cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clitorally Stimulated Orgasms Are Associated With Better Control of Sexual Desire, and Not Associated With Depression or Anxiety, Compared With Vaginally Stimulated Orgasms.

Abstract Introduction Most women report that clitoral stimulation is an integral aspect of their orgasm experience. Thus, recent claims that vaginal stimulation and vaginally generated orgasms are superior to clitoral stimulation and clitorally generated orgasms pathologize most women and maintain a clitoral vs vaginal dichotomy that might not accurately reflect the complexity of women's sexual experience. Aim To have women report on their experienced source of orgasm, including combinations of vaginal and clitoral stimulation, the solo or partnered context of the stimulation, and the intensity of the orgasms from different sources and to predict indicators of mental health and sexual health using the orgasm source. Methods Eighty-eight women 18 to 53 years old answered detailed questions about their usual and recent orgasm experiences, sexual history, depression, and anxiety. Then, they viewed a series of neutral and sexual films. They were instructed to increase or decrease their sexual arousal or respond “as usual” to the sexual films. They reported their sexual arousal after each film. Main Outcome Measures Outcomes assessed included mental health (depression and anxiety) and sexual health (orgasm quality, ability to regulate sexual response to sex films). Reported sexual arousal was analyzed for the regulation task. Results Most women (64%) reported that clitoral and vaginal stimulation contributed to their usual method of reaching orgasm. Women who reported that clitoral stimulation was primarily responsible for their orgasm reported a higher desire to self-stimulate and demonstrated greater control over their self-reported sexual arousal. The primary stimulation site for orgasm was unrelated to measurements of depression or anxiety despite sufficient statistical power. Conclusion Most women reported that clitoral and vaginal stimulation is important in orgasm. Women experience orgasms in many varied patterns, a complexity that is often ignored by current methods of assessing orgasm source. The reported source of orgasm was unrelated to orgasm intensity, overall sex-life satisfaction, sexual distress, depression, or anxiety. Women who reported primarily stimulating their clitoris to reach orgasm reported higher trait sexual drive and higher sexual arousal to visual sexual stimulation and were better able to increase their sexual arousal to visual sexual stimulation when instructed than women who reported orgasms primarily from vaginal sources.
Abstract 242: Novel Therapeutic Approach to Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm through the Inhibition of Osteoclastogenesis

Arterial calcification, which mainly consists of calcium phosphate (CaPO4) crystals, has been proven to be an organized process, just like the processes seen in bone. Osteoclast-like cells (OCLCs), which are derived from the monocyte/macrophage lineage, dissolve extracellular matrices with proteases. Although OCLCs have been reported to exist in the calcified artery, their role in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) hasn’t previously been explored and was investigated in this work. First, we obtained human aortic tissues from patients who had undergone surgical repair for AAA and aortic stenotic disease (N = 5). Calcifications were abundant in both groups. However, multinucleated cells positive for osteoclast markers (enzymatic tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining, calcitonin receptor, vitronectin receptor, and CD68) were identified only in AAA tissues. We then checked the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG), key regulators of osteoclastogenesis, and TNFα, a pro-inflammatory cytokine. Immunohistochemical analysis showed upregulation of TNFα but not RANKL/OPG in AAA compared with stenosis. To mimic the pathogenic conditions of aneurysm and stenotic disease in vitro, we stimulated macrophages (RAW 264.7 cell line) with CaPO4 crystals with or without TNFα (100 ng/ml). Aneurysmal conditions (CaPO4 with TNFα) induced a significantly greater number of OCLCs than stenotic conditions (CaPO4 without TNFα) or control conditions (TNFα only, P In conclusion, we have demonstrated the existence of OCLCs in AAA and therapeutic effects of OCLCs inhibition on aneurysms. Our in vitro data showed that TNFα with CaPO4 induces osteoclastogenesis. These data suggest that inflammation in the calcified artery initiates osteoclastogenesis, which may be used to differentiate between stenotic and aneurysmal degeneration.
A simulation-based prediction framework for two-stage dynamic decision making

When we make operational decisions for high-tech manufacturing with products having short life times, there exist various challenges: (1) high uncertainty in the supply, production and demand; (2) limited amount of valid historical data; and (3) decision makers with a risk-averse attitude. We propose a simulation-based prediction framework to support real-time decision making. Specifically, we consider a generalized two-stage dynamic decision model accounting for both input uncertainty and system inherent stochastic uncertainty. Since the risk-adjusted cost objective involves nested risk measures, it could be computationally prohibitive to precisely estimate the system performance, especially for complex stochastic systems. Given a decision policy, in this paper, a metamodel-assisted approach is introduced to efficiently assess the system risk performance in the planning horizon, while delivering a credible interval quantifying the simulation estimation error. This information can guide us to select a good policy for real-time decision making.
Parametrization of Non-covalent Interactions for Transition State Interrogation Applied to Asymmetric Catalysis

