cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Teenage Brain: Sensitivity to Social Evaluation

Relative to childhood, peer relationships take on a heightened importance during adolescence. Might adolescents be highly attuned to information that concerns when and how they are being evaluated and what their peers think of them? This review evaluates how continuing brain development—which influences brain function—partially explains and reflects adolescents’ attunement to social evaluation. Though preliminary, evidence is mounting to suggest that while processing information relevant to social evaluation and the internal states of other people, adolescents respond with heightened emotional intensity and corresponding nonlinear recruitment of socioaffective brain circuitry. This review highlights research findings that relate trajectories of brain development to social behavior and discusses promising avenues of future research that will inform how brain development might lead adolescents to be sensitized to social evaluation.
VLSI designs for redundant binary-coded decimal addition

A binary-coded decimal system provides rapid binary-decimal conversion. However, BCD arithmetic operations are often slow and require complex hardware. One can eliminate the need for carry propagation and thus improve performance of BCD operations by using a redundant binary-coded decimal (RBCD) system. The VLSI design of an RBCD adder is introduced. The design consists of two small PLAs and two four-bit binary adders for one digit of the RBCD adder. The addition delay is constant for n-digit RBCD addition (no carry propagation delay). The VLSI time and space complexities of the design, as well as its layout are presented, showing the regularity of the structures. Two simple algorithms and the corresponding hardware designs for conversion between RBCD and BCD are presented. >
A simple and cost-effective approach to fabrication of dense ceramic membranes on porous substrates

A simple and elegant approach to fabrication of dense ceramic membranes on porous substrates, a traditional dry pressing of foam powders, has been developed to reduce the cost of fabrication. Gd-doped ceria (GDC, Gd0.1Ce0.9O1.95) electrolyte membranes as thin as 8 μm are obtained by dry-pressing highly porous GDC powders. The membrane thickness can be readily controlled by the amount of powder. The electrolyte membranes are studied in a solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) with air as oxidant and humidified hydrogen (3% H2O) as fuel. Open-circuit voltages of about 1.0 V are observed, implying that the permeability of the membranes to molecular gases is insignificant. Power densities of 140 and 380 mW/cm2 are demonstrated at 500° and 600°C, respectively, representing a significant progress in developing low-temperature SOFCs.
Block copolyetheramides III. Blends of nylon-6 and block copolyetheramides

Blends of Nylon-6 and block copolyetheramides with hard segments of Nylon-6 and soft segments of poly (tetramethylene ether) were prepared. The impact strength of the blends was enhanced by the presence of the block copolyetheramides as compared to the Nylon-6. Different block copolyetheramides exhibited different effects on the impact strength which could be described as the difference in compatibility between the Nylon-6 and the Nylon-6 segments of the block copolymers. The difference in compatibility was verified by the investigations of TEM and DSC. As the caprolactam content of the block copolyetheramides increased, the compatibility between the Nylon-6 and the Nylon-6 segments of the block copolymers was enhanced and the blends exhibited a higher impact strength in general
Effects of Chlorpyrifos on High-Affinity Choline Uptake and [3H]Hemicholinium-3 Binding in Rat Brain

High, subcutaneous doses of the organophosphorus insecticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) in adult male rats can be well-tolerated despite extensive and persistent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. We propose that changes in acetylcholine synthesis could modulate the toxicity associated with extensive AChE inhibition following CPF exposure. High-affinity choline uptake (HACU, the rate-limiting step in acetlcholine synthesis) and binding to [3H]-hemicholinium-3 (HC-3, a specific ligand for the choline transporter) were chosen as indicators of acetylcholine synthesis. Female, Sprague-Dawley rats (220-280 g) were treated with either vehicle (peanut oil, 2 ml/kg, sc) or CPF (280 mg/kg, 2 ml/kg, sc), examined daily for clinical signs of toxicity, and sacrificed 1, 2, or 7 days later for neurochemical measurements (AChE inhibition, muscarinic receptor binding using [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB) and [3H]cis-methyldioxolane (CD) as ligands, HACU and [3H]HC-3 binding) in frontal cortex. Despite extensive AChE inhibition (90-93%) at all time points, relatively minor degrees of overt toxicity were noted in CPF-treated rats. Binding to the non-selective muscarinic antagonist [3H]QNB was reduced (10-34%), whereas binding to the putative m2-selective agonist [3H]CD was increased (15-23%) at all three time points. HACU was reduced (20%) in crude synaptosomes prepared from CPF-treated rats 1 day following exposure but no significant changes were noted at 2 or 7 days after treatment. CPF-oxon, the active oxidative metabolite of CPF, was a weak inhibitor of HACU in vitro (IC50 > 200 microM). Binding to [3H]HC-3 was reduced in a dose-related manner 1 day after CPF exposure. Kinetic analyses of [3H]HC-3 binding 1 day after CPF (280 mg/kg) indicated a significant reduction in density (Bmax: control, 187 +/- 18 fmol/mg protein; CPF, 104 +/- 12 fmol/mg protein) with no apparent change in binding affinity (Kd: control, 25 +/- 3 nM; CPF, 19 +/- 3 nM). These results suggest that a reduction in HACU/acetylcholine synthesis may contribute, along with compensatory changes in cholinergic receptors, to the diminished toxicity following extensive AChE inhibition by CPF.
A parametric review of the built environment sustainability literature

