cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of tcdB Real-Time PCR in a Three-Step Diagnostic Algorithm for Detection of Toxigenic Clostridium difficile

Clostridium difficile is the most common infectious cause of diarrhea in hospitalized patients. The optimal approach for the detection of toxigenic C. difficile remains controversial because no single test is sensitive, specific, and affordable. We have developed a real-time PCR method (direct stool PCR [DPCR]) to detect the tcdB gene encoding toxin B directly from stool specimens and have combined it with enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) in a three-step protocol. DPCR was performed on 699 specimens that were positive for C. difficile glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) by Wampole C Diff Quik Chek EIA (GDH-Q) and negative for toxins A and B by Wampole Tox A/B Quik Chek EIA (AB-Q), performed sequentially. The performance of this three-step algorithm was compared with a modified "gold standard" that combined tissue culture cytotoxicity (CYT) and DPCR. A separate investigation was performed to evaluate the sensitivity of the GDH-Q as a screening test, and toxigenic C. difficile was found in 1.9% of 211 GDH-Q-negative specimens. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values, respectively, were as follows for an algorithm combining GDH-Q, AB-Q, and DPCR: 83.8%, 99.7%, 97.1%, and 97.9%. Those for CYT alone were 58.8%, 100%, 100%, and 94.9%, respectively. In comparison, the sensitivity and specificity of DPCR were estimated to be 97.5% and 99.7%, respectively, using the same modified gold standard. Neither CYT nor toxin EIA was sufficiently sensitive to exclude toxigenic C. difficile, and combining EIAs with CYT in a three-step algorithm failed to substantially improve sensitivity. DPCR is a sensitive and specific method for the detection of toxigenic C. difficile that can provide same-day results at a cost-per-positive test comparable to those of other methods. A three-step algorithm in which DPCR is used to analyze GDH EIA-positive, toxin EIA-negative specimens provides a convenient and specific alternative with rapid results for 87.7% of specimens, although this approach is less sensitive than performing DPCR on all specimens.
Initial Psychometric Properties of the Attentional Fixation on Suicide Experiences Questionnaire

Attentional fixation is a cognitive process characterized by a narrowing of attention on and preoccupation with suicide as the only solution to one’s problems. The present study sought to investigate the experience of attentional fixation on suicide by establishing the psychometric properties of the Attentional Fixation on Suicide Experiences Questionnaire (AFSEQ) in a sample of 64 patients who recently attempted suicide. The AFSEQ evidenced strong psychometric properties, including good internal consistency and construct validity through moderate correlations with measures of suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms, and suicide-relevant cognitive distortions. In addition, an exploratory factor analysis of the AFSEQ identified two factors: Cognitive Dysfunction and Cognitive Stuckness. Results suggest the AFSEQ is a reliable method for assessing the experience of attentional fixation in relation to suicide. We propose future research to further examine attentional fixation as a proximal risk factor for suicidal behavior.
Intestinal Microbiota in Breast-Fed Infants: Insights into Infant-Associated Bifidobacteria and Human Milk Glycans

Human milk is an intricate fluid that provides the newborn with all the nutrients needed for healthy growth and orchestrates the enrichment of a protective intestinal microbiota. Human milk glycans are associated with pathogen deflection, modulation of immunity, and the enrichment of a beneficial microbiota dominated by bifidobacteria. Bifidobacteria are one of few bacteria that can consume human milk glycans and their dominance in the neonate gastrointestinal tract is associated with a range of health benefits. Recent evidence also suggests that in addition to milk oligosaccharides, bifidobacteria can utilize milk glycoproteins and glycolipids as growth substrates, demonstrating an impressive catabolic capacity directed toward the comprehensive suite of glycans delivered in human milk. In this chapter, we review the intestinal microbiota in breast-fed infants and the relationship between bifidobacteria, human milk glycans and infant health
Young people, borders and well-being: multi-disciplinary and international perspectives

On 12–15 January 2015, the Department of Geography and the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies of Youth and Space (ISYS) at San Diego State University (SDSU) hosted the 4th International Conferenc...
Characterization of the Annular Core Research Reactor (ACRR) neutron radiography system imaging plane.

The Annular Core Research Reactor (ACRR) at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) is an epithermal pool-type research reactor licensed up to a thermal power of 2.4 MW. The ACRR facility has a neutron radiography facility that is used for imaging a wide range of items including reactor fuel and neutron generators. The ACRR neutron radiography system has four apertures (65:1, 125:1, 250:1, and 500:1) available to experimenters. The neutron flux and spectrum as well as the gamma dose rate were characterized at the imaging plane for the ACRR's neutron radiography system for the 65:1, 125:1 and 250:1 apertures.
Membrane-bound MinDE complex acts as a toggle switch that drives Min oscillation coupled to cytoplasmic depletion of MinD

