated correlates of PMRT receipt, including tumor and sociodemographic characteristics. They also explored patients’ self-reported reasons for nonreceipt of PMRT. RESULTS: The adjusted proportion in each indication group reporting that a provider had explained radiation was high (77% of those in whom PMRT was indicated, 76% of those in whom medical opinion was divided, and 73% of those in whom PMRT was not indicated; P ¼ .10). The adjusted proportions reporting recommendations for radiation (86%, 35%, and 17%, respectively) and receipt (81%, 34%, and 10%, respectively) varied significantly by indication grouping (P < .001). On multivariate analysis, tumor size (P < .001), lymph node status (P < .001), comorbidity (P ¼ .02), and chemotherapy receipt (P ¼ .003) were found to be independent significant correlates of PMRT receipt. The most common reasons cited for no tp ursuing PMRT were lack o fp hysician recommendation and perceived lack of need. CONCLUSIONS: PMRT receipt is strongly correlated with clinical indication. The authors found no sociodemographic disparities in utilization. However, approximately one-fifth of patients with strong indications did not receive treatment. Cancer 2009;115:1185–93. V C 2009 American Cancer Society.
Solubilization of multilamellar liposomes in the presence of non-ionized drug.

The solubilization of multilamellar liposomes by metoprolol tartrate (MPL) has been studied as a function of pH, [MPL], [dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC)], temperature and lipid composition. The solubilization of liposomes at 37° C by 7.3 mM MPL occurred at different rates at different pH values. MPL completely solubilized by 7.2 mM DMPC liposomes after about 17 hat pH 12, but only a partial solubilization occurred at pH 10 and 11. Between pH 7 and 9 no change in turbidity was observed after 1 week. Addition of cholesterol (CHOL) to DMPC (2:1 mol) had very little effect on solubilization after 24 h, however with DMPC:CHOL (5:1 mol) the decrease in turbidity was observed after 24 h, even though solubilization was much less compared with that of DMPC alone. The rate of solubilizaiton was decreased when dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine liposomes were employed. Addition of dicetylphosphate (DCP) to DMPC liposomes reduced the rate of solubilization significantly. The solubilization of liposomes by 7.3 mM MP...
Formulation and Solution of the Target Visitation Problem

This paper presents the Target Visitation Problem (TVP) for a single unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The ability to effectively plan a path for a UAV to visit multiple targets is an increasingly important capability in a variety of applications, including surveillance, attack, assessment, search and rescue, disaster relief, and environmental cleanup. The TVP is related to both the Traveling Salesman Problem and the Linear Ordering Problem, with an objective function that combines elements of both problems. The TVP considers both total travel distance and the order of targets visited. In this paper, we formulate the target visitation problem for a single vehicle, describe a heuristic solution procedure, and report results for problems of various size.
Review of the South African spider beetle genus, Pseudomezium Pic, 1897 (Coleoptera: Ptinidae: Ptininae) : research article

Nine new species of Pseudomezium are described, and two previously described species are also considered. The unique morphological characteristics, including genitalia, of each species are illustrated and a key is given for all taxa. The morphological characteristics of the genus, including mouthparts and ventral structures are also illustrated. A brief discussion of the spider beetle diversity of South Africa and the potential of spider beetles for conservation efforts is also presented.
The Effect of Nonimiform Water Distribution on Cooling Tower Performance

In the design of a counterflow cooling tower, computations are based on the total water flow so that uniform delivery at a mean value over the fill is assumed. The water is generally distributed by a manifold system of pipes and nozzles which produce radial patterns on the fill. Although the nozzles are spaced to provide overlap, the distribution of water on the fill is not uniform. A method for estimating the variation in thermal performance due to nonuniformity is presented. Several test cases based on simple nozzle patterns have been considered. The results of these studies have been correlated with nozzle spacing and energy required to produce the spray as a means of indicating optimum tower design.
Four-Dimensional Positron Emission Tomography: Implications for Dose Painting of High-Uptake Regions