The literature on built environment sustainability has grown dramatically in the past 10 years. Despite the proliferation of literature, there is still no consensus on how comprehensively and uniformly to define the concept of sustainability as it pertains to the built environment, nor is there consensus on what aspects of the built environment should be considered in evaluating the sustainability of a built facility. This paper, through an evaluation of selected sources from the sustainability literature, takes a first step in systematically identifying what parameters of both the built environment and the concept of sustainability are emphasised in the existing literature on the topic. The outcome is a set of parameters that can be used in future research to begin uniformly and comprehensively to define sustainability as it applies to built facilities, using techniques such as concept mapping, content analysis, dendograms, and other established research methods.
Assessment of retardation among mentally retarded criminal offenders: An examination of racial disparity

Abstract Racial disparity among incarcerated retarded offenders presents a complex issue for the criminal justice system. The major criticism is that ethnic minorities might be mistakenly identified as being mentally retarded because of the inherent cultural insensitivity in the assessment instruments used. The present study, which includes 288 criminal offenders diagnosed as mentally retarded and admitted to the Mentally Retarded Defendant Program (MRDP), Florida State Hospital, during 1977–1991, examines the interrelationship between mental retardation and racial disparity in its contributing factors. Results show that deficits in adaptive behavior and intelligence quotient (IQ) are two primary factors in defining mental retardation. Race is not statistically correlated with mental retardation. Regardless of race, offenders are consistently diagnosed as having severe mental retardation if they had a severe deficit in adaptive behavior or a low IQ score. This study's results also suggest that assessment instruments, such as IQ tests, which were employed to measure mental retardation among MRDP retarded criminal offenders, are not racially discriminatory.
Cytotoxic effects of sigma ligands: sigma receptor-mediated alterations in cellular morphology and viability

The morphological effects of several neuroleptics as well as other novel and prototypic sigma ligands were examined by addition to cultures of C6 glioma cells. Sigma ligands caused loss of processes, assumption of spherical shape, and cessation of cell division. The time course and magnitude of this effect were dependent on the concentration of sigma ligand. Continued exposure to sigma compounds ultimately resulted in cell death. However, the morphological effect was reversible when sigma ligand was removed shortly after rounding. The potency of compounds to produce these effects generally correlated with binding affinity at sigma receptors of C6 glioma cell membranes labeled with [3H](+)-pentazocine. At a concentration of 100 microM, haloperidol, reduced haloperidol, fluphenazine, perphenazine, trifluoperazine, BD737, LR172, BD1008, and SH344 produced significant effects in 3-6 hr of exposure. Other compounds, such as trifluperidol, thioridazine, and (-)-butaclamol, produced significant effects by 24 hr of exposure. Despite the requirement of micromolar concentrations of ligand (some compounds were effective at 30 microM), the effect showed a remarkable specificity for compounds exhibiting sigma receptor binding affinity. Neuroleptics lacking potent sigma affinity [e.g., (-)-sulpiride, (+)-butaclamol, and clozapine] and other compounds that lack significant sigma affinity but that are agonists or antagonists at dopamine, serotonin, adrenergic, glutamate, phencyclidine, GABA, opiate, or muscarinic cholinergic receptors were without effect on cellular morphology at concentrations up to 300 microM over a period of 72 hr. Likewise, blockers and activators of Na+, K+, and Ca2+ channels and a monoamine oxidase inhibitor devoid of sigma affinity were without effect. Interestingly, 1,3-di-o-tolylguanidine (DTG), (+)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-(1-propyl)piperidine [(+)-3-PPP], (+)-pentazocine, (+)-cyclazocine, and other sigma-active benzomorphans and morphinans appeared inactive in up to 72 hr of culture. However, these compounds interacted synergistically with a subeffective dose of BD737 (30 microM) to produce effects usually in 6 hr or less. Also, the pH of the culture medium had a profound effect on the activity of sigma compounds. Increasing the pH from the normal range of 7.2-7.4 to pH 8.3-8.5 shifted the dose curves (30, 100, 300 microM) for all sigma compounds to the left. Under these conditions, DTG, (+)-3-PPP, and benzomorphans produced effects in 24 hr or less.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
In vivo induction of virulence and antibiotic resistance transfer in Enterococcus faecalis mediated by the sex pheromone-sensing system of pCF10.

