cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functional Activity of Antibodies Directed towards Flagellin Proteins of Non-Typhoidal Salmonella

Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) serovars Typhimurium and Enteritidis are major causes of invasive bacterial infections in children under 5 years old in sub-Saharan Africa, with case fatality rates of ~20%. There are no licensed NTS vaccines for humans. Vaccines that induce antibodies against a Salmonella Typhi surface antigen, Vi polysaccharide, significantly protect humans against typhoid fever, establishing that immune responses to Salmonella surface antigens can be protective. Flagella proteins, abundant surface antigens in Salmonella serovars that cause human disease, are also powerful immunogens, but the functional capacity of elicited anti-flagellar antibodies and their role in facilitating bacterial clearance has been unclear. We examined the ability of anti-flagellar antibodies to mediate microbial killing by immune system components in-vitro and assessed their role in protecting mice against invasive Salmonella infection. Polyclonal (hyperimmune sera) and monoclonal antibodies raised against phase 1 flagellin proteins of S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium facilitated bacterial uptake and killing of the homologous serovar pathogen by phagocytes. Polyclonal anti-flagellar antibodies accompanied by complement also achieved direct bacterial killing. Serum bactericidal activity was restricted to Salmonella serovars expressing the same flagellin used as immunogen. Notably, individual anti-flagellin monoclonal antibodies with complement were not bactericidal, but this biological activity was restored when different monoclonal anti-flagellin antibodies were combined. Passive transfer immunization with a monoclonal IgG antibody specific for phase 1 flagellin from S. Typhimurium protected mice against lethal challenge with a representative African invasive S. Typhimurium strain. These findings have relevance for the use of flagellin proteins in NTS vaccines, and confirm the role of anti-flagellin antibodies as mediators of protective immunity.
Characterizing the Dynamics of the Leader–Linker Interaction in the Glycine Riboswitch with Site-Directed Spin Labeling

Site-directed spin labeling with continuous wave electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was utilized to characterize dynamic features of the kink–turn motif formed through a leader–linker interaction in the Vibrio cholerae glycine riboswitch. Efficient incorporation of spin-labels into select sites within the phosphate backbone of the leader–linker region proceeded via splinted ligation of chemically synthesized spin-labeled oligonucleotides to in vitro transcribed larger RNA fragments. The resultant nitroxide EPR line shapes have spectral characteristics consistent with a kink–turn motif and reveal differential backbone dynamics that are modulated by the presence of magnesium, potassium, and glycine.
Statistical methods for analyzing discrete responses of insects tested repeatedly

A common study design in entomology involves repeated measurement of a binary-response variable on a set of individual insects or populations under different treatment conditions. An appropriate analysis of such data will allow patterns over time to be compared between experimental groups, while accounting for the correlations among the repeated tests of individuals or populations. We illustrate such an analysis using weighted least squares methods for repeated measurement of oviposition responses of Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh) adult female flies to two types of test fruit at four ages. We tested for differences in host acceptance behavior of adult flies originating as larvae from naturally infested apple versus hawthorn fruit, and effect (if any) of fly age on this difference. Techniques for model development, analysis of correlation structure, and hypothesis testing are presented. In the particular study considered, there was evidence of a linear increase over age in oviposition propensity for three of four larval-origin/test-fruit groups. The difference between flies of apple versus hawthorn larval origin when tested on apples was shown to be age-dependent, whereas the difference in response to hawthorn was consistent over the range of ages tested in this study. These methods are appropriate for a variety of experimental designs commonly used in toxicological, physiological, behavioral, ecological, and genetic studies of insects.
Preparation and Characterization of PSF-cellulose Composite Ultra-filtration Membrane

The composite ultra-filtration membrane with polysulfone(PSF) as main body and micro/nano-crystal cellulose as filling was prepared in phase-inversion process by adding micro/nano-crystal cellulose into the PSF casting solution.Through the orthogonal experiment we get the optimal process conditions: the PSF content(wt) is 18 %,the additive content of PVP K30 is 0.3 %,the micro/nano-crystal cellulose added is 15 % of the PSF mass,the solvent evaporation time in the air is 10 seconds,the coagulation bath medium is water.The properties such as pure water flux,rejection ratio,mean pore size,porosity and tensile strength of the composite membrane were tested.In this condition,the composite membrane′s pure water flux can reach 152.72 L/(m2·h),the rejection ratio of the bovine serum albumin(BSA) solution(1g/L) is 93.98 %,the porosity is 63.22 % and the mean pore size is about 46.03 nm.The composite membrane has a good filtration performance.
Pregnancy Diagnosis in the Ewe