The use of computed interaction energies and distances as parameters in multivariate correlations is introduced for postulating non-covalent interactions. This new class of descriptors affords multivariate correlations for two diverse catalytic systems with unique non-covalent interactions at the heart of each process. The presented methodology is validated by directly connecting the non-covalent interactions defined through empirical data set analyses to the computationally derived transition states.
Therapeutic applications of synthetic nucleic acid aptamers

It is possible to generate oligonucleotide aptamers for a wide variety of target molecules using a process known as Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment. Researchers have successfully generated aptamers which recognize specific metal ions, small chemical compounds, peptides, proteins, saccharides, and even whole cells. Aptamers show much promise as future therapeutics and as drug targeting agents. A particularly active area of aptamer research in the past two years was development of aptamer based cancer therapeutics and development of aptamer based cancer drug delivery systems. Aptamers were also used to address inflammatory diseases, infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and eye diseases.
Anesthesia for Routine and Advanced Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Procedures

This article aims to detail the breadth and depth of advanced upper gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures. It will focus on sedation and airway management concerns pertaining to this emerged and emerging class of minimally invasive interventions. The article will also cover endoscopic hemostasis, endoscopic resection, stenting and Barrett eradication therapy plus endoscopic ultrasound. It additionally will address the nuances of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and new natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery procedures including endoscopic cystgastrostomy and the per-oral endoscopic myotomy procedure.
Massive Young Clusters Near the Galactic Center

In this chapter, I review studies of the three massive young clusters at the Galactic Center—Arches, Quintuplet, and the Young Nuclear Cluster. These clusters reside in an extreme environment and are ideal laboratories for studying how such environments influence the star and cluster formation process and subsequent cluster evolution. The emphasis in this chapter is on the observational constraints on the cluster properties including the stellar content, initial mass function, orbit and birth location, and internal dynamics. I place these clusters into the context of our understanding of star formation. I also describe observational methodologies needed for studies of these clusters and I finish with open questions that can be addressed with both current and future observational facilities.
Social identity and athlete identity among CrossFit members: an exploratory study on the CrossFit Open

ABSTRACTThe exercise regime CrossFit is known for the strong community among members. Furthermore, CrossFit has positioned itself as a sport and labelled participants as athletes. CrossFit’s strong...
Long Term Effects of Pair Programming

Contribution: This paper provides evidence for the benefits of pair programming early in the curriculum on student performance later in the curriculum. It also confirms the short term benefits of partnerships at scale. Background: Engineers often work in teams, both in industry and in academia. Previous work has shown that partnered programming yields higher student performance during the course in which students partner. Research Questions: This paper investigates the long term effects of early curriculum pair programming on student performance in a following course. Specifically, do student partnerships impact long-term student performance in a later course? Are previously observed effects of partner programming robust to a larger sample size? Methodology: This quantitative analysis examines 2468 students in an introductory computer science sequence at a large, public research institution. The data set comprises two academic years and includes partnership participation, project and exam scores, withdraw rates, time between courses, GPA, and gender. Findings: A positive relationship is observed between partnering in an introductory course, and higher project scores in a future course, where all students worked alone ( $N = 1003$ ). Students with the lowest GPAs experienced the greatest benefits. Additionally, results with a large population of students confirm the observations of previous research, showing that partnerships are associated with an overall positive grade impact during the course in which the partnership takes place ( $N = 2468$ ).
Magnetic Navigation in Pigeons: Possibilities and Problems

Recent evidence has led to a renewed interest in the possibility that pigeons may gain navigational information from the earth’s magnetic field. The various types of positional information available from the earth’s field are summarized and possible position-fixing strategies discussed. A form of bicoordinate navigation might explain some of the magnetic effects observed but the existence of large scale regional magnetic anomalies makes it difficult to imagine how any such position-fixing strategy could provide useful navigational information. Vector navigation, based partly on the pigeon’s magnetic compass could, in principal, provide a bird with position-fixing information, but this hypothesis does not readily explain many of the observed magnetic effects on pigeon orientation.
F199. O-GLCNAC DYSREGULATION IN SCHIZOPHRENIA CORTEX.