Enterococcus faecalis has become one of the most notable nosocomial pathogens in the last decade. Aggregation substance (AS) on the sex pheromone plasmids of E. faecalis has been implicated as a virulence factor in several model systems. We investigated the AS-encoding plasmid pCF10 for its ability to increase virulence in a rabbit endocarditis model. Cells containing pCF10 increased the virulence in the model significantly, as assessed by an increase in aortic valve vegetation size. The results confirmed in vivo induction of the normally tightly controlled AS. In addition to the expression of AS when E. faecalis cells were in contact with plasma, plasmid transfer of the tetracycline resistance-carrying plasmid was also activated in vitro and in vivo. In vivo, plasmid transfer reached remarkable frequencies of 8 × 10−2 to 9 × 10−2. These values are comparable to the highest frequencies ever observed in vitro. Cells harboring pCF10 had a significant survival advantage over plasmid-free cells indicated by pCF10 present in two-thirds of the recipient population. Plasma induction was dependent on the presence of the plasmid-encoded PrgZ protein, indicating the requirement of the pheromone-sensing system in the induction process. The data suggested that the mechanism of in vivo induction may involve interference of plasma with the normal function of the pheromone peptide and its inhibitor.
Royal Terns Capture Flying Fish in Midair

Abstract On 22 March 2007, I observed Royal Terns (Sterna maxima) flushing and capturing flying fish off the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. Individual terns struck the water which flushed flying fish out of the water and allowed other terns to capture them in midair. This observation is an example of opportunistic foraging by conspecifics.
Relating calls to US poison centers for potential exposures to medications to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting of influenza-like illness

AbstractContext: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) monitors influenza like illness (ILI) and the National Poison Data System (NPDS) warehouses call data uploaded by US poison centers regarding reported exposures to medication. Objective: We examined the relationship between calls to poison centers regarding reported exposures to medications commonly used to treat ILI and weekly reports of ILI. Materials and Methods: The CDC reports ILI, by age group, for each of 10 Health and Human Services (HHS) regions. We examined NPDS summary data from calls reported to poison centers regarding reported exposures to acetaminophen, cough/cold medications, and promethazine, for the same weeks, age groups, and HHS regions for influenza seasons 2000–2013. ILI and NPDS exposures were examined using graphical plots, descriptive statistics, stepwise regression analysis, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Results: About 5,101,841 influenza-like illness cases were reported to the CDC, and 2,122,940 calls regarding r...
A length bias corrected likelihood ratio test for the detection of differentially expressed pathways in RNA-Seq data

RNA-Seq has become an important alternative to microarrays in transcriptomic studies. The unique features of count-based RNA-Seq data pose new challenges for pathway analysis and call for new computational tools. In this study, we developed a likelihood ratio test to identify differentially expressed pathways in RNA-Seq data. The proposed method takes into account the coherent gene expression patterns by considering a common variance component shared by genes within a pathway. Additionally, we implemented a method to correct the length bias existing in the differential expression analysis using RNA-Seq data, where longer transcripts are more likely to be identified as differentially expressed. We demonstrated the ability of the proposed method using both synthetic and real data. We found that the top differentially expressed pathways between liver and kidney tissue samples identified using our method are associated with organ-specific functions.
Additional sources of disturbance pheromone affecting the crayfish Orconectes virilis

The responses of individually housed crayfish (Orconectes virilis) were recorded during introduction of water from aquaria containing disturbed or undisturbed animals. When femaleO. virilis were disturbed, form II males assumed low-level altert postures significantly more than when those females were undisturbed. Similar results were obtained when the source animals were femaleCambarus diogenes, a sympatric crayfish. When the newtNotopthalamus viridescens was disturbed, the crayfish responses were strong but resembled stress behavior. The responses by crayfish to disturbed vs. undisturbed catfish (Ictalurus natalis) were not significantly different.
Inhibition of dextransucrase by α-D-Glucose derivatives

α-D-Glucopyranosyl fluoride was modified at positions 2, 3, or 5 and these analogs were tested as substrates and inhibitors of dextransucrase fromLeuconostoc mesenteroides B-512F. The analogs studied were 2-deoxy-2-fluoro-α-D-glucopyranosyl fluoride, 3-deoxy-3-fluoro-a-D-glucopyranosyl fluoride, 3-deoxy-3-thio-°-D-glucopyranosyl fluoride, and 5-thio-α-D-glucopyranosyl fluoride. Kinetic constants for α-D-glucopyranosyl fluoride were also determined. None of the α-D-glucopyranosyl fluorides were accepted as substrates for dextransucrase. 2-Deoxy-2-fluoro-α-D-glucopyranosyl fluoride, 3-deoxy-3-fgluoro-α-D-glucopyranosyl fluoride, and 3-deoxy-3-thio-α-D-glucopyranosyl fluoride were competitive inhibitors withKi values of 63, 93, and 53 mM, respectively. TheKm for α-D-glucopyranosyl fluoride was found to be 26 mM. The data indicate that the hydroxyl groups at C2 and C3 are important for proper binding of α-D-glucopyranosyl fluoride for the active site of dextransucrase and that the C3-hydroxyl probably acts as a hydrogen-bond donor.
Understanding ESL Students' Motivations to Increase MOOC Accessibility

