cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The consequences of contracting early and often.

Frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are associated with structural heart disease and an increase in sudden and overall mortality. PVCs themselves, if in sufficient numbers, may be associated with the development of a reversible form of cardiomyopathy (CM). A number of small series have suggested that PVC density and features, such as QRS duration, location of origin, and coupling, may increase the predilection to cause CM in structurally normal and diseased hearts. Moreover, elimination of PVCs by catheter ablation has improved ventricular function. Thus, frequent PVCs are a previously underappreciated target for therapeutic intervention in CM. However, the fundamental triggers for the development of myopathy and the details of structural and electrical remodeling have been impeded by the development of a suitable model system. Pacing has been exploited to generate reversible forms of tachycardia-induced CM. Huizar et al have used a premature pacing algorithm to create a model of PVC-induced CM in structurally normal hearts. The algorithm generates a high PVC burden, in this case in a bigeminal pattern pacing from the right ventricular apex. PVC pacing increased the heart rate, on average, from 80 bpm to approximately 130 bpm over 4 months of pacing. Previous characterization of this model demonstrated reversible cardiac dilation and reduced ejection fraction with a compromise in repolarizing reserve evidenced by an increase in ventricular refractory periods. This occurred in the absence of inflammation, fibrosis, increased programmed cell death, or compromised oxidative phosphorylation. In a study reported in this issue of HeartRhythm, Wang et al describe heterogeneously prolonged action potential durations (APD) in myocytes isolated from the left ventricular free wall, associated with reductions in the transient outward (Ito) and inward rectifier (IK1) potassium currents without significant changes in the delayed rectifier (IKr, IKs) currents. The decrease in repolarizing reserve is associated
The radiated fields of multipole point sources near a solid spherical surface

The acoustic field radiated by a multipole point source positioned near to the surface of a solid sphere is calculated at both low and high frequencies. It is shown that the scattered field at low frequencies is always dipole, but at high frequencies is of the same type as the incident field. The application of the results to the acoustic field radiated by turbulence near a sphere is briefly discussed.
In situ analysis of the evolution of the primary immune response in murine Chlamydia trachomatis genital tract infection.

Adaptive immune responses contribute to the resolution of Chlamydia trachomatis genital tract infection and protect against reinfection, but our understanding of the mechanisms of those protective responses is incomplete. In this study, we analyzed by in situ immunohistochemistry the progression of the inflammatory and cytokine responses in the genital tracts of mice vaginally infected with C. trachomatis strain mouse pneumonitis. The cellular inflammatory response was characterized by an initial elevation in myeloid cells in the vagina (day 3) and uterine horns (day 7), followed by a marked rise in the number of T cells, predominantly CD4+ cells. CD8+ T cells and CD45R+ B cells were also detected but were much less numerous. Perivascular clusters of CD4+ T cells, which resembled clusters of T cells seen in delayed-type hypersensitivity responses, were evident by 2 weeks postinfection. Following the resolution of infection, few CD8+ T cells and CD45R+ B cells remained, whereas numerous CD4+ T cells and perivascular clusters of CD4+ T cells persisted in genital tract tissues. Interleukin-12 (IL-12)- and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-producing cells were observed in vaginal tissue by day 3 of infection and in uterine tissues by day 7. Cells producing IL-4 or IL-10 were absent from vaginal tissues at day 3 of infection but were present in uterine tissues by day 7 and were consistently more numerous than IL-12- and TNF-α-producing cells. Thus, the evolution of the local inflammatory response was characterized by the accumulation of CD4+ T cells into perivascular clusters and the presence of cells secreting both Th1- and Th2-type cytokines. The persistence of CD4+-T-cell clusters long after infection had resolved (day 70) may provide for a readily mobilizable T-cell response by which previously infected animals can quickly respond to and control a secondary infectious challenge.
Current Antihyperglycemic Treatment Guidelines and Algorithms for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. While lifestyle interventions such as medical nutrition therapy and appropriately prescribed physical activity remain cornerstones of disease prevention and treatment, most patients with type 2 diabetes will eventually require pharmacotherapy for glycemic control. Fortunately, many of these patients are able to achieve desired glycemic targets with the use of currently available antihyperglycemic agents. Both not-for-profit disease-specific organizations and healthcare specialty societies have provided guidance about the appropriate selection of these therapies. Type 2 diabetes treatment guidelines and algorithms have been developed, taking into account a combination of evidence-based information and expert opinions, with various groups offering diverse glucose goals and approaches to hyperglycemia management. Virtually all recognize that type 2 diabetes is a multifaceted disease, necessitating an integrated yet individualized approach to patient care.
Advances in Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is limited to the CNS. Although novel imaging techniques aid in discriminating lymphoma from other brain tumors, definitive diagnosis requires brain biopsy, vitreoretinal biopsy, or cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Survival rates in clinical studies have improved over the past 20 years due to the addition of high-dose methotrexate-based chemotherapy regimens to whole-brain radiotherapy. Long-term survival, however, is complicated by clinically devastating delayed neurotoxicity. Newer regimens are attempting to reduce or eliminate radiotherapy from first-line treatment with chemotherapy dose intensification. Significant advances have also been made in the fields of pathobiology and treatment, with more targeted treatments on the horizon. The rarity of the disease makes conducting of prospective clinical trials challenging, requiring collaborative efforts between institutions. This review highlights recent advances in the biology, detection, and treatment of PCNSL in immunocompetent patients.
Chemical and physical mechanisms of dielectric chemical mechanical polishing (CMP)

