cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Extracellular Interactome of Immunoglobulin and LRR Proteins Reveals Receptor-Ligand Networks

Extracellular domains of cell surface receptors and ligands mediate cell-cell communication, adhesion, and initiation of signaling events, but most existing protein-protein “interactome” data sets lack information for extracellular interactions. We probed interactions between receptor extracellular domains, focusing on a set of 202 proteins composed of the Drosophila melanogaster immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF), fibronectin type III (FnIII), and leucine-rich repeat (LRR) families, which are known to be important in neuronal and developmental functions. Out of 20,503 candidate protein pairs tested, we observed 106 interactions, 83 of which were previously unknown. We “deorphanized” the 20 member subfamily of defective-in-proboscis-response IgSF proteins, showing that they selectively interact with an 11 member subfamily of previously uncharacterized IgSF proteins. Both subfamilies interact with a single common “orphan” LRR protein. We also observed interactions between Hedgehog and EGFR pathway components. Several of these interactions could be visualized in live-dissected embryos, demonstrating that this approach can identify physiologically relevant receptor-ligand pairs.
Buckling of stiffened multilayered circular cylindrical shells with different orthotropic moduli in tension and compression

An exact buckling criterion, within the framework of classical buckling theory, is derived for eccentrically stiffened multilayered circular cylindrical shells made of materials that have different orthotropic moduli in tension and compression. Such behavior is typical of many current composite materials. The buckling criterion is valid for arbitrary combinations of axial and circumferential loading, including axial compression and internal pressure as well as axial tension and lateral pressure. The material model (stress-strain relationship) involves a bilinear stress-strain curve that has a discontinuity in slope (modulus) at the origin. A numerical example of buckling of a ring-stiffened two-layered circular cylindrical shell is given to illustrate application of the buckling criterion.
Leakage efficient chip-level dual-Vdd assignment with time slack allocation for FPGA power reduction

To reduce power, Vdd programmability has been proposed recently to select Vdd-level for interconnects and to power-gate unused interconnects. However, Vdd-level converters used in the Vdd-programmable method consume a large amount of leakage. In this paper, we develop chip-level dual-Vdd assignment algorithms to guarantee that no low-Vdd interconnect switch drives high-Vdd interconnect switches. This removes the need of Vdd-level converters and reduces interconnect leakage and interconnect device area by 91.78% and 25.48%, respectively. The assignment algorithms include power sensitivity based heuristics with implicit time slack allocation and a linear programming (LP) based method with explicit time slack allocation. Both first allocate time slack to interconnects with higher transition density and assign low-Vdd to them for more power reduction. Compared to the aforementioned Vdd-programmable method using Vdd-level converters, the LP based algorithm reduces interconnect power by 65.13% without performance loss for the MCNC benchmark circuits. Compared to the LP based algorithm, the sensitivity based heuristics can obtain slightly smaller power reduction but run 4/spl times/ faster.
The clinical course of DSM‐5 alcohol use disorders in young adult native and Mexican Americans

Background and Objectives To determine if the clinical course of DSM-5 alcohol use disorders (AUD) in select populations of young adults (18–30 years) differed based on gender, diagnostic severity (mild, moderate, severe), and ethnicity. Methods Native Americans (NA) and Mexican Americans (MA) (n = 1,129) were recruited from the community and completed a structured diagnostic interview. Participants with DSM-5 AUDs were compared based on gender, severity of the disorder (mild, moderate, severe), and ethnicity for differences in drinking levels, as well as the clinical course of AUD as defined by the occurrence and sequence of 36 alcohol-related life events. Results Seventy percent of the NA men, 64% of the NA women, 56% of the MA men, and 42% of the MA women met lifetime diagnostic criteria for a DSM-5 AUD. NA reported more alcohol-related life events and at an earlier age than MA. A high degree of similarity in the clinical course was found between men and women and between those with severe or moderate disorder, but not with those with mild disorder. Conclusions NA had higher drinking levels and more alcohol problems at an earlier age than MA. A similar clinical course was seen based on gender and ethnicity in these young adults, but not based on diagnostic severity. Scientific Significance The DSM-5 mild AUD category differs from the moderate and severe categories on drinking history, clinical course, gender, and ethnic distribution. Mild AUD may not be in the same clinical continuum as moderate and severe AUD in these populations. (Am J Addict 2015;XX:1–9)
Post-translationally modified neuropeptides from Conus venoms

Predatory cone snails (genus Conus) comprise what is arguably the largest living genus of marine animals (500 species). All Conus use complex venoms to capture prey and for other biological purposes. Most biologically active components of these venoms are small disulfide-rich peptides, generally 7-35 amino acids in length. There are probably of the order of 100 different peptides expressed in the venom of each of the 500 Conus species [1,2]. Peptide sequences diverge rapidly between Conus species, resulting in a distinct peptide complement for each species. Thus, the genus as a whole has probably generated approximately 50 000 different peptides, which can be organized into families and superfamilies with shared sequence elements [3]. In this minireview, we provide a brief overview of the neuropharmacological, molecular and cell-biological aspects of the Conus peptides. However, the major focus of the review will be the remarkable array of post-translational modifications found in these peptides.
Neuroinflammatory paradigms in lysosomal storage diseases

Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) include approximately 70 distinct disorders that collectively account for 14% of all inherited metabolic diseases. LSDs are caused by mutations in various enzymes/proteins that disrupt lysosomal function, which impairs macromolecule degradation following endosome-lysosome and phagosome-lysosome fusion and autophagy, ultimately disrupting cellular homeostasis. LSDs are pathologically typified by lysosomal inclusions composed of a heterogeneous mixture of various proteins and lipids that can be found throughout the body. However, in many cases the CNS is dramatically affected, which may result from heightened neuronal vulnerability based on their post-mitotic state. Besides intrinsic neuronal defects, another emerging factor common to many LSDs is neuroinflammation, which may negatively impact neuronal survival and contribute to neurodegeneration. Microglial and astrocyte activation is a hallmark of many LSDs that affect the CNS, which often precedes and predicts regions where eventual neuron loss will occur. However, the timing, intensity, and duration of neuroinflammation may ultimately dictate the impact on CNS homeostasis. For example, a transient inflammatory response following CNS insult/injury can be neuroprotective, as glial cells attempt to remove the insult and provide trophic support to neurons. However, chronic inflammation, as seen in several LSDs, can promote neurodegeneration by creating a neurotoxic environment due to elevated levels of cytokines, chemokines, and pro-apoptotic molecules. Although neuroinflammation has been reported in several LSDs, the cellular basis and mechanisms responsible for eliciting neuroinflammatory pathways are just beginning to be defined. This review highlights the role of neuroinflammation in select LSDs and its potential contribution to neuron loss.
Initial Fluid Resuscitation for Patients With Diabetic Ketoacidosis: How Dry Are They?

A prospective consecutive case series of patients aged 5 to 20 years who presented to a pediatric emergency department with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) was studied to determine the actual percent loss of body weight during an episode of DKA to determine the degree of dehydration and thereby provide a guide for hydration therapy during such an episode. Patients' weights at the time of presentation, inpatient discharge, and at the first follow-up clinic visit were used to calculate the percent loss of body weight. Data from 33 episodes of DKA showed that the majority of patients with DKA had moderate (4% to 8%) dehydration. Clinical assessment was a poor predictor of severity of dehydration and overestimated the percent dehydration in 67% of patients. Based on these data it is recommend that initial fluid therapy for DKA should assume moderate dehydration with adjustment made according to clinical response.
dCtBP mediates transcriptional repression by Knirps, Krüppel and Snail in the Drosophila embryo

The pre-cellular Drosophila embryo contains 10 well characterized sequence-specific transcriptional repressors, which represent a broad spectrum of DNA-binding proteins. Previous studies have shown that two of the repressors, Hairy and Dorsal, recruit a common co-repressor protein, Groucho. Here we present evidence that three different repressors, Knirps, Kruppel and Snail, recruit a different co-repressor, dCtBP. Mutant embryos containing diminished levels of maternal dCtBP products exhibit both segmentation and dorsoventral patterning defects, which can be attributed to loss of Kruppel, Knirps and Snail activity. In contrast, the Dorsal and Hairy repressors retain at least some activity in dCtBP mutant embryos. dCtBP interacts with Kruppel, Knirps and Snail through a related sequence motif, PXDLSXK/H. This motif is essential for the repression activity of these proteins in transgenic embryos. We propose that dCtBP represents a major form of transcriptional repression in development, and that the Groucho and dCtBP co-repressors mediate separate pathways of repression.
Insights into the Preservation of the Homomorphic Sex-Determining Chromosome of Aedes aegypti from the Discovery of a Male-Biased Gene Tightly Linked to the M-Locus

The preservation of a homomorphic sex-determining chromosome in some organisms without transformation into a heteromorphic sex chromosome is a long-standing enigma in evolutionary biology. A dominant sex-determining locus (or M-locus) in an undifferentiated homomorphic chromosome confers the male phenotype in the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti. Genetic evidence suggests that the M-locus is in a nonrecombining region. However, the molecular nature of the M-locus has not been characterized. Using a recently developed approach based on Illumina sequencing of male and female genomic DNA, we identified a novel gene, myo-sex, that is present almost exclusively in the male genome but can sporadically be found in the female genome due to recombination. For simplicity, we define sequences that are primarily found in the male genome as male-biased. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on A. aegypti chromosomes demonstrated that the myo-sex probe localized to region 1q21, the established location of the M-locus. Myo-sex is a duplicated myosin heavy chain gene that is highly expressed in the pupa and adult male. Myo-sex shares 83% nucleotide identity and 97% amino acid identity with its closest autosomal paralog, consistent with ancient duplication followed by strong purifying selection. Compared with males, myo-sex is expressed at very low levels in the females that acquired it, indicating that myo-sex may be sexually antagonistic. This study establishes a framework to discover male-biased sequences within a homomorphic sex-determining chromosome and offers new insights into the evolutionary forces that have impeded the expansion of the nonrecombining M-locus in A. aegypti.
Multi-camera tracking on a graph using Markov chain Monte Carlo