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have the potential to bridge education and literacy gaps by offering high quality, free courses to anyone with an Internet connection. MOOCs in their present state, however, may be relatively inaccessible to non-native English speakers, as a majority of MOOC content is in the English language. While a potential solution is to translate all MOOC content into all languages, it is not known whether this solution will satisfy the learning goals of all English as a Second Language (ESL) speakers. Through a series of interviews, we investigate ESL speakers' motivations for taking MOOCs and other online courses. Our findings show that ESL speakers have a variety of motivations for taking online courses that are not captured in current surveys, which implies that current one-size-fits-all approaches to increasing MOOC accessibility for learners with a first language other than English may not be effective. Rather, offering learners individualized tools based on their motivation and needs may be more effective.
Highly Skilled Immigrant Women’s Labor Market Access: A Comparison of Indians in the United States and North Africans in France

Applying an intersectionality framework to nuance the concepts of cumulative dis/advantage, this article examines the barriers to and/or pathways by which highly skilled North African and Tamil-Ind...
Cultivating Students of Application Abilities by Conbining Learning with Producing

With regard to a metalworking practice factory,the cultivating of students of application abilities can only be achieved by conbining learning with producing, building up a teem of good works and staff,improving teaching methods.
Epidemiological analysis of tuberculosis in Huanjiang Maonan County of Guangxi Province during 2004-2012

Objective To analyze the prevalent features and epidemic tend of tuberculosis in Huanjiang county ofGuangxi province from 2004 to 2012 and provide the evidence for formulating tuberculosis control strategies. Methods Thedata of tuberculosis in Huanjiang Maonan county from 2004-2012 were collected, and descriptively analyzed. Results Atotal of 2 739 tuberculosis cases were reported from 2004 to 2012, With the average annual incidence rate of 81.87/100 000.The highest incidence rate of tuberculosis was 121.52/100 000 in 2007 and the lowest was 56.62/100 000 in 2004. Thetuberculosis cases were distributed in 12 townships and 63.75%(1 746/2 739) mainly distributed in Sien(426), Chuanshan(377), Luoyang(361), Shuiyuan(318) and Minglun(264) townships.. The cases were mainly concentrated in age group of 20-74years(89.34%). Most patients were farmers(88.46%). Among the cases, 1 908 were males and 831 were females and the ratioof male to female cases was 2.3:1. Conclusion The incidence of tuberculosis showed a downward tendency in Huanjiang. TBcontrol efforts still be strengthened, especially the monitoring and treatment of tuberculosis in rural areas.
Use of Trans-Retinoic Acid in the Treatment of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia:

ObjectiveTo discuss acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and review the literature concerning differentiation treatment of APL with trans-retinoic acid (t-RA).Data SourcesEnglish-language articles concerning APL or its treatment with t-RA were identified with a MEDLINE search.Study SelectionAll studies available at the time of article preparation, which addressed t-RA treatment in APL, were selected.Data ExtractionData extraction and assessment were performed subjectively by the authors. An extensive discussion of specific study details is included in the article.Data SynthesisAPL is a unique subset of acute myelogenous leukemia and is typified by an accumulation of malignant promyelocytes in the bone marrow. Within the granulocyte cell cycle of a patient with APL, differentiation has been halted at the level of the promyelocyte, preventing formation of mature granulocytes. Upon treatment with traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy, complete remission rates of approximately 70 percent, with a five-year survival...
Towards the development of a screening tool to enhance the detection of elder abuse and neglect by emergency medical technicians (EMTs): a qualitative study.

To develop a screening tool to enhance elder abuse and neglect detection and reporting rates among emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Our primary aim was to identify the most salient indicators of elder abuse and neglect for potential inclusion on a screening tool. We also sought to identify practical elements of the tool that would optimize EMT uptake and use in the field, such as format, length and number of items, and types of response options available. Qualitative data were collected from 23 EMTs and Adult Protective Services (APS) caseworkers that participated in one of five semi-structured focus groups. Focus group data were iteratively coded by two coders using inductive thematic identification and data reduction. Findings were subject to interpretation by the research team. EMTs and APS caseworks identified eight domains of items that might be included on a screening tool: (1) exterior home condition; (2) interior living conditions; (3) social support; (4) medical history; (5) caregiving quality; (6) physical condition of the older adult; (7) older adult’s behavior; and, (8) EMTs instincts. The screening tool should be based on observable cues in the physical or social environment, be very brief, easily integrated into electronic charting systems, and provide a decision rule for reporting guidance to optimize utility for EMTs in the field. We described characteristics of a screening tool for EMTs to enhance detection and reporting of elder abuse and neglect to APS. Future research should narrow identified items and evaluate how these domains positively predict confirmed cases of elder abuse and neglect.
Morbidity and Mortality After Gastrectomy: Identification of Modifiable Risk Factors

Background Morbidity after gastrectomy remains high. The potentially modifiable risk factors have not been well described. This study considers a series of potentially modifiable patient-specific and perioperative characteristics that could be considered to reduce morbidity and mortality after gastrectomy.
Attitudes among Clergy and Lawyers toward Euthanasia