AbstractBackgroundO-linked β-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) is a post-translational glycosylation modification with ubiquitous functions in cell biology. The attachment of GlcNAc to serine or threonine (S/T) residues transiently adorns thousands of nuclear, cytosolic, and mitochondrial proteins and modulates protein function and localization via dynamic cooperation with kinase and phosphatase enzymes. O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) exists in complex with S/T phosphatase subunits PP1β and PP1γ and, along with the activity of O-GlcNAcase (OGA), facilitates rapid cycling between O-GlcNAcylation and phosphorylation states to serve as an “on/off switch” for substrate activation. Altered levels of OGT, OGA, and/or O-GlcNAc have been shown to influence many pathways pertinent to schizophrenia (SZ) pathophysiology. Notably, elevated O-GlcNAc and enhanced O-GlcNAcylation mediate glucose tolerance and insulin resistance which can lead to diabetes, an illness often found comorbid with SZ. Elevated O-GlcNAcylation can also produce mitochondrial abnormalities consistent with those identified in SZ. In an exploratory study of glycosylation enzyme transcript expression, our lab found OGT mRNA levels 253% higher in SZ than non-psychiatrically ill comparison (COMP) subjects (p < 0.0001). Based on this evidence, we hypothesized that OGT protein levels or the ratio of OGT:OGA enzymes are elevated in SZ brain.MethodsExpression of OGT and OGA were measured using western blots of superior temporal gyrus (STG; Brodmann Area 22) homogenates from sex- and age-matched pairs of SZ and COMP subjects (N = 17). Standard immunoblotting methods and commercially available antibodies were used to detect the targets of interest and protein levels were normalized to intralane valosin containing protein (VCP) expression; VCP expression has previously been found to be unchanged in SZ STG.ResultsIn the current study, we found OGA protein levels reduced 18% in SZ (p < 0.01) and SZ subjects demonstrate a trend toward increased ratios of OGT:OGA (p = 0.05). OGT was not different between groups (p = 0.77).DiscussionOur current results partially support our original hypothesis that an altered ratio of OGT:OGA may contribute to abnormalities of O-GlcNAcylation and consequent cellular metabolic abnormalities in SZ. A trend toward increased OGT:OGA along with decreased expression of OGA would produce the same functional outcome as the originally predicted OGT increase: upregulation of protein O-GlcNAcylation. Given that the mRNA study used samples of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) while our protein-level measures were from STG, it is not inconceivable that potential O-GlcNAc dysregulation could arise from upregulated OGT in one brain region, but downregulated OGA in another. To elaborate on these findings, we will investigate OGT and OGA expression in the DLPFC and will assess total O-GlcNAcylation in both brain regions to determine functional consequences of altered enzyme expression.
Forest Quality and Air Quality: Forest Health Risk and Future Needs

Areas of temperate forests are currently experiencing significant perturbation from air pollution. The influence of air contaminants on specific forests is variable and is dependent on exposure (dose), hazard (importance of susceptible species in exposed forests and other site specific variables), management objectives, and the perspective of interest, i.e., individual tree, stand, population, community, or ecosystem. Before we consider the importance of specific air pollutants and specific forest systems, it is essential to have an overview of general forest health principles.
Scalability and Elevation as Measured by the SBI

The Situation Behavior Inventory (SBI) provides measures of Elevation and Scalability on five traits in a sample of University undergraduates. In the present chapter, an empirical investigation of the SBI and its various measures is described.
Gaze Behaviors for Robotics

Five control systems loosely corresponding to primate saccadic, vergence, pursuit, vestibuloocular, and head control operate on a simulated two-eyed robot head maneuvered by a robot arm. The goal is to get some qualitative understanding of the interaction of such reflexes under various assumptions. The simulation is meant to be relevant to U. Rochester’s robot. Thus it incorporates kinematics of the robot head but assumes a ”tool-coordinate” system available to robot arm commands, so that arm kinematic calculations are unnecessary. Dynamics are not modeled, since they are handled by the commercial controllers currently used in the Rochester robot. Even small delays render the effect of delay-free controllers unstable, but multi-delay version of a Smith predictor can to cope with delays. If each controller acts on the predicted system and ignores other controllers, the situation is improved but still potentially unstable if controllers with different delays act on the same control output. The system’s performance is much improved if controllers consider the effect of other controllers, and the resulting system is stable in the presence of a certain amount of stochastic disturbance of control delays and inputs, and also in the presence of systematic error arising from inaccurate plant and world models.
Building Fuzzy Systems Models

A characteristic human activity is the formulation of a model from empirical observations. This model runs the gauntlet from the stereotyping of the sort people do in their everyday interpersonal encounters to the complex models of quantum physics. It is a necessary tool in man’s struggle for survival. If not for these models the vast amount of input to our system would soon make us unable to function.
Chapter 3 - Microbiology of Lignin Degradation