Purpose To investigate the behavior of tumor subvolumes of high [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake as seen on clinical four-dimensional (4D) FDG–positron emission tomography (PET) scans. Methods and Materials Four-dimensional FDG-PET/computed tomography scans from 13 patients taken before radiotherapy were available. The analysis was focused on regions of high uptake that are potential dose-painting targets. A total of 17 lesions (primary tumors and lymph nodes) were analyzed. On each one of the five phases of the 4D scan a classification algorithm was applied to obtain the region of highest uptake and segment the tumor volume. We looked at the behavior of both the high-uptake subvolume, called "Boost," and the segmented tumor volume, called "Target." We measured several quantities that characterize the Target and Boost volumes and quantified correlations between them. Results The behavior of the Target could not always predict the behavior of the Boost. The shape deformation of the Boost regions was on average 133% higher than that of the Target. The gross to internal target volume expansion was on average 27.4% for the Target and 64% for the Boost, a statistically significant difference ( p Conclusions A complex relationship between the measured quantities for the Boost and Target volumes is revealed. The results suggest that in cases in which advanced therapy techniques such as dose painting are being used, a close examination of the 4D PET scan should be performed.
Is simulation necessary for each high-dose-rate tandem and ovoid insertion in carcinoma of the cervix?

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the dose variation in high-dose-rate (HDR) intracavitary brachytherapy for cancer of the cervix when treatment planning is performed prior to each applicator insertion versus when the initial plan is used for each treatment. Methods and materials Fourteen patients with carcinoma of the cervix were treated with chemoradiotherapy followed by five intracavitary tandem and ovoid insertions of 600 cGy/fraction. We modified the actual plans to calculate the dose each dose point would have received using only the treatment plan created for the initial fraction. Results An increase in the percent dose to the rectum, bladder, and vaginal surface of 5%, cGy (p = 0.038), 6% (p = 0.006), and 11%, respectively, were observed when the initial treatment plan was used versus using the optimized treatment plan for each insertion. The greatest single change resulted in a percent increase of 35%, 30%, and 45% to the rectum, bladder, and vaginal surface points, respectively. Conclusions Increased dose to at-risk structures occurred when individualized treatment planning was not performed. Since a significant increase in dose to the rectum (p = 0.038) and bladder (p = 0.006) was obtained without customized treatment planning, we continue to advocate individualized treatment planning in HDR tandem and ovoid insertions for the treatment of cervix cancer.
The Rhinoplasty Consultation and the Business of Rhinoplasty

The business of rhinoplasty has undergone changes in keeping with increased competitive pressures locally, nationally, and internationally. Patient demands and progress in the field have abolished the "cookie-cutter" nose, with patients now requesting extensive discussions and predictions with computer photoimaging. The R-Factor Question and The D.O.S. Conversation are effective tools in rhinoplasty consultations. These tools provide patients with the clarity of what surgery can do for their lives and help patients overcome the fear produced by the overwhelming amount of information available. By helping our patients achieve the next level of success in their lives, we guarantee ourselves a busy practice filled with happy patients. The rhinoplasty consultation is the key to beginning this relationship of success.
The inductive software engineering manifesto: principles for industrial data mining

The practices of industrial and academic data mining are very different. These differences have significant implications for (a) how we manage industrial data mining projects; (b) the direction of academic studies in data mining; and (c) training programs for engineers who seek to use data miners in an industrial setting.
Applied reproductive technologies and genetic resource banking for amphibian conservation

As amphibian populations continue to decline, both government and non-government organisations are establishing captive assurance colonies to secure populations deemed at risk of extinction if left in the wild. For the most part, little is known about the nutritional ecology, reproductive biology or husbandry needs of the animals placed into captive breeding programs. Because of this lack of knowledge, conservation biologists are currently facing the difficult task of maintaining and reproducing these species. Academic and zoo scientists are beginning to examine different technologies for maintaining the genetic diversity of founder populations brought out of the wild before the animals become extinct from rapidly spreading epizootic diseases. One such technology is genetic resource banking and applied reproductive technologies for species that are difficult to reproduce reliably in captivity. Significant advances have been made in the last decade for amphibian assisted reproduction including the use of exogenous hormones for induction of spermiation and ovulation, in vitro fertilisation, short-term cold storage of gametes and long-term cryopreservation of spermatozoa. These scientific breakthroughs for a select few species will no doubt serve as models for future assisted breeding protocols and the increasing number of amphibians requiring conservation intervention. However, the development of specialised assisted breeding protocols that can be applied to many different families of amphibians will likely require species-specific modifications considering their wide range of reproductive modes. The purpose of this review is to summarise the current state of knowledge in the area of assisted reproduction technologies and gene banking for the conservation of amphibians.
Extraction site location and incisional hernias after laparoscopic colorectal surgery: should we be avoiding the midline?