A total of 378 ewe lambs were evaluated for signs of pregnancy using five methods of detection. The methods used were breeding mark, rectal-abdominal palpation, an intrarectal Doppler instrument and two ultrasonic devices, the Scanoprobe and Scanopreg (Model 738) for sheep. Accuracies of pregnancy diagnosis based on grease marks at mating vs lambing results were 65.7% in 1976 and 75.5% in 1977 (P less than .05). Accuracy of diagnosis using the rectal-abdominal palpation technique was 62.7%. The overall accuracy on the same ewes using the intrarectal Doppler device was 72.7%. The ewes were examined when they were from 60 to 96 d of gestation using the two rectal probes. Seven ewes died from peritonitis and six aborted following pregnancy detection using the rectal instruments. Accuracy using the Scanoprobe device was 89.1% for ewe lambs that ranged from 69 to 103 d pregnant. The total accuracy achieved when the same ewes were evaluated at 78 to 112 d of gestation using the Scanopreg device was 94.8%.
American Strategy in the Soviet-Afghan War

After the American disaster in Vietnam, U.S. foreign policy gave way to significant Soviet gains in the 1970s. With the fall of Saigon in 1975 and the Soviet expansionism in Southeast Asia and Africa, the Soviets capitalized on the lack of leadership in American foreign policy to expand their influence around the globe.This paper explores one particular strain of the Cold War, in particular the Soviet-Afghan war and the role that the United States strategy played in affecting the outcome of that war. The Americans first sought to increase costs for the Soviet Union by supplying funds and Soviet-style arms to the Afghan resistance (mujahadeen). Second, President Reagan escalated the conflict as part of a larger strategy, the "Reagan Doctrine." Third, the American strategy was integral in the Soviet withdrawal in 1988-1989 and served as an important component to ending the Cold War.
Men and Women Expecting to Work Longer: Do Changing Work Conditions Matter?

This study investigates the effects of an organizational flexibility/support initiative on Boomers’ expectations of working longer. Most research on retirement planning is based on studies of earlier cohorts and may not capture the unique experiences of Boomers. We draw on U.S. data from the Work Family and Health Network’s randomized control study of an organizational redesign (called STAR) that offers employees greater control over when and where they work and greater supervisor support for their personal lives to investigate its relationship to the subsequent retirement expectations of 287 Boomer professionals and managers aged 50–64 in an information technology (IT) division of a large Fortune 500 corporation. We use multinomial logistic regression to assess whether being randomized to the STAR treatment is associated with Boomers expecting a later age of retiring and of exiting the workforce, as well as their subjective assessments of the probability of their working for pay at ages 65 and 67. We find that STAR predicts Boomers’ expectations of retiring later, but not expectations of age of exiting the workforce or of a postretirement encore job. Women respondents, working in the same IT jobs as men and with long tenure, nevertheless expect to retire earlier than their male colleagues. We draw on in-depth qualitative interviews to contextualize our results and promote understanding of how changes in the work environment might shape Boomers’ expectations of retirement. Findings suggest that initiatives like STAR promoting greater control and support could help organizations retain their older professional (in this case, IT) workforces.
Initial Difficulties Dispelled

In our view, data confirm a hypothesis just in case they increase its probability; they constitute evidence for one hypothesis vis-a-vis others just in case they are more probable on it than on its available rivals. In subsequent chapters, we go on to clarify and amplify the confirmation/evidence distinction. Before doing so, however, we need to consider various objections that might be made, not to the distinction itself but to the way in which we have formulated its principal elements. Four of these objections are standard in the literature. The first, third, and fourth raise questions concerning our analyses of both confirmation and evidence; the second has to do more narrowly with the application of Bayesian methods. Each suggests a different way in which our intentions in this monograph might be misunderstood.
Loss of Gα12/13 exacerbates apical area-dependence of actomyosin contractility

Gα12/13 loss causes cells with a larger apical area to constrict later than smaller cells, leading to uncoordinated constriction. Apical area influences actin density, myosin regulation, and E-cadh...
Sensitivity of chemical vapor deposition diamonds to DD and DT neutrons at OMEGA and the National Ignition Facility

The particle-time-of-flight (pTOF) detector at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) is used routinely to measure nuclear bang-times in inertial confinement fusion implosions. The active detector medium in pTOF is a chemical vapor deposition diamond. Calibration of the detectors sensitivity to neutrons and protons would allow measurement of nuclear bang times and hot spot areal density (ρR) on a single diagnostic. This study utilizes data collected at both NIF and Omega in an attempt to determine pTOF’s absolute sensitivity to neutrons. At Omega pTOF’s sensitivity to DT-n is found to be stable to within 8% at different bias voltages. At the NIF pTOF’s sensitivity to DD-n varies by up to 59%. This variability must be decreased substantially for pTOF to function as a neutron yield detector at the NIF. Some possible causes of this variability are ruled out.
Resolving colocalization of bacteria and metal(loid)s on plant root surfaces by combining fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with multiple-energy micro-focused X-ray fluorescence (ME μXRF).