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the microbiology of lignin degradation. It is known that lignocellulosic material comprises about 95% of the earth's land-based biomass of which 25% is comprised of lignin; the exact figures varying from species-to-species. In addition to imparting rigidity to plants, lignin acts as a permanent bonding agent between plant cells as well as performing multiple functions that are essential to the life of the plant. Although the plant synthesizes the precursors of lignin via enzymatic pathways, the ultimate formation of lignin is a random free-radical, one-electron oxidative polymerization of intermediates catalyzed by the action of plant peroxidases. Lignin varies in chemical structure from species-to-species and can be divided into three categories: (1) gymnosperms or softwood lignins, (2) angiosperms or hardwood lignins, and (3) grass lignins. In addition to dependence on species and location within the plant, the chemical structure of isolated lignin is very much a function of the method of isolation. The diversity and complexity of lignin chemistry has provided an effective roadblock for developing an understanding of the biodegradation of lignin. A rapid, adequate chemical analysis of lignin and lignin degradation products is the single most important limiting factor in this quest for knowledge. However, in most cases, only the grossest estimates of lignolytic activity are available. A complete microbial degradation of lignocellulosic material requires coordinated breakdown of both the carbohydrate fraction and the encasing lignin fraction. Delignification not only facilitates microbial penetration but also allows higher rates of enzymatic attack on the cellulose fraction.
Ethics and Intervention Programming

Disparities in health outcomes, or the differential burden of health conditions for specific population groups, are a continuing problem that cuts short the lives and compromises the health and well being of African Americans in the USA. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2007) reported that in 2004, African Americans had the highest age-adjusted death rate for any cause of all races and ethnicities in the USA, and these elevated death rates persist throughout life, from birth through senior citizen years (Williams, 2005). Specifically, African Americans had the highest age-adjusted death rate for heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS; Black children in particular had a 200% higher prevalence rate and a 500% higher death rate from asthma, a 250% higher infant mortality rate, and a 200% higher incidence of SIDS as compared to their White peers. Relative to health compromises in daily living, roughly 40% of African American adults have some form of heart disease that can affect daily living, compared to 30% of White men and 24% of White women. African Americans are also twice as likely to suffer from diabetes, 1.7 times more likely to suffer a stroke, and 30% more likely to report serious psychological distress. African American senior citizens are half as likely to receive vaccinations for influenza and pneumonia as their White counterparts. African American children as a group have the highest rates of daily activity limitation (9%) of any child group due to chronic health, including mental health, conditions.
Quantitative and qualitative assessment of pollen DNA metabarcoding using constructed species mixtures

Pollen DNA metabarcoding-marker-based genetic identification of potentially mixed-species pollen samples-has applications across a variety of fields. While basic species-level pollen identification using standard DNA barcode markers is established, the extent to which metabarcoding (a) correctly assigns species identities to mixes (qualitative matching) and (b) generates sequence reads proportionally to their relative abundance in a sample (quantitative matching) is unclear, as these have not been assessed relative to known standards. We tested the quantitative and qualitative robustness of metabarcoding in constructed pollen mixtures varying in species richness (1-9 species), taxonomic relatedness (within genera to across class) and rarity (5%-100% of grains), using Illumina MiSeq with the markers rbcL and ITS2. Qualitatively, species composition determinations were largely correct, but false positives and negatives occurred. False negatives were typically driven by lack of a barcode gap or rarity in a sample. Species richness and taxonomic relatedness, however, did not strongly impact correct determinations. False positives were likely driven by contamination, chimeric sequences and/or misidentification by the bioinformatics pipeline. Quantitatively, the proportion of reads for each species was only weakly correlated with its relative abundance, in contrast to suggestions from some other studies. Quantitative mismatches are not correctable by consistent scaling factors, but instead are context-dependent on the other species present in a sample. Together, our results show that metabarcoding is largely robust for determining pollen presence/absence but that sequence reads should not be used to infer relative abundance of pollen grains.
The role of executive function and social-emotional skills in the development of literacy and numeracy during preschool: a cross-lagged longitudinal study.

The majority of evidence on the interplay between academic and non-academic skills comes from high-income countries. The aim of this study was to examine the bidirectional associations between Ghanaian children's executive function, social-emotional, literacy, and numeracy skills longitudinally. Children (N = 3,862; M age = 5.2 years at time 1) were assessed using direct assessment at three time points over the course of two school years. Controlling for earlier levels of the same skill, early executive function predicted higher subsequent literacy and numeracy skills, and early literacy and numeracy skills predicted higher subsequent executive function, indicating that the development of executive function and academic skills is inter-related and complementary over time. Early literacy and numeracy predicted subsequent social-emotional skills, but early social-emotional skills did not predict subsequent literacy and numeracy skills. The findings provide longitudinal evidence on children's learning and development in West Africa and contribute to a global understanding of the relations between various developmental skills over time.
Critically Reflective Musicianship

Appropriately, the first ideal in any consideration of directions for music teaching and learning is about musicianship: “critically reflective musicianship.” As the first action ideal of Action for Change states, “Musical action that is fully mindful of musical results is the necessary condition of music-making and, therefore, of an effective music education” (MayDay Group 1997 see pp. xxxi–xxxvii above). On first glance this might sound a lot like the old adage “practice makes perfect,” or the well-known quip by a New Yorker when asked how to get to Carnegie Hall: “Practice, practice, practice.” Indeed, these aphorisms do represent the conventional, “commonsense” understandings of musicianship with its goal-oriented musical results coming directly from hard and persistent work.
Variations in patient-reported outcome (PRO) collection and reporting in novel FDA approved anticancer therapies.

e18202Background: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are increasingly valued as a key tool in patient-focused treatment decisions. However, a lack of standardization leads to significant variability ...
The cation exchange behavior of tylosin in loess-derived soil.

