cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of oral tactile perception: Some methodological considerations

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the importance of a number of methodological factors involved in assessment of oral tactile perception skills in adults. Four experiments are reported, each representing the investigation of a single methodological factor. Results of subjects’ performances in the four experiments indicate the following: (1) feedback information to the subject concerning the correctness of his responses does not significantly affect his performance on a test of oral form discrimination; (2) no specific learning effect is operative in oral form discrimination testing; (3) subject performance is not significantly affected by the handled‐handleless conditions of the forms used in the test; and (4) the location of placement of the forms in the oral cavity significantly affects subject performance on the test. Implications of these findings for assessment of oral tactile perception are discussed.
Cortical topography of premotor and motor potentials preceding self-paced, voluntary movement of dominant and non-dominant hands.

Abstract The cortical potentials preceding movement, negative slope (NS′), premovement positivity (PMP), and the initial slope of motor potential (MP), were studied in detail with a 29-channel averaged EEG mapping technique in normal subjects. Self-paced, voluntary movements of the right and left index fingers were performed up to 150 times, and topographic color maps were created from the averaged wave forms. The maps revealed NS′ of the dominant hand on the vertex and NS′ of the non-dominant hand on the contralateral centroparietal area. PMP appeared on the ipsilateral precentral area, and the initial slope of MP appeared on a small, distinct contralateral precentral area, presumably the hand motor area. The amplitudes of the potentials did not show significant differences between dominant and non-dominant hands. PMP and the initial slope of MP appeared significantly earlier preceding non-dominant hand movement as compared with dominant movement. The findings indicate some difference in cortical activity relating to dominant and non-dominant hand movement.
Traditional resources help interpret texts

Simple word matching between the user query and document is common, as are mis-matches of meaning that occur as a consequence, and errors in recall. These defects in the "bag of words" model are well known, and raising the semantic level of representation will improve retrieval. This can be done by expanding words and user queries using traditional reference sources such as gazetteers and synonym lists or ontologies.
A Study of the Cardiac Stigmata in Prolonged Human Thiamine Deficiency

Eight clinically proved cases of prolonged thiamine deficiency were evaluated by routine pathologic study. The microscopic features were evaluated by comparison with sections of myocardium obtained from normal individuals and individuals suffering from cardiac diseases of other varieties. No specific transitory or permanent alterations were demonstrable. It is concluded that beriberi heart disease is largely the result of a reversible biochemical abnormality and is not characterized by specific pathologic lesions.
The Smc complexes in DNA damage response

The structural maintenance of chromosomes (Smc) proteins regulate nearly all aspects of chromosome biology and are critical for genomic stability. In eukaryotes, six Smc proteins form three heterodimers--Smc1/3, Smc2/4, and Smc5/6--which together with non-Smc proteins form cohesin, condensin, and the Smc5/6 complex, respectively. Cohesin is required for proper chromosome segregation. It establishes and maintains sister-chromatid cohesion until all sister chromatids achieve bipolar attachment to the mitotic spindle. Condensin mediates chromosome condensation during mitosis. The Smc5/6 complex has multiple roles in DNA repair. In addition to their major functions in chromosome cohesion and condensation, cohesin and condensin also participate in the cellular DNA damage response. Here we review recent progress on the functions of all three Smc complexes in DNA repair and their cell cycle regulation by posttranslational modifications, such as acetylation, phosphorylation, and sumoylation. An in-depth understanding of the mechanisms by which these complexes promote DNA repair and genomic stability may help us to uncover the molecular basis of genomic instability in human cancers and devise ways that exploit this instability to treat cancers.
Aphelinid and Encyrtid (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) Parasitoids of Armored Scales (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) Attacking Hemlocks (Tsuga spp.) in Japan and the United States, with Description of Eight New Species