Abstract Dielectric chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) was implemented in semiconductor fabrication as a simple alternative planarization process for the interlevel dielectrics surface instead of the reactive ion etching process of the 1980s. Since then, there have been a growing number of applications of the dielectric CMP process in advanced semiconductor fabrication because of multiple “new” integration schemes (such as replacement metal gate (RMG), or self-aligned contact), which require advanced planarization technology. It is important to understand its history, material removal mechanism, defect formation, and present and future applications to comprehend why dielectric CMP has to be used, how the material is removed, and how the defect is created. By understanding what has been studied on the current dielectric CMP process, future applications of dielectric CMP can be further improved for better process performance and, therefore, for better device performance and yield.
Characterization of Lead Dust Emissions at a Recreational Firing Ranges

Summary A soil sampling and analysis study was performed to characterize the distribution and speciation of lead shot and lead species at a recreational skeet and trap range in Eastern Massachusetts. Samples were collected both within and outside of the maximum shot fall zone of the range. Samples were subsequently split into 0-2”, 2-4” and 4-6” depth sections. Results reveal that the majority of lead is present at 0-2” as both lead shot and lead shot fragments retained on #8 and #16 sieves. For each section, a particle size distribution was determined. Samples from each sieved fraction were then analyzed for lead content. Concentrations of lead in respirable soil particles were determined to characterize airborne lead levels generated during remedial recovery operations. In all cases, bulk soil sample concentrations underestimated lead concentrations present in respirable particles. Based on these results, exposures to both on-site and off-site receptors were considered. Results indicate that the exposure assessment of dust inhalation from recreational firing ranges should not be performed based on soil concentrations that solely characterize bulk soil levels of lead. Background While the hazards associated with exposure to lead are well known and well documented, it is somewhat surprising that so much lead, principally in the form of lead shot, remains lying exposed to natural forces across acres of open space at recreational firing ranges. Like the range used in this study, many recreational ranges have been in operation for decades under privately ownership and management. These facilities serve as places for shooting enthusiasts to safely enjoy shooting sports, which include target shooting, skeet and trap. In most cases, club memberships are low to moderate in cost and can be enjoyed by many. With some exceptions, stewardship of these ranges is performed on a voluntary basis by the range clubs. The National Shooting Sports Foundation has developed a Best Management Practices guide (NSSF, 1997) for distribution to member ranges. In almost all cases, these clubs are committed to their land stewardship responsibilities. While lead shot management is recognized as a necessary component to a comprehensive best management practices program for ranges, the costs of collecting and recycling shot are often prohibitive. NSSF and other organizations continue to support efforts to develop new and affordable technologies and methodologies to help range owners meet their stewardship needs. However, to date, most small ranges are unable to collect shot regularly.
Hepatic Uptake and Biliary Excretion of Indocyanine Green in the Dog.

Summary1. Indocyanine green given intravenously to dogs is distributed in the plasma compartment and rapidly removed by the liver. 2. Biliary excretion of the dye is delayed, but an average of 97.3...
Acute changes in liver lipids during myocardial infarction induced by isoproterenol.

SummaryAdult, male Long-Evans rats were challenged with two subcutaneous doses of the potent catecholamine, isoproterenol. Within hours after the first injection myocardial ischemia and necrosis became apparent. On the second day, after the second injection, myocardial necrosis reached a zenith followed by myocardial repair during days 4–7 after the initial injection. During the development of myocardial ischemia and necrosis there is dramatic loss of body weight; dissolution of periadrenal, mesenteric, and other adipose tissue depots; hyperlipidemia; and grossly-visible fatty metamorphosis of the liver. During the myocardial repair phase the hyperlipidemia and the condition of fatty liver disappear rapidly. Chemical analysis of the hepatic lipid fractions demonstrate that there is a very considerable and rapid increase in hepatic triglycerides, a less marked and less rapid but significant increase in hepatic cholesterol, and only a modest fluctuation in hepatic phospholipid.
A comparison among equations to characterize lactation curves in beef cows