Wide-area surveillance requires a system of multiple cameras that are sparsely distributed without overlapping fields of view. Tracking objects in such a setting is challenging because blind gaps between disjoint camera views cannot ensure spatial, temporal, and visual continuity in successive observations. We propose an association algorithm for tracking an unknown number of objects with sparsely distributed uncalibrated cameras. To model traffic patterns in a monitored environment, we exploit the statistics on overall traffic and the probabilistic dependence of a path in one camera view on the previous path in another camera view. The dependency and the frequency of allowable paths are represented in a graph model. Without using a high-order transition model, the proposed graph disambiguates traffic patterns and generalizes traffic constraints in motorway and indoor scenarios. Based on the graph model, we derive a posterior probability of underlying paths, given a set of observations. The posterior evaluates not only the plausibility of individual paths but also the hypothesized number of paths with respect to traffic statistics of the environment. To find the maximum a posteriori, we use Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC). In contrast to other MCMC-based tracking methods, the proposed MCMC sampling requires neither additional cost to compute an initial sample nor information about the number of objects passing through the environment.
COMMUNITY CONTEXT OF AN OBLIGATE MUTUALISM: POLLINATOR AND FLORIVORE EFFECTS ON YUCCA FILAMENTOSA

Obligate pollination mutualisms have been central to our understanding of the ecology and evolution of mutualisms. Although usually viewed as pairwise interactions, obligate mutualists also interact with other community members that may impact the mu- tualism. In this study, we examined the community context of the obligate mutualism between the plant Yucca filamentosaand its yucca moth pollinator Tegeticula cassandra to determine the relationships among plant traits, the community assemblage, and fruit set. In addition to attracting its pollinator, Y. filamentosain central Florida also attracts two insect florivores: the hemipteran Leptoglossus phyllopusand the beetle Hymenorus densus. We surveyed flowering Y. filamentosain 2001 and 2002 to determine the abundance of the three insect species throughout the flowering period. We also measured fruit set and four plant traits thought to be important in attracting the moth pollinator. Path analysis revealed that T. cassandra was the most important determinant of relative fruit set for both years. Peak pollinator abundance was significantly earlier than peak flowering. Consequently, we found a negative relationship between plant flowering date and pollinator abundance. Fur- thermore, taller plants also attracted more pollinators. Leptoglossus phyllopus had a sig- nificantly negative impact on relative fruit set in 2001 but not in 2002, whereas H. densus had no effect in either year. Abundance of the two florivores was more closely tied to peak flowering of Y. filamentosathan was the peak abundance of the pollinator moths. Although both florivore species reached high densities on Y. filamentosa , their effect on relative fruit set through floral abscission may be partially masked by the characteristically high ab- scission rates found in yuccas. As a result, florivores may be feeding on flowers that are already destined to be abscised. Similarly, pollinator moths may be preadapted to handle the effects of florivores because females lay eggs across multiple plants and flowers. Hence, the obligate mutualism between yuccas and yucca moths may be somewhat buffered from the effects of local community members depending on whether florivores substantially increase floral abscission rates from year to year.
Involvement of Microsomal Epoxide Hydrolase Enzyme in Ovotoxicity Caused by 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene

Ovarian follicle disruption in mice caused by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) is attributed to its bioactivation by CYP1B1 to a 3,4-epoxide which is then hydrolyzed to form a 3,4-diol by microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH). Further epoxidation by CYP1A1 or 1B1 forms the ultimate ovotoxicant, DMBA-3,4-diol-1,2-epoxide. Studies suggest that the mouse ovary expresses these enzymes, and thus, may be capable of bioactivating DMBA to its ovotoxic metabolite. The present study was designed to evaluate the role of ovarian mEH in DMBA-induced ovotoxicity using a novel neonatal mouse ovarian culture system. Ovaries from postnatal day (PND) 4 B6C3F1 mice were incubated with DMBA (12.5nM–1mM) for various lengths of time. Following incubation, ovaries were histologically evaluated or assessed for mEH protein or mRNA. Following 15 days of incubation, DMBA reduced (p < 0.05) healthy follicles at concentrations � 12.5nM. At 1mM DMBA, follicle loss and increased mEH protein were measured (p < 0.05) by 6 h. mRNA encoding mEH markedly increased after 2 days of incubation, and this increase preceded accelerated follicle loss at 4 days. Furthermore, follicle loss induced by DMBA was prevented when cyclohexene oxide (2mM), an mEH inhibitor, was added to DMBA incubations. These studies suggest that the PND4 mouse ovary is capable of bioactivating DMBA to its ovotoxic form, and that ovarian mEH enzyme activity is likely involved. Furthermore, these observations support the use of a novel ovarian culture system to study ovaryspecific metabolism of xenobiotic chemicals.
Exposure of Adolescent Rats to Oral Methylphenidate: Preferential Effects on Extracellular Norepinephrine and Absence of Sensitization and Cross-Sensitization to Methamphetamine