ABSTRACT The complex of aphelinids and encyrtids (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) parasitizing armored scales (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) on hemlock in Japan (Tsuga diversifolia Masters and Tsuga sieboldii Carriere) and in the eastern United States (Tsuga canadensis [L.] Carriere) was surveyed. Eight new species were discovered and are described here: Five species of Encarsia and one species each of Pteroptrix (Aphelinidae), Coccidencyrtus, and Thomsonisca (Encyrtidae). Two previously known species, Aphytis moldavicus Yasnosh and Encarsia brimblecombei Girault, are recorded for the first time from Japan. New host-parasitoid associations were found for five diaspidids: Fiorinia externa Ferris, Dynaspidiotus tsugae Marlatt, Pseudaulacaspis momi Kuwana, Lepidosaphes japonica Kuwana, and Lepidosaphes pseudotsugae Takahashi.
Non-Discriminatory Electoral Rules, Local Public Goods, and Redistribution: Evidence from US Municipalities

The Voting Right Act guaranteed the right to vote for minorities, including the prohibition of any electoral discriminatory practices on the basis of race. This triggered a series of court decisions outlawing discriminatory electoral rules between 1970 and 1990. I study the effects of several court orders that guarantee minority representation on city public budgets, and find that both local public good expenditures (5-7.5%) and city tax collection (5-10%) increased, after the changes towards non-discriminatory electoral rules. I also explore the distributional consequences of non-discriminatory elections and find that the fraction of black public workers and citizens increased after changes in the election system, while those of whites decreased. The growth rates of black house values and rents also increase more. The findings are inconsistent with a negative effect of ethnic heterogeneity in the city council on public goods, and with common-pool theories. I show evidence that the most plausible channel that explains the results is the new legislative bargaining power that black communities gained. ∗I want to thank Chris Boone, Varanya Chaubey, Ethan Kaplan, Wojciech Kopczuk, Bentley MacLeod, Suresh Naidu, Petra Persson, Raul Sanchez de la Sierra, and seminar participants at Columbia University, the American Law and Economics 2014 Meetings at Chicago University, and at the 2012 Alexander Hamilton Graduate Student Conference for Political Economy at NYU for helpful comments. I also want to thank Kathleen Dreyer for help accessing data, and Nathan B. Anderson for sharing his data on property tax limits. All resulting mistakes are my own. fe2139@columbia.edu
Wave attenuation in partially saturated rocks

A model is presented to describe the attenuation of seismic waves in rocks with partially liquid‐saturated flat cracks or pores. The presence of at least a small fraction of a free gaseous phase permits the fluid to flow freely when the pore is compressed under wave excitation. The resulting attenuation is much higher than with complete saturation as treated by Biot. In general, the attenuation increases with increasing liquid concentration, but is much more sensitive to the aspect ratios of the pores and the liquid droplets occupying the pores, with flatter pores resulting in higher attenuation. Details of pore shape other than aspect ratio appear to have little effect on the general behavior provided the crack width is slowly varying over the length of the liquid drop.
Continuous-time lease-squares fast transversal filters

A recursive-least-squares (RLS) adaptive fast transversal filter (FTF) for processing of continuous-time signals is presented. It has the same structure as the discrete-time least-squares FTF, namely, a tapped-delay-line with time-varying gains, which are updated by propagating a set of coupled recursions. However, while the discrete-time scheme involves a fundamental unit of time (i.e., the sampling period of the signal), which determines both the duration of the delay and the rate of gain updating, our continuous-time scheme involves a delay of arbitrary duration and continuously-varying gains. Also, the conceptual and computational complexity of the continuous-time FTF is reduced in comparison to the to that of the discrete-time FTF. The rate of parameter updating in the continuous-time FTF configuration is essentially independent of the bandwidth and center frequency of the processed signal. Consequently, the gain-update module of the proposed algorithm can be implemented with slow devices (or with digital hardware), whereas the signal-path filter must match the frequency characteristics of the processed signal.
Selenium Toxicity from a Misformulated Dietary Supplement, Adverse Health Effects, and the Temporal Response in the Nail Biologic Monitor