Tylosin (Tyl) is a veterinary antibiotic commonly used in swine and poultry production. Due to metabolic inefficiencies, it enters the environment through manure applications. Ion exchange is an important retention mechanism for Tyl, particularly for smectite clay. The objectives of this study are to characterize the exchange interactions of Tyl with common soil cations in subsoil horizons that contain smectite and to investigate the interactions using in situ Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Adsorbed Tyl in pH neutral, smectitic subsoil horizons is divided into exchangeable and nonexchangeable forms. The percentage of adsorbed Tyl that is exchangeable varies from 36% to 43% when Na+ is the competing cation, and from 57% to 66% when Ca2+ competes. In NaX-TylX binary exchange systems, neither Na+ nor Tyl+ is preferred by the clay exchange phase, and the Vanselow selectivity coefficients (KV) for the NaX→TylX exchange reaction range between 0.79 and 1.41. In the CaX2-TylX systems, Tyl+ is preferred by the clay exchange phase when the equivalent fraction of TylX (ETylX) is less than 0.4. The KV values for the CaX2→TylX exchange reaction are at a maximum at the lowest ETylX values, with 17.6 <KV < 58.1, then decrease with increasing ETylX to 1.34 <KV < 6.28. Adsorbed Tyl masks the CEC of the soil clays; the effect is greatest in systems that are initially Tyl-saturated, and is attributed to the steric effects of the large Tyl molecule. In situ FTIR indicates that Tyl interacts with soil iron oxides through the dimethylamine moiety.
Window of Opportunity to Mitigate Trauma-induced Coagulopathy: Fibrinolysis Shutdown not Prevalent Until 1 Hour Post-injury.

Objective:The aim of this study was to delineate the kinetics of coagulation dysregulation after injury in children.Summary Background Data:Trauma-induced coagulopathy is common and portends poor outcomes in severely-injured children. Transfer to pediatric trauma centers is common; time from injury
The Catholic Charismatic Renewal Through the Eyes of St. Thomas Aquinas

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal has now passed its fiftieth birthday. Yet, it still seems very much on the fringes of the life of the Catholic Church. Perhaps one reason for this is that, for many...
Should a Retiree File for Social Security at 62 or 70

Retirees can file for Social Security benefits as soon as they are 62 years old, but payments will become larger if they delay up to a maximum of 70 years of age. Many people believe the best strategy is to wait until later to file in order to maximize benefit payments. In this article, we reexamine that advice and add two considerations. First, we discuss how the claiming decision is made and recognize that in many cases the individual’s goal is to support new lifestyle options, not to maximize Social Security withdrawals. Next, we consider alternative sources of income and how using those resources affects the claiming decision. The article concludes with example scenarios that demonstrate how a financial advisor might advise clients on the best strategy for their particular situation. TOPICS:Wealth management, retirement, social security Key Findings • Popular advice recommends delaying Social Security filing to maximize benefits, but one-third of retirees file at the earliest possible age. • Retirees generally switch from asset accumulation to consumption. Their life goals may not fit with a benefit maximization strategy. • Some individuals are forced into a claiming decision based on personal circumstances. For these individuals, delaying claiming may not be practical. • Those with alternative resources have the most decision flexibility. They will make portfolio-based decisions and will not focus solely on Social Security income. The best choice will need to be tailored to individual circumstances.
The microenvironment in myeloma.

Purpose of review The aim of the review is to describe recent advances in our understanding of how multiple myeloma interacts with its cellular and molecular neighbours in the bone marrow microenvironment, and how this may provide targets for prognostication and prevention. Recent findings The bone marrow microenvironment in myeloma is beginning to yield targets that are amenable to therapy. A number of trials demonstrate some clinical efficacy in heavily pretreated disease. The challenge remains for how and when these therapeutic interventions are of particular benefit early in disease progression. Summary Multiple myeloma is rarely curable and its interactions with the bone marrow microenvironment are evident. However, separating cause from effect remains a challenge. We propose that targeting specific niches within the bone marrow will yield therapies that have the potential for significant benefit in myeloma and may facilitate earlier intervention to disrupt an environment that is permissive for myeloma progression.
Increased main pulmonary artery diameter and main pulmonary artery to ascending aortic diameter ratio in smokers undergoing lung cancer screening.

