cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genotype x environment interactions in milk yield and quality in Angus, Brahman, and reciprocal-cross cows on different forage systems.

Milk yield and quality were observed on 93 Angus, Brahman, and reciprocal-cross cows over 3 yr to evaluate the interactions of direct and maternal breed effects and heterosis with forage environment. Forage environments were common bermudagrass (BG), endophyte-infected tall fescue (E+), and a rotational system (ROT) of both forages, in which each forage (BG or E+) was grazed during its appropriate season, usually June through October for BG and November through May for E+. Milk yield was estimated each of 6 mo (April through September) via milking machine and converted to a 24-h basis. Milk fat, milk protein, and somatic cell count were analyzed by a commercial laboratory. Heterosis for milk yield was similar among forages, averaging 2.4 kg (P 0.30). Heterosis for somatic cell counts as percentages of purebred means was similar for BG (-68.3%) and E+ (-68.9%) and less favorable for ROT (-31.6%). Maternal breed effects for somatic cell count favored Angus on ROT (P < 0.10) with a similar nonsignificant trend on BG and E+. Direct breed effects for somatic cell count favored Brahman on ROT (P < 0.10) with similar nonsignificant trends on BG and E+. These results suggested that a rotation of cows from E+ to BG in the summer can partially alleviate negative effects of E+ on milk yield. Conclusions also indicated an advantage to crossbred cows in somatic cell count and provided evidence of both direct and maternal breed effects for this trait. The results also suggested that direct breed effects for milk yield, milk fat, and somatic cell count and heterosis for milk yield and somatic cell count (as percentages of purebred means) tended to vary with forage environment, indicating a potential for genotype x environment interaction for these traits.
Some Deficiencies in Theory in General Sociology Textbooks

"These characterizations," he adds, "are no doubt wrong as they are made by a foreigner with a penchant for hasty and superficial generalizations. In part they are the result of a desperate effort to find among all these texts a reliable survey of the really worthwhile research studies and an evaluation of what they have proved or shown as probable...."I It is, of course, no secret that sociologists have for some time been trying to cope with an unusually dynamic body of interests and research materials offered by their fellows and have been hard put sometimes to maintain for themselves or their students, especially in the first course in general sociology, some semblance of order and of organization. This seems clearly evidenced in the number and variety of textbooks that have appeared in the decade preceding the war and in the few years since. Now one author, or pair of authors, and now another has stood up to formulate for himself and others in the fraternity a satisfactory fare of concepts, facts and figures, illustrations of methods, principles derived, and expectations of further knowledge that might be taken to represent the science of sociology. In the past six years there have been published at least a dozen textbooks in general sociology, not including the handbooks and dictionaries of terms. These have ranged in size from 178 pages to 1008 pages and in general organization and style from Howard W. Odum's Understanding Society,2 which puts emphasis upon facts and findings that seem most likely to serve as sound bases for democratic social planning, to Carr's Situational Analysis, which the author describes as "an observational approach to introductory sociology [designed to] break the tradition that the best way to begin the study of group phenomena is to read about them rather than to look at them" ;3 from Dawson and Gettys' revised text4 which digs into the subject through the concepts and analyses of social interaction and human ecology to the casebooktextbook of Logan Wilson and W. L. Kolb;5 from E. T. Hi ler's analysis of group relations and structures6 to the broader social analysis offered by R. T. LaPiereJ7 The situation being what it is, it is perhaps somewhat foolhardy for anyone to presume to say what may be adequate or inadequate in the field. There are, nevertheless, a few facts which come to light
Issues in Integrating Psychotropic and Intensive Behavioral Interventions for Students With Emotional and Behavioral Challenges in Schools

The prevalence of psychotropic medication use among students with emotional and behavioral challenges continues to increase as intensive behavioral interventions are designed and evaluated in schools. There is general consensus among clinical professionals that psychotropic medications are not “silver bullets” but should be expected to improve mental health outcomes and enhance the effects of academic and behavioral interventions. Thus, they should be used to supplement, not replace, classroom-based strategies. Unfortunately, effective collaboration between clinical and educational professionals to evaluate medication effects is rare. As a result, psychopharmacological and behavioral interventions often occur simultaneously but are implemented and monitored independently by separate teams of professionals. In the present article, we make a case that a better understanding of behavioral mechanisms of psychotropic drug effects has the potential to improve the integration and evaluation of psychotropic and i...
Is SPE Necessary for Environmental Analysis? A Quantitative Comparison of Matrix Effects from Large-Volume Injection and Solid-Phase Extraction Based Methods