Use of dietary supplements in the U.S. has increased steadily over the last 25 years. While misformulation is uncommon, the consequences can be serious. A March 2008 voluntary market recall removed supplement products responsible for the most serious selenium toxicity outbreak that has occurred in the U.S. We quantified selenium concentrations in the misformulated supplement products, measured the temporal response in the nail biologic monitor, and associated exposure to self-reported selenosis symptoms. Subjects recruited through state health departments and referrals provided samples of the misformulated supplement products, exposure information, monthly toenail and or fingernail clippings or onycholysitic nail fragments, and listed their newly onset adverse health effects attributed to selenium toxicity. Ninety-seven subjects enrolled and submitted at least one test sample. Peak selenium concentrations (up to 18.3 and 44.1 μg/g for toenails and fingernails, respectively) were measured. Multiple samples (52 total) of all six recalled supplement lots were analyzed ranging from 22,300 to 32,200 μg selenium per daily dose. Average consumption was 30.9 ± 13.9 doses; 73 subjects provided follow-up data on selenosis symptoms at 2.50 ± 0.14 years. Nail samples accurately reflect exposure in this selenium toxicity outbreak, which resulted in long-term/permanent adverse health effects.
Reduced virulence of a Bordetella bronchiseptica siderophore mutant in neonatal swine

One means by which Bordetella bronchiseptica scavenges iron is through production of the siderophore alcaligin. A nonrevertible alcaligin mutant derived from the virulent strain 4609, designated DBB25, was constructed by insertion of a kanamycin resistance gene into alcA, one of the genes essential for alcaligin biosynthesis. The virulence of the alcA mutant in colostrum-deprived, caesarean-delivered piglets was compared with that of the parent strain in two experiments. At 1 week of age, piglets were inoculated with phosphate-buffered saline, 4609, or DBB25. Two piglets in each group were euthanatized on day 10 postinfection. The remainder were euthanatized at 21 days postinfection. Clinical signs, including fever, coughing, and sneezing, were present in both groups. Nasal washes performed 7, 14, and 21 days postinoculation demonstrated that strain DBB25 colonized the nasal cavity but did so at levels that were significantly less than those achieved by strain 4609. Analysis of colonization based on the number of CFU per gram of tissue recovered from the turbinate, trachea, and lung also demonstrated significant differences between DBB25 and 4609, at both day 10 and day 21 postinfection. Mild to moderate turbinate atrophy was apparent in pigs inoculated with strain 4609, while turbinates of those infected with strain DBB25 developed no or mild atrophy. We conclude from these results that siderophore production by B. bronchiseptica is not essential for colonization of swine but is required for maximal virulence. B. bronchiseptica mutants with nonrevertible defects in genes required for alcaligin synthesis may be candidates for evaluation as attenuated, live vaccine strains in conventionally reared pigs.
A capacitive micro gas flow sensor based on slip flow

This paper presents a capacitive pressure-based micro gas flow sensor with slip flow analyses considering velocity slip at the wall. The sensor consists of a pair of capacitors for measuring pressure difference between the inlet and outlet and absolute pressure at the outlet, inlet/outlet reservoirs, and the main microchannel causing pressure difference. The main microchannel is 128.0 /spl mu/m wide, 4.64 /spl mu/m deep, and 5680 /spl mu/m long, where the outlet Knudsen number is 0.0137. The sensor was fabricated using wet etching, ultrasonic drilling, Deep Reactive Ion Etching (RIE) and anodic bonding. The capacitance change of the sensor and the mass flow rate of nitrogen were measured as the inlet to outlet pressure ratio increased up to 1.24. With the increasing pressure difference, the capacitance change of the differential pressure sensor and flow rates through the main microchannel increases. The sensitivity of the sensor will also be discussed.
Properties of Bacillus cereus hemolysin II: A heptameric transmembrane pore

The gene encoding hemolysin II (HlyII) was amplified from Bacillus cereus genomic DNA and a truncated mutant, HlyII(DeltaCT), was constructed lacking the 94 amino acid extension at the C terminus. The proteins were produced in an E. coli cell-free in vitro transcription and translation system, and were shown to assemble into SDS-stable oligomers on rabbit erythrocyte membranes and liposomes. The hemolytic activity of HlyII was measured with rabbit erythrocytes yielding an HC(50) value of 1.64 ng mL(-1), which is over 15 times more potent than staphylococcal alpha-hemolysin. HlyII(DeltaCT) was about eight times less potent than HlyII in this assay. Limited proteolysis of the oligomers formed by HlyII and HlyII(DeltaCT) on red cell membranes showed that the C-terminal extension is sensitive to digestion, while HlyII(DeltaCT) is protease resistant and migrates with an electrophoretic mobility similar to that of digested HlyII. HlyII forms moderately anion selective, rectifying pores (I(+80)/I(-80) = 0.57, 1 M KCl, pH 7.4) in planar lipid bilayers of diphytanoylphosphatidylcholine with a unitary conductance of 637 pS (1 M KCl, 5 mM HEPES, pH 7.4) and exhibits no gating over a wide range of applied potentials (-160 to +160 mV). In addition, it was demonstrated that HlyII forms a homoheptameric pore by using gel shift electrophoresis aided by a genetically encoded oligoaspartate tag. Although they share limited primary sequence identity (30%), these data confirm that HlyII is a structural and functional homolog of staphylococcal alpha-hemolysin.
Characterization of intrinsic variability in time‐series metabolomic data of cultured mammalian cells