The attitudes toward euthanasia of one hundred clergymen and one hundred and four lawyers in the Seattle area were examined through the use of an instrument questioning their agreement or disagreement with statements on euthanasia. The clergymen and lawyers in this sample indicated their willingness to share in decisions concerning the conditions of death for church members and clients, and/or their reluctance to relegate such decisions to the convictions of physicians alone.
Steam generator tube rupture simulation using extended finite element method

Abstract A steam generator (SG) is an important component of any pressurized water reactor. Steam generator tubes represent a primary pressure boundary whose integrity is vital to the safe operation of the reactor. SG tubes may rupture due to propagation of a crack created by mechanisms such as stress corrosion cracking, fatigue, etc. It is thus important to estimate the rupture pressures of cracked tubes for structural integrity evaluation of SGs. The objective of the present paper is to demonstrate the use of extended finite element method capability of commercially available ABAQUS software, to model SG tubes with preexisting flaws and to estimate their rupture pressures. For the purpose, elastic–plastic finite element models were developed for different SG tubes made from Alloy 600 material. The simulation results were compared with experimental results available from the steam generator tube integrity program (SGTIP) sponsored by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and conducted at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). A reasonable correlation was found between extended finite element model results and experimental results.
Direct Hydrogenation of Dinitrogen and Dioxygen via Eley-Rideal Reactions.

Most Eley–Rideal abstraction reactions involve an energetic gas-phase atom reacting directly with a surface adsorbate to form a molecular product. Molecular projectiles are generally less reactive, may dissociate upon collision with the surface, and thus more difficult to prove that they can participate intact in abstraction reactions. Here we provide experimental evidence for direct reactions occurring between molecular N_2^+ and O_2^+ projectiles and surface-adsorbed D atoms in two steps: first, the two atoms of the diatomic molecule undergo consecutive collisions with a metal surface atom without bond rupture; and second, the rebounding molecule abstracts a surface D atom to form N_2D and O_2D intermediates, respectively, detected as ions. The kinematics of the collisional interaction confirms product formation by an Eley–Rideal reaction mechanism and accounts for inelastic energy losses commensurate with surface re-ionization. Such energetic hydrogenation of dinitrogen may provide facile activation of its triple bond as a first step towards bond cleavage.
Extreme Event Verification for Probabilistic Downscaling

AbstractExtreme events are important to many studying regional climate impacts but provide a challenge for many “deterministic” downscaling methodologies. The University of Wisconsin Probabilistic Downscaling (UWPD) dataset applies a “probabilistic” approach to downscaling that may be advantageous in a number of situations, including realistic representation of extreme events. The probabilistic approach to downscaling, however, presents some unique challenges for verification, especially when comparing a full probability density function with a single observed value for each day. Furthermore, because of the wide range of specific climatic information needed in climate impacts assessment, any single verification metric will be useful to only a limited set of practitioners. The intent of this study, then, is (i) to identify verification metrics appropriate for probabilistic downscaling of climate data; (ii) to apply, within the UWPD, those metrics to a suite of extreme event statistics that may be of use in...
A Review of Living Collections with Special Emphasis on Sustainability and Its Impact on Research Across Multiple Disciplines

Formal living collections have unique characteristics that distinguish them from other types of biorepositories. Comprising diverse resources, microbe culture collections, crop and biodiversity plant germplasm collections, and animal germplasm repositories are commonly allied with specific research communities or stakeholder groups. Among living collections, microbial culture collections have very long and unique life histories, with some being older than 100 years. Regulatory, financial, and technical developments have impacted living collections in many ways. International treaty obligations and restrictions on release of genetically modified organisms complicate the activities of living collections. Funding for living collections is a continuing challenge and threatens to create a two-tier system where medically relevant collections are well funded and all other collections are underfunded and hence understaffed. Molecular, genetic, and whole genome sequence analysis of contents of microbes and other living resource collections bring additional value to living collections.
A Novel Functional Polymorphism in the CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein (C/EBP), Epsilon (CEBPE) Gene Promoter Influences Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Risk Via Interaction with IKZF1