The Escherichia coli Min system self-organizes into a cell-pole to cell-pole oscillator on the membrane to prevent divisions at the cell poles. Reconstituting the Min system on a lipid bilayer has contributed to elucidating the oscillatory mechanism. However, previous in vitro patterns were attained with protein densities on the bilayer far in excess of those in vivo and failed to recapitulate the standing wave oscillations observed in vivo. Here we studied Min protein patterning at limiting MinD concentrations reflecting the in vivo conditions. We identified “burst” patterns—radially expanding and imploding binding zones of MinD, accompanied by a peripheral ring of MinE. Bursts share several features with the in vivo dynamics of the Min system including standing wave oscillations. Our data support a patterning mechanism whereby the MinD-to-MinE ratio on the membrane acts as a toggle switch: recruiting and stabilizing MinD on the membrane when the ratio is high and releasing MinD from the membrane when the ratio is low. Coupling this toggle switch behavior with MinD depletion from the cytoplasm drives a self-organized standing wave oscillator.
Overview of Head Injuries

Serious injury to the head is a national health problem with enormous emotional, fiscal, and physical consequences. For this special issue of Physical Therapy, serious head injury is defined as trauma to the head with presumed brain involvement. Complete statistical data about head injury in the United States are not available. In the last decade, two national surveys have been done to determine, among other things, incidence and frequency of head injury.1,2 Because of study methods and the lack of uniformity in the operational definition of head injury, epidemiologic and demographic data can only be estimated. According to estimates from all available sources, 400,000 people a year in the United States will require hospitalization after head injury and 30,000 to 40,000 persons will require rehabilitation. Consistently in published statistics, at least twice as many men as women sustain head injuries, and the majority are between 15 and 24 years old.
Oncogenic role of leptin and Notch interleukin-1 leptin crosstalk outcome in cancer

Obesity is a global pandemic characterized by high levels of body fat (adiposity) and derived-cytokines (i.e., leptin). Research shows that adiposity and leptin provide insight on the link between obesity and cancer progression. Leptin's main function is to regulate energy balance. However, obese individuals routinely develop leptin resistance, which is the consequence of the breakdown in the signaling mechanism controlling satiety resulting in the accumulation of leptin. Therefore, leptin levels are often chronically elevated in human obesity. Elevated leptin levels are related to higher incidence, increased progression and poor prognosis of several human cancers. In addition to adipose tissue, cancer cells can also secrete leptin and overexpress leptin receptors. Leptin is known to act as a mitogen, inflammatory and pro-angiogenic factor that induces cancer cell proliferation and tumor angiogenesis. Moreover, leptin signaling induces cancer stem cells, which are involved in cancer recurrence and drug resistance. A novel and complex signaling crosstalk between leptin, Notch and interleukin-1 (IL-1) [Notch, IL-1 and leptin crosstalk outcome (NILCO)] seems to be an important driver of leptin-induced oncogenic actions. Leptin and NILCO signaling mediate the activation of cancer stem cells that can affect drug resistance. Thus, leptin and NILCO signaling are key links between obesity and cancer progression. This review presents updated data suggesting that adiposity affects cancer incidence, progression, and response to treatment. Here we show data supporting the oncogenic role of leptin in breast, endometrial, and pancreatic cancers.
Temperature and coverage dependence of the surface roughness for the growth of Cu on Cu(001): An X-ray scattering study

Synchrotron X-ray scattering was used to study the temperature and coverage dependence of the root-mean-square (rms) surface roughness, σ, during the homoepitaxial growth on Cu(001). At temperatures between 370 and 160K, the rms roughness was found to increase as a power law, σ =Θβ, with the coverage Θ. The roughness exponent, β, amounts to ∼1/2 for T≤200K, and it monotonically decreases with increasing T, reaching β∼1/3 at T=370K. The mean-square roughness measured at a constant coverage of 15ML, σ215ML, also depends on the temperature of the substrate: between 370 and 200K, σ215ML becomes progressively larger at lower temperatures, but at 110K a reentrant smoother growth is observed.
C.-F. Ramuz, ecrivain suisse romand

Les termes de “Suisse romand,” de “Suisse francais,” de “Francais de Suisse,” de “Francais isole en Suisse,” de “Romand” tout court reviennent frequemment dans la correspondance de Ramuz. Mais, disons-le d'emblee, celui-ci est le contraire d'un romancier regional-iste. Ecrivain d'expression francaise, c'est en plongeant profondement ses racines en terre vaudoise surtout, mais aussi valaisanne et savoyarde, qu'il atteint a l'universel. Au lendemain de la premiere guerre mondiale, il ecrit a Elie Faure: “Nous, les Romands, representons malgre tout la France en dehors de ses frontieres politiques.” Oui, “malgre tout,” en depit de ce que peuvent penser certains critiques de France, Ramuz appartient aussi au patrimoine spirituel du grand pays voisin. Qui contesterait que ses illustres predecesseurs qui s'appellent J.-J. Rousseau, Mme de Stael, Benjamin Constant, Frederic Amiel, tous de souche romande, ne representent la litterature francaise au meme titre que Mme de Sevigne, Voltaire et Charles Peguy? Du reste, les auteurs de manuels francais les ont depuis longtemps annexes au domaine litteraire de la France.
Anti-Rejection Drug Treatment Increases Basal Cell Carcinoma Burden in Ptch1+/- Mice

