cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plasma Oxytocin During Pregnancy and Lactation in the Cynomolgus Monkey

Plasma levels of oxytocin were measured during pregnancy and lactation in a group (n = 23) of cynomolgus monkeys (Ma coca fascicularis). Blood samples were taken biweekly from conscious animals during the last trimester of pregnancy and continuing through 6 weeks of lactation. Oxytocin was measured by a specific and sensitive radioiminunoassay which was developed for this study. The assay was useful for measuring plasma levels of oxytocin since it had excellent sensitivity (‘\‘0.3 pg/assay tube) and a 50% displacement level of 5 pg/assay tube. Recovery studies and measurement of serial dilutions of extracted plasma demonstrated that the assay was valid for determination of plasma oxytocin in the cynomolgus monkey. Results showed that oxytocin was low throughout pregnancy, peaked on the date of parturition, and returned to baseline during lactation. In samples taken 1 week prepartum, oxytocin was 2.1 ± 0.26 and increased to 22.4 ± 6.7 pg/mi on the date of parturition (mean ± SEM). Oxytocin was also measured in a subgroup of animals (n = 7) in which the pregnancies terminated in stillbirth or spontaneous abortion.
The Internet and the Dilemma of Africa’s Development

Current advances in cyber-technology present technologically challenged countries in Africa with a major dilemma. Before now, the main challenge these countries faced was how to close the North–South technology gap. But now the challenge has shifted to a precarious level: how not to become irrelevant in the New World. Even in America, former US President Bill Clinton spent a significant part of his second term urging his people to bridge ‘the digital divide’ to avoid leaving behind huge segments of the American population as the world, led by the US, figuratively flies into cyberspace. This article examines the dilemma of African countries as they are swept along by this Internet ‘e-uphoria’. It provides data on Internet use in Africa and on impediments to growth and development of the Internet on the continent. The article shows that even though all 54 countries in Africa now have Internet access, at least in their capital cities, the global impact of their connectivity is negligible. It argues that ongo...
Vertebrate osmoregulation: a student laboratory exercise using teleost fish.

Here, we describe a laboratory experiment as part of an upper-level vertebrate physiology course for biology majors to investigate the physiological response of vertebrates to osmoregulatory challe...
Assessment of a metaviromic dataset generated from nearshore Lake Michigan

Bacteriophages are powerful ecosystem engineers. They drive bacterial mortality rates and genetic diversity, and affect microbially mediated biogeochemical processes on a global scale. This has been demonstrated in marine environments; however, phage communities have been less studied in freshwaters, despite representing a potentially more diverse environment. Lake Michigan is one of the largest bodies of freshwater on the planet, yet to date the diversity of its phages has yet to be examined. Here, we present a composite survey of viral ecology in the nearshore waters of Lake Michigan. Sequence analysis was performed using a web server previously used to analyse similar data. Our results revealed a diverse community of DNA phages, largely comprising the order Caudovirales. Within the scope of the current study, the Lake Michigan virome demonstrates a distinct community. Although several phages appeared to hold dominance, further examination highlighted the importance of interrogating metagenomic data at the genome level. We present our study as baseline information for further examination of the ecology of the lake. In the current study we discuss our results and highlight issues of data analysis which may be important for freshwater studies particularly, in light of the complexities associated with examining phage ecology generally.
A phase I study of docetaxel as a radiosensitizer for locally advanced squamous cell cervical cancer

5053 Background: Concomitant radiotherapy with cisplatin chemotherapy is the standard of care for locally advanced squamous cell cervical cancer (LASCCC). Alternatives to cisplatin are needed due t...
More remarks on the electromagnetic properties of a domain wall interacting with charged fermions

The response to a magnetic flux is considered of the vacuum state of charged Dirac fermions interacting with a domain wall made of a neutral spinless field in 3+1 dimensions with the fermion mass term having a phase variation across the wall. It is pointed out that as a result of simple C parity arguments the spontaneous magnetization for this system is necessarily zero, thus invalidating some claims to the contrary in the literature. The cancellation of the spontaneous magnetization is explicitly demonstrated in a particular class of models. The same calculation produces a general formula for the electric charge density induced by the magnetic flux{emdash}an effect previously discussed in the literature for axionic domain walls. The distribution of the induced charge is calculated in specific models.
Electroretinogram Monitoring of Retinoblastoma Treatment

Background: We report the results of electroretinogram monitoring of visual function in patients treated for retinoblastoma at the Ocular Oncology Clinic at MSKCC since 2006, mostly with intra-arterial chemotherapy infusion. Our experience to date exceeds 5300 ERG studies.
C. elegans lifespan extension by osmotic stress requires FUdR, base excision repair, FOXO, and sirtuins