Abstract Metal(loid)-contamination of the environment due to anthropogenic activities is a global problem. Understanding the fate of contaminants requires elucidation of biotic and abiotic factors that influence metal(loid) speciation from molecular to field scales. Improved methods are needed to assess micro-scale processes, such as those occurring at biogeochemical interfaces between plant tissues, microbial cells, and metal(loid)s. Here we present an advanced method that combines fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with synchrotron-based multiple-energy micro-focused X-ray fluorescence microprobe imaging (ME μXRF) to examine colocalization of bacteria and metal(loid)s on root surfaces of plants used to phytostabilize metalliferous mine tailings. Bacteria were visualized on a small root section using SytoBC nucleic acid stain and FISH probes targeting the domain Bacteria and a specific group ( Alphaproteobacteria , Gammaproteobacteria , or Actinobacteria ). The same root region was then analyzed for elemental distribution and metal(loid) speciation of As and Fe using ME μXRF. The FISH and ME μXRF images were aligned using ImageJ software to correlate microbiological and geochemical results. Results from quantitative analysis of colocalization show a significantly higher fraction of As colocalized with Fe-oxide plaques on the root surfaces (fraction of overlap 0.49 ± 0.19) than to bacteria (0.072 ± 0.052) ( p Actinobacteria , known for their metal tolerance, had a higher correlation with both As and Fe than Alphaproteobacteria or Gammaproteobacteria . This method demonstrates how coupling these micro-techniques can expand our understanding of micro-scale interactions between roots, metal(loid)s and microbes, information that should lead to improved mechanistic models of metal(loid) speciation and fate.
Hepatitis C Treatment in People Who Inject Drugs

The introduction of interferon-free direct-acting antiviral therapy for HCV has been a defining moment in medicine. These new medications have begun the discussion about potential hepatitis C elimination. In the developed world, the majority of new and existing hepatitis C infections occur among people who inject drugs. Although considerable barriers exist to link and engage people who inject drugs in medical care, these barriers should not exclude them from hepatitis C treatment. It has been clearly demonstrated that people who inject drugs can be effectively treated for hepatitis C with high rates of adherence and sustained virologic response and low rates of re-infection. To maximize the impact of direct-acting antivirals on the hepatitis C epidemic, more people who inject drugs need to be cured. Further research is needed to examine novel strategies and care models to find, link, engage, and cure hepatitis C-infected people who inject drugs.
Eigenvalue and Eigenvector Analysis of Stability for a Line of Traffic

Many authors have recognized that traffic under the traditional car-following model (CFM) is subject to flow instabilities. A recent model achieves stability using bilateral control (BCM)—by looking both forward and backward [1]. (Looking back may be difficult or distracting for human drivers, but is not a problem for sensors.) We analyze the underlying systems of differential equations by studying their eigenvalues and eigenvectors under various boundary conditions. Simulations further confirm that bilateral control can avoid instabilities and reduce the chance of collisions.
Plying Atomic Waters: Lauren Donaldson and the “Fern Lake Concept” of Fisheries Management

A cause des eaux usees des dechets radioactifs, les biologistes sont desormais concernes par l'etude, l'influence et l'utilisation de l'energie atomique, notamment pour l'aquaculture
Abstract LB-217: PD-1 suppresses antibody responses to Tn+ tumors

Cancer cells often have aberrant glycosylation of surface molecules leading to glycan antigens that are not typically found on normal cells. These antigens are referred to as tumor associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs) and are a promising target for anti-cancer vaccines. One such TACA is the Thomsen-nouvelle (Tn) antigen, which is expressed by up to 90% of adenocarcinomas. The mechanisms regulating the B cell response to Tn and other TACAs are not well understood. This knowledge is essential for the development of vaccines to elicit protective immune responses to tumors bearing TACAs. PD-1 (programmed cell death 1) is a member of the B7:CD28 superfamily of receptors found on antigen-activated B and T cells. It negatively regulates antigen receptor signaling and thereby limits adaptive immune responses, including the anti-tumor T cell response. However, virtually nothing is known about the role of PD-1 in regulating B cell responses to tumors. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that PD-1 suppresses B cell production of Tn-specific antibodies and thereby suppresses protective humoral immunity against Tn + tumors. Our results show that PD-1 −/− mice immunized with a Tn-bearing mucin (desialyated bovine submaxillary mucin) have increased Tn + tumor-reactive IgM and IgG antibodies, relative to wild type mice. PD-1 −/− mice immunized with the Tn + mucin had significantly increased survival relative to wild type mice following challenge with a Tn + bearing mammary tumor (TA3-Ha). Survival in PD-1 −/− mice was dependent on the presence of B cells. Therefore, our results show that PD-1 plays a critical role in suppressing the protective anti-tumor B cell response elicited by Tn-bearing antigen immunization. This work was supported by NIH/NCI F31 CA183567-01 fellowship to M.A.L. and an American Cancer Society Research Scholar Grant (RSG-12-170-01-LIB) to K.M.H. Citation Format: Marcela A. Leyva, Karen M. Haas. PD-1 suppresses antibody responses to Tn + tumors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-217. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-LB-217
Facilitating and Developing Innovative Learning Techniques and Strategies Through Global Interactive Education