Abstract Objectives Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive, potentially fatal disease, difficult to diagnose early due to non-specific nature of symptoms. PH is associated with increased morbidity and death in many respiratory and cardiac disorders, and with all-cause mortality, independent of age and cardiopulmonary disease. The main pulmonary artery diameter (MPA), and ratio of MPA to adjacent ascending aorta (AA), MPA:AA, on Chest CT are strong indicators of suspected PH. Our goal was to determine the prevalence of abnormally high values of these indicators of PH in asymptomatic low-dose CT (LDCT) screening participants at risk of lung cancer, and determine the associated risk factors. Methods We reviewed consecutive baseline LDCT scans of 1949 smokers in an IRB-approved study. We measured the MPA and AA diameter and calculated MPA:AA ratio. We defined abnormally high values as being more than two standard deviations above the average (MPA ≥ 34 mm and MPA:AA ≥ 1.0). Regression analyses were used to identify risk factors and CT findings of participants associated with high values. Results The prevalence of MPA ≥ 34 mm and MPA:AA ≥ 1.0 was 4.2% and 6.9%, respectively. Multivariable regression demonstrated that BMI was a significant risk factor, both for MPA ≥ 34 mm (OR = 1.07, p Conclusions We determined that the possible prevalence of PH as defined by abnormally high values of MPA and of MPA:AA was greater than previously described in the general population and that pulmonary consultation be recommended for these participants, in view of the significance of PH.
Oral mucosal calcified nodule requiring palatoplasty

Calcinosis cutis describes a condition of pathologic calcium deposition in the dermis. Several subtypes exist, including the subepidermal calcified nodule. The oral mucosal calcified nodule (OMCN) was posited in 1992 as a specific term for a subepidermal calcified nodule occurring in the oral cavity, and since that time only six such lesions have been described in the literature. This report explores a case of OMCN on the palate of a 3-month-old infant with the goal of supplementing extant literature, providing a consideration of the differentials of palatal lesions in the pediatric population, and describing a unique instance in which OMCN resulted in a full-thickness defect requiring palatoplasty for repair.
Trace metal availability affects greenhouse gas emissions and microbial functional group abundance in freshwater wetland sediments

Abstract We investigated the effects of trace metal additions on microbial nitrogen and carbon cycling using freshwater wetland sediment microcosms amended with μM concentrations of copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), iron (Fe), and all combinations. In addition to monitoring inorganic nitrogen transformations (NO3−, NO2−, N2O, NH4+) and carbon mineralization (CO2, CH4), we tracked changes in functional gene abundance associated with denitrification (nirS, nirK, nosZ), DNRA (nrfA), and methanogenesis (mcrA). Greater availability of Cu led to more complete denitrification (i.e., less N2O accumulation) and a higher abundance of the nirK and nosZ genes, which encode for Cu-dependent reductases. We found sparse evidence of DNRA activity and no consistent effect on CO2 production. Contrary, net CH4 production was stimulated by the trace metal amendments and the Mo additions, in particular, led to increased mcrA gene abundance. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that trace metal effects on microbial physiology, which have heretofore only been studied in pure culture, can impact community-level function. We observed direct and indirect effects on both nitrogen and carbon biogeochemistry that culminated in increased production of greenhouse gasses, and the shifts in functional group abundance that we documented suggest these responses may have been mediated through changes in microbial community composition. Overall, this work supports a more holistic consideration of metal effects on environmental microbial communities that recognizes the key role that metal limitation plays in microbial physiology.
Using Gossips to Spread Information: Theory and Evidence from Two Randomized Controlled Trials

Can we identify highly central individuals in a network without collecting network data, simply by asking community members? Can seeding information via such nominated individuals lead to significantly wider diffusion than via randomly chosen people, or even respected ones? In two separate large field experiments in India, we answer both questions in the affirmative. In particular, in 521 villages in Haryana, we provided information on monthly immunization camps to either randomly selected individuals (in some villages) or to individuals nominated by villagers as people who would be good at transmitting information (in other villages). We find that the number of children vaccinated every month is 22% higher in villages in which nominees received the information. We show that people’s knowledge of who are highly central individuals and good seeds can be explained by a model in which community members simply track how often they hear gossip about others. Indeed, we find in a third data set that nominated seeds are central in a network sense, and are not just those with many friends or in powerful positions.
Revealed Wisdom of the Crowd: Informational Value of Bids

Traditional studies on the wisdom of the crowd focus on member characteristics that are either static (e.g., demographics) or slow to change (e.g., expertise). However, members of a crowd are different not only in terms of who they are but also what they do when faced with different opportunities. Using data from online debt crowdfunding, we propose and find significant informational value in the heterogeneity of observable actions of crowd members. We quantify investor behavior in two ways: bid size and bid timing. We find that loans funded with fewer but larger bids are less likely to default than those funded with a larger number of smaller bids. For loans with similar bid-amount distributions, those receiving larger bids earlier in the bidding process are less likely to default. These features also help improve the predictive performance of loan default models. Importantly, these features are easily accessible and less subject to privacy concerns. Our findings point to a novel direction of extracting wisdom of the crowd, new methods of evaluating loan quality in secondary markets, and have implications for the design of online crowdsourcing platforms in general.
Landscape of GPCR expression along the mouse nephron