Moderate stress can increase lifespan by hormesis, a beneficial low-level induction of stress response pathways. 5'-fluorodeoxyuridine (FUdR) is commonly used to sterilize Caenorhabditis elegans in aging experiments. However, FUdR alters lifespan in some genotypes and induces resistance to thermal and proteotoxic stress. We report that hypertonic stress in combination with FUdR treatment or inhibition of the FUdR target thymidylate synthase, TYMS-1, extends C. elegans lifespan by up to 30%. By contrast, in the absence of FUdR, hypertonic stress decreases lifespan. Adaptation to hypertonic stress requires diminished Notch signaling and loss of Notch co-ligands leads to lifespan extension only in combination with FUdR. Either FUdR treatment or TYMS-1 loss induced resistance to acute hypertonic stress, anoxia, and thermal stress. FUdR treatment increased expression of DAF-16 FOXO and the osmolyte biosynthesis enzyme GPDH-1. FUdR-induced hypertonic stress resistance was partially dependent on sirtuins and base excision repair (BER) pathways, while FUdR-induced lifespan extension under hypertonic stress conditions requires DAF-16, BER, and sirtuin function. Combined, these results demonstrate that FUdR, through inhibition of TYMS-1, activates stress response pathways in somatic tissues to confer hormetic resistance to acute and chronic stress. C. elegans lifespan studies using FUdR may need re-interpretation in light of this work.
NETWORK METHODS FOR INTEGRATED OPTICS DEVICES

Network methods using equivalent electrical circuits are shown to provide a systematic approach which facilitates the analysis and design of integrated-optics devices. This approach is illustrated by examples which include dielectric gratings for beam couplers and other applications.
On ignition in counterflowing CO/H2 versus heated air

This paper presents a computational study of ignition in nonpremixed Counterflowing CO/Hj versus heated air. To understand the chemical and dynamical mechanisms governing CO/H2 ignition, we have examined the following features: the effect of £[2 concentration on the system's ignition characteristics, the dominant chemical kinetics just prior to ignition, the role of convection and diffusion with respect to chemical kinetics, and the dependence of ignition temperature on pressure variation. Three ignition regimes were identified, based upon the influence of Ha concentration, which we have designated (1) Hj-dominating, (2) transition and (3) H2catalyzing. In the Hj-dominated regime, relevant for high H2 concentrations, the controlling ignition kinetics involves that of H2 chemistry with minimal CO influence. In the transition regime, the participation of CO kinetics, especially through its exothermicity, allows the CO/H2 system to be ignitable even when the analogous N2/H2 system ceases to be ignitable. Sensitivity analysis shows that it is the competition between Hj and HO2 chemistry in the two systems that determines whether or not the system is ignitable. Finally, in the Hj-catalyzed regime, relevant for low H2 concentrations, the dominant kinetics are found to include both H2 and CO chemistry. Furthermore, by studying the effects of pressure on the ignition temperature in the H2-catalyzed regime, three ignition limits corresponding to those of H2 explosion are identified, as is reasonable to expect.
Calcium Metabolism in the Laying Hen: 2. Patterns of Calcium Intake, Serum Calcium, and Fecal Calcium

Abstract A total of seventy mature hens were used in three trials to study the relationship of serum calcium (Ca), fecal Ca and Ca intake when related to oviposition or to time of day. In all trials blood was taken at 8 a.m., 12 noon, and 4 p.m. each day and eggs were collected at two hour intervals. In trial 1, birds were fed a practical corn-soybean type diet containing 3 percent Ca ad libitum. In trial 2, birds had access (from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for three days) to either a 3 percent Ca diet (ad libitum) or were given a 4 percent Ca diet restricted to 75 percent that of the intake of the control birds. The restricted birds were fed at two hour intervals. Feces were collected at 8 a.m., 12 noon, 4 p.m., and 8 p.m. for three days, and at 8 a.m. and 12 noon on the fourth day. The birds were returned to a 3 percent Ca diet for three days, after which the treatments for the groups were reversed and the entire procedure repeated. In trial 3, feeding regimes for the three day period were as follows: 1) not restricted, 2) withholding feed for 16 hours on day two, and 3) withholding feed for 16 hours each day. When related to time of day, the serum Ca peaks (high or low) of the control group were the reverse of the Ca intake and fecal Ca peaks; however, when Ca intake was held constant in the restricted birds the serum Ca pattern remained unchanged, but the pattern of fecal Ca was much more pronounced. The total intake of Ca in both groups was the same. When plotted in relation to oviposition serum Ca again was highest when fecal Ca was lowest. The pattern of serum Ca was altered by dietary restriction; however, the birds adjusted to this restriction after approximately two days.
Spectroscopic Investigations of the Effect of Accelerated Protons on Carbon-based High-density Polyethylene Composites

Raman and Electron Spin Resonance measurements on high-density polyethylenesingle wall carbon nanotube composites subjected to proton irradiation are reported. The samples were irradiated in vacuum at room temperature with protons accelerated up to 10 MeV and 40 MeV, respectively. The flux of the incoming protons was ranging between 10 8 and 10 10 protons/cm 2 . Significant modifications in the parameters of ESR and Raman spectra confirmed the radiation-induced degradation of single wall carbon nanotubes within the polymeric matrix.
Converting to lead-free solders: An automotive industry perspective

The solder tests currently used in defining solder alloy properties are not sufficient for selecting interconnect materials for improved reliability and reduced cost in automotive electronic applications. A “preventive” design approach based upon more accurate models of failure mechanisms and life prediction than are currently available will be required in order to assess solder alloys and to determine whether lead-free solders will provide improved reliability and lower-cost manufacturing options when compared to the lead-based solders currently used.
A graphical user interface (GUI) toolkit for the calculation of three-dimensional (3D) multi-phase biological effective dose (BED) distributions including statistical analyses