This presentation does not only aim to highlight and demonstrate how – as well as why, greater interaction through a better understanding of different cultures can empower, shape and inspire the development and enhancement of vital and effective innovative and educational techniques, but also provides a formidable foundation and fertile ground in the field of innovative and emerging research. The value and worth of the earth – which we leave to the “the future” and future leaders of tomorrow, should not be estimated or measured by virtue of merely environmental or educational resources, but also the interactive capacity of different cultures to live understandably and peaceably with each other.
Fishermen's location choice under spatio-temporal update of expectations

Abstract Information acquired by individuals over time plays a crucial role in their decision-making process. Gained experience updates beliefs on expected payoffs and is used in a range of decisions each individual is facing. In this paper, we focus on the formation of beliefs about the payoffs associated with spatial choices set in an uncertain environment. We task ourselves with better understanding of day-to-day flexibility of actions as a result of continuous update of prior expectations. We built a model where private and common knowledge on expected economic returns blend and lead to divergence of expectations between individuals. This innovation expands the frontiers of spatio-temporal modeling of micro-behavior to offer a new insight on decay of information relevance with increasing spatial and temporal separation. Application to fishermen harvest location choices demonstrates the use of the model. Successful fisheries management must be able to accurately predict the response of fishermen to regulations with particular attention paid to flexible technologies which allow individuals to adjust effort and alter behavior. Good understanding of fishing locations choice and location adjustment flexibility can contribute substantially to a design of management practices with spatial components.
Book ReviewRevolution on the Range: The Rise of a New Ranch in the American West, Courtney White (Ed.), Island Press, Washington, DC, USA (2008), p. 248, US$25.95. hardcover. ISBN-13 978-1-597-26174-6

Book Review: Revolution on the Range: The Rise of a New Ranch in the American West, Courtney White. Island Press, Washington, DC, USA (2008).
Discrete-time models for releases of sterile mosquitoes with Beverton–Holt-type of survivability

In this paper, we formulate discrete-time mathematical models for the interactive wild and sterile mosquitoes. Instead of the Ricker-type of nonlinearity for the survival functions, we assume the Beverton–Holt-type in these models. We consider three different strategies for the releases of sterile mosquitoes and investigate the model dynamics. Threshold values for the releases of sterile mosquitoes are derived for all of the models that determine whether the wild mosquitoes are wiped out or coexist with the sterile mosquitoes. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the dynamics of the models.
First-year cadets’ conceptions of general education writing at a senior military college

This study investigates conceptions first-year cadets at a U.S. senior military college bring to general education writing courses, often termed first-year composition (FYC). Using a mixed methods research design, we surveyed over 700 cadets and conducted semi-structured in-person interviews with four first-year cadets. Our data suggest cadets stress orality, credibility, and clarity when writing for FYC. These conceptions are largely influenced by the cadet’s interest and immersion in the Army yet are also strongly influenced by their brief introduction to college-level writing within their required FYC class. We conclude by arguing for two specific avenues of future research into gleaning students’ conceptions of courses, specifically arguing for exploring how conceptions all students bring to the classroom impact important moments of transfer and engaging all students and students’ conceptions in course design.
Radical Chlorodifluoromethylation: Providing a Motif for (Hetero)arene Diversification

A method for the radical chlorodifluoromethylation of (hetero)arenes using chlorodifluoroacetic anhydride is reported. This operationally simple protocol proceeds under mild photochemical conditions with high functional group compatibility and complements the large body of literature for the trifluoromethylation of (hetero)arenes. Introduction of the chlorodifluoromethyl motif enables rapid diversification to a wide array of aromatic scaffolds. This work showcases the chlorodifluoromethyl group as an attractive entryway to otherwise synthetically challenging electron-rich difluoromethyl(hetero)arenes. Furthermore, facile conversion of the CF2Cl moiety into the corresponding aryl esters, gem-difluoroenones, and β-keto-esters is demonstrated.
Time and the Hippocampus