Abstract Background Laparoscopic colorectal procedures require specimen extraction. It is unclear whether extraction site affects the incidence of incisional hernia (IH). Methods Patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy over a 6-year period were identified. Outcomes were compared between patients to evaluate the incidence of hernia. Results Among 480 laparoscopic colorectal procedures, extraction sites were midline (n = 305), muscle splitting (n = 128), Pfannenstiel (n = 26), and ostomy (n = 21). Average follow-up was 3.5 years. Age, gender, diagnosis, extraction incision length, and hospital stay were similar. The mean body mass index for all patients was 28 kg/m2 and for those with IHs was 31 kg/m2 (P = .008). The overall IH rate was 7%. Midline IHs accounted for 84% of all hernias, occurring in 8.9% of midline extractions (P Conclusions Although midline hernia rates were lower than traditionally reported with open surgery, midline extraction sites have a higher chance of IH than nonmidline sites.
The Impact of Removing Snacks of Low Nutritional Value From Middle Schools

Removing low nutrition snacks from schools is controversial. Although the objective is to decrease the consumption of these foods at school, some critics argue that children will compensate by eating more of these foods at home. Others worry that school-based obesity prevention programs will increase student preoccupation with weight. The present study examines these concerns. Three middle schools replaced snacks and beverages that did not meet nutrition guidelines, whereas three comparison schools made no systematic changes. Students were surveyed about dietary intake and weight concerns before and after implementation of the intervention. Findings indicate that removing low nutrition items from schools decreased students' consumption with no compensatory increase at home. Furthermore, there were no differences in students' reported weight concerns. These results support the value of strengthening school nutrition standards to improve student nutrition and provide evidence dispelling concerns that such efforts will have unintended negative consequences.
Optical interferometry between image-bearing beams and their redirected phase conjugates.

We present three new interferometers, which are based on interference between combinations of image-bearing optical fields and their redirected phase-conjugate reflections in two- and three-dimensional configurations. Our interferometers can be used to implement mathematical operations on images, including the Hartley transform.
US Manufacturing and Vertical/Horizontal Intra-Industry Trade: Examining the Smooth Adjustment Hypothesis

Using data that represent the six-digit North American Industrial Classification System-classified industries that comprise the US manufacturing sector and that span the years 1989–2005, we test the validity of the smooth adjustment hypothesis (SAH). To our knowledge, this is the first examination of the SAH for the USA. The results of our empirical analysis are consistent with the confirmation of the SAH. Further, using measures of vertical marginal intra-industry trade and of horizontal marginal intra-industry trade, we find that the latter has a stronger effect on employment of production workers than does the former. The findings suggest that for total industry-level employment and for industry-level production worker employment, intra-industry trade expansion inherently involves lower adjustment costs as compared to interindustry trade expansion.
Role of caudal in hindgut specification and gastrulation suggests homology between Drosophila amnioproctodeal invagination and vertebrate blastopore

During early embryogenesis in Drosophila, caudal mRNA is distributed as a gradient with its highest level at the posterior of the embryo. This suggests that the Caudal homeodomain transcription factor might play a role in establishing the posterior domains of the embryo that undergo gastrulation and give rise to the posterior gut. By generating embryos lacking both the maternal and zygotic mRNA contribution, we show that caudal is essential for invagination of the hindgut primordium and for further specification and development of the hindgut. These effects are achieved by the function of caudal in activating different target genes, namely folded gastrulation, which is required for invagination of the posterior gut primordium, and fork head and wingless, which are required to promote development of the internalized hindgut primordium. caudal is not sufficient for hindgut gastrulation and development, however, as it does not play a significant role in activating expression of the genes tailless, huckebein, brachyenteron and bowel. We argue that caudal and other genes expressed at the posterior of the Drosophila embryo (fork head, brachyenteron and wingless) constitute a conserved constellation of genes that plays a required role in gastrulation and gut development.
NTS A2a purinoceptor activation elicits hindlimb vasodilation primarily via a β-adrenergic mechanism

Previously, we have shown that activation of adenosine A2a receptors in the subpostremal nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) via microinjection of the selective A2a receptor agonist CGS-21680 elicits p...
Mentors, Role Models, and Observed Differences in Students’ Construction Education Self-Efficacy and Motivation

