cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Boundary extension: Insights from signal detection theory

After viewing a scene, people often remember having seen more of the world than was originally visible, an error referred to as boundary extension. Despite the large number of studies on this phenomenon, performance has never been considered in terms of signal detection theory (SDT). We report two visual memory experiments that allowed us to explore boundary extension in terms of SDT. In our experiments, participants first studied pictures presented as close-up or wide-angle views. At test, either the identical view or a different view (a closer or wider angle version of the same scene) were presented and participants rated the test image as being the same or different than before on a 6-point scale. We found that both discrimination sensitivity and bias contributed to the boundary extension effect. The discrimination sensitivity difference was at least 28%, and its presence refuted the hypothesis that boundary extension was due solely to participants' response bias to label test pictures as more wide-angled. Instead, our results support the idea that participants' responses reflect false memory beyond the view (i.e., a more wide-angle view of the world).
Advances in the management of surgical wounds.

Judging by published statistics, it may seem dubious that any real advances in the management of surgical wounds have been made in recent years. However, several developments look promising, with substantial if inconclusive evidence in their favor.
Complexity and Safety

Complexity is overwhelming the traditional approaches to preventing accidents in engineered systems and new approaches are necessary. This paper identifies the most important types of complexity related to safety and discusses what is necessary to prevent accidents in our increasingly complex engineered systems.
Spirituality and Human Finitude

Since the Enlightenment, human finitude has become a question; but for thousands of years before that to question it would have been unthinkable. The story of Adam and Eve expelled from the Garden reflects a firm belief in finitude as a fundamental fact of life. Thereafter, we would have to give birth in pain and create wealth through toil. The notion in the New Testament of God becoming a man dramatizes the frustrating and painful limits of human existence. It is hardly surprising when Jesus lashes out in anger at a fig tree for not providing figs when he wanted them. How could an unlimited being suddenly limited not lash out? We who know nothing of life outside such annoying and often crushing constraints might have reacted the same way. From ancient times through at least the Middle Ages, most people did not live what we would consider long. Death from disease or accident was commonplace. Infant deaths were legion. “As late as the time of the Roman Empire, when modern Homo sapiens had already been in existence for some forty thousand years, average life expectancy was less than thirty years; infectious disease and inadequate nutrition were the big killers, with trauma bringing up the rear.”1 For most of human history, there was no denying the basic fact of human finitude.
Anthrax lethal factor

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the structural chemistry and the biological aspects of anthrax lethal factor. Anthrax lethal factor is one of three proteins secreted by Bacillus anthracis that are collectively termed anthrax toxin. Anthrax lethal factor is a metalloprotease distantly related to thermolysin, but one with a highly restricted substrate specificity. The only known protein substrates are mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases (MAPKKs or MEKs). Six different MEKs are cleaved and two of these are cleaved at two sites. Cleavage occurs near the N-terminus and causes inactivation of the MEKs, preventing them from phosphorylating the downstream Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs). Comparison of the cleavage sites suggests that preferred substrates contain the sequence BBBBxHx┼H, where B denotes an Arg or Lys, H denotes a hydrophobic amino acid and x is any amino acid. Lethal factor is a soluble, secreted protein of 90.2 kDa, calculated pI 6.1, which contains no cysteines. Several functional domains were defined by mutagenesis and then confirmed in the crystal structure. The N-terminal 250 amino acids are similar to the corresponding residues of edema factor.
Electrochemical Characterization of Azolium Salts

Redox properties of a series of azolium salts, including benzothiazolium, thiazolinium, thiazolium, triazolium, imidazolium, and imidazolinium salts, have been systematically investigated. The seri...
Sleep stage recognition using respiration signal

This paper presents a sleep stage recognition system for Awake, rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM (NREM) sleep detection. Two respiratory variability (RV) features are extracted from oro-nasal airflow signals provided in the sleep-EDF (Expanded) database. A two layer system with threshold comparison classifier is implemented. This system achieved state-of-the-art performance with simple features and classifiers. The average accuracy of 74.00%±5.30% and Cohen's kappa coefficient of 0.49±0.08 were achieved with 21 recordings. In the end, the measure of sleep efficiency was calculated and the average absolute error was 3.61%±3.66%.
A reinforcement learning optimization framework for cognitive interference networks

A Reinforcement Learning (RL) algorithm for the optimization of secondary user's transmission strategies in cognitive networks is presented. The secondary user minimizes a cost function while generating a bounded performance loss to the primary users' network. The state of the primary users' network, defined as a collection of variables describing features of the network (e.g., buffer state, ARQ state) evolves over time according to a homogeneous Markov process. The statistics of the Markov process is dependent on the strategy of the secondary user and, thus, the instantaneous idleness/transmission action of the secondary user has a long-term impact on the temporal evolution of the network. The proposed RL algorithm finds the optimal randomized past-independent policy from a sample-path of state-cost observations without any a priori knowledge of the statistics of the Markov process. The performance and structure of the policy resulting from the proposed RL algorithm is compared to those of the policy identified by the algorithm in [1].
Training and Certification of Farm Animal Care in Teaching and Research Institutions1