Episodic memory is defined by the temporal organization of events in specific experiences. The hippocampus plays an essential role in episodic memory, suggesting that studies on temporal processing by the hippocampus might offer insights in the mechanisms of episodic memory. Here, we review reports on the effects of hippocampal damage in humans and animals and physiological studies using brain imaging in humans and single neuron recordings in animals. These studies provide converging and compelling evidence that the hippocampus is critical for the temporal organization of memories in humans and animals, including when spatial cues are irrelevant. Furthermore, the hippocampus in engaged in humans associated with temporal processing of memories, and hippocampal neuronal networks in animals and humans represent the temporal organization of experiences and disambiguate overlapping temporally extended experiences. In particular, hippocampal “time cells” fire at particular moments during temporally structured experiences, much as hippocampal place cells fire associated with particular locations in spatially organized experiences. Comparisons of firing properties of hippocampal neurons across species and behavioral situations suggest that the hippocampus provides a temporal and spatial “scaffolding” that organizes events to compose episodic memories.
Place a la litterature dans le cours de conversation

Un cours de conversation visant au developpement des competences de communication orale des apprenants et a la decouverte d'une culture a tout a gagner en faisant place au texte litteraire. Une exploration active, collective et ludique du texte favorise la prise de parole, les echanges et la construction du sens, tandis que son integration dans une gamme de documents authentiques varies (articles de presse, videos, films, chansons, etc) lui redonne sa place legitime parmi les signifiants multiples d'une culture.
IMPACT OF OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY REVIEW STRATEGY ON DETECTION OF CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION.

Purpose To compare optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) review strategies for optimizing choroidal neovascularization (CNV) detection. Methods Eyes with CNV in the differential diagnosis were imaged with the Avanti RTVue XR HD (Optovue, Fremont, CA). Three modalities of review for CNV presence were used in each case: a single report generated using automated segmentation within Avanti software; a continuous slab descent video OCTA export; and a manual segmentation approach using cross-sectional OCT with decorrelation signal overlay. Scans were reviewed by two masked expert reviewers; a third reviewer was used for discrepancies. Results The study included 421 eyes, and 350 eyes had reports deemed sufficient quality for interpretation. Choroidal neovascularization was in the differential diagnosis in 107 of 350 patients. Overall CNV was identified in 55% (59/107) eyes. In those eyes with CNV, the automated segmentation identified CNV in 56% (33/59) of cases, continuous slab descent method identified CNV in 53% (31/59) of cases, and the manual segmentation group identified CNV in 92% (54/59) of cases. Conclusion Review strategies for detection of CNV on OCTA were highest using the manual segmentation method as compared to both the automated report and continuous slab descent methods. Although the manual segmentation method had a higher rate of detection, the practical aspects of the time required for segmentation make this method challenging in routine clinical practice.
The Effect of Sublethal Doses of Parathion on Honeybee Behaviour. I. Oral Administration and the Communication Dance

SummaryThe oral sublethal dose of parathion in honeybees was determined as less than 0–03 μg per bee. Sublethal doses of parathion prevented bees from communicating the direction of a food source to other bees by dancing. The basic form of the dance of poisoned and nonpoisoned bees was similar, except that the angles at which the poisoned bees danced changed in a disjunct step-wise fashion (instead of linearly) with time. No evidence of changes in other behavioural patterns of foraging bees was observed in these tests, but there are suggestions that parathion at this level caused a temporary interference at an integrating centre outside the brain.
Ketamine: A Neglected Therapy for Alzheimer Disease.

Most attempts to identify promising new areas of scientific investigation rely on emerging trends such as seminal publications that become highly cited, or the appearance of increasing numbers of further articles on the same topic (Chen, 2006). Such bibliometric techniques follow research advances, but it would be valuable to predict trends before they have appeared in the published literature. Because of the uneven diffusion of research advances throughout science, a breakthrough which emerges in one domain area may take months or years before it becomes explored or applied in other fields. Thus, one can identify an emerging trend in one domain, and seek to predict new fields that might benefit. Some breakthroughs (e.g., the polymerase chain reaction) are clearly of wide applicability. However, some findings appear to have features or restrictions that are specific to one domain, which discourages investigators in another domain from exploring them. Such expectations create a delay or state of neglect in the second domain, even when a lack of information per se does not exist. In this paper, I will examine a breakthrough which arose in the field of depression research, which has not yet been explored in the context of another neuropsychiatric disease, namely, Alzheimer disease.
Trochleoplasty is a Viable Option for Patellar Instability in Patients with Severe Trochlear Dysplasia: a Minimum 1-year Follow-Up Prospective Study:

Objectives:Patellar instability caused by trochlear dysplasia may be addressed by sulcus-deepening trochleoplasty. A paucity of data exists from the United States regarding this procedure and no lo...
Pathways linking combinations of early-life adversities to adult mortality: Tales that vary by gender

Abstract Rationale Socioeconomic disadvantage, family instability, and abuse are widely studied early-life adversities (ELAs) that may co-occur in the lives of many. The detrimental effects of these adversities may result in elevated risk of mortality in midlife and old age. Objective: We investigate how combinations of these three ELAs affect later-life mortality and the life-course mediators that explain the associations. Method Data come from the first two waves of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study and mortality records over a 20-year period (1995/96-2015). We used latent class analysis (LCA) to identify patterns of ELAs across the three domains and incorporated four life-course mediators: material, psychological, social resources, healthy lifestyle and substance abuse. Results LCA yielded six distinct combinations of ELAs, with patterns of socioeconomic status (SES) and abuse being most salient. We found that childhood abuse exists across all levels of childhood SES. For both genders, individuals who experienced low SES combined with frequent abuse have the highest risk of death. For women but not men, frequent abuse increases the risk of mortality even if they grew up in middle or high SES families. For both genders, material resource is a significant contributor on the pathway from ELAs to mortality. Life-course mediators partially accounted for the observed associations between ELAs and mortality, but attenuation was stronger for men than women. This is partially attributed to the stronger direct effects of life-course resources on mortality for men than women. Conclusions Our findings suggest that ELAs are an important determinant of mortality in midlife and old age. Traumatic experiences during the critical period of early life may compromise later-life heath more for women than men.
The generalized Langevin equation with power-law memory in a nonlinear potential well

The generalized Langevin equation (GLE) is a stochastic integro-differential equation that has been used to describe the velocity of microparticles in viscoelastic fluids. In this work, we consider the large-time asymptotic properties of a Markovian approximation to the GLE in the presence of a wide class of external potential wells. The qualitative behavior of the GLE is largely determined by its memory kernel K, which summarizes the delayed response of the fluid medium on the particles past movement. When K can be expressed as a finite sum of exponentials, it has been shown that long-term time-averaged properties of the position and velocity do not depend on K at all. In certain applications, however, it is important to consider the GLE with a power law memory kernel. Using the fact that infinite sums of exponentials can have power law tails, we study the infinite-dimensional version of the Markovian GLE in a potential well. In the case where the memory kernel K is integrable (i.e. in the asymptotically diffusive regime), we are able to extend previous results and show that there is a unique stationary distribution for the GLE system and that the long-term statistics of the position and velocity do not depend on K. However, when K is not integrable (i.e. in the asymptotically subdiffusive regime), we are able to show the existence of an invariant probability measure but uniqueness remains an open question. In particular, the method of asymptotic coupling used in the integrable case to show uniqueness does not apply when K fails to be integrable.
Understanding the role of transportation-related social interaction in travel behavior and health: A qualitative study of adults with disabilities

Abstract Introduction People with disabilities experience particular transportation challenges that arise from socializing while in transit. Completing or anticipating transportation-related social tasks, like asking drivers, fellow passengers, family/friends/caregivers, or passers-by for help, can impact one's health by influencing feelings of self-efficacy, stress, and perceived social isolation. These feelings may, in turn, affect travel behavior, which also has implications for health. This qualitative study sheds light on the role of transportation-related social interaction in travel behavior and health among adults with disabilities. Methods 32 in-depth interviews were conducted with adults with disabilities living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Results Respondents’ experiences interacting with others while using transportation influenced determinants of health including self-efficacy, stress, and perceived social isolation and connectedness. Findings from this study indicate that people with disabilities may change their travel behavior in response to these feelings. Individuals with low transportation self-efficacy or who have experienced stressful interactions may limit travel. This might pose a health risk by contributing to feelings of perceived isolation. Difficulties completing transportation-related social tasks and related health consequences may be especially pronounced among individuals who acquired disabilities relatively recently and/or in old age. Individuals with high transportation self-efficacy or who feel socially connected while traveling may travel more. This might promote health. Conclusion The social tasks associated with using transportation deserve more attention in literature on travel behavior and transportation planning, as they pose barriers to using transportation for some adults with disabilities and can affect travelers’ health. Offering travel training to people with acquired disabilities, and training drivers and educating riders about how to appropriately and effectively interact with passengers who require special assistance might improve transportation for, and associated health outcomes among, people with disabilities.
The Student with a Psychological Disability: Rhonda Rapp, a Fourth-Year Medical Student with Depression and PTSD

Medical students are at high risk for developing depression during their training, and programs sometimes fail to make a connection between mental health-wellness events and disability accommodations. When a student presents with chronic or acute mental health concerns, a referral to disability resources may be advisable. In this case, we follow a fourth-year learner with an acute onset of PTSD following a sexual assault. As the team works to address newly developing professionalism issues, the case invites the reader to review disability-related barriers from the perspective of each stakeholder and offers guiding questions for discussing how to integrate accommodations into the system of support for this learner.
Cerebral vasculitis associated with drug abuse.