The development of extensive and severe non-melanoma skin cancer is an extremely common complication of organ transplantation and is assumed to be caused by long-term treatment with anti-rejection drugs (ARD). Despite this florid clinical problem, ARD treatments have been reported to affect experimental murine skin carcinogenesis only weakly. We report here that treatment of cesium-137-irradiated Ptch1+/- mice with immunosuppressive doses of cyclosporine A plus prednisolone for 4-1/2 mo increased basal cell carcinoma burden by 2.5-fold. Thus, these mice provide a good model for study of the effects of long-term administration of ARD on at least one type of non-melanoma skin cancer.
Prelude to Abolitionism: Sabbatarian Politics and the Rise of the Second Party System

FOR the student of abolitionist and religious history, Arthur M. Schlesinger's The Age of Jackson is an exasperating book. While Schlesinger recognizes that the Jacksonians failed to grapple with the moral crisis of slavery, he seems wholly unsympathetic toward the northern evangelical movement out of which abolitionist reform emerged. Schlesinger does not see that pious conservatives had good reason to worry about "mobocracy," for the Jacksonian era was more lawless than any previous period in American history. Mob attacks, murders, brawls, and lynchings were as characteristic of the "age of the common man" as toasts to American equality, liberty, and justice. This paradox receives scant attention because Schlesinger is eager to prove that, with the exception of the Civil War, Americans avoided violent upheavals and relied upon political processes to resolve inequities and express discontent. As a result, one would hardly know that Andrew Jackson harshly opposed open discussion of slavery or that he and his party contributed to the seizure of Indian lands and the pathos of Cherokee removal from Georgia. "The empty name" of freedom, cried antislavery leader Theodore Weld, "is everywhere,-free government, free men, free speech, free people, free schools, and free churches. . . . FREE! The word and sound are omnipresent masks, and mockers! An impious lie! unless they stand for free Lynch Law, and free murder; for they are free."1
'PROTOVIPERS" AND THE EVOLUTION OF SNAKE FANGS.

Anthony (1955) argued in his summary report on the venom apparatus of snakes that the fang of viperid snakes evolved from a maxillary tooth, specifically a tooth at the posterior end of the maxilla. He identified specific colubrid snake genera which, when aligned into a morphocline (sensu Maslin, 1952), showed an increasing similarity in maxillary tooth form to the viperid solenoglyph fang. Since then, a search for plausible nacent "protovipers" among the colubrids has continued (Weaver, 1965; Kroll, 1976). Certainly, colubrids are a promising group in which to search for clues to the evolution of the viperid fang and associated apparatus. Over half (51.5%) of the 309 species of colubrids examined by Marx and Rabb (1972) had enlarged teeth at the posterior end of the maxilla and of these over one-quarter (26.8%) even had grooves in these enlarged teeth. The family Colubridae includes many forms harmless to humans, as well as some of the most toxic (e.g., Dispholidus, boomslang; Thelotornis, bird snake). Toxicity, or at least mild-toxicity, may be more widespread in colubrids than is appreciated. For instance, some colubrids customarily considered non-venomous to humans occasionally deliver a painful bite (Heatwole and Banuchi, 1966; Willard, 1967; Johanbocke, 1974; Goellner, 1975). Since many colubrids have teeth similar in general appearance to viperid fangs, and because some of these are mildly to highly venomous, many investigators have looked to colubrids for viperid ancestors. The changes leading to the evolution of the viperid fang have usually been attributed to the selective advantages accruing from a progressively more efficient injection system together with increasing venom toxicity. Certainly, long teeth (fangs) are effective in delivering venom into a prey. It is possible however that injection may not have been the initial selective factor favoring fang development. Instead, enlarged teeth may have evolved initially to play a role in prey swallowing and were secondarily modified into instruments for venom injection (Kroll, 1976). It is my purpose here 1) to identify possible initial selective advantages of enlarged teeth and, 2) to follow the implications of enlargement in "protoviper" evolution.
Efficacy of high efficient insecticide against ticks

Objective To research and test the efficacy of the high efficient insecticide to kill tick.Methods Laboratory experiment and field experiment. Results In laboratory,the insects were contacted with the insecticide I or Ⅱ,all were dead within 60 minutes,but when contacted with the insecticide Ⅲ just all die within 30 minutes.When spraying the insecticide Ⅲ in field,trial group tick density descended to zero and lasted for 60 days.Conclusion The high efficient insecticide had good effect to kill ticks and should be popularized.
285 ROLE OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX IN EXACERBATIONS OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

Purpose Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations have traditionally been attributed to infectious agents and pollutants, but little is known about other potential causes. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a risk factor for COPD exacerbations. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of patients with COPD seen at a pulmonary clinic of an urban academic health center. The diagnosis of COPD was confirmed by clinical history and mean forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio of less than 70% of predicted on pulmonary function testing. The number of COPD exacerbations in the past year was determined by the need for antibiotics or prednisone use, unscheduled clinic visits, emergency room visits, or hospitalizations. The presence of GERD was determined by the use of a previously validated questionnaire (GERQ). Results Of 49 patients enrolled, mean age was 67.6 ± 8.7 (mean ± SD) years with 62.5% males. Overall, 15 (30.6%) of patients reported GERD symptoms. The mean FEV1 % predicted was 40% ± 0.15% and did not differ significantly between the two groups. On average, patients with GERD symptoms reported a higher number of COPD exacerbations (4.4 ± 2.9/yr) compared to patients without GERD symptoms (1.9 ± 1.7/yr) (p = .001). Conclusions These preliminary results suggest that the presence of GERD in COPD patients is associated with an increased risk for COPD exacerbations.
Dietetic specialization: opinions of directors of departments of dietetics.