Kidney transport and other renal functions are regulated by multiple G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) expressed along the renal tubule. The rapid, recent appearance of comprehensive unbiased gene expression data in the various renal tubule segments, chiefly RNA sequencing and protein mass spectrometry data, has provided a means of identifying patterns of GPCR expression along the renal tubule. To allow for comprehensive mapping, we first curated a comprehensive list of GPCRs in the genomes of mice, rats, and humans (https://hpcwebapps.cit.nih.gov/ESBL/Database/GPCRs/) using multiple online data sources. We used this list to mine segment-specific and cell type-specific expression data from RNA-sequencing studies in microdissected mouse tubule segments to identify GPCRs that are selectively expressed in discrete tubule segments. Comparisons of these mapped mouse GPCRs with other omics datasets as well as functional data from isolated perfused tubule and micropuncture studies confirmed patterns of expression for well-known receptors and identified poorly studied GPCRs that are likely to play roles in the regulation of renal tubule function. Thus, we provide data resources for GPCR expression across the renal tubule, highlighting both well-known GPCRs and understudied receptors to provide guidance for future studies.
Geographic Distribution of Orthopaedic Trauma Resources and Service Use in the United States: A Cross Sectional Analysis.

Abstract Background Management of orthopaedic injury is an essential component of comprehensive trauma care, and availability of orthopaedic surgeons impacts trauma system capacity and accessibility of care. We sought to estimate the geographic distribution of orthopaedic injury in the United States and identify regions needing additional orthopaedic trauma resources. Methods In this retrospective cross-sectional study using 2014 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality State Inpatient Datasets from 26 states and the District of Columbia, administrative data were used to determine hospital referral region (HRR)-level incidence of orthopaedic trauma and surgical care. Factors associated with HRR-level orthopaedic trauma volume were identified using negative binomial regression, and model parameters were used to estimate injury incidence and operative volume in unobserved HRRs. The primary outcomes of interest were HRR-level incidence of orthopaedic injury, polytrauma, and emergency orthopaedic surgery, as well and the number of emergency orthopaedic surgery patients per orthopaedic surgeon. Results Orthopaedic injury incidence and operative patients per orthopaedic surgeon were associated with HRR-level volume of medical service use, population characteristics, geographic characteristics, and existing trauma care resources. Orthopaedic injury incidence ranged from 20 patients/HRR to 33,260 patients/HRR. Polytrauma incidence ranged from Discussion The incidence of orthopaedic injury and volume of injury patients per orthopaedic surgeon varies substantially across HRRs in the United States. Regions with high patient volume and moderate patient-to-provider ratios may be ideal settings for orthopaedic trauma training programs or post-fellowship professional opportunities. Future research should examine the impact of high volume orthopaedic trauma volume and high patient-to-provider ratios on health outcomes.
Exploring the Impact of Online Reviews with Brand Equity for Online Software Purchasing Behavior

Online purchasing is a booming business and is studied extensively in marketing and information systems research. Online product reviews are one factor that influence a consumer’s purchasing behavior and attitudes. Brand equity is a popular phenomenon that influences purchasing behaviors and attitudes of consumers. We seek to answer two questions in this research. First, do online consumer reviews contain elements of brand equity? Second, do these elements of brand equity in the online consumer reviews affect software purchasing? We develop an integrative research model which test these constructs on software downloads. We use data collected from CNET’s Download.com. We then analyze the effect of these reviews on software downloads using panel data week by week over a 42 week span. All four dimensions of brand equity (brand awareness, brand associations, perceived quality, and brand loyalty) show significant impacts on software downloads with perceived quality being the most influential.
Extensions on the Twenty-Fifth Amendment: The Influence of Biological Factors on Assessments of Impairment

The framers of the Twenty-Fifth Amendment, including Senator Birch Bayh, proved particularly prescient in the timing of their legislation. This Amendment was based on earlier law; firstly, Article II, section 1, clause 6, which covered only temporary disability, was included in the Constitution put forward to the states and ratified in 1790.1 In 1881, Vice President John Tyler’s ascension to President upon the death of President William Henry Harrison set the precedent for vice presidential assumption of power upon death of the President.2 A law put into place in 1886 solidified this understanding.3 Later concern with extending the coverage of the law to cover permanent disability and other potential problems with presidential succession was instigated as a result of concerns raised by President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s medical problems, including a heart attack in 1955, surgery in 1956, and a stroke in 1957.4 The Twenty-Fifth Amendment received final ratification and was formally added to the Constitution on February 23, 1967. Although the Amendment thus came into being after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Section 2 did allow for smooth transition following the resignation of Vice President Spiro T. Agnew in 1973, and when President Gerald R. Ford nominated Nelson Rockefeller as his Vice President in 1974. Thus, the framers of the
Tactics and Strategies of Relationship-Based Practice: Reassessing the Institutionalization of Community Literacy