Purpose: We sought to identify and characterize the functional polymorphism in the CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP), epsilon ( CEBPE) gene, which is known to harbor a genetic risk modifier for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Background: Association between ALL risk and polymorphic variation at the CEBPE gene, a zinc-finger hematopoietic and apoptotic regulator expressed exclusively in myeloid cells, was established in a genome-wide association study and replicated in other populations. The actual functional genetic variation that actually contributes the leukemia risk is not known. The discovery and functional characterization of the functional variant may lead to risk stratification, prevention, and/or therapeutic modalities. Methods: Utilizing California Childhood Leukemia Study genome-wide SNP data from Hispanic subjects, we refine the genetic signal to a specific single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) within the CEBPE gene promoter (rs2239635). This SNP was identified first using genetic imputation using 1000 Genomes data as a framework, and further validated in additional subjects using Taqman genotyping. Functional work to characterize the impact of the polymorphism was performed using prediction methods (database searches), chromatin immunoprecipitation assays from normal subjects heterozygous for rs2239635, and luciferase expression vectors carrying the SNP. Results: The minor allele of rs2239635 conferred a 1.87-fold increased risk of B-cell ALL (95% CI = 1.51-2.30; P = 6.2x10 -9 ) and a 2.94-fold increased risk of high hyperdiploid B-cell ALL (95% CI = 2.12-4.06; P = 8.2x10 -11 ), but only a 1.51-fold increased risk of non-hyperdiploid B-cell ALL (95% CI = 1.11-2.04; P = 8.8x10 -3 ). Adjusting for rs2239635 attenuated all SNP associations in the region, including the original GWAS allele, strongly suggest that the GWAS signal in CCLS Hispanics is attributable to rs2239635. We also demonstrate, using published functional data and our own chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, that this SNP disrupts a canonical transcription factor binding site for Ikaros (IKZF1), an essential hematopoietic transcription factor. Using expression vectors, we found the polymorphic locus to have transcriptional repressive properties that are diminished in the presence of the ALL risk allele. Additionally, a heritable risk allele within IKZF1 interacts with rs2239635 in a multiplicative fashion (P = 0.02) in case-control association analyses. Discussion: In sum, evidence for a functional CEBPE polymorphism links two hematopoietic developmental transcriptional factors and highlights feedback control between them. The minor, risk-associated variant of CEBPE may alter the ability of IKZF1 to repress CEBPE expression in precursor B-cells, causing lineage confusion and enhanced pre-B cell leukemia risk. This risk primarily impacts risk of pediatric ALL that exhibits the high hyperdiploid phenotype. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Nuclear Power Emergencies and Their Management Process

This chapter sets the goal of understanding nuclear power emergencies and their management process and takes a closer look at what disaster and emergency management processes generally constitute. Second, it extends the understanding of the differences and similarities between natural disaster and emergency management and nuclear power-induced disaster management. Third, it discusses radiological emergency response. Fourth, it discusses the four rigorous steps involved in the radiological emergency response, including projection of plume path dispersion, protective action recommendation (PAR), protective action decisions (PADs), and evacuation.
Relational Communication : An Interactional Perspective To the Study of Process and Form

Contents: S. Duck, Series Foreword. J.B. Bavelas, Foreword. Preface. Part I:Relational Communication Perspective. L.E. Rogers, V. Escudero, Theoretical Foundations. V. Escudero, L.E. Rogers, Observing Relational Communication. V. Escudero, L.E. Rogers, Analyzing Relational Communication. Part II:Relational Communication Research Contexts. L.E. Rogers, V. Escudero, Relational Communication Patterns in Marital Interaction. L. Heatherington, M.L. Friedlander, From Dyads to Triads, and Beyond: Relational Control in Individual and Family Therapy. J.L. Rodriguez-Arias, Relational Research in Brief Family Therapy: Clinical Implications. A.K. Wuerker, Expressed Emotion and Interpersonal Control in Families of Persons With Mental Illness. D.W. Cecil, M.M. von Friederichs-Fitzwater, Relational Control in Physician-Patient Interaction. G.T. Fairhurst, Organizational Relational Control Research: Problems and Possibilities. Part III:Reflections on the Relational Perspective. L.E. Rogers, V. Escudero, Overview and Future Directions.
Non-Native Differences in Prosodic-Construction Use

Many language learners never acquire truly native-sounding prosody. Previous work has suggested that this involves skill deficits in the dialog-related uses of prosody, and may be attributable to weaknesses with specific prosodic constructions. Using semi-automated methods, we identified 32 of the most common prosodic constructions in English dialog. Examining 90 minutes of six advanced native-Spanish learners conversing in English, there were differences, notably regarding swift turn-taking, alignment, and empathy, but overall their uses of prosodic constructions were largely similar to those of native speakers.
Impact of Health Literacy on Time Spent Seeking Hand Care.

Background: Patients with limited health literacy may have less knowledge and fewer resources for efficient access and navigation of the health care system. We tested the null hypothesis that there...
Proceedings of the Dogs Trust Meeting on Advances in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine London; 4th–7th November 2004: Veterinary behavioural medicine: a roadmap for the 21st century

Abstract New areas of endeavour succeed either because they make a compelling case for their worth within an existing paradigm or because a new generation is raised for whom a once heretical paradigm is now the norm. It is difficult to tell which route will lead to the acceptance and growth of veterinary behavioural medicine, but the latter seems likely and, perhaps, necessary. As one of the newest specialities in veterinary medicine, behavioural medicine may suffer more than other specialities from an unclear identity because so many disparate groups who are not rooted in veterinary medicine have participated in its evolution. There is also the issue of data. Behavioural medicine is often cited as a field for which there are very few hard data; however, it is also a field for which data collection can be difficult and time consuming for non-trivial questions. This is because behaviour is the ultimate integrator of all organ system responses, and as such, is a dynamic outcome resulting from the interactions of complex mechanisms. Understanding such systems is difficult, but progress can occur if an attempt is made to understand all the mechanistic levels that contribute to behavioural patterns and behavioural conditions. For this to happen we need a paradigm shift that moves us away from the medical paradigmatic model and towards a new paradigm that is based on hypothesis formulation and testing between interacting levels of mechanism. Clinical impression and expertise based on outcome must be replaced by a scientific method that provides for phenotypic definitions that are coupled to putative underlying, interacting mechanisms that can be evaluated. Only in this manner can phenotypic description and its clinical application in veterinary behavioural medicine keep pace with advances in molecular biology and genetic epidemiology that deal with genetic liabilities and vulnerabilities inherent in multi-gene and major gene effects. This paradigmatic shift has the potential to revolutionize the way we view diagnoses in medicine, in general, but has particular implications for the care needed to characterize problematic and truly abnormal behavioural conditions. This approach also has the advantage of alerting us to when we do not know something, and forcing us to consider the needs of our patients on their own terms. A more rigorous scientific approach in this field could also go a long way in making us more humane.
Security concerns and countermeasures in IoT-integrated smart buildings