Purpose of review To review understand the epidemiology, background, neuropharmacology, and histopathology of literature verified cases, and likely etiopathogenic mechanisms. Recent findings There are only a handful of histologically confirmed patients in the literature with cerebral vasculitis because of drug abuse. Summary There is little justification for invasive laboratory investigation given the ready availability of highly accurate vascular neuroimaging techniques to dictate management, which usually rests upon avoidance of further exposure and minimizing the secondary neurotoxic effects of the abused substances and polypharmacy use.
Near-UV and near-IR reflectance studies of lunar swirls: Implications for nanosize iron content and the nature of anomalous space weathering

Abstract We performed an analysis of spacecraft multispectral images for lunar swirls in order to gain an improved understanding of optical space weathering on the Moon and its causes. LROC WAC data provide information on the slope of the spectrum in the near-UV (NUV), as measured by the 321-nm/415-nm or 321-nm/360-nm reflectance ratios. Kaguya MI data were used to assess the near-infrared (NIR) continuum slope (1548-nm/749-nm reflectance ratio). Context for interpreting the spectral variations found in the remotely observed regions of the lunar surface is provided by laboratory reflectance spectra of lunar rocks and soils, as well as spectra for transparent silica gel analogs (Noble et al., 2007) containing different sizes and abundances of nanometer-sized iron (nsFe) particles. We gain additional insights into the spectral effects of sample maturity by considering the ferromagnetic resonance parameter (Is) values for mare and highland soils, as well as the number density of nsFe particles in the silica gels. We examined a set of three mare swirls (Reiner Gamma, Ingenii, and Mare Marginis) and three highland swirls (Airy, Descartes, and Gerasimovich). The NIR continuum slopes of both mare and highland swirls are shallower than those of the nearby normal mature regolith. Bright swirl surfaces have higher NIR slopes than normal fresh material of the same albedo. The NUV ratios within mare swirls are lower than in the mature background, but for highland swirls, the NUV ratios are approximately the same as the mature background. We do not see definitive evidence for "over-maturation" (excessive darkening and reddening beyond that found in the normal background surfaces) in dark lanes at the swirls we examined, although saturation of weathering effects at a high-iron location like Reiner Gamma could prevent over-maturation from appearing – even if enhanced solar-wind bombardment related to deflection by local magnetic fields is taking place. Evaluation of the NIR character of swirls and comparison with lab spectra of lunar soils and nsFe-bearing silica gel analogs leads to the conclusion that swirl materials contain abundances of nsFe that are lower than that of normal non-swirl background surfaces; the nsFe content of swirls corresponds to immature (though not pristine) or submature soils. However, the size distribution of nsFe in swirls is anomalous compared with normal lunar surfaces, with a deficiency in the smaller size range (
Review of Clinical Settings in Otolaryngology Malpractice Litigation

The malpractice litigation climate in the United States has evolved in recent years. As a whole, medical practice continues to transition to the outpatient setting, with more procedures completed in the office and ambulatory surgical center. Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery is a unique field, with practitioners responsible for both medical and surgical management of head and neck disorders. Otolaryngologists frequently perform procedures in the office, operating room, and ambulatory surgical centers. Furthermore, they are tasked with the diagnosis and medical management of disorders that do not require surgical intervention. Otolaryngology malpractice litigation represents a relatively small portion of all US malpractice claims. In an analysis of 175,667 malpractice claims, 10,641 were attributable to otolaryngologists. There are no studies in the literature that directly compare malpractice claims arising from complications in the office versus the operating room.
Assessing the effects of disease-specific programs on health systems: An analysis of the Bangladesh Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Program's impacts on health service coverage and catastrophic health expenditure.

This study presents a methodology for using tracer indicators to measure the effects of disease-specific programs on national health systems. The methodology is then used to analyze the effects of Bangladesh’s Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Program, a disease-specific program, on the health system. Using difference-in-differences models and secondary data from population-based household surveys, this study compares changes over time in the utilization rates of eight essential health services and incidences of catastrophic health expenditures between individuals and households, respectively, of lymphatic filariasis hyper-endemic districts (treatment districts) and of hypo- and non-endemic districts (control districts). Utilization of all health services increased from year 2000 to year 2014 for the entire population but more so for the population living in treatment districts. However, when the services were analyzed individually, the difference-in-differences between the two populations was insignificant. Disadvantaged populations (i.e., populations that lived in rural areas, belonged to lower wealth quintiles, or did not attend school) were less likely to access essential health services. After five years of program interventions, households in control districts had a lower incidence of catastrophic health expenditures at several thresholds measured using total household expenditures and total non-food expenditures as denominators. Using essential health service coverage rates as outcome measures, the Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Program cannot be said to have strengthened or weakened the health system. We can also say that there is a positive association between the Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Program’s interventions and lowered incidence of catastrophic health expenditures.
Effect of Leg Geometries, Configurations, and Dimensions on Thermo-mechanical and Power-generation Performance of Thermoelectric Devices