Environmental analysis by large-volume injection (LVI) was compared to solid-phase extraction (SPE) based methods using matrix effects as a quantitative indicator of analytical signal quality. LVI was performed by the direct injection of 900 μL of wastewater onto a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) column while SPE-based methods utilized octadecyl silane (C18) and hydrophobic-lypophilic balance (HLB) solid phases to preconcentrate wastewater prior to analysis. Model analytes from three classes of environmental contaminants were selected for study including four estrogens (estrone, estradiol, estriol, and ethinylestradiol), eight perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (C4–C11), and five perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (C4, C6–C8, and C10). The matrix effects on analytes were assessed by two approaches (quantitatively by calculating percent matrix effects and qualitatively with postcolumn infusions) and compared across LVI- and SPE-based methods at constant (high and low) analyte-to-matrix mass ratios. The resul...
Molecular epidemiological study on Candida glabrata infection by PCR-SSCP analysis targeting on internal transcribed spacer region I

Objective To set up a new method of molecular epidemiology for Candida glabrata in nosocomial infection based on polymerase chain reaction and single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis(PCR-SSCP),and investigate its sensitivity and resolving power.Methods Nineteen clinical strains of Candida glabrata were isolated.The ITSⅠand ITSⅡregions of these strains and one ATCC strain(ATCC 90030)were amplified using two pairs of prime,ITS1/ITS2 and ITS3/ITS4,respectively.The amplified products were analyzed by SSCP and the electrophoresis conditions were optimized.Results Compared to ITSⅡregion,ITSⅠ was less conservative and more variable,thus was more suitable for SSCP analysis.The 19 clinical strains were classified into 6 types by ITSⅠregion at either 4℃ or 15℃ in the Absence of glycerol,however,the composition of each type were different.The addition of 5% glycerol in the electrophoresis significantly improved the resolving power of PCR-SSCP.Conclusion At 15℃ in the presence of 5% glycerol,PCR-SSCP targeting on ITSⅠregion might be a quick,simple and reliable method for molecular epidemiological study on nosocomial infection caused by Candida glabrata.
Hypnotherapy in children. New approach to solving common pediatric problems.

PreviewHypnotherapy, once thought of as magical and mysterious, is rapidly becoming accepted as an appropriate form of treatment for a wide range of disorders. Some primary care physicians are beginning to discover the value of hypnotherapy in controlling chronic disease and pain, in changing negative behavior, and in facilitating self-regulation of autonomic responses. Dr Olness explores such use of hypnotherapy in children, the age-group that most readily acquires self-hypnosis skills and in which this technique has had dramatic results.
3A1 (CD7) expression precedes T beta gene rearrangements in precursor T (lymphoblastic) neoplasms.

The phenotypes of early stages of T cell maturation are reflected by precursor T (lymphoblastic) neoplasms. In the present study, a series of such neoplasms was analyzed to reveal the developmental association of the expression of stage-related cell surface markers and T cell receptor gene rearrangement. Rearrangements of the T cell receptor beta- chain (T beta) gene were found in most, but not all, cases (88%) of T cell lymphoblastic neoplasms. T beta gene rearrangement preceded surface expression of the T cell receptor-linked molecular complex T3. Of all monoclonal anti-T cell antibodies tested, only antibody 3A1 was capable of reacting with neoplastic cells from all cases irrespective of the occurrence of T cell receptor gene rearrangements. In contrast, markers T1 and T11, normally expressed by mature T cells, were absent from the neoplastic cells in many cases (73% and 60% positive cases, respectively). Thus, antibody 3A1 is a valuable probe for the identification of T lymphoblastic neoplasms since its target antigen is consistently expressed and does not require prior T beta gene rearrangement. Furthermore, expression of 3A1 prior to T beta gene rearrangement suggests that it may be a cell surface protein that participates in the triggering of T cell receptor gene rearrangement and expression. It is concluded that precursor T cell neoplasms display an early T cell development hierarchy that, in sequence, consists of 3A1 expression, T beta gene rearrangements, and surface T3 expression.
The phylogeographic history of the threatened Diana fritillary, Speyeria diana (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae): with implications for conservation

The Diana fritillary, Speyeria diana (Cramer 1777) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), is a North American endemic butterfly that disappeared from low elevation sites throughout its range in the twentieth century. It now persists in two geographically isolated mountainous regions, with an 800 km disjunction. Using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase II DNA sequences from museum and field-sampled specimens, we found greater mtDNA diversity and more widespread differentiation among eastern populations than western ones. In addition, using coalescent-based population divergence models we dated the earliest splitting of eastern and western populations at least 20,000 years ago, during the Last Glacial Maximum. Therefore, the recent range collapse across the center of the historical species distribution may have exacerbated an ancient genetic differentiation between eastern and western populations. Finally, the loss of lowland haplotypes and the relatively large variation among local populations suggests that dispersal is low and lowland populations did not move to higher elevations, perhaps in response to climate change but, rather, appear to have vanished. Our results highlight the value of incorporating genetic data from preserved specimens when investigating the phylogeographic history and conservation status of a threatened species.
Women in Early Indian Buddhism: Comparative Textual Studies