In an attempt to rigorously characterize the intrinsic variability associated with Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell metabolomics studies, supernatant and intracellular samples taken at 5 time points from duplicate lab-scale bioreactors were analyzed using a combination of gas chromatography (GC)- and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) based metabolomics. The intrinsic variability between them was quantified using the relative standard deviation (RSD), and the median RSD was 9.4% and 12.4% for supernatant and intracellular samples, respectively. When exploring metabolic changes between lab- and pilot-scale bioreactors, a high number of metabolites (65-105) were significantly different when no corrections were made for this intrinsic variability. This distinction also extended to principal component and metabolic pathway analysis. However, when intrinsic variability was taken into account, the number of metabolite with significant changes reduced substantially (20-25) as did the separation in principal component and metabolic pathway analysis, suggesting a much smaller change in physiology across bioreactor scale. Our results also suggested the contribution of biological variability to the total variability across replicates (∼0.4%) was significantly lower than that from technical variability (∼9-12%). Our study highlights the need for understanding and accounting for intrinsic variability in CHO cell metabolomics studies. Failure to do so can result in incorrect biological interpretation of the observations which could ultimately lead to the identification of a suboptimal set of targets for genetic engineering or process development considerations.
Modeling experiences with full-wave frequency-domain modeling software

When evaluating electromagnetic modeling software, there is usually a significant focus on the ldquoaccuracyrdquo of the software. Differences between the results generated by the software and the ldquocorrectrdquo solution are the result of several potential sources of error including: approximations made in order to represent the actual configuration as a structure that the software can understand; approximations made during the discretization and solution of Maxwellpsilas equations; and differences between what the modeler wants to analyze and what the software is actually modeling. In this paper, three full-wave frequency-domain EM modeling codes are evaluated by analyzing three simple canonical problems. These codes employ the two most common frequency-domain modeling techniques; the Finite Element Method (FEM), and the Boundary Element Method (BEM). The three canonical problems are a center-driven dipole, a circuit board power-bus structure, and a power-bus structure with a cable attached. All of the codes are capable of yielding accurate results, but the differences in the specific technique employed and the user interface have a significant effect on the simulation time and the likelihood of getting the correct answer.
3D ultrasound display using optical tracking

A method for capturing a 3D ultrasound volume from a series of 2D cross-sectional images obtained with a conventional B-mode scanner is presented. Optical tracking of the ultrasound transducer is used to locate the digitized sections within the volume. A simple optical tracking technique, which uses two conventional video cameras and stereopsis, is described, and its freedom-of-motion effects on reconstruction and visualization are discussed. >
Regulation of Body Fat in Caenorhabditis elegans

Over the past decade, studies conducted in Caenorhabditis elegans have helped to uncover the ancient and complex origins of body fat regulation. This review highlights the powerful combination of genetics, pharmacology, and biochemistry used to study energy balance and the regulation of cellular fat metabolism in C. elegans. The complete wiring diagram of the C. elegans nervous system has been exploited to understand how the sensory nervous system regulates body fat and how food perception is coupled with the production of energy via fat metabolism. As a model organism, C. elegans also offers a unique opportunity to discover neuroendocrine factors that mediate direct communication between the nervous system and the metabolic tissues. The coming years are expected to reveal a wealth of information on the neuroendocrine control of body fat in C. elegans.
Ticlopidine‐induced neutropenia mimicking sepsis early after intracoronary stent placement