ABSTRACTPerceived self-efficacy, motivation, and the presence of mentors and role models can influence occupational and academic behavior, pursuits and success. These constructs were adapted to the construction-education domain in a quantitative survey administered to 587 students enrolled in construction management courses at three universities. Mentors and role models were defined as individuals who influence a respondent’s academic decisions; mentors give advice and support, whereas role models provide inspiration. Students with a person of influence (i.e., mentor or role model) reported higher self-efficacy (p < .001) and motivation (p < .001) toward successful performance in, and completion of, construction education. In total, 80.6% of construction management students reported having a person who influenced their academic decisions, and family members were reported most frequently as the person of greatest influence; a higher percentage of female students reported having a person of influence compar...
Anglican Evangelicals and Revival, 1945–59

This essay is a study of the religious revival that didn’t quite happen in Britain after the Second World War. It focuses on conservative evangelical Anglicans, whose own renaissance during these years puts them at the centre of discussions about the post-war increase in churchgoing. Its central contention is that human agency and cultural peculiarities are just as important for understanding this chapter of English religious history as any seemingly inexorable, broad-based social changes inimical to religious practice. More particularly, the chapter focuses on Anglican evangelical clergy and their attitudes to religious revival. In so doing, it highlights the fact that the practices and prejudices of church people are an essential part of the story of post-war English religious life. Scholars looking to explain religious malaise in post-war Britain have frequently looked everywhere except the decisions made by the churches and their leaders, the assumption seeming to be that because decline was unavoidable there was nothing pastors, priests or their congregations could do to stem the tide. This chapter seeks to redress the balance by examining the ways in which evangelical Anglican clergy pursued revival in England, some of the obstacles they faced in this pursuit, and how they responded when they felt they had failed. Among the things they discovered was that ‘revival’ was a word to be handled with care.
Model organisms: comparative physiology or just physiology?

A new field referred to as “functional genomics” (or, from a physiologist's perspective, “physiological genomics”) has emerged in the wake of genome sequencing. Functional genomics is defined as the assignment of function to identified genes and, importantly, the elucidation of the
Industrial Policy in France under the Socialist Government

In presenting the draft law on nationalizations in French industry and banking to the National Assembly on 27 September 1981, ‘the lack of a true industrial policy’ was adduced as the principal reason for the proposed actions. It was claimed, in particular, that ‘it is necessary for the state to have the instruments for efficient interventions and for the planned orientation of the country’s development. The most important of these instruments is the enlargement of the public sector.’ The enlarged public sector was to be the spearhead of modernization of the French economy, with the state providing the funds for the requisite investments. Modernization appeared as the key word in statements made by socialist leaders, who repeatedly claimed that ‘there are no condemned sectors, only outdated technologies.’
Online Faculty Performance Reviews: How are We Doing?

Faculty performance reviews are used to inform universities of apparent instructional effectiveness and efficiency and help educators make incremental improvements in teaching and learning. In the quantitative correctional study, 50 online faculty performance reviews were examined to determine how effectively faculty provides interactive, self-directed, and learner-focused instruction in the online classroom. The study sample was composed of 50 online faculty performance reviews from a major for-profit university in the United States. Analysis was conducted through descriptive statistics, frequency, and chi-square analysis. The resulting findings revealed significant differences in faculty effectiveness relating to engagement, feedback, and professional behavior, classroom management, and compliance. The results were discussed and limitations provided.
Impact of South Carolina's Medicaid fluoride varnish reimbursement policy on children's receipt of fluoride varnish in medical and dental settings.

Objective We estimated the effect of South Carolina's (SC) Medicaid fluoride varnish (FV) reimbursement policy on children's receipt of fluoride varnish in medical (MFV) and dental (DFV) settings. Methods We obtained data from SC Medicaid enrollment and claims files for children ≤ 47 months of age across State Fiscal Years (SFY) 2008–2013 and created a panel dataset of 52,841 children representing 126,464 child-years of observation. Pooled multivariate logistic regression models were estimated to identify factors associated with a higher likelihood of a child receiving one or more MFV or DFV treatments. Results The FV rates per child-year were 1 percent for physicians and 23 percent for dentists, respectively. The child-year rate for receipt of FV from both a physician and a dentist was less than one-third of one percent. Conclusions A policy designed to increase access to FV treatments from physicians and dentists for children up to forty-seven months of age was not successful for physicians; however, the positive findings for dentists were promising.
Documentation of Knowledge in the Development of Cleo, a Refueling Assistant for FFTF