ABSTRACT Fane animal worker training and certification programs are currently not available. Programs are needed for training and certification of farm animal workers in teaching and research facilities at universities and companies and on commercial farms. Consumers support farm animal welfare assurances. Although the focus of this paper is the development of programs for teaching and research institutions, commodity-based assurance programs and laboratory animal worker training programs provide models for future programs that could provide assurance of acceptable farm animal care. The Federation of Animal Science Societies (FASS) training tapes on the use of farm animals in teaching and research are a first step toward the development of a full menu of training products for farm animal care. The FASS Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Agricultural Research and Teaching (Ag Guide) should provide a template for science-based training materials for people who work with farm animals.
Engaging Children as a Storyteller: Backchanneling Models for Social Robots

In this video, we provide an overview of the analyses, design, and evaluation of a backchannel opportunity prediction (BOP) model for a social robot listener.
Complement modulation in the retinal pigment epithelium rescues photoreceptor degeneration in a mouse model of Stargardt disease

Recessive Stargardt macular degeneration (STGD1) is caused by mutations in the gene for the ABCA4 transporter in photoreceptor outer segments. STGD1 patients and Abca4−/− (STGD1) mice exhibit buildup of bisretinoid-containing lipofuscin pigments in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), increased oxidative stress, augmented complement activation and slow degeneration of photoreceptors. A reduction in complement negative regulatory proteins (CRPs), possibly owing to bisretinoid accumulation, may be responsible for the increased complement activation seen on the RPE of STGD1 mice. CRPs prevent attack on host cells by the complement system, and complement receptor 1-like protein y (CRRY) is an important CRP in mice. Here we attempted to rescue the phenotype in STGD1 mice by increasing expression of CRRY in the RPE using a gene therapy approach. We injected recombinant adeno-associated virus containing the CRRY coding sequence (AAV-CRRY) into the subretinal space of 4-wk-old Abca4−/− mice. This resulted in sustained, several-fold increased expression of CRRY in the RPE, which significantly reduced the complement factors C3/C3b in the RPE. Unexpectedly, AAV-CRRY–treated STGD1 mice also showed reduced accumulation of bisretinoids compared with sham-injected STGD1 control mice. Furthermore, we observed slower photoreceptor degeneration and increased visual chromophore in 1-y-old AAV-CRRY–treated STGD1 mice. Rescue of the STGD1 phenotype by AAV-CRRY gene therapy suggests that complement attack on the RPE is an important etiologic factor in STGD1. Modulation of the complement system by locally increasing CRP expression using targeted gene therapy represents a potential treatment strategy for STGD1 and other retinopathies associated with complement dysregulation.
Effects of the Self-Regulation Empowerment Program (SREP) on middle school students' strategic skills, self-efficacy, and mathematics achievement

The current study examined the effectiveness of an applied self-regulated learning intervention (Self-Regulation Empowerment Program (SREP)) relative to an existing, school-based remedial mathematics intervention for improving the motivation, strategic skills, and mathematics achievement of academically at-risk middle school students. Although significant group differences in student self-regulated learning (SRL) were not observed when using self-report questionnaires, medium to large and statistically significant group differences were observed across several contextualized, situation-specific measures of strategic and regulatory thinking. The SREP group also exhibited a statistically significant and more positive trend in achievement scores over two years in middle school relative to the comparison condition. Finally, SREP students and coaches reported SREP to be a socially-valid intervention, in terms of acceptability and importance. The importance of this study and critical areas for future research are highlighted and discussed.
SYNTHETIC MULTI-FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS BY DESIGN USING METALLIC-INTERMETALLIC LAMINATE (MIL) COMPOSITES

ABSTRACT The field of material microstructure design targeted for a specific set of structural + functional properties is now a recognized field of focus in Materials Science and Engineering. This paper described a new class of structural materials called Metallic-Intermetallic Laminate (MIL) composites, which can be have their micro, meso- and macro-structure designed to achieve a wide array of material properties, and tailored to achieve specific functionalities. The superior specific properties of this class of composites makes them extremely attractive for high performance aerospace applications, and the fabrication method for creating these MIL composites allows new embedded technologies to be incorporated into the materials further enhancing their functionality and utility.
“The meeting between Buddhism and the West” in the French media-academic sphere: A theosophical soteriology