A toolkit has been developed for calculating the 3-dimensional biological effective dose (BED) distributions in multi-phase, external beam radiotherapy treatments such as those applied in liver stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and in multi-prescription treatments. This toolkit also provides a wide range of statistical results related to dose and BED distributions. MATLAB 2010a, version 7.10 was used to create this GUI toolkit. The input data consist of the dose distribution matrices, organ contour coordinates, and treatment planning parameters from the treatment planning system (TPS). The toolkit has the capability of calculating the multi-phase BED distributions using different formulas (denoted as true and approximate). Following the calculations of the BED distributions, the dose and BED distributions can be viewed in different projections (e.g. coronal, sagittal and transverse). The different elements of this toolkit are presented and the important steps for the execution of its calculations are illustrated. The toolkit is applied on brain, head & neck and prostate cancer patients, who received primary and boost phases in order to demonstrate its capability in calculating BED distributions, as well as measuring the inaccuracy and imprecision of the approximate BED distributions. Finally, the clinical situations in which the use of the present toolkit would have a significant clinical impact are indicated.
Growth of Pteromalus puparum in a Semisynthetic Medium

In an earlier paper we reported the successful cultivation of the endoparasitic wasp, Pteromalus puparum L.), in vitro on insect hemolymph (Hoffman et al. 1973). Recently we have reared this endoparasite on a semisynthetic medium devoid of insect additives. The medium and results are reported here.
Primary Achievement and Developmental Trends of Super Rice Breeding in South China Ecological Region

China super rice research project has played an important role in increasing food production and improving rice breeding level in China since its initiation.As main initiating and undertaking unit of China super rice research project,Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences has undertaken super rice breeding works of the project in South China since 1996.On the basis of initiation of rice ecological breeding and significant achievements,new splendor of super rice breeding in South China has been recreated after 10 years' hard work.Super rice plant type model of'early growth and deep roots' and wide adaptability and good quality super rice plant type model in South China were constructed successively;great breakthroughs have been made in good quality late super rice breeding and wide adaptability super rice breeding;a number of good quality super rice varieties have been developed,and main varieties include Shengtai 1,the quality being as good as good quality fragrant rice of Thailand,Guinongzhan,the pioneering variety that achieved breakthrough in late super rice breeding in China,and Yuxiangyouzhan,a wide adaptable super rice variety with big panicles and high setting percentage,etc.,and these super rice varieties are quickly adopted in production in large scale,creating significant social and economic benefits.
The Design of Interval Type-2 Singleton Mamdani Fuzzy Logic System

This paper introduces the definition of interval type-2fuzzy set and the corresponding theory.A type of multiple and multidimensional interval type-2singleton Mamdani fuzzy logic systems is proposed.Based on the theory of KM algorithms,blocks of fuzzy reasoning,type-reduction,defuzzification are designed.Based on the theory of BP algorithms,the antecedent parameters of interval type-2singleton Mamdani fuzzy logic systems are tuned.Finally the conclusion of this paper and the expectation of further researching are proposed.
Viral Vector Production: Adenovirus

Adenoviral vectors have proven to be valuable resources in the development of novel therapies aimed at targeting pathological conditions of the central nervous system, including Alzheimer's disease and neoplastic brain lesions. Not only can some genetically engineered adenoviral vectors achieve remarkably efficient and specific gene delivery to target cells, but they also may act as anticancer agents by selectively replicating within cancer cells.Due to the great interest in using adenoviral vectors for various purposes, the need for a comprehensive protocol for viral vector production is especially apparent. Here, we describe the process of generating an adenoviral vector in its entirety, including the more complex process of adenoviral fiber modification to restrict viral tropism in order to achieve more efficient and specific gene delivery.
Encephalitis in the Elderly: NMDA-R Encephalitis Mistaken for Dementia (P6.209)

Objective: To highlight the importance of considering anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in an elderly patient presenting with a dementia syndrome. Background: Anti-NMDA-receptor encephalitis is an immune-mediated syndrome that has increasingly gained attention. While it is often considered in younger patients presenting with subacute development of otherwise-unexplained psychiatric manifestations, the elderly too are at risk for development of this potentially treatable disease. Design/Methods: We report the case of a 76 year old male with metastatic hormone sensitive prostate adenocarcinoma. Approximately 11 months before presentation, he developed short term memory impairment. This continued for 6 months, when he progressed to develop confusion, disorientation, and incoherent, illogical speech, along with visual hallucinations and widely varying states of alertness. He had dysautonomia with orthostasis, requiring pacemaker placement. On exam, he had asymmetrically increased tone. A degenerative process, such as DLB or MSA, was suspected given his age, symptoms, and subacute to chronic progression. Work-up included an unremarkable CT of the brain. An MRI was not performed given pacemaker incompatibility. EEG did not reveal epileptiform activity. CSF analysis demonstrated mild pleocytosis (12) and an elevated IgG index (1.02). CSF NMDA-R Ab cell-binding assay was positive, and immunofixation titer was highly positive (1:128). He was diagnosed with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. Results: At the time of this submission, the patient is receiving treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone and immunoglobulin therapy. Conclusions: Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis should be considered in patients of all ages. It has been reported in infants as young as 8 months old, and in adults as old as 75 years of age. Literature review suggests this may be the oldest reported case of NMDA-receptor encephalitis. Given the treatable nature of the disease, it is a diagnosis that should be given careful consideration even in elderly patients with neuropsychiatric manifestations. Disclosure: Dr. Ali has nothing to disclose. Dr. Baron has nothing to disclose.
A brief assessment for selecting communication modalities for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

AbstractIndividuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have impairments in their ability to communicate with others. Estimates indicate that about 25–50% of children with ASD are nonvocal. To address these deficits, a number of augmentative and alternative communication strategies have emerged. Commonly used communication responses have included vocal speech, picture exchange, and manual signs. While these communication strategies have all been shown to be effective in specific clinical instances, the selection of communication topography has generally been based on philosophical preference, rather than on empirical analyses. Relatively little research has evaluated procedures to determine which modality represents a “best fit” with individual learning styles. The purpose of the current investigation was to design a brief assessment model to evaluate the rate of acquisition and preference for different communication modalities for three individuals with ASD. The results show that participants acquired d...
Helminths of Five Species of Gonocephalus Lizards (Squamata: Agamidae) from Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract: Five species of Gonocephalus lizards (N = 27) from Peninsular Malaysia were examined for gastrointestinal helminths: Gonocephalus abbotti (n = 6), Gonocephalus bellii (n = 8), Gonocephalus chamaeleontinus (n = 4), Gonocephalus grandis (n = 5), Gonocephalus robinsoni (n = 4). The aggregate helminth community consisted of two species of Cestoda, represented by Oochoristica javaensis and cysticercoid and nine species of Nematoda: Abbreviata borneensis, Cosmocercoides malayensis, Falcaustra malaysiaia, Meteterakis singaporensis, Orneoascaris sandoshami, Strongyluris calotis, Physocephalus sp., Physalopteridae gen. sp., Ascarididae gen. sp. Species of Gonocephalus are infected by generalist helminths that have potential for infecting a variety of lizards. Twenty-one new host records are reported.
A Microwave Apparatus for Rapid Heating of Thread lines

AbstractA resonant-cavity type microwave system for rapid heating of polymeric threadlines has been developed. The basic design considerations which lead to the reliable operation of this heater are presented. Keys to the design of an efficient applicator are the selection of a controllable resonant mode, sufficient separation between adjacent modes, provision for ready insertion of the threadlines, and a means for tuning to the resonant frequency.
Quantification in molecular ultrasound imaging using compartmental modeling

The goal of project detailed in this paper was to develop a pharmacokinetic compartmental model for describing the complex activity of targeted microbubble (MB) contrast agents used for molecular ultrasound (US) imaging. This imaging study used renal cell carcinoma (RCC)-bearing mice. Either VEGFRR2-targeted or control MBs were intravenously injected. Each animal was imaged before MB injection and for 5 min after using a low-intensity nonlinear imaging mode implemented on a SONIX RP US system (BK Ultrasound) equipped with a L12-4 transducer. After a 4 h delay to allow MB clearance, a subset of animals that received targeted MBs during the first imaging session were reimaged using control MBs and vice versa. Tumors were manually segmented from the US image sequences and a mean intensity value was computed for each frame. A two compartment kinetic model was developed and fit to time-intensity curve (TIC) data. Input parameters for this model include MB dose, tumor size and vascular volume. Output parameters were then estimated using this model that relate to targeted MB binding and clearance. An estimate of fractional tumor vascularity was computed as the percentage of image pixels above a defined intensity threshold compared to the number of pixels for the tumor space. After euthanasia, immunohistologic analysis was performed on excised tumor tissue. The model was in good agreement with TIC data describing targeted MB flow and binding in the tumor vascularity (R2 > 0.89, p 0.77). Overall, the two-compartment model may be useful for describing flow binding kinetics of targeted MBs used during molecular US studies.
A finite-element model of granular serotonin exocytosis

Signaling molecules stored in cellular granules serve a broad range of functional purposes. Serotonin, for example, is involved in the regulation of behavior, cognitive function, and hemostasis. Understanding serotonin release from platelet granules can provide valuable fundamental information about the exocytotic process and help elucidate potential abnormalities of diseased platelets. Experimentally, carbon-fiber microelectrochemistry has been utilized to characterize the dynamic behavior of serotonin secretion from individual platelets. The objectives of this study were (1) to develop a finite-element model of the carbon-fiber microelectrode experiment and (2) to predict the effect of the postulated core–halo granule microstructure and rate of fusion pore expansion on the resulting amperometric signal. The model confirmed that the core–halo microstructure is consistent with the observed amperometric spike profiles. Further, it showed that the ratio of pore diameter to granule diameter, rather than the rate of pore expansion, dictates the profile shape. Understanding the driving forces for chemical messenger delivery from platelet granules has implications for understanding abnormalities in diseased platelets as well as other exocytotic cells.
Inter-trial coherence of medial frontal theta oscillations linked to differential feedback processing in youth and young adults with autism