Methylphenidate (MP) (ritalin) is widely used in the treatment of children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but little is known about therapeutic mechanisms or about possible consequences of long-term exposure. To more closely simulate the clinical use of the drug, we orally administered MP to adolescent rats during the dark-active phase of the circadian cycle at doses (0.75-3.0 mg/kg) below threshold for locomotor activation. We found that doses in this range increased extracellular norepinephrine in hippocampus without affecting dopamine in nucleus accumbens. These results suggest that norepinephrine systems may play an important role in the therapeutic action of this drug. To examine one potential consequence of long-term exposure to MP, i.e., the development of locomotor sensitization, an adaptational change that has been implicated in drug abuse liability, animals received three daily oral administrations of these doses of MP for up to 4 weeks through adolescence. The animals were then challenged with methamphetamine (0.5 mg/kg). We found that the behavioral response to MP did not change during the course of chronic treatment and that MP-pretreated animals did not exhibit a sensitized locomotor response to the methamphetamine challenge. We propose that, to the extent that this treatment protocol more closely reflects clinical exposure patterns, the relative insensitivity of accumbens dopamine to the acute administration of these MP doses, and the corresponding absence of evidence for the development of locomotor sensitization, supports one clinical view that there is little abuse liability associated with low dose, long-term MP treatment.
Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators in Children: A Single-Institutional Experience

Abstract Background . Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators have been infrequently used in children as therapy for resuscitated sudden death and syncope due to ventricular arrhythmias unresponsive to antiarrhythmics. Methods . The medical records of 5 children with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators were retrospectively reviewed. All patients had experienced syncope and 3 (60%) an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Underlying pathology included hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in 2, long QT syndrome in 2, and ventricular arrhythmia after remote repair of congenital heart disease in 1. Open thoracotomy with epicardial lead placement and transvenous endocardial approaches were used. Results . There was no early or late mortality in the 5 pediatric patients undergoing implantable cardioverter-defibrillator placement. Postoperative complications occurred more frequently when open thoracotomy was used for placement. At mean follow-up of 34 months, 4 of the 5 (80%) have received shocks. Conclusions . Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator is a safe and reliable therapy for children with resuscitated sudden death and syncope due to ventricular tachycardia unresponsive to antiarrhythmics. Transvenous lead placement lowers morbidity and hospital length of stay.
Reasons for ineffective pre-pregnancy contraception use in patients seeking abortion services.

Abstract Background We sought to better understand reasons for not obtaining desired contraception among women presenting for a pregnancy termination. Study Design A survey was completed by women prior to having an abortion procedure. Reasons for lack of access were categorized as institutional, individual and compliance issues. Descriptive statistics were calculated and variables compared using χ 2 tests. Results Participants ( n =298) ranged in age from 18 to 48 years. One third reported contraceptive use prior to pregnancy (37%). Approximately 72% of women reported some reason for not obtaining desired contraception, while 34% reported two or more. The distribution of reported individual, institutional, and compliance reasons were 44%, 28%, and 24%, respectively. Report of at least one reason was associated with a 35% increase in non-use (RR=1.35; 95% CI, 1.02–1.80) after adjusting for age, race, education, parity, and prior abortion. Conclusions Many reasons for not obtaining desired contraception exist and are associated with non-use of contraception. Removing these reasons may help reduce unintended pregnancies and rates of pregnancy termination.
Bilayer dermal matrix for the treatment of painful burn scars.

UNLABELLED ﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿ Background. Outcomes following burn injury have improved considerably in recent years due to early excision and skin grafting. Despite a reduction in late burn complications, up to 70% of patients experience long-term pain at both the injured area and the skin-grafted scar. Current therapies do not ameliorate these symptoms for a majority of these patients. This report presents initial results of a new technique using a bilayer dermal substitute (Integra™, [Integra LifeSciences, Plainsboro, NJ]) for revision of painful scars. METHODS This is a prospective cohort of six patients treated at Grady Memorial Hospital Burn Center (Atlanta, GA) from 2008 to 2009. Burn patients undergoing multi-modality pain therapy for chronic, painful burns were identified and consented for intervention. All patients underwent operative excision of the painful scar and placement of a bilayer dermal matrix (Integra). After 3 weeks the silicone mesh was removed, excessive granulation tissue was debrided, and a new split-thickness skin graft was placed on the wound. Prescription history and a patient questionnaire were used to collect data. RESULTS All patients noticed improvement of symptoms post-operatively. Two patients (33%) experienced complete reduction of scar pain and three (50%) discontinued consumption of pain medications. At a mean follow up of 13 months, the average amount of narcotic-based pain medications decreased from 63.3 MED ([morphine equivalent per day], range: 30-135) before treatment to 7.5 MED (range: 0-20) postoperatively (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Scar excision, interval placement of a bilayer dermal matrix, and subsequent skin grafting is a new technique that can improve, and in some cases ameliorate, burn scar related pain. ﻿﻿﻿.
Raising medical student awareness of compassionate care through reflection of annotated videotapes of clinical encounters