Questo articolo affronta il tema della persistenza delle visioni del mondo teosofiche nei discorsi sul Buddismo in Occidente. L’articolo mostra come alcuni intellettuali francesi attivi in ambito accademico e mediatico, mentre ritengono di analizzare la diffusione del Buddismo in Occidente sviluppano nei fatti un discorso soteriologico centrato su una entita reificata definita appunto “Occidente”. In tal modo essi non solo contribuiscono a sviluppare forme di “occidentalismo” (Carrier 1995) ma producono anche una interpretazione messianica della religione buddista. La prima parte dell’articolo descrive come questi intellettuali rifiutino di cogliere gli elementi propri di questa tradizione religiosa se non a partire dall’opposizione con quanto e noto: il Cristianesimo, la religione, la scienza, la modernita. La seconda parte esamina le radici storiche e ideologiche di questa soteriologia, mentre la terza parte ne esplora alcune applicazioni concrete.
Shoulder Injuries in National Collegiate Athletic Association Quarterbacks: 10-Year Epidemiology of Incidence, Risk Factors, and Trends:

Background:Up to 50% of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) football players have a history of shoulder injuries. The quarterback position has been shown to have a high prevalence of th...
Katherine Mansfield and the Troubled Homes of Colonial New Zealand

This chapter considers the early stories of Katherine Mansfield and how these stories use colonial New Zealand settings to explore issues of gender, displacement, and the failure of the domestic ideal. The chapter begins with a discussion of Mansfield’s conflicted feelings regarding her native New Zealand and her feelings of hybridity as a British colonial subject. It then moves on to a discussion of three early stories set in New Zealand. “The House” (1912) explores a woman’s wish for a comfortable home for her family, a wish that can only be realized after the woman’s death. In “The Woman at the Store” (1912) and “Millie” (1913), Mansfield moves beyond the spectral to engage with issues of women’s isolation and loneliness in remote dwellings. These women become monstrous doubles of their former selves as they attempt to survive in houses that represent unfulfillment and the women’s distance from society.
Decadal-Scale Patterns of Climatic Change Over Eastern North America Inferred from Tree Rings

A network of 74 tree-ring chronologies covering much of eastern North America south of the boreal forest has been developed for dendroclimatic studies. The coverage (shown in Figure 1) extends from southern Canada to the southeastern United States and west to the 90th meridian. Ten tree species from the genera Picea, Pinus, Tsuga, Quercus and Juniperus are represented in the network. The chronologies in the network all begin at or before 1700 and end no earlier than 1972. The purpose of this paper is to describe some preliminary dendroclimatic analyses of the network using principal components analysis (PCA). These analyses reveal tree-ring anomaly patterns across the network between 1810 and 1880 which are both highly persistent and extreme compared to the pre-1810 and post-1880 periods.
The Conceptual Relationship of Ontogeny, Phylogeny, and Classification

Does phylogeny build ontogenies, as Ernst Haeckel would have it, or do ontogenies make phylogeny, as Walter Garstang emphasized? Clearly, there is some relationship between ontogeny and phylogeny, since every change in phylogeny must result in changing ontogenies, while every change of ontogeny will cause a change in phylogeny. The problem is how to conceptualize this relationship to use it as a tool for phylogeny reconstruction, or to explore its significance for the evolution of complex and integrated organic systems. The problem simply is this: Do we require knowledge of a well-constrained phylogeny in order to explore the role of ontogeny in evolution? If so, how can we gain such knowledge of phylogeny? Or does the study of ontogeny provide us with a key to a well-constrained phylogeny? As this problem is a multilayered one, difficult to untangle, I propose to proceed as follows.
A family of C-type lectins in Manduca sexta.

Insects have a rapid and effective immune system against microbial infections (Gillespie et al., 1997) that shares common characteristics with the innate immune system of vertebrates. It also consists of humoral and cellular responses. In the cellular responses such as phagocytosis, nodule formation and encapsulation, hemocytes play important roles. In insect humoral responses, many hemolymph proteins are involved. These proteins include a group of antimicrobial proteins/peptides, lectins, and cell adhesion proteins.
Cannabidiol Attenuates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Model of Multiple Sclerosis Through Induction of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic debilitating autoimmune disease without a cure. While the use of marijuana cannabinoids for MS has recently been approved in some countries, the precise mechanism of action leading to attenuate neuroinflammation is not clear. We used experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a murine model of MS, to explore the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. Treatment with CBD caused attenuation of EAE disease paradigms as indicated by a significant reduction in clinical scores of paralysis, decreased T cell infiltration in the central nervous system, and reduced levels of IL-17 and IFNγ. Interestingly, CBD treatment led to a profound increase in myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in EAE mice when compared to the vehicle-treated EAE controls. These MDSCs caused robust inhibition of MOG-induced proliferation of T cells in vitro. Moreover, adoptive transfer of CBD-induced MDSCs ameliorated EAE while MDSC depletion reversed the beneficial effects of CBD treatment, thereby conclusively demonstrating that MDSCs played a crucial role in CBD-mediated attenuation of EAE. Together, these studies demonstrate for the first time that CBD treatment may ameliorate EAE through induction of immunosuppressive MDSCs.
A Global Meta-Analysis to Predict Atrazine Sorption from Soil Properties

Atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-1,3,5-triazine) is one of the most widely used herbicides worldwide, and groundwater contamination is of concern, especially in heavily used regions and in edaphic conditions prone to leaching. Soil sorption plays an essential role in atrazine environmental fate, yet consistent atrazine risk prediction remains limited. A quantitative meta-analysis was conducted to characterize the effect of soil properties on atrazine sorption, using 378 previous observations in 48 publications from 1985 to 2015 globally, which included data on soil properties and sorption parameters. A supplemental regional study was conducted to test the derived meta-analysis models. The meta-analysis indicated that percentage organic C (OC) was the most important parameter for estimating atrazine sorption, followed by percentage silt, soil pH, and percentage clay. Meta-analysis and supplemental study models were developed for Freundlich sorption coefficients () and sorption distribution coefficients () as a function of OC. The global meta-analysis models generated positive linear trends for OC with and ( = 0.197 and 0.205, respectively). Organic C was highly correlated with and in supplemental experimental study models ( = 0.93 and 0.92, respectively), indicating accurate prediction of sorption within the evaluated region. Continental models were investigated, which improved the goodness of fit. Models developed via meta-analysis may be used to predict atrazine sorption over wide ranges of data, whereas more accurate and refined prediction can be achieved by specific regional models through experimental studies. However, such models could be improved if standardized agroclimatic conditions, soil classification, and other key variables were more widely reported.
Regeneration dynamics in old-growth urban forest gaps

Abstract Urban forests are critical for biodiversity conservation and offer a broad range of benefits to society, including provisioning, regulating, and cultural components of ecosystem services. Urban forests warrant more ecological attention in order to ensure the sustainability of these important natural areas, especially as they are often faced with unique challenges arising from habitat isolation, high densities of invasive species, and heat and pollution stress. The present study sought to document gap dynamics and species recruitment in an old-growth urban forest in the Southeast United States in order to address concerns that gaps in the forest are not regenerating. Seeds were collected, and seedlings were tagged and monitored for a year in gaps and paired closed forest plots. Seedlings had higher growth and survival rates in gaps compared to the closed forest. Gap and closed forest seed and seedling communities were similar in species composition, but there were differences in the composition of species in seed and seedling communities, although seedling and adult communities were more similar. Seed and establishment limitation were both detected in our study plots, and the two were negatively related. Overall, our gaps were relatively young and appeared to be benefiting from the active management of invasive species. Urban forest managers face multiple challenges in stewarding their forests, including monitoring the composition of the recruiting communities and carefully studying the impacts of invasive species on forest regeneration.
Nodular Sclerosis Hodgkin Lymphoma

A type of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) characterized by a nodular pattern and thick fibrous bands that surround the nodules. The nodules are composed of Reed–Sternberg and Hodgkin (RS + H) cells, the latter also known as lacunar cells, within a mixed inflammatory background. Nodular sclerosis (NS) is the most common form of HL, representing approximately 70 % of all cases. It is the most common type of HL in those younger than 50 years old, with a peak age range between 15 and 35 years old. The age-adjusted incidence rate of NS has increased in the United States over the past three decades. This increase was greatest in adolescents and young adults. The disease affects men and women with equal frequency. Whites are affected more often than blacks and Hispanics. There is a correlation between overall economic resources and the frequency of disease, with wealthy countries and individuals of higher socioeconomic status having a higher incidence of NSHL. NS has a higher risk of developing in identical twins and the risk of NS has been associated with polymorphisms on chromosome 6p21.32.
Septoplasty and Turbinate Reduction in Children

Nasal obstruction in the pediatric patient can lead to decreased quality of life and contribute to sleep disordered breathing. In severe cases with prolonged obligate mouth breathing, it may even lead to dental and craniofacial abnormalities. In children who present with nasal obstruction, a thorough physical exam and nasal endoscopy should be performed with particular attention to the nasal septum and inferior turbinates. If symptoms persist despite appropriate medical therapy, surgery should be considered. A septoplasty may be performed safely and effectively with good evidence that the procedure does not affect craniofacial development if performed with meticulous surgical techniques. Inferior turbinate reduction may be performed in a variety of ways, although most modern techniques avoid destruction of the overlying mucosa.
On Black Wikipedians: Motivations behind content contribution

Abstract Despite a growing body of scholarship on Wikipedia very few studies focus on motivational factors that compel underrepresented populations to contribute to the online encyclopedia. This study examines the information behavior of Black Wikipedians by examining a proposed research model that considers black altruism and perceptions of information quality among factors that drive content contribution. Data were collected from an online survey of 318 Black identified Wikipedia contributors and analyzed using Partial Least Squares (PLS), a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique, to measure the degree of association among factors. Results show that content contribution among Black Wikipedians is driven by self-interest and contributors’ perceptions of information quality on Wikipedia. Social presence and black altruism also have significant but indirect influences on Black Wikipedians’ content contribution. Our proposed research model for content contribution is statistically validated.
Inner Ear Proteins as Potential Biomarkers.