Abstract Background Impairment in prediction and appreciation for choice outcomes could contribute to several core symptoms of ASD. We examined electroencephalography (EEG) oscillations in 27 youth and young adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 22 IQ-matched neurotypical controls while they performed a chance-based reward prediction task. Method We re-analyzed our previously published ERP data (Larson et al., 2011) and examined theta band oscillations (4–8 Hz) at frontal midline sites, within a timing window that overlaps with the feedback-related negativity (FRN). We focused on event-related changes after presentation of feedback for reward (WIN) and punitive (LOSE) outcomes, both for spectral power and inter-trial phase coherence. Results In our reward prediction task, for both groups, medial frontal theta power and phase coherence were greater following LOSE compared to WIN feedback. However, compared to controls, inter-trial coherence of medial frontal theta was significantly lower overall (across both feedback types) for individuals with ASD. Our results indicate that while individuals with ASD are sensitive to the valence of reward feedback, comparable to their neurotypical peers, they have reduced synchronization of medial frontal theta activity during feedback processing. Conclusions This finding is consistent with previous studies showing neural variability in ASD and suggest that the processes underlying decision-making and reinforcement learning may be atypical and less efficient in ASD.
MARKSOV POJAM DIJALEKTIKE

U ovom clanku autor razmatra složenu mrežu znacenja pojmapraxis kod Marksa. Polazeci od odnosa između Hegelovog pojma duha (Geist) i Marksovog pojma delanja (Praxis), prevashodno se analizira geneza praxis-a iz Fenomenologije duha i Nauke logike, kao i pojmo- vi samoproizvođenja, rada i izopacene praxis (otuđenja). U drugom delu, kroz figure “svedoka” i “aktera”, reflektuje se odnos teorije i prakse kroz ideju ozbiljenja filozofije. Autor argumentise da je tu u odlucujucem smislu rec o procesu istovremene subjektivacije i objektivacije, kao spe- cificnom kontinuitetu unutar diskontinuiteta, zbog kojeg se ne može zanemariti važna uloga teo- rije. Diferencirajuci razlicite stupnjeve praxis-a, istice se da kljucna kategorija dijalektike zapravo nije nužnost vec upravo mogucnost, prikazana kroz unutrasnju vezu između ljudske potencijal- nost i potencijalne ljudskosti.
Process and microstructure to achieve high dielectric constant in ceramic-glass composites for energy storage applications

A ceramic-glass composite with high dielectric constant is fabricated by using vacuum pretreated BaTiO 3 nanoparticles and SiO 2 glass coating layers, the effect of process and microstructure on the dielectric properties of the composites was investigated. As the content of glass coated on BaTiO 3 particles is increasing, the composites are showing the decreasing dielectric constant, decreasing dielectric loss and increasing breakdown. When the composite with 2.5 wt.% SiO 2 was sintered at 1230 °C, its energy density reached a maximum value of 1.66 J/cm3. The produced composite disks are showing a high dielectric constant of 3000 and a low dielectric loss of 0.03 at the testing frequency of 100 Hz. A better dielectric stability with changing temperature were also achieved, which also makes the materials potential for a variety of applications.
Enriching the Starter Diet in n–3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Reduces Adipocyte Size in Broiler Chicks

Epidemiologic studies associate perinatal intake of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) with reduced adiposity in children, suggesting that these fatty acids may alter adipose tissue development. The objective of this study was to determine whether enriching the perinatal diet in EPA and DHA reduces fat deposition in young chicks. Cobb 500 broiler chicks were fed isocaloric diets containing fat (8% wt:wt) from fish oil (FO), lard, canola oil, or flaxseed oil from 7 to 30 d of age. Adiposity (abdominal fat pad weight/body weight) at 30 d was not significantly affected by diet, but FO significantly reduced adipocyte size, increasing the abundance of small adipocytes. Plasma nonesterified fatty acid concentrations suggest that reduced adipocyte size was due, in part, to enhanced mobilization of fatty acids from adipose tissue. Our work indicates that dietary EPA and DHA effectively reduce the size of developing adipocytes in juveniles, which may limit adipose deposition and provide metabolic benefits.
Enhanced Curriculum Intervention Did Not Result in Increased Postnatal Physical Activity in Rural, Southern, Primarily African American Women

Purpose:To test the impact of an enhanced home visiting curriculum on postnatal physical activity in rural, southern, primarily African American mothers.Design:Randomized controlled trial.Setting:T...
Views on Sex Determination

In the few decades following the rediscovery of Mendel’s work, the intense activity in genetics was concerned with collecting many more examples of “Mendelizing” genes, and with analyzing the way in which genes were arranged in, and transmitted with the chromosomes. This work, which was done mostly with Drosophila, revealed in detail the chromosomal mechanism of heredity, but almost all of the progress that was made involved the analysis of gene transmission in which phenotypic differences between organisms were used merely as markers by which the inheritance of genetic differences could be followed. The way in which these genetic differences produced their phenotypic effects, or more generally the way in which the genotype controlled the phenotype, was a problem to which the statistical methods of the geneticists could make no contribution. In fact, even today there are remarkably few mutant phenotypes whose molecular and developmental basis is understood. It was largely Richard Goldschmidt who first recognized this as a major unsolved problem, and it was he who, in both his theoretical and experimental work, began the integration of genetics into cell biology and developmental biology which is still proceeding. He did this using an organism (the gypsy moth Lymantria) which is by no means ideal for genetic manipulations, and he chose to study a problem, the genetics of sex differences, which today is almost as far from being solved as when Goldschmidt left it.
Empowering the police to fight terrorism in Israel