The integration of Internet-of-Thing (IoT) devices to smart buildings raises the risk of vulnerabilities in building operation. This paper presents the software development work for the secure deployment of IoT devices in commercial buildings. Security threats with their countermeasures are analyzed in the context of a specific Building Automation System (BAS) implementation called Building Energy Management Open Source Software (BEMOSS™).
iSPEED: an Efficient In-Memory Based Spatial Query System for Large-Scale 3D Data with Complex Structures

Recent advances in digital pathology make it possible to support 3D tissue-based investigation of human diseases at extremely high resolutions. Exploring spatial relationships and patterns among massive 3D micro-anatomic biological objects such as blood vessels and cells derived from 3D pathology image volumes plays a critical role in studying human diseases. In this paper, we present our work on building an effective and scalable in-memory based spatial query system iSPEED for large-scale 3D data with complex structures. To achieve low latency, iSPEED stores data in memory with effective progressive compression for each 3D object with successive levels of detail. To minimize search space and computation cost, iSPEED pre-generates global spatial indexes in memory and employs on-demand indexing at run-time. In particular, iSPEED exploits structural indexing for complex structured objects in distance based queries. iSPEED provides a 3D spatial query engine that can be invoked on-demand to run many instances in parallel implemented with, but not limited to, MapReduce. iSPEED builds in-memory indexes and decompresses data on-demand, which has minimal memory footprint. We evaluate iSPEED with two representative queries: 3D spatial joins and 3D spatial proximity estimation. Our experiments demonstrate that iSPEED significantly improves the performance over traditional non-memory based spatial query systems.
Clinical Benefit of NMDA Receptor Antagonists in a Patient With ATP1A2 Gene Mutation

Mutations in the ATP1A2 gene cause familial hemiplegic migraine type 2, alternating hemiplegia of childhood, and cerebellar function deficits, epilepsy, and mental retardation. These symptoms are likely related to glutamatergic hyperexcitability. Our patient is a 12-year-old boy with a history of complex partial seizures, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and fine motor difficulty. During early childhood, he had episodes of a self-resolving right-sided hemiparesis and focal epilepsy. His seizures did not respond to several antiepileptic medications but stopped after he received valproate. His intermittent episodes of hemiplegia persisted. Additionally, he had pronounced bilateral fine motor impairment and significant executive deficits that gradually worsened. The whole exome sequencing revealed a de novo missense mutation in the ATP1A2 gene and a maternally inherited POLG gene mutation of unknown clinical significance. We hypothesized that glutamatergic excitotoxicity due to the ATP1A2 mutation contributed to the pathogenesis of our patient's condition. He was started on N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists (memantine and dextromethorphan), as well as coenzyme Q10 One year later, he showed significant improvement in sustained attention, learning efficiency, general cognitive efficiency, and fine motor dexterity. We postulate that N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists were effective for behavioral, cognitive, and cerebellar symptoms in our patient with ATP1A2 gene mutation.
Cycles, Bonds, and Electrical Networks

In this chapter we will deal with some interesting linear algebra related to the structure of a directed graph. Let D=(V,E) be a digraph. A function \(f : E \rightarrow \mathbb{R}\) is called a circulation if for every vertex v∈V we have $$\displaystyle{ \sum _{{ e\in E \atop \mathrm{init}(e)=v} }f(e) =\sum _{{ e\in E \atop \mathrm{fin}(e)=v} }f(e). }$$ (11.1) Thus if we think of the edges as pipes and f as measuring the flow (quantity per unit of time) of some commodity (such as oil) through the pipes in the specified direction (so that a negative value of f(e) means a flow of|f(e)|in the direction opposite the direction of e), then (11.1) simply says that the amount flowing into each vertex equals the amount flowing out. In other words, the flow is conservative. The figure below illustrates a circulation in a digraph D.
Methods in Yoga and Mindfulness

There are two basic ways Yogic sciences are proposed in the scriptures and applied within various traditions: (i) Yoga–meditation as a psychosomatic science and (ii) Yoga and meditation as attentional sciences. The first three chapters of this book provide descriptions of these two fundamental aspects. Descriptions of the key techniques of Yoga and meditation can be found in the following excellent source books:
An incremental algorithm for signal reconstruction from short-time fourier transform magnitude.