The need for specialists in dietetic practice was studied by surveying a stratified, random sample of 750 directors of departments of dietetics from nonfederal, general medical-surgical hospitals with more than 75 beds. The response rate was 72%. The majority of respondents were directors who considered themselves generalists.Five demographic variables used in data analysis were hospital size, education level, registration status, years of experience, and perception of practice as generalist or specialist. Student’s f-test and analysis of variance were the principal methods of statisticalanalysis. Results indicated that respondents supported dietetic specialization; however, they emphasized the value of undergraduate generalist preparation as enhancing job performance and preventing fragmentation of the profession. Respondents indicated that specialization should follow professional work experience and additional education. Respondents stressed that The American Dietetic Association should be responsible for determining the process of dietetic specialization. Education level was the variable most likely to affect response. Respondents with education beyond the baccalaureate level were more likely than those with only a bachelor’s degree to agree that specialization should occur after professional experience and at the graduate level. J Am Diet Assoc 89:1458-1464, 1989.
Music for the birds: effects of auditory enrichment on captive bird species.

With the increase of mixed species exhibits in zoos, targeting enrichment for individual species may be problematic. Often, mammals may be the primary targets of enrichment, yet other species that share their environment (such as birds) will unavoidably be exposed to the enrichment as well. The purpose of this study was to determine if (1) auditory stimuli designed for enrichment of primates influenced the behavior of captive birds in the zoo setting, and (2) if the specific type of auditory enrichment impacted bird behavior. Three different African bird species were observed at the Buffalo Zoo during exposure to natural sounds, classical music and rock music. The results revealed that the average frequency of flying in all three bird species increased with naturalistic sounds and decreased with rock music (F = 7.63, df = 3,6, P = 0.018); vocalizations for two of the three species (Superb Starlings and Mousebirds) increased (F = 18.61, df = 2,6, P = 0.0027) in response to all auditory stimuli, however one species (Lady Ross's Turacos) increased frequency of duetting only in response to rock music (X2 = 18.5, df = 2, P < 0.0001). Auditory enrichment implemented for large mammals may influence behavior in non-target species as well, in this case leading to increased activity by birds. Zoo Biol. 35:29–34, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lifetime ruin under ambiguous hazard rate

Abstract We determine the optimal robust investment strategy of an individual who targets a given rate of consumption and who seeks to minimize the probability of lifetime ruin when her hazard rate of mortality is ambiguous. By using stochastic control, we characterize the value function as the unique classical solution of an associated Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation, obtain feedback forms for the optimal strategies for investing in the risky asset and distorting the hazard rate, and determine their dependence on various model parameters. We also include numerical examples to illustrate our results, as well as perturbation analysis for small values of the parameter that measures one’s level of ambiguity aversion.
Your Child in the Hospital: A Practical Guide for Parents by Nancy Keene

Claire B. Joseph, Column EditorWhenComments and suggestions should be sent to the Column Editor: Claire B. Joseph (E-mail: cjoseph@snch.org). parents have to take their child to the hospital, it is...
Novel carbon nanotube FET design with tunable polarity

Based on a novel device concept, we have fabricated high-performance carbon nanotube transistors exhibiting pure n- and p-type behavior, tunable by electrostatic and/or chemical doping, with excellent off-state performance and the smallest inverse subthreshold slope (63 mV/dec) reported to date. This is achieved by combined electrostatic and chemical doping profiles along the nanotube channel. The device design allows for aggressive oxide thickness scaling while maintaining the desired device characteristics.
Integrating social context into comprehensive shared care plans: A scoping review.

Abstract Background Failure to address social determinants of health (SDH) may contribute to the problem of readmissions in high-risk individuals. Comprehensive shared care plans (CSCP) may improve care continuity and health outcomes by communicating SDH risk factors across settings. Purpose The purpose of this study to evaluate the state of knowledge for integrating SDH into a CSCP. Our scoping review of the literature considered 13,886 articles, of which seven met inclusion criteria. Results Identified themes were: integrate health and social sectors; interoperability; standardizing ontologies and interventions; process implementation; professional tribalism; and patient centeredness. Discussion There is an emerging interest in bridging the gap between health and social service sectors. Standardized ontologies and theoretical definitions need to be developed to facilitate communication, indexing, and data retrieval. Conclusions We identified a gap in the literature that indicates that foundational work will be required to guide the development of a CSCP that includes SDH that can be shared across settings. The lack of studies published in the United States suggests that this is a critical area for future research and funding.
Second Language Writing Research: Perspectives on the Process of Knowledge Construction