Numerous studies of women in Buddhism, both textual and ethnographic, have appeared in recent decades. In her introduction to the present volume of comparative textual studies, Alice Collett (1–16)...
Functional Coupling of Human Microphysiology Systems: Intestine, Liver, Kidney Proximal Tubule, Blood-Brain Barrier and Skeletal Muscle

Organ interactions resulting from drug, metabolite or xenobiotic transport between organs are key components of human metabolism that impact therapeutic action and toxic side effects. Preclinical animal testing often fails to predict adverse outcomes arising from sequential, multi-organ metabolism of drugs and xenobiotics. Human microphysiological systems (MPS) can model these interactions and are predicted to dramatically improve the efficiency of the drug development process. In this study, five human MPS models were evaluated for functional coupling, defined as the determination of organ interactions via an in vivo-like sequential, organ-to-organ transfer of media. MPS models representing the major absorption, metabolism and clearance organs (the jejunum, liver and kidney) were evaluated, along with skeletal muscle and neurovascular models. Three compounds were evaluated for organ-specific processing: terfenadine for pharmacokinetics (PK) and toxicity; trimethylamine (TMA) as a potentially toxic microbiome metabolite; and vitamin D3. We show that the organ-specific processing of these compounds was consistent with clinical data, and discovered that trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) crosses the blood-brain barrier. These studies demonstrate the potential of human MPS for multi-organ toxicity and absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME), provide guidance for physically coupling MPS, and offer an approach to coupling MPS with distinct media and perfusion requirements.
The Nodule Microbiome: N2-Fixing Rhizobia Do Not Live Alone

For decades, rhizobia were thought to be the only nitrogen-fixing inhabitants of legume nodules, and biases in culture techniques prolonged this belief. However, other bacteria, which are not typical rhizobia, are often detected within nodules obtained from soil, thus revealing the existence of a phytomicrobiome where the interaction among the individuals is not only complex, but also likely to affect the behavior and fitness of the host plant. Many of these nonrhizobial bacteria are nitrogen fixers, and some also induce nitrogen-fixing nodules on legume roots. Even more striking is the incredibly diverse population of bacteria residing within nodules that elicit neither nodulation nor nitrogen fixation. Yet, this community exists within the nodule, albeit clearly out-numbered by nitrogen-fixing rhizobia. Few studies of the function of these nodule-associated bacteria in nodules have been performed, and to date, it is not known whether their presence in nodules is biologically important or not. Do they co...
Rethinking Mathematics Teaching in Liberia: Realistic Mathematics Education

In some African cultures, the concept of division does not necessarily mean sharing money or an item equally. How an item is shared might depend on the ages of the individuals involved. This articl...
Strabismus associated with meningomyelocele.

Introduction : Strabismus occurs frequently in patients with spina bifida or meningomyelocele. Patients and Methods : I performed 1544 eye examinations in 298 patients with spina bifida over a period of 15 years. The patient records were retrospectively reviewed for visual acuity, binocular function, and strabismus. Select patients with A-pattern strabismus were recalled for neuroimaging. Results : Visual acuity was correctable to 20/40 in 85% of the patients. One hundred and eighty-three patients (61%) had strabismus at some time over the study period. Sixty-three percent had an esodeviation ; 37% an exodeviation. A-pattern strabismus was more common in patients with exotropia (39%) than in those with esotropia (27%). Defects on neuroimaging in the region of the vertical gaze pathways in the brain stem were correlated with A-pattern strabismus. Conclusion : With increased longevity of the patient with spina bifida, quality-of-life issues become increasingly important. Amblyopia, strabismus, and other acquired defects in the visual system related to hydrocephalus should be closely monitored and treated when indicated.
Student Experiences in Mason’s Active Learning Classrooms

Mason is reimagining learning spaces on our campuses to foster increased student engagement through active and collaborative learning. As part of this initiative we have created an iterative design process that leverages feedback from faculty and students teaching and learning in these spaces. This poster highlights findings about student experiences in Masonâs Active Learning Classrooms (ALCs) based on surveys from the past two academic years. In total, 2,077 students completed the survey. Overall, students are overwhelmingly positive about their experiences teaching in an ALC. This poster will highlight student feedback, including the reported benefits and frustrations about learning in these spaces. Future plans and directions are also noted. For more information about learning environments at Mason: http://learningenvironments.gmu.edu/
THE ORGANIZATIONAL ROLE OF CLINICAL PRACTICE MODELS IN INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE

This paper presents a method for using different practice models as the basis for organizing interdisciplinary clinical teams. The different dimensions of multidimensional practice models are used for selecting the various professionals involved in these teams. The Neuman Systems Model (Neuman & Young, 1972; Neuman, 1995) is used to illustrate how this process works by structuring interdisciplinary teams along its five overarching and interrelated dimensions of human experience—psychological, physiological, sociocultural, spiritual and developmental. By extrapolating these five areas to their respective disciplines, a protocol is developed for selecting the necessary professionals while establishing the parameters of each professional's involvement. By specifically addressing the relevant clinical dimensions of a particular model, interdisciplinary teams can formulate a more theoretical, holistic, and comprehensive assessment and treatment plan. This approach also allows multiple client problems to be addressed simultaneously in a more systemic and efficient manner than could be accomplished by any one profession alone. A case study demonstrating the approach is included.
Sentiment Analysis of Twitter Data: Emotions Revealed Regarding Donald Trump during the 2015-16 Primary Debates

Twitter plays a vital role in spreading information and influencing people’s opinions in a specific direction. As an easy-to-use platform, Twitter motivates people to share their thoughts and express their opinions. It has been shown by researchers that tracking and analyzing public opinions from social media can help to predict certain political events. This has attracted the attention of politicians towards extracting public opinions regarding their strategies. Consequently, the sentiment analysis of political tweets becomes more valued over time. This study examines Twitter discussions about then- US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump after his primary debates. It further investigates people’s emotions regarding Trump after his debates to see if we can detect whether the tweets support or oppose the candidate. One of the key findings of this study is recognizing that negative or positive polarities in the tweets is not a good indicator to determine support for this candidate.
Therapeutic potential of Pnmt+ primer cells for neuro/myocardial regeneration

Phenylethanolamine n-methyltransferase (Pnmt) catalyzes the conversion of norepinephrine into epinephrine, and thus serves as a marker of adrenergic cells. In adults, adrenergic cells are present in the adrenal medullae and the central and peripheral (sympathetic) nervous systems where they play key roles in stress responses and a variety of other functions. During early embryonic development, however, Pnmt first appears in the heart where it is associated with specialized myocytes in the pacemaking and conduction system. There is a transient surge in cardiac Pnmt expression beginning when the first myocardial contractions occur, before any nerve-like or neural crest cells appear in the heart. This early expression of Pnmt denotes a mesodermal origin of these "Instrinsic Cardiac Adrenergic" (ICA) cells. Interestingly, Pnmt+ cells are found in all four chambers of the developing heart, but by adult stages, are found primarily concentrated on the left side of the heart. This regionalized expression occurs in the left atrium and in specific regions of the left ventricle roughly corresponding to basal, mid, and apical sections. A second distinct population of Pnmt-expressing (Pnmt+) cells enters the embryonic heart from invading neural crest, and these "Neural Crest-Derived" (NCD) Pnmt+ cells appear to give rise to a subpopulation(s) of cardiac neurons. Pnmt expression thus serves as a marker not only for adrenergic cells, but also for precursor or "primer" cells destined to become specialized myocytes and neurons in the heart. This review discusses the distribution of Pnmt in the heart during development, including the types of cells where it is expressed, and their potential use for regenerative medicine therapies for cardiovascular disease.
Remarks on Coaxiality of Strain and Stress in Anisotropic Elasticity

Two different consequences of the problem of the extremization of the strain energy by varying the orientation of the material symmetry axes relative to the principal axes of stress are discussed. These two different consequences depend upon whether the stress state is considered as arbitrary and general or as fixed and specific.
Impact of Market Concentration on Effective Sales Tax Rate: Evidence from Insurance Industry

This paper examines the impact of market concentration in the insurance industry on the effective insurance premium sales tax. I use unexpected disasters normalized by the population of the state as a source of exogenous variation in the market concentration. Unexpected disasters lead to the exit of insurance firms from the state leading to higher market concentration. I find empirical evidence that a ten percent increase in market concentration leads to five percent reduction in the effective insurance premium tax rate. This implies a reduction of $84 mn in tax revenues. I also show a correlation between market concentration and campaign contributions. This suggests that higher market concentration increases the likelihood of firms coming together as an interest group and lobby for a favorable (tax) policy.
A two-step short-term probabilistic wind forecasting methodology based on predictive distribution optimization

Abstract With increasing wind penetrations into electric power systems, probabilistic wind forecasting becomes more critical to power system operations because of its capability of quantifying wind uncertainties. In this paper, a two-step probabilistic wind forecasting approach based on pinball loss optimization is developed. First, a multimodel machine learning-based ensemble deterministic forecasting framework is adopted to generate deterministic forecasts. The deterministic forecast is assumed to be the mean value of the predictive distribution at each forecasting time stamp. Then, the optimal unknown parameter (i.e., standard deviation) of the predictive distribution is estimated by a support vector regression surrogate model based on the deterministic forecasts. Finally, probabilistic forecasts are generated from the predictive distribution. Numerical results of case studies at eight locations show that the developed two-step probabilistic forecasting methodology has improved the pinball loss metric score by up to 35% compared to a baseline quantile regression forecasting model.
Queen bees: Edith Sitwell, Sylvia Plath & cross-Atlantic affiliations