Objective The purpose of this manuscript is to identify proteins exclusive to the inner ear based on published research to identify potential candidate biomarkers and guide future inner ear research. Data sources Literature on inner ear proteins published on Pubmed, Google Scholar, and Scopus was reviewed using key words such as "inner ear molecule," "inner ear exclusive protein," and several specific protein searches such as "prestin" based on findings from the initial searches. Study selections Studies were selected for abstract review based on title relevance, and full text was chosen for review based on abstract relevance. Several related studies cited in initially reviewed literature were also chosen to compile more detailed information on specific molecules with the goal of at least two to three published articles for each protein. Data extraction & synthesis Proteins that were cited to have only been found within the inner ear were included in this review, including some proteins that were later identified outside the inner ear. Information regarding their size, location, function, and clinical significance was recorded. Conclusions Based on this literature search, eight proteins exclusive to the inner ear were identified including otolin-1, otoconin 90/95, prestin, otoancorin, otogelin, α-tectorin, β-tectorin, and cochlin. Proteins initially found to be exclusive to the inner ear though later identified outside of the inner ear included oncomodulin, otospiralin, and otoraplin. This literature review may serve as a focused guide for future research on proteins exclusive to the inner ear as potential biomarkers for diseases of the inner ear.
Deep BOO! Automating Beam Orientation Optimization in Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy

Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is a method for treating cancers by aiming radiation to cancer tumor while minimizing radiation to organs-at-risk. Usually, radiation is aimed from a particle accelerator, mounted on a robot manipulator. Computationally finding the correct treatment plan for a target volume is often an exhaustive combinatorial search problem, and traditional optimization methods have not yielded real-time feasible results. Aiming to automate the beam orientation and intensity-modulation process, we introduce a novel set of techniques leveraging (i) pattern recognition, (ii) monte carlo evaluations, (iii) game theory, and (iv) neuro-dynamic programming. We optimize a deep neural network policy that guides Monte Carlo simulations of promising beamlets. Seeking a saddle equilibrium, we let two fictitious neural network players, within a zero-sum Markov game framework, alternatingly play a best response to their opponent’s mixed strategy profile. During inference, the optimized policy predicts feasible beam angles on test target volumes. This work merges the beam orientation and fluence map optimization subproblems in IMRT sequential treatment planning system into one pipeline. We formally introduce our approach, and present numerical results for coplanar beam angles on prostate cases.
On Cross-Country Differences in the Contribution of Nontraded Goods to Real Exchange Rate Fluctuations

We propose a new Quantity Dual Approach (QDA) to estimate the contribution of nontraded goods to Real Exchange Rate (RER) fluctuations. This method is immune to the bias resulting from the non-inclusion of some goods in CPI calculations and can be applied even in a stringent data environment where Engel’s (1999, JPE) approaches would not be possible to implement. The QDA requires only national income accounts data and traded good price indices, which are more reasonably available for many countries. The estimated contributions of nontraded goods to RER fluctuations using both our proposed new approach and Engel’s approaches yield negative correlations with income level, government expenditure, exchange rate volatility, and political stability but positive correlations with inflation and private consumption expenditures.
Man-in-the-Middle Attacks to Detect and Identify Services in Encrypted Network Flows using Machine Learning

Wireless access points are deployed rapidly as users demand to grow massively to meet sufficient quality of services. Recently, the need for internet utility is enormously rising as the era of streaming social media services highly entailed which are the utmost treasured for the users. However, these applications are classified as encrypted network traffic mainly to protect and to adhere to users’ privacy. On the other hand, Machine Learning (ML) adopted in a wide range of data classification as an efficient approach to organize indistinct data. The ML algorithms are accommodating any type of information which can be structured or unstructured data to distinguish rational patterns that can result in an understanding of superior decisions and forecasts. Therefore, in this work, we elaborate on a lab experiment of the Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attack which sniffs the encrypted network traffic and analyzes it in rich details through a supervised ML approach to classify the social media applications.
Reprocessable covalent adaptable networks with excellent elevated-temperature creep resistance: Facilitation by dynamic, dissociative bis(hindered amino) disulfide bonds