Contents: Preface. Part I: Research as Situated Knowledge Construction. T. Silva, On the Philosophical Bases of Inquiry in Second Language Writing: Metaphysics, Inquiry Paradigms, and the Intellectual Zeitgeist. C.P. Casanave, Uses of Narrative in L2 Writing Research. P.K. Matsuda, Historical Inquiry in Second Language Writing. Part II: Conceptualizing L2 Writing Research. D. Atkinson, Situated Qualitative Research and Second Language Writing. J. Flowerdew, A Multimethod Approach to Research Into Processes of Scholarly Writing for Publication. M. Sasaki, Hypothesis Generation and Hypothesis Testing: Two Complementary Studies of EFL Writing Processes. R. Weissberg, Talking About Writing: Cross-Modality Research and Second Language Speaking/Writing Connections. R. Haswell, Researching Teacher Evaluation of Second-Language Writing Via Prototype Theory. X. Li, Composing Culture in a Fragmented World: The Issue of Representation in Cross-Cultural Research. Part III: Collecting and Analyzing Data. S. Parks, Qualitative Research as Heuristic: Investigating Documentation Practices in a Medical Setting. L.L. Blanton, Mucking Around in the Lives of Others: Reflections on Qualitative Research. C. Brice, Coding Data in Qualitative Research on L2 Writing: Issues and Implications. K. Hyland, Digging Up Texts and Transcripts: Confessions of a Discourse Analyst. R.M. Manchon, L. Murphy, J.R. de Larios, Using Concurrent Protocols to Explore L2 Writing Processes: Methodological Issues in the Collection and Analysis of Data. S. Hudelson, Taking on English Writing in a Bilingual Program: Revisiting, Reexamining, Reconceptualizing the Data. Part IV: Coda. D. Ferris, Tricks of the Trade: The Nuts and Bolts of L2 Writing Research.
Muslim Women's Experiences with Stigma, Abuse, and Depression: Results of a Sample Study Conducted in the United States.

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore associations between internalized stigma, exposure to physical abuse, experiences with sexual abuse, and depression in Muslim women residing in the United States. Materials and Methods: We analyzed self-reported data collected online in late 2015. Women who self-identified as Muslim, were at least 18 years old, and were residents of the United States met the inclusion criteria (n = 373). Logistic regression models were used to estimate associations between socioeconomic status, nativity, and the abovementioned indicators. Results: Internalized stigma measured through heightened vigilance was associated with depression. Each increase in the abbreviated heightened vigilance scale (higher scores indicate lower vigilance) was associated with 7.6% lower odds of meeting the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale 10 (CES-D 10) cutoff for depression (OR = 0.924, 95% CI = 0.888–0.962, p < 0.001). Among individual factors, education, household income...
Tumor necrosis factor α Inhibition for Alzheimer’s Disease

Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) plays a central role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Food and Drug Administration–approved biologic TNF-α inhibitors are thus a potential treatment for AD, but they do not cross the blood-brain barrier. In this short review, we discuss the involvement of TNF-α in AD, challenges associated with the development of existing biologic TNF-α inhibitors for AD, and potential therapeutic strategies for targeting TNF-α for AD therapy.
Exploring the readability of nano-magnetic energy minimizing co-processor

Recent times have witnessed profound interest to find a suitable hardware platform for non-boolean computation. Our approach relies on the fact that the Hamiltonian of a system of coupled nanomagnets is quadratic. A wide class of quadratic energy minimization can be solved directly by the relaxation of a grid of nanomagnets [1]. Preliminary research showed that magnet-based solutions are independent of problem size. The magnetic states of the nano-magnets provide solution of the original optimization problem. Since the framework is similar to STT-MRAM memories, we can leverage the heterogeneous integration with CMOS technologies for access, control and reading the cells. This paper focuses on an efficient reading of the magnetic cells which is of critical importance. Based on the framework, the reading mechanism has to be able to differentiate the two states (inplane single domain and vortex domain states). We investigated two reading mechanisms for the detection of relaxed magnetic states. Our comparative study shows that differential read scheme is more capable to handle the effects due to the process variation.
Acceleration in other axes affects +Gz tolerance: dynamic centrifuge simulation of agile flight.