Monthly and fortnightly milk production records were analysed from 59 autumn-calving Angus and Angus × Holstein crossbred cows. Half the cows had been administered 10 mg thyroxine per day from day 60 to 120 of lactation and half were controls. Four published equations to characterize individual lactation curves were compared. These were: (1) log Y(n) = log –a1 + b1log n – c1n (Wood); (2) equation 1 with each log Y(n)2 weighted by Yin)2 (Wood weighted); (3) log [Y(n)/n7 = log l/a3 – k3n(Jenkins); and (4) log Y(n) = a4 – b4n‘(l + 25·5 n’) + c4n2 = d 4/ n (Morant), where Y(n) is milk yield on day n of lactation, n' is n–110 (the mid point of lactation), and the a, b, c, k and d parameters are estimated from solution of the equations. The lactation curve from the Jenkins equation projected peak milk yield to occur some 30 days later than estimates from the other equations. It underestimated production early and late in lactation and overestimated it during mid lactation. For several cows, the Morant equation projected that peak production occurred at the end of lactation. Also, analysis of variance of milk production variables was less sensitive when the traits were estimated by the Morant equation than when they were estimated by one of the others. The Wood weighted equation resulted in estimates of peak day of lactation and peak yield that were less variable and more realistic than estimates from the Wood equation. Collectively, therefore, the Wood weighted equation was deemed most suitable to characterize variability among and within these beef cows in milk production. All four equations, however, ranked the 59 cows similarly for estimated 220-day yield.
WHOLE BODY LYMPHANGIOSCINTIGRAPHY IN FERRETS CHRONICALLY INFECTED WITH BRUGIA MALAYI

Whole body lymphangioscintigraphy was performed after intradermal injection of 99mtechnetium human serum albumin or antimony colloid in the distal hindlimbs and forelimbs of ferrets chronically infected with Brugia malayi. The findings were compared with control ferrets and those with surgical interruption of the iliac lymphatics. While only one infected ferret manifested chronic hindlimb lymphedema, all exhibited delayed transport of radioisotope from the hindpaw with obstruction in the groin, poor or absent visualization of central lymphatic channels and regional lymph nodes, a picture similar to that following surgically induced lymphatic obstruction. In control ferrets, there was prompt visualization of peripheral lymphatic channels and regional lymph nodes with sharper and more extensive channel visualization after radiolabeled albumin and more intense sustained nodal visualization after radiolabeled antimony colloid. This noninvasive technique provides a readily repeatable investigative tool adaptable to small animals to study the evolution of lymphatic filariasis and other conditions associated with lymphatic obstruction.
Mercury weakens membrane anchoring of Na-K-ATPase

The presence of circulating inhibitors able to decrease the renal Na-K-adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) activity (natriuretic hormones) was postulated some 30 years ago. In the present work, the natriuretic inhibitor HgCl2 was selected as a model compound for the structural characterization of a possible natriuretic pathway for Na-K-ATPase modification. The structural effects of Na-K-ATPase inhibition by HgCl2 were assessed by trypsinolysis of the blocked enzyme in comparison with untreated preparations. The results show that inactivation of Na-K-ATPase by HgCl2 leads to the release of the alpha-subunit from the membrane preferentially in the E2 conformation but also in the E1 conformation. Apparently, HgCl2 weakens the membrane anchoring of the alpha-subunit, presumably by loosening the alpha-beta-subunit interaction. By this mechanism, the sensitivity of the Na-K-ATPase to extracellular drugs, hormones, and antibodies, as well as to intracellular proteases and other regulatory factors, could be altered.
Theoretical Aspects of the Study of Molecular Complexes

In this chapter we should like to examine, from a theoretical viewpoint, the factors affecting the structure and spectra of molecular complexes. This subject has recently been thoroughly reviewed by Mulliken and Person1,2; here we shall review it briefly, with emphasis on vibrational spectroscopy, and include some new results, in section 1.3, from approximate all-electron quantum mechanical calculations of whole-complex molecular orbitals. In general, we shall try to follow the nomenclature of Mulliken and Persons1, and we shall refer the reader to that text for historical discussion and for a more thorough treatment of some aspects.
Identification of ADHD in youth with epilepsy

PURPOSE To further characterize Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in a clinic-referred sample of youth with epilepsy. METHODS Children and adolescents with epilepsy who were referred for comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation comprised the sample. Data were obtained via archival record review. Youth with epilepsy were grouped according to ADHD diagnosis (no ADHD, ADHD - Combined Type, and ADHD - Predominantly Inattentive Type) and compared for a number of neurocognitive variables, seizure-related variables, and parent and teacher completed behavior rating scale variables. Data was examined via analysis of variance and logistic regression models with post hoc pairwise comparisons, employing Tukey procedure where appropriate. RESULTS Youth in this clinical case series (N = 204) demonstrated a high rate of ADHD diagnosis. ADHD - Combined Type was identified with slightly greater frequency than ADHD - Predominantly Inattentive Type. Age of seizure onset, seizure classification, and seizure frequency did not differ significantly between the groups. The groups also did not differ on most cognitive variables examined. Significant group differences were found for parent and teacher completed behavior rating scales assessing inattention, hyperactivity, and executive dysfunction. CONCLUSION Screening for ADHD in youth with epilepsy is important as these symptoms can significantly interfere with rehabilitative efforts. Behavior rating scales may be the most efficient and cost effective way to identify ADHD in youth with epilepsy.
In vivo characterization of genetic expression of virus-transduced calcium indicators in retinal ganglion cells using a low-cost funduscope