Context: With medical training focused on medical knowledge and skills, the nurturing of humanistic care can suffer. Objectives: We designed and conducted an outpatient rheumatology patient-partner exercise that integrates the assessment of student compassionate care into an outpatient clinical skills training exercise. Methods: Eleven third-year medical students were videotaped performing a medical history on a patient volunteer. Students, the preceptor and a fourth-year medical student independently observed the videotape, tagged segments demonstrating observed or missed compassionate care opportunities and completed a compassionate care questionnaire. Students also participated in a focus group. Ten patients completed a comparable questionnaire and provided feedback on student encounters. Findings: Students recognized and reflected on opportunities for compassionate care. The preceptor's feedback was reinforced. Students' ratings of their demonstrations of compassionate care were lower after reviewing videotapes, and were also lower than preceptor ratings. Patients were satisfied with the exercise and highlighted student professionalism. Conclusions: The exercise proved to be an effective format for promoting student reflection on and self-assessment of compassionate care. It demonstrated that nurturing compassionate care can be integrated into an outpatient clinical skills exercise.
Dislocation Dynamics in Ni3Al: Experiments and Computations

A modified electrolytic etchant has been successfully used to observe dislocation etch-pits on {l{underscore}brace}100{r{underscore}brace} surfaces of single crystal Ni{sub 3}Al containing Hf and B additions. Four-point bending tests have been used to obtain the dependence of dislocation velocity on resolved shear stress at room temperature. A comparison with earlier studies reveal that the rate of change of dislocation velocity with resolved shear stress, to a first approximation, is independent of alloying. Atomic level simulations have been performed using the embedded atom method (EAM) to study dislocation core structures and frictional stress in Ni{sub 3}Al.
Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging Characterization of White Matter Injury Produced by Axon-Sparing Demyelination and Severe Contusion Spinal Cord Injury in Rats.

Abstract Alterations in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–derived measurements of water diffusion parallel (D∥) and perpendicular (D⊥) to white matter tracts have been specifically attributed to pathology of axons and myelin, respectively. We test the hypothesis that directional diffusion measurements can distinguish between axon-sparing chemical demyelination and severe contusion spinal cord white matter injury. Adult rats received either unilateral ethidium bromide (EB) microinjections (chemical demyelination) into the lateral funiculus of the spinal cord at C5 or were subjected to unilateral severe contusion spinal cord injury (SCI). Diffusion MRI metrics in the lateral funiculus were analyzed at early and late time-points following injury and correlated with histology. Early EB-demyelination resulted in a significant elevation in D⊥ and significant reduction in D∥ at the injury epicenter, with histological evidence of uniform axon preservation. Alterations in D⊥ and D∥ at the epicenter of early EB-demy...
Contrasting effects of spatial heterogeneity and environmental stochasticity on population dynamics of a perennial wildflower

Summary Understanding how variation in growth, survival and reproduction affect population dynamics is a fundamental question in ecology. Although the effects of among-year variation (environmental stochasticity) are well understood, the effects of among-site variation (spatial heterogeneity) are less clearly defined. I evaluated the effects of spatial and temporal variation on the population dynamics of Pulsatilla patens, pasqueflower, a perennial prairie forb. I conducted a 10-year demographic monitoring study, and quantified vital rate variation among sites and years using generalized linear models. I incorporated vital rate functions using this variation into integral projection models for stochastic and spatially heterogeneous environments. I also explored the effects of temporal and spatial autocorrelation, by exploring model predictions over the range of possible values for temporal autocorrelation and local seed dispersal. Vital rates varied more among years than among sites. However, environmental stochasticity and spatial heterogeneity had similar magnitude effects on population dynamics. These effects were also qualitatively different: environmental stochasticity reduced population growth rates relative to the average, whereas spatial heterogeneity increased population growth rates. Spatial autocorrelation and negative temporal autocorrelation led to higher population growth rates, although environmental stochasticity still reduced growth rates for all autocorrelation values, and spatial heterogeneity increased growth rates for all autocorrelation values. Some form of autocorrelation would be necessary for model projections to match observed population trends. Synthesis. Spatial heterogeneity is as important as environmental stochasticity for population dynamics, but it is much less often incorporated into population projection models. This study points to a number of interesting avenues for future research into the roles of spatial heterogeneity and spatiotemporal variation for long-term population dynamics.
Oscillator Strengths for the α - and β -Bands in Alkali Halide Crystals

The oscillator strengths for the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$- and $\ensuremath{\beta}$-absorption bands are calculated for NaCl. These bands, investigated experimentally by Delbecq, Pringsheim, and Yuster in KI, lie on the long-wavelength tail of the first fundamental absorption band and are interpreted by use of a model according to which valence electrons of the adjacent halide ions are raised to bound states in the fields of negative ion vacancies ($\ensuremath{\alpha}$-transitions) and $F$-centers ($\ensuremath{\beta}$-transitions). The oscillator strengths turn out to be only slowly varying with the assumed wave functions and are about 1.9 and 0.6 for the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$- and $\ensuremath{\beta}$-bands, respectively.
Two Attempts to Demonstrate Tonal Suppression of Non-Nutritive Sucking in Neonates:

Seventy newborn children were studied to examine the effects of tone presentation on sucking rates. A time-contingent and response-contingent procedure were employed respectively in two separate studies. No differences were found between the experimental groups and control groups receiving no tone. Methodological implications are briefly mentioned.
The Effect of a Sunday Liquor-Sales Ban Repeal on Crime: A Triple-Difference Analysis.