Police agencies are often seen as reliant on the public to give them the authority and power necessary to carry out their responsibilities, including controlling crime. As many police agencies begi...
Older Adults’ Perceptions of the Causes and Consequences of Healthcare Overuse: A Qualitative Study

Background Overuse of healthcare is pervasive in the United States, often exposing patients to harm with little likelihood of benefit. Older Americans are particularly vulnerable to overuse and impacted by it, yet it is unknown whether older patients perceive overuse as a consequential problem.
Assembly of Viruses: Nonenveloped Particles

Nonenveloped viruses are composed of a protein coat (capsid) and a nucleotide genome. The viral genome encodes a small number of capsid proteins that assemble the virus particle with many copies following either helical or icosahedral symmetry. The structure of the capsid proteins is highly conserved despite differences in amino acid sequence and virus family. The most common structural motif is the eight-stranded β-barrel found in the capsid proteins of spherical viruses. The structural conservation of the capsid proteins reflects the functional requirement for packaging the viral genome and fitting into the icosahedral symmetry. The nucleotide genome is completed encapsidated in the protein coat for protection and delivery to the host cell. The protein capsid usually recognizes a specific receptor on the surface of the host cell and thus gains virus entry into the cell to initiate virus replication. The capsid proteins are produced during replication and package the nucleotide genome to form progeny virus particles. Inhibitor compounds that specifically bind capsid proteins could inhibit virus replication at steps of assembly, receptor recognition or uncoating. The surface of the protein capsid bears amino acid changes that allow the virus to escape antibody defense of the host.
Improving Safety: Design and Development of a Bladeless Thruster for Autonomous Multicopters

The purpose of this research project was to get one step closer to the design and manufacturing of a bladeless multi-rotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) using bladeless technology. The motivation behind this research was to eliminate the hazards created by exposed propellers on conventional multi-rotor UAVs. The bladeless propulsion system would serve as an alternative to propellers on multi-rotor UAVs. The concept of a bladeless propulsion system was inspired by Dysons bladeless fan. Research was done in the areas of the bladeless fan cross-section geometry, air-flow properties, impellers, motors, ducted fans, power sources, and conventional quad copter dynamic modeling were used to design the propulsion system for the UAV. The data collected from this research was used to design a nozzle that attaches to an Electric Ducted Fan (EDF), to create a bladeless thruster prototype. The nozzle is a circular ring with the cross section of an airfoil, which is designed to induce an airflow from the surroundings through the ring. The nozzle and concept of the UAV was designed and virtually tested using AutoCAD, Inventor, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The concept of the UAV consists of four bladeless thrusters which were 3D printed and tested with the EDF. One test structure, consisting of two thrusters was built to test the stability that the propulsion system in one degree of freedom, which essentially tests for pitch or roll angles of a multi-rotor UAV. Another test structure, consisting of four thrusters was built to test the stability in three degrees of freedom, which essentially tests for the combination of pitch, roll, and the yaw heading.
Theoretical Study of Alkylsulfonic Acids: Force-Field Development and Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Potential model descriptions for alkylsulfonic acids, methanesulfonic, ethanesulfonic, and propanesulfonic acids, are developed based on CHARMM and OPLS parameters and protocols. Thermodynamic, structural, and transport properties of these alkylsulfonic acids, including density, heat of vaporization, radial and spatial distribution functions, hydrogen bond structure, shear viscosity, and translational diffusion coefficients, are examined via molecular dynamics simulations using these potential models. The results are compared with the predictions of ab initio molecular dynamics simulations as well as with available experimental information. A good overall agreement indicates that the force-field descriptions developed here provide a reliable framework to study liquid systems containing alkylsulfonic acids.
Anionic Ring-Opening Polymerization of N-(tolylsulfonyl)azetidines To Produce Linear Poly(trimethylenimine) and Closed-System Block Copolymers

The anionic ring-opening copolymerization of N-(p-tolylsulfonyl)azetidine (pTsAzet) and N-(o-tolylsulfonyl)azetidine (oTsAzet) produces poly(pTsAzet-co-oTsAzet) as a statistical copolymer. The pTsAzet/oTsAzet copolymerization is living and allows for the synthesis of poly(sulfonylazetidine) of target molecular weights with narrow dispersities. 1H NMR spectroscopy was used to monitor the kinetics of the polymerization and estimate the monomer reactivity ratios. It was found that the reactivity ratios for oTsAzet and pTsAzet at 180 °C are 1.66 and 0.60, respectively. The tosyl groups of p(pTsAzet-co-oTsAzet) were reductively removed to produce linear poly(trimethylenimine) (LPTMI). This represents the first route to LPTMI of controlled molecular weight and low dispersity. Finally, the slow kinetics of the sulfonylazetidine polymerization facilitated the synthesis of a block copolymer without requiring the sequential addition of monomer. Specifically, pTsAzet, oTsAzet, and (N-p-toluenesulfonyl-2-methylazirid...
ANALYSIS OF BACTERIOLOGICAL UTENSIL SWAB COUNTS AND DISHWASHING PROCEDURES FROM FIELD REPORTS