Virus-transduced calcium indicators are effective reporters of neural activity, offering the advantage of cell-specific labeling. To track the level of in vivo expression of genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs) in rodent retina, we developed a noninvasive imaging approach based on a custom-modified low-cost and simple fundus system that enabled us to monitor and characterize in vivo bright-field and fluorescence retinal image. The system clearly resolves individual retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and axons. RGC fluorescence intensity and number of observable fluorescent cells show a consistent rising trend from week 1 to week 3 after viral injection, indicating a uniform increase of GCaMP6f expression. At defined time points, we prepared wholemount retina mounted on a transparent multielectrode array (MEA) and used calcium imaging to identify the optimal time for studying the responsiveness of RGCs to external electrical stimulation. The results show that the fluorescence-endoscopy fundus system is a powerful and widely accessible tool for evaluating in vivo fluorescence reporter expression.
A novel Si-based LWIR detector: the SiGe/Si heterojunction internal photoemission detector

A novel Si-based long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) detector, the SiGe/Si heterojunction internal photoemission (HIP) detector, has been demonstrated. The detection mechanism of the SiGe/Si HIP detector is infrared absorption in the degenerately doped p/sup +/-SiGe layer followed by internal photoemission of photoexcited holes over the heterojunction barrier. The p/sup +/-SiGe layers are grown by molecular beam epitaxy with boron concentrations up to 4*10/sup 20/ cm/sup -3/. The cutoff wavelength of this device can be tailored by varying the valence band offset between the SiGe alloy and Si, and thus can be extended into the long-wave infrared regime. The valence based offset can be adjusted by varying the Ge ratio in the SiGe layers. Results have been obtained from test devices with Ge composition ranging from 0.2 to 0.4, giving quantum efficiencies of 3-5% for a single pass in the 8-12 mu m region. >
Chapter 13 – Building a Platform for Innovation: Architecture and Agile as Key Enablers

Organizations must adapt to survive, and their ability to change and innovate is driven by two key enablers - architecture and agile. Based on practical experiences of working with several clients adopting both architecture and agile practices, the author sheds light on those factors that resulted in successful transformations and the creation of a platform for innovation. The author concludes that architecture and agile practices are complementary and that their successful introduction within an organization is not just technical in nature, but also requires a focus on people and appropriate techniques for managing organizational change.
Indexing quality and effectiveness: an exploratory analysis of electronic theses and dissertations representation

Theses and dissertations (ETDs) represent a wealth of scholarly and artistic content created by graduate students in masters and doctoral programs in the degree-seeking process. Considering the multi-disciplinarity and interdiciplinarity characteristics of ETDs, often several subjects and indexing terms need to be supplied to adequately represent ETDs for efficient access. This study analyzes the quality and effectiveness of indexing terms - both authorized terms from controlled vocabularies and free-text keywords - used to succinctly describe the content of the electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs). Based on the comparisons of the search terms entered by users to discover and access the ETDs, the authors also discuss the subjectivity and objectivity of the process and the need to distinguish functional representation from mere descriptions of a topic.
Acute vs chronic exposure to high fat diet leads to distinct regulation of PKA

The cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) is an essential regulator of lipid and glucose metabolism that plays a critical role in energy homeostasis. The impact of diet on PKA signaling has not been defined, although perturbations in individual PKA subunits are associated with changes in adiposity, physical activity and energy intake in mice and humans. We hypothesized that a high fat diet (HFD) would elicit peripheral and central alterations in the PKA system that would differ depending on length of exposure to HFD; these differences could protect against or promote diet-induced obesity (DIO). 12-week-old C57Bl/6J mice were randomly assigned to a regular diet or HFD and weighed weekly throughout the feeding studies (4 days, 14 weeks; respectively), and during killing. PKA activity and subunit expression were measured in liver, gonadal adipose tissue (AT) and brain. Acute HFD-feeding suppressed basal hepatic PKA activity. In contrast, hepatic and hypothalamic PKA activities were significantly increased after chronic HFD-feeding. Changes in AT were more subtle, and overall, altered PKA regulation in response to chronic HFD exposure was more profound in female mice. The suppression of hepatic PKA activity after 4 day HFD-feeding was indicative of a protective peripheral effect against obesity in the context of overnutrition. In response to chronic HFD-feeding, and with the development of DIO, dysregulated hepatic and hypothalamic PKA signaling was a signature of obesity that is likely to promote further metabolic dysfunction in mice.
Reproducibility of Brain MRI Segmentation Algorithms: Empirical Comparison of Local MAP PSTAPLE, FreeSurfer, and FSL-FIRST.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Segmentation of human brain structures is crucial for the volumetric quantification of brain disease. Advances in algorithmic approaches have led to automated techniques that save time compared to interactive methods. Recently, the utility and accuracy of template library fusion algorithms, such as Local MAP PSTAPLE (PSTAPLE), have been demonstrated but there is little guidance regarding its reproducibility compared to single template-based algorithms such as FreeSurfer and FSL-FIRST. METHODS Eight repeated magnetic resonance imagings of 20 subjects were segmented using FreeSurfer, FSL-FIRST, and PSTAPLE. We reported the reproducibility of segmentation-derived volume measurements for brain structures and calculated sample size estimates for detecting hypothetical rates of tissue atrophy given the observed variances. RESULTS PSTAPLE had the most reproducible volume measurements for hippocampus, putamen, thalamus, caudate, pallidum, amygdala, Accumbens area, and cortical regions. FreeSurfer was most reproducible for brainstem. PSTAPLE was the most accurate algorithm in terms of several metrics include Dice's coefficient. The sample size estimates showed that a study utilizing PSTAPLE would require tens to hundreds less subjects than the other algorithms for detecting atrophy rates typically observed in brain disease. CONCLUSIONS PSTAPLE is a useful tool for automatic human brain segmentation due to its precision and accuracy, which enable the detection of the size of the effect typically reported for neurological disorders with a substantially reduced sample size, in comparison to the other tools we assessed. This enables randomized controlled trials to be executed with reduced cost and duration, in turn, facilitating the assessment of new therapeutic interventions.
SBRT for early stage lung cancer: outcomes from biopsy-proven and empirically treated lesions.

Aim Herein, we compare outcomes in patients treated with lung stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) with and without tissue confirmation. Methods We reviewed 196 patients that underwent lung SBRT for presumed (100 patients) or proven non-small-cell lung cancer (96 patients) over a 10-year period and compared outcomes. Results A total of 196 patients with a median age of 76 underwent lung SBRT to a median dose of 48 Gy in four fractions. Median follow up was 17 months. Local control and overall survival at 3 years was 94 and 58% for the entire group. There was no difference in overall survival, local control, regional control or distant control between the cohorts. Conclusion SBRT is a safe and effective treatment for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer that are medically inoperable with comparable results in empirically treated patients.
Between Music and Games: Interactive Sonic Engagement with Emergent Behaviors

Data from an interactive simulation of dynamic agents' social behavior is applied to the control of real-time sound synthesis. User engagement models present the application of sound in parallel with visualization in a simulated environment where content is generated dynamically and is playable. Computational models for the simulation and for sound synthesis are discussed, including requirements and constraints for interactive applications. Design principles for interactive sound are introduced and implementations of three models of sonic engagement are compared.
Lack of communication about familial colorectal cancer risk associated with colorectal adenomas (United States).

Background: Sufficient evidence has accumulated to suggest that the first-degree relatives of patients diagnosed with colorectal adenomas before the age of 60 are at increased risk of colorectal cancer. The principal objective of this study was to assess the extent to which channels of communication exist between physicians, patients and their at-risk first-degree relatives regarding both familial risk and screening recommendations.
Properties of Quantum Languages

The class of quantum languages Q(Σ) over an alphabet Σ is the class of languages accepted by quantum automata. We study properties of Q(Σ) and compare Q(Σ) with the class of regular languages R(Σ). It is shown that Q(Σ) is closed under union, intersection, and reversal but is not closed under complementation, concatenation, or Kleene star. It is also shown that Q(Σ) and R(Σ) are incomparable. Finally, we prove that L ∈ Q(Σ) if and only if L admits a transition amplitude function satisfying a certain property and a similar characterization is given for R(Σ).
Variation and Aging Tolerance in FPGAs

Parameter variation and component aging are becoming a significant problems for all digital circuits including FPGAs. These effects degrade performance, increase power dissipation, and cause permanent faults at manufacturing time and during the lifetime of an FPGA . Several techniques have been developed to tolerate variation and aging in ASICs; FPGA designers have been quick to adopt and customize these strategies. While FPGAs can use many ASIC techniques verbatim, they have a distinct advantage to aid in the development of more innovate solutions: reconfigurability. Reconfigurability gives us the ability to spread wear effects over the chip which is not possible in ASICs. This chapter examines the impact of variation and wear on FPGAs and notes the benefit that can be gained from variation and aging tolerance techniques that operate open-loop.
Mifepristone Pretreatment Improves Success Rate of Misoprostol for Early Pregnancy Loss.