The developer of an expert based system is a translator between the world of a specialist and the world of computer models and algorithms. In the process of translating, the developer must make explicit the implicit assumptions and actions of the specialist. The process is akin in many ways to that of developing a two way compiler which takes the input of the specialist, parses it for semantic content, and develops the action routines to be performed based on the semantic contents. The process is complicated by the need for it to be two way, for the specialist to be able to verify that the translation is correct. The developer must act as the inverse function to decompile the action routines into the specialist’s language. As the process continues, iteration after iteration, the development of the “compiler” documents the knowledge of the specialist in a more regular form.
The effect of therapeutic dosages of nitrofurantoin (furadantin) upon spermatogenesis in man.

Furadantin (N-(5-nitro-2-furfurylidene)-1-amino-hydantoin) was ingested at 10 mg daily in 4 divided doses by 36 male volunteers for 14 days. Total sperm counts were taken at about 4-week intervals and testicular biopsies taken at 2-4 week intervals from 25 subjects and analyzed by the chalkley quantitative method. 18 men showed no differences in sperm counts or testicular biopsies. 5 had a negligible decreased in sperm count only. 5 showed depressed sperm counts 5-8 weeks after starting furadantin and recovery 9-12 weeks later but no change in testicular histology. Of 8 others with depressed sperm counts 7 had spermatogenic arrest with polynuclear cells in some cases. Intolerance appeared in some of the men in the form of nausea and headache. These results are difficult to interpret because the dose was considerably lower than the dose which inhibited spermatogenesis in rats because 10 of the sperm counts and 13 of 25 of the biopsies were subfertile and because sperm counts from 19 men were of doubtful reliability.
Soil pores and their contributions to soil carbon processes

Abstract It has been generally recognized that micro-scale heterogeneity in soil environments can have a substantial effect on many soil physical, chemical, and biological processes driving physical protection of soil carbon (C). However, only recently the development of tools for micro-scale soil analyses, including X-ray computed micro-tomography (μCT), enabled quantitative analyses of these effects. X-ray μCT application to soil science is arguably one of the newest and fastest growing areas of soil science research; and its methodology is still being actively developed. The large amount of spatially explicit data that μ-CT scanning generates coupled with specially designed experiments can open new avenues for improved understanding of soil functioning and soil-plant interactions. Pores are both drivers and products of a variety of soil processes that ultimately determine physical protection of organic matter in soil by influencing its accessibility to microorganisms. The μCT tools are well suited for providing information on characteristics of soil physical micro-environments, a.k.a. soil pores. Here we review the experimental approaches currently employed by research groups around the world in exploring the role of pore characteristics in soil C processes, with specific focus on soil C decomposition and protection at 5–1000 μm spatial scale. We discuss pore/C/microbe relationships with emphasis 1) on direct and indirect effects of pore characteristics on soil microorganisms and subsequent microbial effects on decomposition of organic inputs; 2) on presence of feed-back effects of microorganisms on soil pore architecture; and 3) on importance of pore characteristics for decomposition of freshly added organic inputs/plant residues. The pore-oriented perspective will contribute to better structuring of the research efforts in deciphering the mechanisms of soil C protection/sequestration by soils.
Convergence in income distributions: Evidence from a panel of countries

Abstract There is growing evidence that countries' income distributions have changed significantly since globalization accelerated in the early 1990s. Using a large panel of Gini indices covering 81 countries between 1990 and 2010, we find strong evidence that inequality declined in nations that were initially highly unequal, while inequality increased in nations with initially low inequality. This pattern holds for both developed and developing countries, but developed countries' relative income distributions have converged at a more rapid pace. These findings are robust to the method of estimation, level of economic development, time horizon, data source or measure of inequality. Our results suggest that income distributions in countries are becoming increasingly unequal yet more similar to each other. Consequently, countries are beginning to coordinate their strategies to jointly reduce inequality through initiatives such as the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
Isolation and Characterization of Repair-Deficient Mutants of Drosophila melanogaster