Background Modern, thrust-vectored jet aircraft have the capability of developing multi-axis accelerations, especially during the performance of "supermaneuvers." These "agile" aircraft are capable of unconventional flight. The human consequences of this agile flight environment are unknown. Methods This multi-axis acceleration environment was studied on the Dynamic Environment Simulator gimbaled centrifuge. There were nine relaxed, unprotected subjects who were exposed to either lateral (+/- 1, +/- 2 Gy), transverse chest-to-back (+1, 2.5, or 4 Gx), or back-to-chest (-1 Gx) sustained acceleration. Positive C (+Gz) acceleration was then added beginning at 1.0 Gz by gradual onset (0.1 Gz x s(-1)) until the subjects lost nearly all of their vision. Baseline +Gz-only relaxed tolerances were measured before and after all combined Gy/Gz and Gx/Gz exposures. Heart rate, percent cerebral oxygen saturation, and cerebral blood volumes were collected during each exposure. Results Adding moderate transverse (+Gx) acceleration significantly reduced +Gz tolerance. Relaxed, unprotected +Gz tolerance was reduced approximately 0.25 G when 1.0 or 2.5 Gx was added to the increasing +Gz exposure. Adding moderate lateral Gy significantly increased +Gz tolerance. Relaxed, unprotected +Gz tolerance was increased approximately 0.5 G when +2 Gy or -2 Gy was added to the -Gz exposure. The decrease in cerebral blood volume was significantly less when +Gz was added to -1 Gx compared with the addition of +Gz to +Gx. Conclusions Multi-axis sustained accelerations, such as those experienced during thrust-vectored aircraft maneuvers, can either enhance or reduce the +Gz tolerance of the pilot depending on the direction of the net gravitoinertial force. Gy acceleration in conjunction with Gz acceleration can enhance G tolerance. Gx acceleration in addition to Gz acceleration can reduce G tolerance.
The dnaG Gene Product of Escherichia Coli: Characterization of the Catalytic Activity

The initiation of oX174 replicative form synthesis from viral single-stranded DNA in vitro, occurs in at least two distinct stages (1–3). The first step requires the products of the dnaB and dnaC gene, the DNA-binding protein, and additional protein factors1 to “activate” oX174 single-stranded DNA in an ATP-dependent reaction. This activated DNA may be isolated by gel filtration after incubation of DNA with ATP and a partially purified cell extract (1) or resolved protein fractions (2). Furthermore “activated” DNA promoted immediate complementary strand synthesis, requiring the dnaG gene product in addition to DNA polymerase and factors as opposed to the kinetic lag observed for unreacted DNA. The absolute requirement for the dnaG protein in this latter stage suggests that it plays an essential role in DNA chain initiation. It has been reported that the dnaG protein functions, (phage G4 replicative form synthesis), by synthesizing an oligoribonucleotide primer in a rifampicin-resistant reaction (4). It was suggested that the template for this reaction: binding protein complexed with single-stranded DNA, is the functional equivalent of “activated” oX174 DNA; and that dnaG protein catalyzes the same reaction on both DNAs.
From touch localization to directed motor output in the leech local bend network

Local bending in the leech is a body positioning response directed away from a touch to the body wall. We have used several approaches toward understanding this transformation between touch location and directed behavioral output. Here, we summarize our results and describe a model of the local bend network that is based on known physiological and anatomical properties.
On the Relationship between Manufacturing and Innovation: Why Not All Technologies Are Created Equal

This paper demonstrates the relationship between manufacturing location and innovation trajectories, and why theory should not expect the same relationship for all technologies and industries. I focus on emerging technologies in two polar-opposite industries - automobiles and photonic semiconductors (the latter for telecom, computing, and military applications). In both cases, my results show that when US firms shift production from the US to countries like China, the most advanced technologies that were developed in the U.S. are no longer profitable. Production characteristics are different abroad, and earlier technologies can be more cost-effective in countries like China. While these economics lead firms to abandon producing the most advanced technologies, in only one situation is there a barrier to pursuing innovation in the most advanced technologies back the US. I conclude by introducing a classification system to explain how the relationship between manufacturing and innovation may differ by technology. Within this framework, particularly important may be policies to support manufacturing, technology development, and commercialization activities by early-stage, high-technology, small and medium sized enterprises with immature processes.
Patterns of neurogenic involvement in borderline and essential hypertension.

Publisher Summary This chapter Hemodynamics and indices of neurogenic tone are compared in 145 patients with borderline hypertension, 21 patients with essential hypertension, and 86 normal subjects. Some patients with borderline hypertension have an elevation of cardiac output that is fully neurogenic—cardiac output becomes normal after beta-adrenergic and parasympathetic cardiac blockade with intravenous propranolol and atropine. Sequential administration of propranolol and atropine in these patients reveals sympathetic cardiac stimulation and less vagal inhibition that points toward an altered integration of autonomic cardiac control. Analysis by renin status provides further insight. Based on the hemodynamic responses to propranolol and alpha-adrenergic blockade with phentolamine, borderline hypertensives with high plasma renin show evidence of increased adrenergic drive to the heart and resistance vessels. In these patients, the hypertension is entirely neurogenic, because a combined cardiac and vascular autonomic blockade elicits normotension. In borderline hypertensives with low plasma renin activity, there is no evidence of increased sympathetic tone. In mild established essential hypertension renin, categorization allows a similar differentiation. Essential hypertensives with high plasma renin activity have a faster heart rate, which is related to excess beta-adrenergic drive. Plasma norepinephrine concentration in these patients is elevated. Patients with low-renin essential hypertension does not show abnormality.
Acidosis and citrate: provocative interactions.