In women with early pregnancy loss between five and 12 weeks' gestation, pretreatment with 200 mcg of oral mifepristone before 800 mcg of vaginal misoprostol increases the likelihood of successful expulsion of the gestational sac.
Part I Commentary 1: Deepening the Analysis of Students’ Reasoning About Length

To highlight mutually beneficial intersections between research in psychology and mathematics education, in this commentary, we connect our measurement research to that of Congdon et al. We illustrate how our qualitative investigation of measurement reasoning can elaborate, deepen, and introduce additional perspectives and insights into the research. We discuss three points of intersection: non-measurement reasoning as elaboration of intuition and a bridge to measurement reasoning; understanding and misunderstanding of rulers; and what students actually count in their attempts at length iterations. Our research also extends some of the ideas from early childhood to elementary school.
Regulation and Function of Mitochondria-Lysosome Membrane Contact Sites in Cellular Homeostasis.

Mitochondrial and lysosomal function are intricately related and critical for maintaining cellular homeostasis, as highlighted by multiple diseases linked to dysfunction of both organelles. Recent work using high-resolution microscopy demonstrates the dynamic formation of inter-organelle membrane contact sites between mitochondria and lysosomes, allowing for their direct interaction in a pathway distinct from mitophagy or lysosomal degradation of mitochondrial-derived vesicles. Mitochondria–lysosome contact site tethering is mechanistically regulated by mitochondrial proteins promoting Rab7 GTP hydrolysis, and allows for the bidirectional crosstalk between mitochondria and lysosomes and the regulation of their organelle network dynamics, including mitochondrial fission. In this review, we summarize recent advances in mitochondria–lysosome contact site regulation and function, and discuss their potential roles in cellular homeostasis and various human diseases.
Local Officials React to State Policy Innovation Tying Revenue Sharing to Dashboards and Incentive Funding

In 2011, the state of Michigan implemented major policy changes in its statutory revenue sharing program, through which it distributes funding to a subset of Michigan’s 1,856 local governments. The new policy replaced formula-based funding with an incentive program that uses revenue sharing to foster local government reform. The new program, called the Economic Vitality Incentive Program (EVIP), requires local governments to certify that they have met state-specified standards for "best practices" in three categories (accountability and transparency; intergovernmental collaboration; and employee compensation policies) in order to receive their full allotment of incentive-based funds. This report focuses on the first EVIP category (accountability and transparency) and examines how Michigan’s local governments are responding to the state’s incentive-driven push for local reform. The findings are based on statewide surveys of local government leaders in the Fall 2011 wave of the Michigan Public Policy Survey (MPPS).
A Rational Inattention Perspective on the Social Value of Public Information

What are the implications of rational inattention for the effects of public information on individual behavior and in turn welfare? I examine the impact of rational inattention to public information in the "beauty contest" model of Morris and Shin (2002). I show that with information processing costs in the neighborhood of zero processing costs, the equilibrium behaves discontinuously. In particular, when the strategic complementarity in actions is strong, there are multiple equilibria, indexed by different levels of attention paid to the public signal, for intermediate levels of precision of public information. This discontinuity arises from the fact that the strategic complementarity translates into attention complementarity, a property that emerges only when the information cost is positive (compared to zero). Even when there is a unique equilibrium, I show that ignoring rational inattention tends to overstate the negative welfare effects of enhanced dissemination of public information.
“Cholo soy”, 1973 y 2016: voces de choledad en el Perú

Este articulo examina la produccion y modelacion del termino “cholo” – indigena urbanizado – en la sociedad mediatica limena, contrastando y comparando la version del tema musical “Cholo soy” del c...
Chapter 63 – Cultural Entomology

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses cultural entomology, which is the study of the role of insects in those human affairs that are practiced for the nourishment of the mind and soul, such as language and literature, music, folklore, religion, art, and recreation. These activities that pervade primitive and modern human societies are concerned primarily with life's meaning rather than its function. Insects figure prominently in the creation myths of many cultures. Entomological mythology commonly employs transformations of beings between the insect and the human form, the acquisition of souls by insects, and ultimately the deification of insect forms. Insects are also used symbolically throughout the world's religions in a variety of roles. Throughout human existence, many insects have been admired for their ingenuity, beauty, fantastic shapes, and behaviors. In some instances, the use of insects as totemic figures that may symbolize ancestry or kinship of humans with these organisms leads to a deep sense of adoration and reverence. The songs, sounds, and other qualities of insects have inspired many musicians and songwriters. The sounds produced by various insects serve as songs for direct enjoyment or as the inspiration for man-made music.
Spontaneous Early Withdrawal Behaviors after Chronic 24-hour Free-Choice Access to Ethanol.