ABSTRACTDrawing on the convergence of Edith Sitwell and Sylvia Plath in the April 1963 issue of The Atlantic, this essay recovers a mostly forgotten affiliation between iconic poets of the twentiet...
23. INCREASED EXPOSURE TO PROCEDURAL TRAINING IN RESIDENCY

Background Our program's most recent ACGME Resident Survey revealed that residents felt inadequately prepared to perform many required procedures without supervision. Moreover, current residents noted a poor understanding about which procedures are considered “essential” by the ACGME and independently voiced a desire for more dedicated training in emergent stabilization of critically ill children. Objective Improve procedural competency in pediatric residents through education, dedicated procedural time, and simulation. Methods Our program pursued the following methods: 1) Design and distribute a procedure passport for resident reference. This credit card sized tool delineates the 13 “essential” ACGME procedures and includes a target number of procedures to complete on certain rotations. 2) Develop a half day experience where residents work with a nurse completing procedures such as intravenous catheter placement, venipuncture, and bladder catheterization in the ED. 3) Organize intensive small-group sessions to emphasize bag valve mask ventilation and pediatric intubation. Each resident completes these half day simulated code experiences annually in addition to our monthly mock code curriculum. Results We obtained survey responses from residents about the utilization of the passport, and 47% felt it helped them better understand ACGME requirements. Additionally, 24% felt the passport helped them take initiative to complete procedures independently. Of the residents paired with nurses, 92% felt it was valuable. In addition to the previously listed procedures, residents also completed arterial draws, intraosseous lines, incisions and drainage, laceration repairs, and nasogastric tube placements. Conclusions A clear and tangible delineation of ACGME requirements helps educate and support residents independently completing procedures. Furthermore, increasing clinical time in areas with high procedural volume seems to be both well regarded and clinically beneficial. The expanded use of simulation has promise as an educational tool for procedural practice, and we are currently evaluating its utility as well as launching a procedural elective.
Assay Dependent Variations in the Anticoagulant and Protamine Sulfate Neutralization Profiles of Generic Copies of Enoxaparin.

Currently several generic versions of a branded low molecular weight heparin (LMWH; enoxaparin, Sanofi-Aventis, Paris, France) have become available for clinical use in several countries. Such products include Cutenox (Gland Pharma, Hyderabad, India), Dripanina (Ariston, Sao Paulo, Brazil) and Clenox (Pharmayect, Barranquilla, Columbia). Although these products are not currently approved for use in the U.S., several other manufacturers have sought FDA approval for their products. Due to a lack of specifications and guidelines, this approval is still pending. In order to compare the relative potency of different anti-factor Xa U/ml adjusted generic preparations, studies were designed to compare each of the individual generic LMWHs with the branded product. Additionally, multiple batches of some of the generic products were also profiled. All of the agents were tested in human whole blood and citrated plasma over a concentration range of 0.15 to 10 U/ml. Whole blood activated clotting time (ACT) and thrombelastography (TEG) measurements along with fibrinopeptide A (FPA) generation were compared. The plasmatic tests included anti-Xa and anti-IIa activity by amidolytic assay and aPTT, Heptest and PiCT clotting time assays. In addition, protamine sulfate neutralization profiles for these agents were investigated at fixed protamine concentrations of 12.5 and 25 μg/ml. In the whole blood assays, at concentrations 1.25 U/ml (aPTT, anti-IIa, anti-Xa; p 100 mg), these products may exhibit differential safety/efficacy profiles. These observations underscore the importance of clear guidelines on the chemical and biologic specifications for the acceptance of generic versions of LMWHs. Such measures are crucial to avoid any potential safety/inefficacy issues particulatly in indications where these drugs are used at higher dosages.
Lifestyle Factors and Other Influences on Medical Students Choosing a Career in Emergency Medicine.

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine which lifestyle factors influence medical students who choose a career in emergency medicine (EM). Methods Final-year medical students from 10 medical schools were surveyed after the National Residency Match Program match but prior to graduation regarding preferred medical specialty and lifestyle preferences. Responses from students pursuing EM regarding importance of lifestyle factors were compared to students interested in other specialties. Results A total of 453 of 1,575 invited medical students completed an electronic survey. EM was the third most preferred specialty. Students selecting EM were less likely to endorse "having control of work schedule" as being important (p < 0.005), but more likely to endorse "having time off work" as important (p < 0.05). When students were asked what specific factors were important in choosing a specialty, EM students differed from other students in the importance of flexible work schedule, time outside of work, and balance between work and personal life (p < 0.001). Fewer EM students endorsed that having a "low-stress work day" was an important consideration in their specialty choice (p < 0.001). Conclusions In this study representing 10 medical schools, graduating medical students who prefer EM as opposed to other specialties exhibit differences in lifestyle factors deemed important when choosing a specialty as a physician. Further investigation regarding any potential link to these factors and career longevity is warranted.
Misclassification of Case-Control Studies in the Orthopedic Literature Is Common: A Bibliometric Analysis.