Conventionally cross-linked polymer networks known as thermosets contain permanent cross-links which prevent their recyclability, leading to major sustainability and environmental challenges. To overcome this problem, covalent adaptable networks (CANs) containing dynamic covalent bonds have been studied over the past two decades. Because of their dynamic nature, CANs are capable of undergoing reversible or exchange reactions rendering them reprocessable, offering a sustainable alternative to thermosets. However, unlike thermosets with static cross-links, CANs are considered to be highly susceptible to creep especially at elevated temperature, which limits their utility in many high-value applications. Here, we use the dynamic cross-linker bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl) disulfide methacrylate (BiTEMPS methacrylate) in the free radical polymerization of reprocessable poly(hexyl methacrylate) networks with different degrees of cross-linking. Full recovery of cross-link density was achieved after multiple recycling steps. We show that BiTEMPS chemistry is capable of arresting creep at elevated temperature up to 90 °C. Poly(hexyl methacrylate) networks containing 5 mol% BiTEMPS exhibited almost no creep with strain values of 0.07% and 0.38% at 70 °C and 90 °C, respectively, after 13.9 h of continuous, 3 kPa shear stress. This excellent creep resistance is comparable to the creep response of static networks. The temperature-dependent viscosity of a BiTEMPS-cross-linked dissociative network calculated from creep data followed an Arrhenius relationship. The viscous flow activation energy from creep and the stress relaxation activation energy were very similar to the bond dissociation energy of disulfide bonds in BiTEMPS, indicating that the creep and stress relaxation mechanisms are both dominated by the dynamic chemistry in the network. This work indicates that BiTEMPS chemistry offers a simple method to synthesize CANs with excellent elevated-temperature creep resistance while achieving full recovery of cross-link density after recycling.
Review of Shaken Brain: by Dr. Elizabeth Sandel, Cambridge, MA and London, UK, Harvard University Press, 2020, ISBN: 978-0-674-98741-8

As a clinician who has cared for thousands of patients with concussion and a scientist who studies the physiology of concussion, I approached Dr. Sandel’s book with a feeling of self-assured hubris...
Metabolic Control of Sensory Neuron Survival by the p75 Neurotrophin Receptor in Schwann Cells.

We report that the neurotrophin receptor p75 contributes to sensory neuron survival through the regulation of cholesterol metabolism in Schwann cells. Selective deletion of p75 in mouse Schwann cells of either sex resulted in a 30% loss of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons and diminished thermal sensitivity. P75 regulates Schwann cell cholesterol biosynthesis in response to BDNF, forming a co-receptor complex with ErbB2 and activating ErbB2-mediated stimulation of sterol regulatory element binding protein 2 (SREBP2), a master regulator of cholesterol synthesis. Schwann cells lacking p75 exhibited decreased activation of SREBP2 and a reduction in 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) reductase (DHCR7) expression, resulting in accumulation of the neurotoxic intermediate, 7-dehyrocholesterol in the sciatic nerve. Restoration of DHCR7 in p75 null Schwann cells in mice significantly attenuated DRG neuron loss. Together, these results reveal a mechanism by which the disruption of lipid metabolism in glial cells negatively influences sensory neuron survival, which has implications for a wide range of peripheral neuropathies. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Although expressed in Schwann cells, the role of p75 in myelination has remained unresolved in part because of its dual expression in sensory neurons that Schwann cells myelinate. When p75 was deleted selectively among Schwann cells, myelination was minimally affected, while sensory neuron survival was reduced by 30%. The phenotype is mainly due to dysregulation of cholesterol biosynthesis in p75-deficient Schwann cells, leading to an accumulation of neurotoxic cholesterol precursor, 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC). Mechanism-wise, we discovered that in response to BDNF, p75 recruits and activates ErbB2 independently of ErbB3, thereby stimulating the master regulator, sterol regulatory element binding protein 2 (SREBP2). These results together highlight a novel role of p75 in Schwann cells in regulating DRG neuron survival by orchestrating proper cholesterol metabolism.
Why Machine Learning Cannot Ignore Maximum Likelihood Estimation

The growth of machine learning as a field has been accelerating with increasing interest and publications across fields, including statistics, but predominantly in computer science. How can we parse this vast literature for developments that exemplify the necessary rigor? How many of these manuscripts incorporate foundational theory to allow for statistical inference? Which advances have the greatest potential for impact in practice? One could posit many answers to these queries. Here, we assert that one essential idea is for machine learning to integrate maximum likelihood for estimation of functional parameters, such as prediction functions and conditional densities.
Does the addition of ascorbic acid to freshly prepared serum samples improve the stability of folate forms during multiple analyses and long-term storage?