AIMS Abstinence after chronic alcohol consumption leads to withdrawal symptoms, which are exacerbated after repeated cycles of relapse. This study examined withdrawal-like behaviors after chronic ethanol drinking, with or without repeated cycles of deprivation. METHODS Male alcohol-preferring (P) rats had access to continuous ethanol (CE), chronic ethanol with repeated deprivation (RD), or remained ethanol naive (EN). The RD group experienced seven cycles of 2 weeks of deprivation and 2 weeks of re-exposure to ethanol after an initial 6 weeks of ethanol access. Withdrawal was measured after an initial 24 h of ethanol re-exposure in the RD group, which coincided with the same day of ethanol access in the CE group. Withdrawal-like behavior was measured by (a) ethanol intake during the initial 24 h of re-exposure, (b) locomotor activity (LMA) in a novel field 9-13 h after removal of ethanol at the beginning of the fifth re-exposure cycle and (c) acoustic startle responding (ASR) 8-15 h after removal of ethanol at the beginning of the sixth re-exposure cycle. RESULTS The RD rats displayed a 1-h alcohol deprivation effect (ADE) (temporary ethanol increase), relative to CE rats, during the first to fourth and seventh re-exposure cycles. RD and CE rats displayed significant increases in LMA than EN rats. Regarding ASR, RD rats displayed significantly greater ASR relative to EN rats. CONCLUSION This study confirms that P rats meet the animal model criterion for ethanol-associated dependence, without a reliance on either behavioral (limited fluid access) or pharmacological (seizure threshold manipulation) challenges.
82. CORRELATIONS BETWEEN PEDIATRIC RESIDENCY PROGRAM INTERVIEW & RANKING PRACTICES AND MATCH OUTCOMES

Background Applications to pediatric residency programs have increased in the last decade, creating pressure for applicants & programs. It is unclear how programs’ interviewing & ranking practices relate to match outcomes. Objective: Describe pediatric residency program interview & ranking strategies. Determine if these strategies would change if USMLE becomes pass/fail. Design We created a survey regarding current invitation & ranking practices, and if these practices would change if USMLE becomes pass/fail. We distributed the APPD approved survey to residency coordinators & associate program directors (APDs) in Spring 2019. We analyzed the data using nonparametric correlation & multivariate regression analysis. Results Of 153 programs surveyed, 60 coordinators and 32 APDs completed the survey, with 21% of programs completing the study. Interviewing (A=-0.38) & ranking (A=-0.36) more applicants correlated significantly with the rank list percentile of the lowest-matched applicant, but did not correlate with the top-matched applicant's rank. There were no significant correlations between number of interviews offered & average USMLE scores or type of matched applicant (US MD vs. non-US IMG). However, more invitations (A=0.46, 0.58), interviews (A=0.42, 0.54), & ranks (A=0.53, 0.60) were associated with higher average COMLEX (1, 2) scores. Having more available PGY1 positions was associated with higher incoming USMLE step (1, 2) scores (A=0.27, 0.61), & a greater proportion of US MD residents (A=0.29). On average, programs ranked USMLE/COMLEX (Fig. 1) scores as the primary criteria for offering interviews, therefore if the USMLE becomes pass/fail, many programs would need to change their selection strategy. Conclusion When controlling for the number of PGY1 positions, offering more interviews did not correlate with most characteristics of matched applicants, suggesting that pediatric residency programs could interview fewer applicants without meaningfully affecting match outcomes. Next steps include studying the correlation between application strategies & outcomes for applicants.
Effects of initiating physician-performed germline testing in safety net clinic patients with epithelial overian cancer.

Germline genetic mutations occur in approximately 25% of women with epithelial ovarian cancers (EOC). We sought to determine whether newly initiated in-office oncologist-led germline testing improved time to testing and dissemination of results compared with historical controls. Patients with epithelial ovarian cancer seen between 4/1/2018 and 12/31/2019 were identified. Patients treated before genetic testing kits were made available in the gynecologic oncology clinics were compared to those treated after. Categorical variables were compared using Chi Squared and Fisher's Exact test. Cox proportional hazards model was used to compare elapsed time from testing to results. 73 patients were identified, and 502 clinic visits were analyzed. 56 (76.7%) patients were White Hispanic, 15 (20.5%) were Black, and 2 (2.7%) were White non-Hispanic. 55 (75.7%) underwent germline testing. Median time to genetic testing in the intervention group was shorter than in the control group (5, vs 24.3 weeks, 95% CI = 0-10.8 vs 14.9-33.7, p < 0.001). Among the 51 patients with genetic tests completed; results were recorded in a clinic note at 14 weeks (95% CI = 0-28.1) from first visit in the intervention group compared with 47 weeks (95% CI = 30.7-63.3) in the control group (p < 0.001). The majority of patients tested had county charity care insurance or were uninsured. Genetic testing in a safety net gynecologic oncology clinic is feasible. By initiating in-office testing, time to testing and receipt of results were meaningfully shortened. This allowed for timely identification of patients who would most benefit from PARP inhibitor maintenance therapy.
Integrating human and machine coding to measure political issues in ethnic newspaper articles