Background This study investigates whether alcohol availability in state-run liquor stores affects crime nearby. In 2003, Pennsylvania repealed its Sunday alcohol-sales ban for a portion of its state-run liquor stores. We capitalize on this change in alcohol policy to assess the effect of alcohol availability on crime occurring within the vicinity of liquor stores that opened on Sundays in Philadelphia. Methods We employed a difference-in-difference-in-differences model that compared reported crime before versus after the change in alcohol policy, Sundays versus other days of the week, and the fraction of liquor stores affected versus not affected by the repeal. We used crime incident data in Philadelphia between 1998 and 2011. Results The repeal was associated with a significant increase in total and property-crime incidents occurring around Sunday-open state liquor stores in low-socioeconomic-status neighborhoods. We found no evidence of the displacement of crime to nearby areas. Conclusions This is the first triple-difference alcohol study that attempts to isolate the micro-spatial effects of a shift in alcohol availability on local crime patterns, and shows that the repeal of Sunday alcohol-sales restrictions may increase crime in poor urban areas.
Pornography as a Health Hazard: Rethinking Pornography Through Rethinking Health

The issue of pornography is traditionally understood by the legal system through a moral perspective as an obscenity problem, or through a sexism perspective as an equality problem. Both these approaches were insufficient in addressing the harms caused by pornography and problematic in promoting moralistic perceptions of sexuality. This article examines new data on the harms caused by pornography in light of the immense changes that have occurred in its nature, mainly due to the rise of the internet, and argues that the perspective pornography should be viewed through is the health perspective, characterizing it as a health hazard. Through a critical examination of concepts such as “health” and “disease”, as well as the possible risks of medicalization, this article considers the ways in which the political nature of the concept of health allows new thinking both of health and of pornography. The article concludes with drafting preliminary guidelines for a possible health policy regarding pornography that would address the harms associated with it, without causing greater risks of its own.
Gender confirming medical interventions and eating disorder symptoms among transgender individuals.

Objective Studies indicate that transgender individuals may be at risk of developing eating disorder symptoms (EDS). Elevated risk may be attributed to body dissatisfaction and/or societal reactions to nonconforming gender expression, such as nonaffirmation of a person's gender identity (e.g., using incorrect pronouns). Limited research suggests that gender-confirming medical interventions (GCMIs) may prevent or reduce EDS among transgender people. Method Participants included 154 transfeminine spectrum (TFS) and 288 transmasculine spectrum (TMS) individuals who completed the Trans Health Survey. Serial multiple mediation analyses controlling for age, education, and income were used to examine whether body satisfaction and nonaffirmation mediate any found relationships between various GCMIs (genital surgery, chest surgery, hormone use, hysterectomy, and hair removal) and EDS. Results For TFS individuals, the nonaffirmation to body satisfaction path mediated relationships between all GCMIs and EDS, although body satisfaction alone accounted for more of the indirect effects than this path for chest surgery. For TMS individuals, relationships between all GCMIs and EDS were mediated by the nonaffirmation to body satisfaction path. Conclusion Findings support the hypothesis that GCMIs reduce experiences of nonaffirmation, which increases body satisfaction and thus decreases EDS. Among TFS participants, the relationship between chest surgery and lower levels of EDS was mediated most strongly by body satisfaction alone, suggesting that satisfaction with one's body may result in lower EDS even if affirmation from the external world is unchanged. Implications of these findings for intervention, policy, and legal efforts are discussed, and future research recommendations are provided. (PsycINFO Database Record
PVDF sensor based characterization of chip segmentation in cutting of Ti-6Al-4V alloy

Abstract This paper presents a study of chip segmentation in orthogonal cutting of Ti-6Al-4V alloy using a low-cost high fidelity measurement system consisting of a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) thin film piezoelectric dynamic strain sensor. The sensor is shown to be capable of measuring the chip segmentation frequency over a range of cutting conditions. In addition, the sensor is used to characterize the effect of tool wear on chip segmentation frequency and amplitude. Results show that the segmentation frequency increases while the segmentation amplitude decreases with tool wear. Physical reasons for the observed trends are given.
A review of existing whole genome data suggests lichen mycelia may be haploid or diploid