We present an algorithm for reconstructing a time-domain signal from the magnitude of a short-time Fourier transform (STFT). In contrast to existing algorithms based on alternating projections, we offer a novel approach involving numerical root-finding combined with explicit smoothness assumptions. Our technique produces high-quality reconstructions that have lower signal-to-noise ratios when compared to other existing algorithms. If there is little redundancy in the given STFT, in particular, the algorithm can produce signals which also sound significantly better perceptually, as compared to existing work.
Infant diet and cardiovascular reactivity during the first year of life

The postnatal maturation of cardiac control and reactivity has implications for later behavioral self regulation and information processing. The influence of infant diet on heart-rate (HR) response...
Two-Dimensional Mn3O4 Nanowalls Grown on Carbon Fibers as Electrodes for Flexible Supercapacitors

Emerging flexible and wearable electronic devices necessitates the development of fiber-type energy storage devices to power them. Supercapacitors received great attention for applications in flexible and wearable devices due to their scalability, safety, and miniature size. Herein, we report the fabrication of a flexible supercapacitor using manganese(II,III) oxide (Mn3O4) nanowalls (NWs) grown by electrochemical deposition on carbon fiber (CF) as electrode-active material. Here, CF serves as both a substrate for the growth of Mn3O4 NWs and a current collector for making a lightweight supercapacitor. Two-dimensional Mn3O4 NWs were uniformly grown on CF with high surface coverage. A three-dimensional nanostructured electrode is obtained using these individual two-dimensional Mn3O4 NWs. The Mn3O4 NWs grown on CF are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. A symmetric sandwich-type supercapacitor is fabricated using two-...
Cholesterol and neurodegeneration: longitudinal changes in serum cholesterol biomarkers are associated with new lesions and gray matter atrophy in multiple sclerosis over 5 years of follow-up.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cholesterol is an important structural component of myelin and essential for brain homeostasis. Our objective was to investigate whether longitudinal changes in cholesterol biomarkers are associated with neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS This prospective, longitudinal study (n = 154) included 41 healthy controls, 76 relapsing-remitting MS subjects and 37 progressive MS subjects. Neurological examination, brain magnetic resonance imaging and blood samples were obtained at baseline and at 5-year follow-up visits. Cholesterol biomarkers measured included plasma total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and the apolipoproteins ApoA-I, Apo-II, ApoB, ApoC-II and ApoE. Key cholesterol pathway single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped. RESULTS Greater percentage increases in HDL-C and ApoA-I levels were associated with a lower rate of gray matter and cortical volume loss. Greater percentage increases in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were associated with increases in new T2 lesions. The percentage increases in HDL-C (P = 0.032) and ApoA-I (P = 0.007) were smaller in patients with relapsing-remitting MS at baseline who converted to secondary progressive MS during the 5-year follow-up period. Changes in HDL-C and ApoA-I were associated with lipoprotein lipase rs328 genotype status. CONCLUSIONS Increases in HDL-C and ApoA-I have protective associations with magnetic resonance imaging measures of neurodegeneration in MS.
Making Sense of the Muddy Middle: Sensemaking as a Critical Leadership Function: Comment on Katz-Navon, Kark, and Delegach (2020)

This commentary examines some implications of the Katz-Navon, Kark, and Delegach observation that extremely high and low ratings of transformational leadership behavior promote higher levels of fol...
Near Vision Impairment and Frailty: Evidence of an Association.

Purpose To examine associations between near vision impairment (NVI) and frailty. Design Cross-sectional study. Methods Setting : Nationally representative sample of noninstitutionalized United States civilians. Study Population : Total of 2705 older adults aged ≥60 years from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2002). Observation : Presenting NVI (PNVI): near acuity worse than 20/40. Self-reported NVI (SNVI): self-reported difficulty with near vision tasks. Main Outcome Measure(s) : Five-item physical frailty index; participants classified as frail (≥3 criteria) and prefrail (1 or 2 criteria). Propensity score–adjusted and probability-weighted multinomial multivariable logistic regression was used to examine associations of PNVI and SNVI with frailty. Results Of 2705 participants, 381 (10%), 160 (5%), and 106 (3%) had PNVI only, SNVI only, and PNVI+SNVI, respectively. In fully adjusted models, as compared to those without PNVI, participants with PNVI were more likely to be prefrail (odds ratio [OR] = 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1, 2.3) and frail (OR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.4, 4.3). As compared to those without SNVI, participants with SNVI were more likely to be prefrail (OR = 2.9; 95% CI = 1.8, 4.7) and frail (OR = 4.3; 95% CI = 2.2, 8.3). As compared to those without PNVI or SNVI, participants with PNVI+SNVI were more likely to be prefrail and frail (prefrail: OR = 4.0; 95% CI = 2.2, 7.2 and frail: OR = 4.5; 95% CI = 1.7,12.7). Conclusions Older adults with PNVI and SNVI were more likely to be prefrail and frail than those without respective NVI, suggesting that NVI is associated with frailty.