We report a case of ticlopidine-induced profound neutropenia early in the course of therapy, which was manifest as a febrile systemic illness mimicking sepsis. This clinical presentation was potentially indicative of a contaminated intracoronary stent. The patient's signs and symptoms of illness promptly resolved with removal of ticlopidine, and no infection was documented. Review of indications for ticlopidine use, potential adverse effects, and monitoring recommendations are discussed.
Causes and implications of the correlation between forest productivity and tree mortality rates

At global and regional scales, tree mortality rates are positively correlated with forest net primary productivity (NPP). Yet causes of the correlation are unknown, in spite of potentially profound implications for our understanding of environmental controls of forest structure and dynamics and, more generally, our understanding of broad-scale environmental controls of population dynamics and ecosystem processes. Here we seek to shed light on the causes of geographic patterns in tree mortality rates, and we consider some implications of the positive correlation between mortality rates and NPP. To reach these ends, we present seven hypotheses potentially explaining the correlation, develop an approach to help distinguish among the hypotheses, and apply the approach in a case study comparing a tropical and temperate forest. Based on our case study and literature synthesis, we conclude that no single mechanism controls geographic patterns of tree mortality rates. At least four different mechanisms may be at play, with the dominant mechanisms depending on whether the underlying productivity gradients are caused by climate or soil fertility. Two of the mechanisms are consequences of environmental selection for certain combinations of life-history traits, reflecting trade-offs between growth and defense (along edaphic productivity gradients) and between reproduction and persistence (as manifested in the adult tree stature continuum along climatic and edaphic gradients). The remaining two mechanisms are consequences of environmental influences on the nature and strength of ecological interactions: competition (along edaphic gradients) and pressure from plant enemies (along climatic gradients). For only one of these four mechanisms, competition, can high mortality rates be considered to be a relatively direct consequence of high NPP. The remaining mechanisms force us to adopt a different view of causality, in which tree growth rates and probability of mortality can vary with at least a degree of independence along productivity gradients. In many cases, rather than being a direct cause of high mortality rates, NPP may remain high in spite of high mortality rates. The independent influence of plant enemies and other factors helps explain why forest biomass can show little correlation, or even negative correlation, with forest NPP.
Multiple sclerosis: The relationship among self-esteem, social support, and coping behavior

This study examines the relationship of self-esteem and social support to problem-focused coping behavior of 101 individuals with multiple sclerosis, a chronic progressive disease. Results included a significant relationship between self-esteem and problem-focused coping; a nonsignificant relationship between social support and problem-focused coping; and that self-esteem and social support taken together did not contribute significantly to problem-focused coping. Although the most frequently used coping strategies employed were problem focused, subjects did use combinations of problem- and emotion-focused strategies to deal with stressful encounters. The findings highlight the importance of assessing self-esteem, social support, and coping behavior of persons afflicted with multiple sclerosis and thus with the ever present potential for physical deterioration.
Analysis of Coupled Slots and Coplanar Strips on Dielectric Substrate

A frequency-dependent hybrid-mode analysis of single and coupled slots and coplanar strips is presented. The dispersion characteristic and characteristic impedance of the structures are obtained by applying a Fourier transform technique and evaluating the resulting expressions numerically using the method of moments. Numerical results are presented and compared with results published by other investigators. The experimental performance of a slot-line coupler is compared with predicted performance based upon the results presented here for coupled slots. Excellent agreement has been obtained in all cases.
Morphological characteristics of solution spun nanocomposite fibers synthesized from ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, nylon-6 and carbon nanotubes, compatibilized with polyethylene-graft-maleic anhydride