Observational studies constitute the majority of the orthopedic literature, each type distinct in terms of what it can and cannot measure. Case–control studies select participants based on outcome status, not exposure status, and therefore differ from other observational studies in their aims, limitations, and conclusions. Misclassification of a different kind of study as a case–control study can lead to misinterpretation of the data and misreporting of its level of evidence (LOE), either “overselling” or “underselling” its importance. We sought to answer three questions: (1) How frequently do studies reported to be orthopedic case–control studies actually reflect other study designs? (2) What factors might be associated with misclassification? (3) How does study design misclassification affect LOE reporting? A bibliometric analysis was performed to identify all studies published in 75 orthopedic journals over a one-year period (January 2017 through December 2017) that included the term “case–control” in the title, abstract, or main text. We identified the proportion of studies that were misclassified as “case–control” in design and recorded the associated changes in reported LOE. We also examined associations between study misclassification (and by extension LOE misclassification) and the study specialty, journal specialty, and journal impact factor. Of 339 studies that reported a case–control design, 227 (67%) were misclassified and reflected other study designs. The study designs most often misclassified as case–control designs were retrospective cohort studies (n = 97; 43%) and cross-sectional studies (n = 88; 39%). The frequency of misclassification was associated with the subspecialty of the journal and the impact factor but not the study subspecialty. After correction of the LOE in the misclassified studies that reported an LOE (n = 193), it was found that 28 (15%) had underreported their LOE, and eight (4%) had overreported their LOE. Studies reported in the orthopedic literature to have a case–control design frequently have another study design, and this pattern is consistent across subspecialties. Enhanced rigor in accurately defining study designs in orthopedics could be achieved through training and stricter review processes.
Synchronization characteristics of an array of coupled MEMS limit cycle oscillators

Abstract The dynamics of a proposed microelectromechanical system (MEMS) consisting of an array of limit cycle oscillators (LCOs) are analyzed. The LCOs have dissimilar limit cycle frequencies and are coupled in a nearest-neighbor configuration via electrostatic fringing fields. The emergence of synchrony in the array is outlined for two cases: self-synchronization of the array to a single frequency, and entrainment of the array to an external inertial drive. Numerical analysis is used to study the dependence of synchrony on system parameters such as the coupling strength, detuning in the array, inertial drive strength, and frequency of the inertial drive. It is shown that the route to synchrony is complex due to the formation of frequency clusters. The limit cycle frequency of a single equivalent oscillator, with parameters averaged over the array is used as an estimate for the frequency of locking for the array. This equivalent oscillator is used to approximate the entire array and perturbation methods are applied to it. The perturbation method qualitatively captures the entrainment characteristics of the externally-driven array. This analysis is also used to track the complex sequence of bifurcations that occur as the drive strength changes, and to estimate the threshold drive strength for entrainment.
Healthcare professionals’ perspectives on unique communication and care needs for Chinese American cancer patients.

e24122Background: Effective clinician-patient discussions of cancer diagnoses and prognoses are essential to enhance health outcomes in diverse oncology populations. To provide guidance on communic...
Effects of mid-gestational l-citrulline supplementation to twin-bearing ewes on umbilical blood flow, placental development, and lamb production traits

The objective of the study was to examine how l-citrulline supplementation to ewes during mid-gestation influences placental activity, placental blood flow, lamb body weight, and carcass characteristics. Two studies were completed. A pharmacokinetic study to compare circulating plasma amino acid concentrations after a single intravenous injection of 155 µmol/kg BW l-citrulline or after an isonitrogenous amount of l-alanine (control; 465 µmol/kg BW). Increases (P < 0.05) in circulating citrulline concentrations were detected for 8 h after l-citrulline injection versus the control. Similarly, increases (P < 0.05) in circulating arginine concentrations were detected for 24 h after l-citrulline treatment. The second study used 12 ewes with twin pregnancies. Daily intravenous injections of either l-citrulline or l-alanine were administered for 39 d from d 42-45 to 81-84 of gestation. Ewes were limit-fed at 85% daily energy requirements during the injection period. A decrease (P < 0.0001) in body weight was observed in both treatment groups during this period. No treatment differences were observed in circulating pregnancy-specific protein B concentrations or placental blood flow during the treatment and post-treatment gestational period. No treatment differences were observed in lamb survival nor in lamb birth, weaning and slaughter weights. Treatment did not influence lamb carcass composition or organ weights. However, there was a tendency (P = 0.10) for an increase in antral follicle numbers in ovaries from ewe lambs derived from ewes treated with l-citrulline. In summary, a daily l-citrulline injection increased both circulating citrulline and arginine concentrations in ewes, but daily l-citrulline injections during mid-gestation did not produce any detectable changes in placental activity and blood flow, neonatal and postnatal lamb development, and lamb carcass composition at slaughter. In conclusion, no benefits in placental function and lamb development were observed after providing l-citrulline during mid-gestation in ewes exposed to a mild energy restriction, but there was an indication that follicle numbers in ewe lambs were positively influenced by l-citrulline treatment during fetal development.
Rumination