The voices of racial minority groups have rarely been examined systematically with large-scale text analysis in political science. This study fills such a gap by applying an integrated classification framework to the analysis of the commonalities and differences in political issues that appeared in 78,305 articles from Asian American and African American newspapers from the 1960s to the 1980s. The automated text classification shows that Asian American newspapers focused on promoting collective gains more often than African American newspapers. Conversely, African American newspapers concentrated on preventing collective losses more than Asian American newspapers. The content analysis demonstrates that the issue priorities varied between the corpora, especially with respect to policy contexts. Gaining access to government resources was a more urgent issue for Asian Americans, while reducing or ending state violence, such as police brutality, was a more pressing matter for African Americans. It also helped avoid extreme interpretations of the machine coding, as the misalignment of political agendas between the two corpora widened up to 10 times when the training data were measured using the minimum, rather than the maximum, reliability threshold.
Animal-based foods have high social and climate costs

Despite the importance of animal-based agricultural greenhouse gas emissions as drivers of climate change, the climate costs of such emissions have not yet been quantified in an integrated way. Using a macroeconomic–climate framework, we coupled global agricultural and industrial economies to estimate these costs at a regional level. To be consistent with end-of-century temperature increases of 1.5–3 °C, we found that every 10-percentage-point increase in agricultural emissions required a compensating 1.5-percentage-point reduction in industrial emissions—the ‘emissions opportunity cost’ of animal-based foods. Alternatively, if agricultural emissions were not offset in the industrial sector, diets high in animal protein contributed US$72 per person per year in additional climate damage—approximately half of the annual climate damage produced by the average passenger vehicle in the United States. Our analysis revealed geographic heterogeneity in climate costs by diet and food type, suggesting opportunities for mitigation policies while recognizing food insecurity risks. Increasing greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture must be compensated by emissions reduction in other sectors if global emissions are to be capped. Using macroeconomic–climate modelling, this study quantifies such emission compensation efforts under different dietary choices.
Closed Loop Hydraulic System and Its Effect on Actuator Design

Hydraulic systems provide a clean and stable supply of hydraulic fluid for subsea valves and actuators installed on the subsea bed in subsea production systems. Subsea control systems are used for contemporary subsea fields instead of installing the control system on topside. Although all-electric subsea systems are state-of-the-art with benefits such as health, safety, and environment improvement, as well as efficiency and lower cost, hydraulic systems are still used for the development of many subsea fields. One of the main questions in the selection of a subsea hydraulic field is whether to choose an open or closed loop hydraulic system. The main characteristic of an open loop hydraulic system is that the hydraulic fluid is discharged into the marine environment during the actuation of the subsea valves. Conversely, the hydraulic fluid is returned to the topside facilities through an umbilical system in a closed loop system. Given that closed loop systems are more eco-friendly, the main question in this research is to examine the effect of the actuator connection of the closed loop system on actuator design. Two cases of actuated valves connected to a closed loop system are analyzed in this paper. The first is a 71/16-in. subsea slab gate valve in the pressure class of 517 bar with a linear spring return fail-safe close (FSC) actuator located on a manifold branch. The data indicates that the piston rod and cylinder diameter of the FSC linear actuator should be increased by some millimeters due to the accumulation of hydraulic oil at the bottom of the actuator. The hydraulic oil in the closed loop system helps in closing the actuator and spring force, so the spring constant and torque should be reduced as a result. The second case involves a 16-in. subsea ball valve in the pressure class of 517 bar with a double-acting fail-as-is rack and pinion actuator. The conclusion in this case is to avoid making any change in the design of double-acting actuator in connection to the closed loop system.
Ureteral and Ureteroenteric Strictures

Ureteral stricture disease management has changed with the introduction of minimally invasive treatment options such as ureteroscopy, laparoscopy, and robotics over the last 10–20 years. The advantages of decreased morbidity, pain, and convalescence time with minimally invasive surgery tempered with good results in the appropriate clinical scenario have led to a shift in treating this disease process ureteroscopically depending on the etiology.
Barbarism and Religion: Thomas Carte: Japhetic settlers in the western islands

Goguet – politically correct by the standards of today – affirmed the Mesopotamian and Egyptian origins of urban civilisation, rejected the stereotype of oriental despotism and held that Egyptians and Phoenicians had rescued the primitive Greeks from savagery. But he was too completely a Parisian, of the Palais and the Ile de la Cite, to gaze long towards the plains where Europe disappeared in Asia, and we should not look to him for the history of the shepherd peoples sweeping out of the steppe. That we turn for this to a work by an Anglo-British author follows from the circumstance that the archipelago off the north-western coasts of the main European peninsula had a cultural frontier of its own, where manorial ploughmen met with highland and Gaelic cattle-drivers and chose to consider them barbarians for reasons not only literary. The written sources available to English agrarian and monastic culture, however, obliged the latter to provide classical and scriptural accounts of the pastoralists and their origins, and we now enter the world described by Colin Kidd, where the existence of nations was explained by concepts neither nationalist nor philosophical. In an earlier volume, Gibbon was found reading, and despising, a work called Remains of Japhet , which showed how the co-existence of herdsmen and ploughmen in the western islands could be biblically accounted for.