Abstract Fungi exhibit some of the greatest reproductive diversity among Eukaryotes. In addition to sexual and asexual reproduction, fungi engage in parasexual processes (e.g., mitotic recombination), which results in new genetic variation. Lichenized fungi possess the full complement of reproductive processes present in their non-lichenized relatives but with further embellishment as a result of obligate symbiosis with algae and other organisms. Therefore, lichens serve as an excellent model system in reproductive biology, but no study has yet tested the commonly held assumption that lichen mycelia are haploid. We present new whole genome assemblies from seven unrelated lichens and use allelic ratio frequencies to estimate ploidy. Of these seven, three were derived from multispore mycelial cultures and the remaining four were derived from intact lichen thalli (i.e., from metagenomic reads). Data from the metagenome samples indicate that two are likely haploid or highly homozygous diploid as a result of c...
Anti-M Alloimmunization: Management and Outcome at a Single Institution.

Objective The objective of this study was to review the management strategies and outcomes in gravidas with anti-M alloimmunization over 15 years. Study Design Data collected from 195 pregnant patients with anti-M antibodies from July 2000 through June 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. We analyzed indirect antiglobulin test titer results, paternal or fetal/neonatal M antigen status, antepartum course, and perinatal outcomes. Results Anti-M antibodies were found in 146 women and 195pregnancies. Among those with positive indirect antiglobulin tests, 193 pregnancies had titers at or below 1:4. Only one patient with an initial low titer experienced a more than twofold increase to a titer 1:64. Two women underwent an amniocentesis and cordocentesis. Ninety-five (73.6%) of the 129 infants tested were positive for the M antigen. Nine infants required phototherapy. There were no cases of hemolytic disease of the fetus or newborn, mild or severe. Conclusion The incidence of severe hemolytic disease of the newborn due to anti-M is extremely low. We found no cases in our review of 195 pregnancies, despite several cases of severe hemolytic disease of the newborn reported in the literature. We have created an algorithm for the management of anti-M antibodies in pregnancy based on our data and extensive literature review.
What is Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology

Talking with patients about their daughters is one way to build a practice focused on caring for girls, adolescents, and young adults.
Black London: the imperial metropolis and decolonization in the twentieth century

Marc Matera’s Black London joins a growing body of work that situates Britain in the traffic of the Black Atlantic. Matera examines the lived experience of black internationalism for the African-Am...
Effects of nitrite source, reducing compounds, and holding time on cured color development in a cured meat model system

Abstract To meet the growing demand for “cleaner” foods, many meat processors have begun using plant-based curing ingredients. The purpose of this project was to determine the effects of nitrite source (sodium nitrite or cultured celery juice powder), reducing compounds (no reducing compound or sodium erythorbate/ascorbic acid from cherry powder), and holding time prior to cooking on cured color development using a meat model system. Treatments with reducing compounds had greater cured pigment and reduced residual nitrite (P
High De-Magnification Hyperlens

We design and fabricate a hyperlens with a large demagnification of 3.75. We experimentally demonstrate such hyperlens' capability to compress the original patterns with feature size of 300nm down to 80nm using 405nm light.
Psychophysiological assessment tools for evaluation of learning technologies

Research on the psychophysiological assessment of the impact of information technologies on humans is reviewed, with a particular focus on learning technologies and research carried out in in the Laboratory for Information Technology Evaluation (LITE) at Missouri S&T. Measures of arousal and valence are discussed first, including galvanic skin response (GSR), pupil dilation, and heart rate. This is followed by a discussion of the measurement of eye movement using eye tracking technologies. Lastly, a summary of the LITE lab research is provided. It is concluded that the measures are promising, based on these initial LITE lab results, though further work is needed to more accurately determine the appropriate constructs and contexts for optimizing the use of these tools.
TiO2 Polyamide Thin Film Nanocomposite Reverses Osmosis Membrane for Water Desalination

In this study, TiO2 nanoparticles were inserted into the polyamide layer of traditional thin film composite membrane. The nanoparticles were dispersed in a trimesoyl chloride-hexane solution before interfacial polymerization with m-phenylenediamine-aqueous solution. Membrane characterization was performed via contact angle measurements, atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and water flux, salt rejection, and fouling resistance evaluation. The results indicate that TiO2 could effectively improve membrane performance. Water flux increased from 40 to 65 L/m² h by increasing NPs concentration from 0 to 0.1 wt. %, while NaCl rejection was above 96%. Moreover, the modified membrane demonstrated better organic fouling resistance and robust antibacterial efficiency.
Dear CALL Conferences

The CALICO Journal editors attend a lot of conferences. At the XIXth International Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) Research Conferencein Bruges, Belgium this year we reflected on what makes a "good" conference, whether CALL as a subdiscipline needs its own conferences, and why we should attend such conferences. Below are some thoughts (few of them our own) that emerged from our conversations with scholars who have had significant experience in both attending and organizing such conferences. Our focus here is on CALL and CALL-relevant conferences, but we think much of what we write is applicable to academic conferences in applied linguistics more widely.
Benign Fibrous, Fibrohistiocytic, and Myofibroblastic Lesions