To improve the stability of labile folate forms during repeated freeze/thawing and long-term frozen storage of NHANES samples, 0.5% ascorbic acid (w/v) was added to freshly prepared serum samples from the 2011-2012 survey prior to freezing them at -70°C. However, no ascorbic acid was added to samples collected during the first 2 months of 2011. To investigate whether the added ascorbic acid may improve the stability of the labile folate forms during repeated freeze/thawing, we compared folate data between an initial and a repeat analysis for both sample types. The loss of tetrahydrofolate (THF; least stable folate form) was large and similar in samples containing vs. not containing added ascorbic acid upon re-analysis after either 1 wk (48% (n=51) vs. 42% (n=64)) or 1 y (84% (n=140) vs. 83% (n=127)). Other folate changes at 1 wk were small and within the expected assay variability: <5% for total folate and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-methylTHF); 蠄0.1 nmol/L for folic acid and MeFox (an oxidation product o...
Mass Spectrometry-Based Tissue Imaging of Small Molecules

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) of tissue samples is a promising analytical tool that has quickly become associated with biomedical and pharmacokinetic studies. It eliminates several labor-intensive protocols associated with more classical imaging techniques, and provides accurate, histological data at a rapid pace. Because mass spectrometry is used as the readout, MSI can be applied to almost any molecule, especially those that are biologically relevant. Many examples of its utility in the study of peptides and proteins have been reported; here we discuss its value in the mass range of small molecules. We explore its success and potential in the analysis of lipids, medicinals, and metal-based compounds by featuring representative studies from mass spectrometry imaging laboratories around the globe.
Predictive Validity of Early Literacy Measures for Korean English Language Learners in the United States

This study examined the predictive validity of early literacy measures with first-grade Korean English language learners (ELLs) in the United States at varying levels of English proficiency. Participants were screened using Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) Phoneme Segmentation Fluency (PSF), DIBELS Nonsense Word Fluency (NWF), and Word Identification Fluency (WIF). Reading outcome measures included DIBELS Oral Reading Fluency (DORF) and the Woodcock Reading Mastery Tests (WRMT). Data were analyzed using correlation analyses, regression analyses, and receiver operating characteristic analyses. Results highlighted the role of WIF as a screening measure. Among all measures, WIF was the most correlated with reading outcomes for all groups and made a meaningful contribution in predicting reading outcomes after controlling for PSF and NWF. Specifically, WIF contributed an additional 30% to 42% of the variance in reading outcomes. There is also preliminary evidence that predictive valid...
Entropy vs. Energy Waveform Processing: A Comparison Based on the Heat Equation

Virtually all modern imaging devices collect electromagnetic or acoustic waves and use the energy carried by these waves to determine pixel values to create what is basically an "energy" picture. However, waves also carry "information", as quantified by some form of entropy, and this may also be used to produce an "information" image. Numerous published studies have demonstrated the advantages of entropy, or "information imaging", over conventional methods. The most sensitive information measure appears to be the joint entropy of the collected wave and a reference signal. The sensitivity of repeated experimental observations of a slowly-changing quantity may be defined as the mean variation (i.e., observed change) divided by mean variance (i.e., noise). Wiener integration permits computation of the required mean values and variances as solutions to the heat equation, permitting estimation of their relative magnitudes. There always exists a reference, such that joint entropy has larger variation and smaller variance than the corresponding quantities for signal energy, matching observations of several studies. Moreover, a general prescription for finding an "optimal" reference for the joint entropy emerges, which also has been validated in several studies.
An Alternative Polymer For Squeeze Treatments

Chemicals being discharged into the environment are increasingly under scrutiny for environmental impact. New chemicals being brought to the market place, for scale and corrosion control, are likely to be influenced by developing legislation and regulations. Studies of thermal Polyaspartate, a green inhibitor, have found it to be an excellent squeeze control additive for barium and calcium sulfate inhibition. Adsorption and coreflood studies demonstrate the good surface active properties of this thermal Polyaspartate that leads to long squeeze lifetimes. Good calcium compatibility would indicate use in high TDS brines for both sulfate and carbonate control. Corrosion studies demonstrate efficient corrosion control in carbon dioxide systems suggesting that this particular Polyaspartate is a good building block for more efficient formulated products.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT: MANAGEMENT OF IDIOPATHIC THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA.

THE TERM idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) should be reserved for that hemorrhagic disorder characterized by a subnormal platelet count (usually below 50,000/cu mm) in the presence of a normal marrow containing normal or increased megakaryocytes and the absence of systemic disease capable of inducing thrombopenia. Bone marrow examination is mandatory to rule out leukemia, other infiltrative disorders, and hypoplastic and aplastic states; an L.E. preparation is indicated as are the careful search for systemic infection and renal disease and the detailed inquiry concerning drug ingestion. Although no specific antecedent event can be identified in most cases of ITP, it is recognized that some of the common childhood exanthemata may occasionally be followed by thrombocytopenic purpura (e.g., rubella, rubeola, varicella). The rational approach to treatment must be based upon understanding of the natural history of the disease. Acute ITP has an excellent prognosis and approximately 80% affected children will make a complete and permanent recovery without specific therapy. Of these, three-quarters will recover within 3 months of onset, most within 4 to 6 weeks. Approximately 20% of cases will persist longer than 6 months and are then usually designated as chronic. The mortality rate in acute ITP is extremely low and most of the urgency for treatment stems from concern over central nervous system hemorrhage. It seems clear that the incidence of CNS bleeding is no greater than 2-4% and that in most series reporting a greater incidence cases were not limited to ITP but included instances of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and purpura fulminans, i.e., disease states associated with vasculitis.
Urinary gonadotropin-inhibiting substance in Stein-Leventhal syndrome and other anovulatory states