The kidneys maintain acid-base homeostasis (with the lungs controlling CO2) by reabsorbing large amounts of filtered bicarbonate (HCO3−) and excreting acid. Regulation of pH at both the cell level and organism level are important for many cellular functions and health. Both acidosis and alkalosis have both acute and long-term deleterious consequences.
When and How Middle-status Firms Innovate: Status and US newspapers' adoption of digital media

This study focuses on the role of status and market identity in the diffusion of a discontinuous technology and asks specifically how status and market identity affect the adoption motivation and a...
Glacier Terminus Estimation from Landsat Image Intensity Profiles

Mountain glacier retreat is an important problem related to temperature increase caused by global climate change. The retreat of mountain glaciers has been studied from the ground, but there exists a need for automated methods to catalog glacial change with a wider scope. A viable approach is to extract intensity profiles from Landsat images along the glacial flowline and follow the terminus location over time. We propose a new robust and accurate statistical algorithm to estimate the movement of glacial termini over time from these extracted image intensity profiles. The method we propose first uses regression splines to smooth the image intensity profiles. For each profile, the glacial terminus location is assumed to lie near a point of high negative change in the smoothed profiles. An approximate path of termini locations over time is obtained by an algorithm that seeks to minimize the cumulative first derivative value across the profiles. Spline smoothing is applied to this pilot path for estimation of long-term terminus movement. The predictions from the method are evaluated on simulated data and compared to available ground measurements for the Nigardsbreen, Gorner, Rhone, and Franz Josef glaciers.
End-expiratory lung volume decreases during REM sleep despite continuous positive airway pressure

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may experience apneas and hypopneas primarily during stage R (REM) sleep when end-expiratory lung volume (EELV) reaches its nadir. The purpose of this study was to determine if REM-related reductions in EELV persist in the presence of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) prescribed during non-stage REM (NREM) sleep. We prospectively recruited 17 subjects referred to the sleep laboratory for CPAP titration. CPAP was titrated per AASM protocol to control respiratory events. The change in EELV was measured using magnetometry. Of the 17 subjects, 12 (71%) had moderate to severe OSA. Despite the application of CPAP, there was a significant reduction in EELV between NREM and REM sleep (− 105.9 ± 92.2 to − 325.0 ± 113.1 mL, respectively, p < 0.01). The change in EELV between non-stage R (NREM) and REM significantly correlated with overall apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) (r = 0.5, p = 0.04), the number of respiratory arousals during REM (r = 0.5, p = 0.04), and prescribed level of CPAP (r = 0.7, p < 0.01). REM-related reductions in EELV are associated with worsening sleep disordered breathing and occur despite the presence of CPAP.
[Niemann-Pick disease type C caused by NPC1 mutation in a case]

Objective To delineate the clinical and genetic features of a Chinese boy suspected for Niemann-Pick disease type C. Methods The patient underwent clinical examination and was subjected to next generation sequencing. Suspected mutations were validated by Sanger sequencing. Potential impact of the novel mutation was predicted by SIFT, PolyPhen-2 and MutationTaste software. Results The child has featured hepatosplenomegaly, increased direct bilirubin, jaundiced skin and liver damage. DNA sequencing showed that he has carried compound heterozygous mutations of NPC1 gene, namely c. 2728G>A (p.G910S) and c. 269C>G (p.P90R), which were inherited from his mother and father, respectively. The c. 2728G>A (p.G910S) mutation was previously reported, while the c. 269C>G (p.P90R) was a novel mutation. Conclusion The child has suffered from Niemann-Pick disease type C due to mutations of NPC1 gene. This finding has enriched the spectrum of NPC1 mutations and provided a basis for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis. Key words: Niemann-Pick disease type C; NPC1 gene; Mutations analysis; Next generation sequencing
Testing the Validity of GRE Scores on Predicting Graduate Performance for National and International Engineering Students

Gran cantidad de estudios han examinado la validez de puntajes REG (Registro de Examinacion de Graduados) como predictores del exito de graduacion, aunque aun existen algunas limitaciones. Este estudio se enfoco en programas de ingenieria y evaluo la validez de puntajes REG como predictor del GPA (Grade Point Average, Puntaje Promedio de Calificaciones) (GGPA). Adicionalmente, las diferencias en la validez de puntajes REG entre los estudiantes americanos e internacionales, asi como los puntajes entre estudiantes de maestria y doctorado, fueron comparadas. La capacidad predictiva incremental del REG sobre el GPA de los estudiantes de pregrado (UGPA) y los puntajes TOEFL tambien fue evaluada. Se obtuvieron datos de 1083 estudiantes de programas de ingenieria de una universidad grande de la zona centro-oeste. Los resultados indicaron que el REG fue util como predictor del GGPA de los estudiantes de ingenieria. Los puntajes REG explicaron mayor cantidad de varianza para estudiantes americanos que para estudiantes internacionales, aunque solo se encontraron diferencias estadisticamente significativas cuando el REG cuantitativo predijo GGPA. Los puntajes REG verbal y REG cuantitativo presentaron puntajes diferentes al predecir calificaciones de los graduados de maestria y doctorado. El puntaje UPGA resulto ser un buen predictor, y los puntajes del TOEFL estuvieron correlacionados significativamente con las variables de criterio. Los puntajes REG, sin embargo, resultaron tener validez incremental significativa por encime de los puntajes UGPA y TOEFL. Los puntajes TOEFL fueron menos capaces de hacer predicciones.
Germain and Fermat’s Last Theorem