Rumination is an unusual gastrointestinal symptom that is characterized by the repetitive regurgitation of gastric contents into the oropharynx. The regurgitation occurs very soon after a meal and tends to persist for 1 to 2 hours. Rumination is defined by the setting in which it occurs. It is seen in three distinct populations: infants; individuals with psychiatric and neurologic disorders, particularly developmental disabilities; and adults who do not have overt psychiatric or neurologic disorders. The hallmark of rumination, which separates it from other disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract (such as gastroesophageal reflux disease or cyclic vomiting syndrome), is the fact that in patients with rumination, the gastric contents appear in the oropharynx without retching or nausea. Rather, the patient makes a conscious decision on how to handle the regurgitated material after it presents into the oropharynx. The regurgitated meal usually consists of undigested or partially digested food. The regurgitation is effortless or at most is preceded by a sensation of belching immediately prior to the regurgitation itself. The management of patients with rumination needs to be accomplished in a highly individualized manner. Children with infant rumination syndrome often have symptoms related to significant defects in bonding with their mother. Thus, problems of mother-child bonding in pediatric patients with rumination syndrome should be identified and appropriately addressed. The management of adult patients with developmental disabilities or neurologic impairments who ruminate focuses mainly on behavioral modalities, including adversive conditioning and contingency management. The healthy adult who ruminates and has no evidence of neurologic or developmental disability is best seen as someone with a habit. Management in these patients is directed towards adjunctive therapies (ie, the use of proton pump inhibitors or H2 receptor antagonists to decrease acid injury to the esophagus) as well as identifying situations and emotions that trigger the patient’s symptoms. Randomized controlled trials of various treatment modalities need to be undertaken; likewise, the evaluation strategy needed to best diagnose rumination is yet to be well defined. At this time, the challenge for gastroenterologists is to understand the nature of rumination, to identify individuals at high risk, and to use the management strategies most associated with good outcomes in patients with rumination in various clinical settings.
Characteristic manifolds and the Cauchy problem

This multi-index notation is extremely convenient for partial differential equations, keeping us from drowning in a flood of subscripts. We consider here “vectors” ξ = (ξ1,...,ξ n ) with n (usually) real components and “multi-indices” α=(α1,...,α n ) which are vectors whose components are nonnegative integers. With a multi-index α we associate the scalars $$ \left| a \right| = {a_1} + {a_2} + \cdots + {a_n},{\rm{ }}a{\rm{!}} = {a_1}!{a_2}! \ldots {a_n}!. $$ (1.1) From a vector ξ and multi-index α we form the monomial $$ {\xi ^a} = \xi _1^{{a_1}}\xi _2^{{a_2}} \ldots \xi _n^{{a_n}}. $$ (1.2) By C a we generally denote a coefficient depending on n nonnegative integers α1,...,a n ,: $$ {C_a} = {C_{{a_1} \ldots {a_n}}}. $$ (1.3) The general mth-degree polynomial in n variables ξ1,...ξ n is then of the form $$ P\left( \xi \right) = \sum\limits_{\left| a \right| \underline < m} {{C_a}{\xi ^a}} . $$ (1.4)
Robot Catching: Towards Engaging Human-Humanoid Interaction

Our focus is on creating interesting and human-like behaviors for humanoid robots and virtual characters. Interactive behaviors are especially engaging. They are also challenging, as they necessitate finding satisfactory realtime solutions for complex systems such as the 30-degree-of-freedom humanoid robot in our laboratory. Here we describe a catching behavior between a person and a robot. We generate ball-hand impact predictions based on the flight of the ball, and human-like motion trajectories to move the hand to the catch position. We use a dynamical systems approach to produce the motion trajectories where new movements are generated from motion primitives as they are needed.
Risk factors for severe bronchiolitis - A retrospective study