This essay revises Paula Mathieu's call for relationship-based tactics of engagement over institution-based strategies. Because engaged scholars operate within institutional contexts, they should utilize both tactics and strategies to make the academic institutional paradigm more conducive to relationship-based engagement. In supporting this long-term goal, community-literacy practitioners can adapt Brian Huot's theory of instructive evaluation to enable collaborative assessment of community partnerships. One possible mechanism for such institutional invention would be the establishment of quasi-strategic, quasi-tactical Community-Literacy Associations.
Nitrate Determination by a Modified Conway Microdiffusion Method

The proposed modified Conway microdiffusion method provides for consecutive determinations of NH?- and NO?-N in a given aliquot of soil extract. Analyses of primary nitrate standards showed essentially complete recovery in the range of 1 to 20 ppm NO?-N (4 to 80 µg N/aliquot). Results for (NH? + NO?)-N and NO?-N in soil extracts are comparable to those obtained, respectively, by macrodistillation with Devarda's alloy and by the phenoldisulfonic acid colorimetric method. The method is rapid and suitable for routine analyses of soil extracts, the equipment is inexpensive, and no interferences are apparent.
The Thermoelectric Properties and Solubility Limit of CuFeS2(1−x)Se2x

CuFeS2 is an earth-abundant material with a potential for use in thermoelectric power generation. It is an n-type semiconductor with a small band gap, a large thermopower, and a low electrical resistivity. Previous studies have focused on the electrical properties and doping the material, to some success. In this study, we investigate the effects of selenium substitution on the sulfur site in an attempt to lower thermal conductivity while maintaining good electrical properties. Our results shows that selenium substitution is an effective method of improving zT through a large increase in power factor, and works well for reducing thermal conductivity at room temperature, but is not as effective in this regard at higher temperatures.
An Evaluation of Experimental How-Malfunctioned Codes

In three learning-recall studies, the existing coding procedure by which Air Force maintenance technicians record and describe equipment malfunctions was compared to four experimental codes. The four three-symbol experimental codes included all numeric symbols, all alphabetical symbols, alphanumeric symbols, and a mnemonic code that had a high association value with the corresponding descriptor statements. Performance using the five experimental conditions was evaluated in three separate studies: first, under short-term recall, second, under paired-associate learning, and third, under long-term recall. All experiments demonstrated superior performance with the mnemonic code condition. The mnemonic codes produced approximately one-half the average error rate for short-term recall, were twice as easily learned, and achieved nearly half the error rate for long-term recall when compared to the existing coding technique.
A Proteomic Analysis of the Body Wall, Digestive Tract, and Reproductive Tract of Brugia malayi

Filarial worms are parasitic nematodes that cause devastating diseases such as lymphatic filariasis (LF) and onchocerciasis. Filariae are nematodes with complex anatomy including fully developed digestive tracts and reproductive organs. To better understand the basic biology of filarial parasites and to provide insights into drug targets and vaccine design, we conducted a proteomic analysis of different anatomic fractions of Brugia malayi, a causative agent of LF. Approximately 500 adult female B. malayi worms were dissected, and three anatomical fractions (body wall, digestive tract, and reproductive tract) were obtained. Proteins from each anatomical fraction were extracted, desalted, trypsinized, and analyzed by microcapillary reverse-phase liquid chromatography-tandem-mass spectrometry. In total, we identified 4,785 B. malayi proteins. While 1,894 were identified in all three anatomic fractions, 396 were positively identified only within the digestive tract, 114 only within the body wall, and 1,011 only within the reproductive tract. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed a bias for transporters to be present within the digestive tract, suggesting that the intestine of adult filariae is functional and important for nutrient uptake or waste removal. As expected, the body wall exhibited increased frequencies of cytoskeletal proteins, and the reproductive tract had increased frequencies of proteins involved in nuclear regulation and transcription. In assessing for possible vaccine candidates, we focused on proteins sequestered within the digestive tract, as these could possibly represent “hidden antigens” with low risk of prior allergic sensitization. We identified 106 proteins that are enriched in the digestive tract and are predicted to localize to the surface of cells in the the digestive tract. It is possible that some of these proteins are on the luminal surface and may be accessible by antibodies ingested by the worm. A subset of 27 of these proteins appear especially promising vaccine candidates as they contain significant non-cytoplasmic domains, only 1–2 transmembrane domains, and a high degree of homology to W. bancrofti and/or O. volvulus.