On the same day Sophie Germain won the prize for her mathematical work on vibrating plates, the commissioners of the Academy of Sciences announced the (last) theorem of Fermat as the topic for the 1818 contest of mathematics. A happy coincidence? Germain kept her feelings secret, or at least there are no written words to shed light on her intellectual delight, as the new competition would carry her back to her first love—number theory. It would give her a fresh impetus to pursue once again the proof of the celebre equation de Fermat, as she called it, an effort she had begun years earlier.
Effectiveness of pictographs in improving patient education outcomes: a systematic review.

The objective of this review was to investigate process of pictograph development and the effectiveness of pictographs in patient education. We conducted searches in Medline/PubMed, CINAHL with full text, PsycInfo, ERIC and Cochrane Library with keywords: (pictograph or pictorial) AND (patient education) NOT (children or adolescent or youth or child or teenagers). After excluding manuscripts that did not meet inclusion criteria, 56 articles were included between the time of the last review on this topic (January 2008) and May 2019. There are 17 descriptive studies, 27 randomized control trial studies, 9 quasi-experimental studies and 2 unique literatures in the systematic review. Major goals of the studies are pictograph development or validation. The majority of manuscripts (n = 48) supported the approach. However, six studies did not find significant differences in the outcome. Differences in patient population, pictograph designs and author-developed outcome measurements made it difficult to compare the findings. There is a lack of evidence on validating information outcome measurements. This review demonstrated that implementing pictographs into patient education is a promising approach for better information understanding and health management. Pictographic interventions need to be carefully developed and validated with both the targeted patient population and the clinical experts.
Terminal Syme Amputation of the Great Toe in the Pediatric Population.

BACKGROUND In the pediatric population, chronic ingrown toenails (onychocryptosis) can cause infection (paronychia), debilitating pain, and may be unresponsive to conservative treatments. Following multiple failed interventions, a terminal Syme amputation is one option for definitive treatment of chronic onychocryptosis. This procedure involves amputation of the distal aspect of the distal phalanx of the great toe with complete removal of the nail bed and germinal center, preventing further nail growth and recurrence. METHODS A retrospective review was performed to determine outcomes of a terminal Syme amputation in the pediatric population. Inclusion criteria included treatment of onychocryptosis involving terminal Syme amputation with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. The medical record was reviewed to assess previous failed treatment efforts, perioperative complications, radiographic outcomes, and the need for additional procedures. RESULTS From 1984 to 2017, 11 patients (13 halluces) with onychocryptosis were treated with a terminal Syme amputation. There were no intraoperative complications. One hallux had a postoperative infection requiring antibiotics as well as partial nail regrowth following the terminal Syme procedure that required subsequent removal of the residual nail. Following partial nail ablation, the patient had no further nail growth. An additional patient also developed a postoperative infection requiring oral antibiotic treatment. All patients returned to full weight-bearing physical activities within 6 weeks of surgery. CONCLUSIONS Terminal Syme amputation was successful in treating pediatric patients who have recalcitrant onychocryptosis and paronychia. There was little functional consequence following terminal Syme amputation of the great toe in this patient population, making it an effective salvage procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV-retrospective comparative study.
The rostromedial tegmental (RMTg) "brake" on dopamine and behavior: A decade of progress but also much unfinished work.

Abstract Between 2005 and 2009, several research groups identified a strikingly dense inhibitory input to midbrain dopamine neurons arising from a previously uncharted region posterior to the ventral tegmental area (VTA). This region is now denoted as either the rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg) or the “tail of the VTA” (tVTA), and is recognized to express distinct genetic markers, encode negative “prediction errors” (inverse to dopamine neurons), and play critical roles in behavioral inhibition and punishment learning. RMTg neurons are also influenced by many categories of abused drugs, and may drive some aversive responses to such drugs, particularly cocaine and alcohol. However, despite much progress, many important questions remain about RMTg molecular/genetic properties, diversity of projection targets, and applications to addiction, depression, and other neuropsychiatric disorders. This article is part of the special Issue on ‘Neurocircuitry Modulating Drug and Alcohol Abuse'.
Realizing the Potential of Hyperspectral Remote Sensing in Coastal and Inland Waters

Population growth and climate change is creating the need for new surveying technologies to provide science-based information in support of environmental policy and management strategies. Imaging spectroscopy or hyperspectral remote sensing across the full spectrum of visible and near infrared light will be an important tool to derive products related to aquatic biodiversity, habitats, water quality, and natural and anthropogenic hazards, well beyond those that can be produced with multi-channel imagery. This introduction to hyperspectral remote sensing provides a brief overview of the field in terms of history, new methods and select applications (e.g., biodiversity and net primary productivity) and provides an outlook for the future.