Environmental challenges, such as global warming, growing demand on energy, and diminishing oil sources have accelerated research on alternative energy conversion methods. Thermoelectric power generation is a promising method to convert wasted heat energy into useful electrical energy form. A temperature gradient imposed on a thermoelectric device produces a Seebeck potential. However, this temperature gradient causes thermal stresses due to differential thermal expansions and mismatching of the bonded components of the device. Thermal stresses are critical for thermoelectric devices since they can generate failures, including dislocations, cracks, fatigue fractures, and even breakdown of the entire device. Decreases in power-generation performance and operation lifetime are major consequences of these failures. In order to minimize thermal stresses in the legs without affecting power-generation capabilities, this study concentrates on structural solutions. Thermoelectric devices with non-segmented and segmented legs were modeled. Specifically, the possible effect of various leg geometries, configurations, and dimensions were evaluated using finite-element and statistical methods. Significant changes in the magnitudes and distributions of thermal stresses occurred. Specifically, the maximum equivalent stresses in the rectangular-prism and cylindrical legs were 49.9 MPa and 43.3 MPa, respectively for the temperature gradient of 100oC. By using cylindrical legs with modified dimensions, decreases in the maximum stresses in legs reached 21.2% without affecting power-generation performance. Moreover, the effect of leg dimensions and coaxial-leg configurations on power generation was significant; in contrast, various leg geometries and rotated-leg configurations had very limited affect. In particular, it was possible to increase power output from 20 mW to 65 mW by simply modifying leg widths and heights within the defined range. It should be noted, however, this modification also increased stress levels. It is concluded that leg geometries, configurations, and dimensions can be redesigned for improved durability and overall performance of thermoelectric devices.
OXI 4503-second generation vascular targeting agent: Histopathologic changes and preclinical efficacy

4103 Vascular targeting agents (VTAs), particularly tubulin-binding agents such as combretastatin A4 disodium phosphate (CA4DP) are currently being examined in various clinical trials. One of the limitations of these agents has been the survival of a rim of neoplastic tissue at the periphery of the tumor. Preclinical investigations in animals have convincingly demonstrated that simply increasing the dose of the VTA does not overcome this problem. More recently, an analog of combretastatin, the lead compound of the A series -OXI 4503 has been evaluated in various animal studies. This compound has been significantly more effective in eliminating or substantially reducing the viable rim of tissue (Hill et al , 2002). In the present series of experiments we have examined the preclinical efficacy and histopathologic effects of this compound in the rodent KHT and human KSY sarcoma models and Caki-1 human renal cell carcinoma models. Consistent with previous results of Hill et al 2002, we observed that OXI 4503 was both more potent than combretastatin A4 disodium phosphate (CA4DP) on a per dose basis. For example, compared to CA4DP, 4-fold lower doses of OXI 4503 resulted in equivalent reductions in KHT sarcoma clonogenic cell survival. Perhaps most interestingly, histologic and morphometric assessments carried out using image analysis system on tumor sections showed the viable tissue remaining in these tumors 24 hr after treatment with a 25 mg/kg dose of OXI 4503 to be less than 6%. There was extensive necrosis induced within the tumor. This pattern extended to the very edge of the tumor, stopping at the surrounding soft tissue at many locations; while at other sites there remained a rim that was few cells thick. The induction of necrosis was evident in areas of skeletal muscle infiltrated by tumor, however adjacent uninvolved muscle and soft tissue remained viable. Additionally, treatment with OXI4503 resulted in significant tumor growth delays, a parameter that has shown limited success in CA4DP treated animals. The present findings suggest that OXI4503 bears certain similarities to the parent compound CA4DP. However its increased efficacy both in terms of eliminating/ reducing the peripheral rim of tumor and inducing significant tumor growth delays as well as its increased potency suggest that it may be of greater therapeutic significance. These studies also raise the possibility that in addition to conventional VTA properties, OXI 4503 may exert cytotoxic effects. Additional investigations are currently in progress to further evaluate the in vitro and in vivo activities of OXI 4503. These experiments should provide further evidence of the potency of the second generation VTA OXI 4503 and its potential for use in single agent therapy.