This chapter covers a large number of benign entities grouped together for convenience under the broad categories of fibrous, fibrohistiocytic, and myofibroblastic lesions. Fibrous lesions generally demonstrate a conspicuous increase in collagen production and varying numbers of fibroblastic spindle cells. “Fibrohistiocytic,” a somewhat enigmatic term, is a general descriptor for tumors containing a combination of spindle cells of putative fibroblastic, myofibroblastic, and/or primitive mesenchymal cell origin and histiocytes (bone marrow-derived tissue macrophages and dendritic cells). Myofibroblastic lesions are composed of spindle cells with combined features of smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts.
Synoptic climate evidence of a late-twentieth century change to earlier spring ice-out on Maine Lakes, USA

Trend analysis of spring ice-out on eight lakes within the state of Maine of the northeastern USA reveals a change to earlier occurrence by 1 to 2 weeks over the period 1956–2015. Much of the trend occurred from the late 1970s through the 1980s, but a secondary trend toward earlier ice-out appears to have begun in the late 1990s. Synoptic climate data support local and hemispheric climate evidence of increasingly earlier ice-out, particularly during the earlier period of pronounced change. Local spring and winter maximum daily air temperatures increased while winter precipitation decreased; synoptic weather types of moderate temperature character increased in frequency, while polar types became less frequent; synoptic weather types became warmer in spring and winter, and in spring, warmer weather types became wetter, while cooler weather types became drier; and two key climate teleconnections, the Pacific-North American pattern and the El Nino/La Nina pattern, changed significantly toward a phase historically associated with earlier ice-out. While the results underscore the value in monitoring and study of lake ice as a climate proxy, they also demonstrate the value of synoptic climate data for filling the spatial gap between local and large-scale climate data in studies of lake ice phenology.
The Photon and Light 1⁻⁻ Mesons

In this paper we look into the world data related to the photon and the connection to light mesons with the same spin parity quantum number as the photon $J^p = 1^-$.
Prevalence of Respiratory Symptoms in Children with Sickle Cell Disease Compared to Children with Other Hematological Diseases.

Acute chest syndrome (ACS) and pulmonary hypertension are complications of sickle cell disease (SCD). The effects of pre-existing respiratory symptoms on the frequency of complications of SCD, such as vaso-occlusive crises and ACS, have not been fully explored. Many therapeutic options exist for patients with reactive airway disease or other recurrent respiratory problems. Control of associated symptoms may help prevent the occurrence of ACS and other sickle cell-related problems. We compared the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in SCD patients compared to patients with other hematological disorders. Methods: Two questionnaires (one for patients with SCD, one for patients with other hematological disorders) were developed, which included questions regarding respiratory symptoms (especially wheezing and cough, frequency of these symptoms, previous diagnosis of asthma), personal history and environmental exposure. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board, and patients and their caregivers were interviewed during a routine visit to the outpatient hematology clinic after giving informed consent. Results: To date, 124 subjects have been interviewed (62 males and 58 females, ages 3–18 years, mean age 10.1yrs), and 120 questionnaires were evaluable, including 59 from patients with SCD and 61 from the comparison group. Respiratory symptoms (wheezing and cough) were more frequent in SCD patients compared to patients with other hematological diseases. Wheezing was present in 34 (58%) SCD patients and in 20 (33%) patients in the other group (p Conclusions: The prevalence of pulmonary symptoms is higher in patients with SCD compared to patients with other hematological disorders and associated with frequent hospitalizations and school absences.
Effects of March of Dimes Supportive Pregnancy Care on Maternal and Infant Health Across Diverse Patient Populations: a Quasi-Experimental Multi-Site Pilot Study.

Group prenatal care may be a promising alternative to traditional one-on-one care. However, research on its effects has produced inconsistent findings and raises questions about effectiveness across different patient populations. This pilot study evaluated the effects of March of Dimes Supportive Pregnancy Care (SPC) on maternal health and behavior across six diverse healthcare sites. Analyses of a propensity score-matched medical record dataset aggregated across sites (N = 1950) indicated significant unfavorable effects on gestational age at delivery (b = − 0.34, p < .05), birthweight (b = − 94.55, p < .05), and low birthweight (OR = 1.10, p < .05). However, these findings did not hold up to sensitivity analyses. Significant favorable aggregate effects were observed for postpartum visit attendance (OR = 1.68; 95% CI [1.12, 2.53]), breastfeeding at delivery (OR = 1.84; 95% CI [1.20, 2.83]), and breastfeeding at follow-up (OR = 3.82; 95% CI [1.46, 9.97]). These findings remained largely consistent across sensitivity analyses. In addition to these aggregate effects, significant site-level effects were observed, but only for two sites. Both were racially homogenous, serving White and African American patient populations, respectively. Future research should determine whether these effects can be generalized to women receiving care in racially heterogeneous settings or whether they are limited to White and African American women receiving care in racially homogenous settings. Efforts to roll out SPC should be accompanied by a continual accrual of research assessing the effects of this program on maternal and infant health across a range of geographic settings and patient profiles.