Mutagen-sensitive mutants of Drosophila melanogaster are being utilized to determine the number and function of genes which control various aspects of DNA metabolism including replication, repair and recombination and to define the relationship of each of these functions to mutation production.
Aspetti medici. Tecniche in uso per il trattamento della sterilità umana

delle diverse tecniche di riproduzione assistita nel campo della infertilita umana. In tutti questi anni, sono emerse molte domande riguardo i limiti etici di questi trattamenti, ed i diritti dei pazienti e dei medici di forzare i confini dell’inizio della vita umana , mettendo a rischio la vita di milioni di embrioni umani. In questo ambito ci sono tre principi chiave per poter considerare le terapie mediche per le coppie sterili come un aiuto e non come una sostituzione dell’atto coniugale: in primo luogo, far si che i rapporti sessuali avvengono come parte del trattamento; in secondo luogo, ottenere sistematicamente gameti della stessa coppia e non da donatori; e, infine, avere cura degli embrioni umani con lo stesso rispetto che merita un essere umano adulto. In base a questi principi, si possono individuare alcune tecniche di procreazione che non effettuano alcuna manipolazione dell’embrione: la stimolazione ovarica e il rapporto sessuale programmato, il trasferimento dei gameti e la coltura intravaginale di gameti. ---------- During the last three decades, we have witnessed the overwhelming growth of different assisted reproductive techniques within the field of human infertility. In all these years, many questions have emerged regarding the ethical limits of these treatments, and the rights of patients and doctors to push the boundaries of the commencement of human life, putting the life of millions of human embryos at risk. In this area there are three key principles to consider the medical therapy for infertile couples as an assistance and not as a substitution of the conjugal act: first, to encourage that sexual relations take place as part of the treatment; second, to systematically obtain the gametes from the couple themselves and not from donors, and finally, to take care of human embryos with the same respect as a human adult deserves. In accordance to these principles, there are some reproductive techniques without embryo manipulation: ovarian stimulation and programmed intercourse, gamete transfer and intravaginal culture of gametes (INVO).
Empathy for positive and negative emotions in social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is associated with elevated negative and diminished positive affective experience. However, little is known about the way in which individuals with SAD perceive and respond emotionally to the naturally-unfolding negative and positive emotions of others, that is, cognitive empathy and affective empathy, respectively. In the present study, participants with generalized SAD (n = 32) and demographically-matched healthy controls (HCs; n = 32) completed a behavioral empathy task. Cognitive empathy was indexed by the correlation between targets' and participants' continuous ratings of targets' emotions, whereas affective empathy was indexed by the correlation between targets' and participants' continuous self-ratings of emotion. Individuals with SAD differed from HCs only in positive affective empathy: they were less able to vicariously share others' positive emotions. Mediation analyses revealed that poor emotional clarity and negative interpersonal perceptions among those with SAD might account for this finding. Future research using experimental methodology is needed to examine whether this finding represents an inability or unwillingness to share positive affect.
Drinking-water treatment, climate change, and childhood gastrointestinal illness projections for northern Wisconsin (USA) communities drinking untreated groundwater

This study examined the relative importance of climate change and drinking-water treatment for gastrointestinal illness incidence in children (age <5 years) from period 2046–2065 compared to 1991–2010. The northern Wisconsin (USA) study focused on municipalities distributing untreated groundwater. A time-series analysis first quantified the observed (1991–2010) precipitation and gastrointestinal illness associations after controlling for seasonality and temporal trends. Precipitation likely transported pathogens into drinking-water sources or into leaking water-distribution networks. Building on observed relationships, the second analysis projected how climate change and drinking-water treatment installation may alter gastrointestinal illness incidence. Future precipitation values were modeled by 13 global climate models and three greenhouse-gas emissions levels. The second analysis was rerun using three pathways: (1) only climate change, (2) climate change and the same slow pace of treatment installation observed over 1991–2010, and (3) climate change and the rapid rate of installation observed over 2011–2016. The results illustrate the risks that climate change presents to small rural groundwater municipalities without drinking water treatment. Climate-change-related seasonal precipitation changes will marginally increase the gastrointestinal illness incidence rate (mean: ∼1.5%, range: −3.6–4.3%). A slow pace of treatment installation somewhat decreased precipitation-associated gastrointestinal illness incidence (mean: ∼3.0%, range: 0.2–7.8%) in spite of climate change. The rapid treatment installation rate largely decreases the gastrointestinal illness incidence (mean: ∼82.0%, range: 82.0–83.0%).
A strong partition cardinal above $$\varTheta $$ź