Summary Swab records of the Los Angeles County Health Department totaling 13,447 for the years 1959, 1960, and part of 1961 were analysed using the IBM 7090 computer of the Western Data Processing Center. Results indicated that the total number of illegal counts in the county for this period averaged 12.67%, far below comparable reports from other sections of the country. Analysis of the data indicated that bars had more illegal counts than restaurants and used hand washing far more than machine washing. About 38% of restaurants used machines. Type of sanitizer, time of exposure, utensil, and distribution of bacterial counts are also reported. Quaternary ammonium compounds appeared to be used less successfully than hot water and chlorine. Hot water was the most reliable sanitizer on the whole but chlorine was more frequently found at legal concentrations. It was concluded that supervision of operation was more important than the swab test itself.
Solution-focused brief therapy to improve child well-being and family functioning outcomes with substance using parents in the child welfare system:

This study examined the effectiveness of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) on child well-being and family functioning outcomes for child welfare involved parents. A randomized controlled trial ...
Prospective Evaluation of the Vela Diagnostics Next-Generation Sequencing Platform for HIV-1 Genotypic Resistance Testing.

Genotypic antiretroviral drug resistance testing is a critical component of the global efforts to control the HIV-1 epidemic. This study investigates the semiautomated, next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based Vela Diagnostics Sentosa SQ HIV-1 Genotyping Assay in a prospective cohort of HIV-1–infected patients. Two-hundred sixty-nine samples were successfully sequenced by both NGS and Sanger sequencing. Among the 261 protease/reverse transcriptase (PR/RT) sequences, a mean of 0.37 drug resistance mutations were identified by both Sanger and NGS, 0.08 by NGS alone, and 0.03 by Sanger alone. Among the 50 integrase sequences, a mean of 0.3 drug resistance mutations were detected by both Sanger and NGS, and 0.08 by NGS alone. NGS estimated higher levels of drug resistance to one or more antiretroviral drugs for 6.5% of PR/RT sequences and 4.0% of integrase sequences, whereas Sanger estimated higher levels of drug resistance for 3.8% of PR/RT sequences. Although the samples successfully sequenced by the Sentosa SQ HIV Genotyping Assay demonstrated similar predicted resistance compared with Sanger, 44% of Sentosa runs failed quality control requiring 17 additional runs. This semi-automated NGS-based assay may aid in HIV-1 genotypic drug resistance testing, though numerous quality control issues were observed when this platform was used in a clinical laboratory setting. With additional refinement, the Sentosa SQ HIV-1 Genotyping Assay may contribute to the global efforts to control HIV-1.
Post-Cartesian Antitrust

The Supreme Court’s 2018 opinion in American Express v. Ohio is among the most important – and divisive – antitrust opinions in the modern era of antitrust law. The simplest statement of Justice Thomas’s opinion for the majority is that it saw a 5 Justice majority of the Court fully embrace the relatively new economic understanding of two-sided markets. Supporters of the majority opinion almost uniformly view it as an obviously-correct application of important and generally-accepted recent development in economic theory. Those more amenable to Justice Breyer’s dissenting opinion do not necessarily reject the theory of two-sided markets but instead would treat arguments premised on this theory as a pro-competitive justification (that is, a defense) to what could reasonably be understood as potentially anticompetitive conduct under prevailing antitrust economics. The central argument of this paper is that both perspectives miss the forest for the trees. The Court’s American Express opinion is not narrowly about whether (or how) antitrust law should embrace the theory of two-sided markets. Rather, I argue, this opinion is part of the Court’s ongoing efforts to understand how antitrust law should evaluate markets that are not neatly “horizontal” or “vertical." I call these efforts to understand competition in markets that are not clearly horizontal or vertical “post-Cartesian” antitrust, and describe these markets as “messy markets.” The important antitrust cases today do not fit neatly into the mold of either horizontal or vertical conduct. Simple horizontal or vertical market structures are not often the subject of antitrust litigation today. We see this in cases ranging from Apple v. Pepper (and the earlier Apple e-books litigation), to the AT&T-Time Warner merger litigation, from Leegin to Actavis, and of course in American Express. Indeed, the market structures in these cases are so different from horizontal and vertical markets that the tools developed for analysis of horizontal and vertical markets are as inapposite to them as SCP methodologies are to markets for differentiated products, markets characterized by rapid innovation, entry, or network effect, and high fixed costs.
WLCSP Package and PCB Design for Board Level Reliability