INTRODUCTION: Bronchiolitis is a common disease in children under 2 years old causing ER presentation and sometimes admission. Severity of bronchiolitis (do to acute respiratory failure) accounts for admission criteria. Children with one or more risk factors for severe bronchiolitis (prematurity, dysmaturity, environmental factors, neurological disease, cardiac disease, airways anomalies, immune deficiency, chronic lung disease, age under 3 months, formula feeding, RSV infection) are among those usually admitted. OBJECTIVES: To reveal the correlation between admissions do to bronchiolitis and the presence of the risk factors. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted, including 96 children under 2 years old, admitted in our hospital between November 2011 and January 2012. The admission criteria were Wang severity score for bronchiolitis (over 6). We have correlated the hospitalization lasting more than 5 days and/or the Wang score for severity over 10 with the number of risk factors. RESULTS: All 96 children admitted had at least one risk factor for severe bronchiolitis. Children with Wang score over 10 and hospitalization lasting more than 5 days (34 children) associated at least 2 risk factors, most frequent of them being crowded living condition (94%), male sex (73,5%), prematurity (50%), age under 3 months (47%) and other comorbidities (29%). CONCLUSION: Severity of bronchiolitis correlates with number of risk factors that coexist for the same child.
Abstract W P228: Delayed Decompression Hemicraniectomy in Massive Hemispheric Infarction Reduces Mortality but Does Not Improve Functional Outcome

Background: Massive hemispheric infarctions associated with extensive cerebral edema are associated with grave prognosis. Decompressive hemicraniectomy improves outcomes if performed within 48-hours of stroke-onset. In Asia, surgical decompression is often performed late, often after significant clinic-radiological deterioration occurs. We report our experience with decompressive hemicraniectomy when performed after clinical deterioration, radiologolic herniation or pupil dilatation. Methods: In this retrospective review, we identified acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke patients who underwent ‘delayed’ decompressive hemicraniectomy at our tertiary institution during 2006-2012. We defined ‘delayed’ surgical intervention as the decompressive hemicraniectomy performed after rapid neurological deterioration (drop of 2 or more points on the Glasgow Coma Scale), evidence of cerebral herniation on clinical and/or neuroimaging criteria. Poor functional outcomes were assessed by modified Rankin score 4-6 p...
STATCOM-based virtual inertia control for wind power generation

A novel virtual inertia control utilizing cascaded multilevel inverter (CMI) based STATCOM for wind power generation is presented in this paper. Although wind power is a promising renewable energy source, its intermittent character has caused some difficulties for grid-connected and islanded operation. As wind plants (WP) installations are at an emergent pace, they must also contribute to maintain stability and reliability of the power system. However, the rotating mass of variable-speed wind turbines is decoupled from the grid frequency. Thus, it does not inherently exhibit an inertial frequency response (IFR) unless controlled for that specific purpose. In this paper, the comparison between traditional synthetic inertia control (SIC) and proposed novel virtual inertia control (VIC) is demonstrated. A Matlab/Simulink model of DFIG-based WP equipped with CMI-based STATCOM is presented. Both theoretical and simulated results are provided.
Stereotype, Stigma, Education and the Law

Various articulations of the effect of stereotype and stigma have been central to the development of the law in the United States regarding educational equity. The Supreme Court in establishing the separate but equal doctrine in Plessy v. Ferguson explicitly rejected a notion of constitutional concern for the subjective experience of minorities as a result of legal structures. In overruling Plessy v. Ferguson, the Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education focused upon the stigma created by segregation as the central justification for ruling segregation to be unconstitutional. The psychological studies of Kenneth and Mamie Clark, referenced in footnote 11 of Brown, have become famous as social scientific research influencing jurisprudence. However, many scholars have since challenged the interpretation of the stigma research by the Clarks, and the efficacy of focusing upon stigma by the Supreme Court. The exploration of the subjective psychological experience of blacks in relation to educational structures has been recently studied in detail by Claude Steele, Josh Aronson, and many others. Such empirical research has suggested that alterations of the context and culture surrounding standardized testing, and in mentoring and instruction, may be able to support greater levels of average black academic achievement. Moreover, some scholars, including participants on this panel, have argued that the continuing stigmatization of disempowered minority groups should be considering in crafting effective legal remedies seeking greater educational equity. Finally, there are those who are suspicious of accountability testing legal regimes such as the federal No Child Left Behind law, because of their belief that such testing inherently stigmatizes minority students as intellectually inferior. The continuing centrality of concerns for stigma and stereotype in regard to race, education and the law is simultaneously complex, powerful, important, and, potentially for some, troubling. This panel will explore the issue of whether, in a post-racial society, jurisprudence and policy should maintain a concern for the subjective experience of specific racial groups. The discussion will articulate a potential distinction between the idea of stereotype and stigma, and discuss whether the emphasis upon one over the other leads to differing philosophies in the search for educational equity. Panelists will tie their discussion of ideas regarding stereotype and stigma to practical contemporary suggestions for policy, litigation strategy, and educational approaches – including in the law school setting – in order to achieve greater racial educational equality.
Pursuing science and math proficiency

The U.S. House of Representatives on July 30 passed two bills to help increase science and math proficiency among students. The first bill, House Resolution 1858, would provide $200 million per year for fiscal years 2002–2006 to establish Mathematics and Science Partnerships among universities, school districts, and possibly businesses, to help improve math and science education from kindergarten through 12th grade. Other funds would expand the scope of the National Science Foundation's digital library program, and set up four university research centers on teaching and learning.