Abstract Gonadotropin-inhibiting substance has been demonstrated in the urine of normal children and adults. It specifically inhibits gonadotropins with primarily LH-like effect while exercising no inhibition against FSH, estrone, or testosterone. “Inhibitor” has been detected in varying concentrations throughout the normal menstrual cycle, with the exception of days 7 to 9 where no inhibition could be demonstrated. In a total of 14 patients with classical Stein-Leventhal syndrome, low to nondetectable levels of “inhibitor” were consistently demonstrated. These findings are in contrast to those obtained in patients with other anovulatory conditions where significant inhibition was consistently observed.
A reference-based approach for estimating leaf area and cover in the forest herbaceous layer

Cover data are used to assess vegetative response to a variety of ecological factors. Estimating cover in the herbaceous layer of forests presents a problem because the communities are structurally complex and rich in species. The currently employed techniques for estimating cover are less than optimal for measuring such rich understories because they are inaccurate, slow, or impracticable. A reference-based approach to estimating cover is presented that compares the area of foliar surfaces to the area of an observer’s hand. While this technique has been used to estimate cover in prior studies, its accuracy has not been tested. We tested this hand-area method at the individual plant, population, and community scales in a deciduous forest herbaceous layer, and in a separate farm experiment. The precision, accuracy, observer bias, and species bias of the method were tested by comparing the hand-estimated leaf area index values with actual leaf area index, measured using a leaf area meter. The hand-area method was very precise when regressed against actual leaf area index at the plant, population, and community scales (R 2 of 0.97, 0.93, and 0.87). Among the deciduous sites, the hand-area method overestimated leaf area index consistently by 39.1 % at all scales. There was no observer bias detected at any scale, but plant overestimation bias was detected in one species at the population scale. The hand-area method is a rapid and reliable technique for estimating leaf area index or cover in the forest herbaceous layer and should be useful to field ecologists interested in answering questions at the plant, population, or community level.
The Nuclear Proteome of a Vertebrate

The composition of the nucleoplasm determines the behavior of key processes such as transcription, yet there is still no reliable and quantitative resource of nuclear proteins. Furthermore, it is still unclear how the distinct nuclear and cytoplasmic compositions are maintained. To describe the nuclear proteome quantitatively, we isolated the large nuclei of frog oocytes via microdissection and measured the nucleocytoplasmic partitioning of ∼9,000 proteins by mass spectrometry. Most proteins localize entirely to either nucleus or cytoplasm; only ∼17% partition equally. A protein's native size in a complex, but not polypeptide molecular weight, is predictive of localization: partitioned proteins exhibit native sizes larger than ∼100 kDa, whereas natively smaller proteins are equidistributed. To evaluate the role of nuclear export in maintaining localization, we inhibited Exportin 1. This resulted in the expected re-localization of proteins toward the nucleus, but only 3% of the proteome was affected. Thus, complex assembly and passive retention, rather than continuous active transport, is the dominant mechanism for the maintenance of nuclear and cytoplasmic proteomes.
The Need for a Prehospital DNR System

Initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation when the death is the result of an end-stage, irreversible, and imminently terminal illness against the patient's prior request is immoral and indefensible. Medical providers should withhold treatments that are futile, and individuals have the right to refuse this invasive therapy.The use of Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) orders has become a standard of medical care in health care institutions and should be incorporated into the prehospital medical care system. The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) supports their use, and the National Association of Emergency Medical Services Physicians (NAEMSP) has developed a consensus paper endorsing the use of prehospital DNR orders. The Joint Commision on the Accreditation of Hospitals (JCAH) recommends the use of DNR orders and the American Heart Association (AHA), in Standards and Guidelines for Advanced Cardiac Life Support, recognizes their validity. It is time for EMS systems to develop and implement policies and procedures, with adequate safeguards, to allow the withholding of CPR in specific circumstances. The claim that DNR orders cannot be honored in the prehospital setting is a self-fulfilling prophecy. If an emergency medical services (EMS) system lacks strong medical leadership or believes that a prehospital DNR system cannot work–a communitywide DNR program never will come into existence. Dying patients will continue to suffer the indignity and burden of unnecessary and futile treatments that serve no benefit to the patient and only serve to alienate and anger the family members.