WLCSP packaging is wildly use in portable electronic products such as phone, watch, and intelligent bracelet. The advantages of WLCSP package are parasitic inductance minimized, reduced package size, and enhanced thermal conduction characteristics. To enable these benefits regardless of the die's functional complexity, we adopted Cu with ELK (extreme Low-K) material as inter-metal-dielectric native to advanced silicon fabrication technology, and WLCSP packing with large die size, thus fulfilling requirements for high speed & low power consumption. To investigate wafer WLCSP board level reliability performance is essential and critical for successful product launch and preventing field return risk. Test vehicles were used with combinations in PBO2 opening, PCB thickness, and PCB metal gradient, to understand stress on ELK behavior and potential impact on board level reliability. A quick stress test methodology using 75 cycles of -650C~1500C liquid-to-liquid thermal shock (LLTS), showing ~acceleration factor of 1.9 compared with TCB stress, was validated and used for shortening experiment cycle time. A 6x6 mm2 test vehicle was used for different WLCSP package PBO2 opening, PCB thickness and PCB metal design to assess board level reliability impact. LLTS 75cycles result showed larger PBO2 opening will get die edge ELK delamination defects. Higher PCB metal gradient board (more than 50%) & more thick (1mm) also got higher fail rate. For better WLCSP board level reliability structure, smaller WLCSP package PBO2 opening, thinner PCB thickness and uniform PCB metal distribution are recommended.
Identity Dispersion: Flexibility, Uncertainty, or Inconsistency?

Variability in the meanings of an identity (identity dispersion) have had two contrasting interpretations. On the one hand, drawing on uncertainty-identity theory within social identity theory, such variability may indicate uncertainty in the identity, an aversive state leading to negative feelings. On the other hand, identity theory suggests that such variability may indicate flexibility in the identity that reduces the negative impact of identity nonverification and allows people to feel more positively. The present paper brings together data on six identities (gender, friend, worker, student, moral, and spouse) to test the negative impact of uncertainty and/or the positive impact of flexibility. Results show that both effects occur, but further analyses suggest that identity dispersion may not represent either flexibility nor uncertainty. In a second study using longitudinal data, dispersion appears to result from inconsistencies in the identity meanings that lead to both cognitive dissonance (producing the negative effects) and a wider range of held identity meanings that reduces the negative impact of nonverification (Festinger 1957).
Exploring Computing Career Recruitment Strategies and Preferences for Black Computing Undergraduates at HBCUs

Black students, especially at the high school level, show a high interest in learning computer science; however, they only represent a small population of computer science full-time professionals in the industry. A few aspects that contribute to this are 1) the lack of early exposure to CS, 2) the absence of programs and resources at the high school level, and 3) the retention of Black students in the computer science major. Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have a lower number of the Black undergraduate population with only 8.4% of Black students, yet they award 15.4% of STEM bachelor's degrees. It is important to investigate the current needs, challenges, mindsets, and effective methods used in computing education at HBCUs to improve the current state of CS departments for Black students. Focus groups of Black computing student participants (n=21) were conducted during a workshop to learn the current needs of HBCU students pursuing a computing degree and of the recruitment and retention approaches that are helpful for current students in the major. Major themes were determined through qualitative thematic analyses. Findings from this study can assist in the retention and development of Black students pursuing a degree in computer science and entering the computing workforce.
Hemosiderin deposition in papillary renal cell carcinoma and its potential to mask enhancement on MRI: analysis of 110 cases.

To evaluate the relationship between imperceptible T1 enhancement of papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC) on MR and intratumoral hemosiderin deposition. One hundred ten pRCCs (≤ 7 cm) were evaluated by MR with in- and opposed-phase spoiled gradient echo (GRE) and T1-weighted spoiled GRE with fat suppression before and after contrast. Hemosiderin deposition was assessed by SIindex and Dindex on in- and opposed-phase images. SIindex and Dindex are calculated as (SIin − SIopp)/(SIin) × 100, where SIin and SIopp are tumor signal intensities on in- and opposed-phase images and (Din)/(Dopp), where Din and Dopp are tumor diameters on in- and opposed-phase images, respectively. The degree of tumor enhancement was classified as grade 1 (no), grade 2 (subtle), or grade 3 (definite). Tumor enhancement on CT was assessed when available. Five (5%), 10 (9%), and 95 (86%) tumors were categorized as grades 1, 2, and 3 enhancement, respectively. The mean SIindex was − 33.9, − 25.3, and 1.00, whereas the mean Dindex was 1.26, 1.05, and 1.00 in tumors with grades 1, 2, and 3 enhancement, respectively. Tumors with grade 1 enhancement had significantly lower SIindex (p = 0.001) and higher Dindex (p = 0.005) than those with grade 3 enhancement. Among six tumors with grade 1 or 2 enhancement and available CT, four tumors showed > 20 HU enhancement. pRCC with no subjective enhancement on contrast-enhanced MR showed hemosiderin deposition evident by lower SIindex and higher Dindex. Hemosiderin deposition might mask the tumor enhancement on MR. • 5% of papillary renal cell carcinoma showed imperceptible enhancement on contrast-enhanced MR. • Hemosiderin deposition in papillary renal cell carcinoma might mask the tumor enhancement on contrast-enhanced MR due to T2/T2*-shortening effects. • A renal lesion with extensive hemosiderin deposition but no perceptible enhancement on MR should be considered suspicious for papillary renal cell carcinoma.