Assuming $$\text {ZF}+\text {DC}$$ZF+DC, we prove that if there exists a strong partition cardinal greater than $$\varTheta $$ź, then (1) there is an inner model of $$\text {ZF}+\text {AD}+\text {DC}+ {{{\mathbb {R}}} }^{{\#}}$$ZF+AD+DC+R# exists, and (2) there is an inner model of $$\text {ZF}+\text {AD}+\text {DC}+ (\exists \kappa >\varTheta )\,(\kappa $$ZF+AD+DC+(źź>ź)(ź is measurable). Here $$\varTheta $$ź is the supremum of the ordinals which are the surjective image of the set of reals $${{{\mathbb {R}}} }$$R.
Cohort Designs: Critical Considerations for Reproductive Health

This chapter presents an overview of the cohort study design, given its feasibility and utility for reproductive health research. The chapter begins with a working definition for reproductive health, along with a brief overview of the conceptual and methodologic issues that need to be addressed in designing cohort studies. These fundamental planning issues are essential for ensuring that study findings are appropriately interpreted in light of the observational nature of cohort studies. Lastly, the cohort design is described including variants and emerging hybrid designs. This section is presented in a question/answer format to facilitate planning such a design for research purposes.
Next-generation sequencing to identify predictors of survival after trimodality therapy for esophageal cancer.

153Background: Tumor mutation profiling has changed the prognostication and treatment of a wide variety of malignances. However, little is known about whether mutation profiles affect outcome in lo...
Insufficient evidence: mindset intervention in developmental college math

It is generally accepted by educators and social psychologists that non-cognitive factors influence learning. Students who have a fixed view of intelligence believe that abilities are permanent. They view set-backs and the need for effort as evidence of lack of ability. Students with a growth mindset believe that intelligence and abilities are malleable. Intelligence grows with challenge. The objective of this study was to consider if teaching growth mindset to a group of college students in remedial math classes would increase the likelihood of passing the course and remaining in school. Results found a near statistically significant correlation between growth mindset and passing the course but no evidence to support growth mindset and retention. An intervention to teach growth mindset led to statistically small positive results as measured by Pearson’s product-moment correlation and independent sample t tests. Results suggest that combining a variety of interventions with weak academic students is required.
Small quench dynamics as a probe for trapped ultracold atoms

Finite systems of bosons and/or fermions described by the Hubbard model can be realized using ultracold atoms confined in optical lattices. The ground states of these systems often exhibit a coexistence of compressible superfluid and incompressible Mott insulating domains. We analyze such systems by studying the out-of-equilibrium dynamics following a weak sudden quench of the trapping potential. In particular, we show how the temporal variance of the site occupations reveals the location of spatial boundaries between compressible and incompressible regions. The feasibility of this approach is demonstrated for several models using numerical simulations. We first consider integrable systems, hard-core bosons (spinless fermions) confined by a harmonic potential, where space-separated Mott and superfluid phases coexist. Then, we analyze a nonintegrable system, a $J\text{\ensuremath{-}}V\text{\ensuremath{-}}{V}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ model, with coexisting charge density wave and superfluid phases. We find that the temporal variance of the site occupations is a more effective measure than other standard indicators of phase boundaries such as a local compressibility. Finally, to make contact with experiments, we propose a consistent estimator for such temporal variance. Our numerical experiments show that the phase boundary is correctly spotted using as little as 30 measurements. Based on these results, we argue that analyzing temporal fluctuations is a valuable experimental tool for exploring phase boundaries in trapped atom systems.
Effects of mometasone furoate administered via a dry powder inhaler once daily in the evening on nocturnal lung function and sleep parameters in patients with moderate persistent asthma: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study.

Background and objective: Nocturnal symptoms are common in asthma patients and have the potential for considerable clinical effects due to a lack of sleep and persistent daytime symptoms of somnolence and activity impairment. The primary objective of this investigation was to determine the effect of a 14-day course of once-daily evening administration of mometasone furoate 400 µg administered via a dry powder inhaler (MF-DPI 400 µg qd pm) on the overnight decline in pulmonary function observed in patients with nocturnal asthma.