Hybrid nanocomposite fibers from a blend of Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHM-WPE)+Nylon-6+single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) were produced using a solution spinning process, both with and without a compatibilizer, Polyethylene-graft-Maleic Anhydride (PEG-g-MAH). The loading of Nylon-6, PE-g-MAH and SWCNTs was 20, 3, and 2 wt% of UHMWPE. A comparative morphological study of the fibers was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. SEM images of hybrid fiber cross-sections have shown polymer-coated SWCNTs aligned along the direction of extrusion inside the polymer. The blends with compatibilizer have shown rough and indistinct interfacial separation of the constituent phases, as seen in both cross-sectional and longitudinal views of fibers in SEM micrographs. Whereas, the samples without compatibilizer showed distinct minor polymer phase as droplets. DSC results indicate reduction of crystallinity, crystallization rate and lamellar size in the compatibilized blends. Comparative FTIR analysis of the fiber blends showed the presence of new absorbance peaks (at 1753.62 and 1210–990 cm–1) suggesting formation of imide linkages between the UHMWPE backbone and Nylon-6 chains in the blends with compatibilizer via reactive functional groups present in the PE-g-MAH. The appearance of these peaks were more prominent when nanotubes were present in the blend.
Engineering dynamic cell cycle control with synthetic small molecule-responsive RNA devices

The cell cycle plays a key role in human health and disease, including development and cancer. The ability to easily and reversibly control the mammalian cell cycle could mean improved cellular reprogramming, better tools for studying cancer, more efficient gene therapy, and improved heterologous protein production for medical or industrial applications. We engineered RNA-based control devices to provide specific and modular control of gene expression in response to exogenous inputs in living cells. Specifically, we identified key regulatory nodes that arrest U2-OS cells in the G0/1 or G2/M phases of the cycle. We then optimized the most promising key regulators and showed that, when these optimized regulators are placed under the control of a ribozyme switch, we can inducibly and reversibly arrest up to ~80 % of a cellular population in a chosen phase of the cell cycle. Characterization of the reliability of the final cell cycle controllers revealed that the G0/1 control device functions reproducibly over multiple experiments over several weeks. To our knowledge, this is the first time synthetic RNA devices have been used to control the mammalian cell cycle. This RNA platform represents a general class of synthetic biology tools for modular, dynamic, and multi-output control over mammalian cells.
Outcomes for forearm and upper arm arteriovenous fistula creation with the transposition technique

Objective To study the outcomes of three different types of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) transpositions (forearm cephalic vein transposition [FACVT], upper arm cephalic vein transposition [UACVT], and upper arm basilic vein transposition [UABVT]) for dialysis patients in a single center. Methods A 6-year retrospective review, from 2006 to 2012, was conducted at a single institution in which the surgical outcomes for three different types of AVF transposition were reviewed. Preoperative duplex vein mapping was obtained in all patients to choose the best vein for access. Results There were 165 patients identified with 77 FACVTs, 52 UACVTs, and 36 UABVTs. Primary access maturation rates for the FACVT, UACVT, and UABVT groups were 86%, 90%, and 97%, respectively ( P = .19). All transposed, matured primary AVFs were used after a mean of 9.9 weeks, without additional intervention. Primary 1-year patency for the FACVT, UACVT, and UABVT groups were 63%, 61%, and 70%, respectively ( P = .71). Primary assisted 1-year patency for the FACVT, UACVT, and UABVT groups were 93%, 93%, and 100%, respectively ( P > .999). Mean operating room times and time to intervention were not significantly different between the groups. The postoperative hematoma rate was 2% and wound infection rate was 2%. Multivariate analysis indicated no significant predictors of time to failure ( P > .05). Conclusions With low primary failure rates, reduced need for secondary interventions before maturation, and 1-year primary assisted patency rates in excess of 93%, our study showed that the transposition technique, in our experience, is superior to previously published literature in hemodialysis access creation.
In Vitro Effects of Parathyroid Hormone on Kidney Cortical Slices: cAMP Responses and Concomitant Inhibition of the Na+ Gradient-Dependent Uptake of Phosphate by Brush Border Membrane Vesicles Isolated from the Renal Slices

Mouse renal cortical slices were incubated with parathyroid hormone (30 U/ml) for 2 min. Brush border membrane vesicles isolated from the treated slices had a decreased Na gradient-dependent uptake of phosphate. Concomitantly, the hormone elicited the activation of adenylate cyclase, the increase in tissue level of cAMP, and the enhancement of cAMP-dependent protein kinase.
How Do Biological Systems Deal with Hackers, Phishers, Spoofers, Spammers, and Scammers?

Social function and organization are predicated on effective coordination and cooperation; these in turn require honest communication among the participants in a social group. But in order to facilitate any sort of social structure and interaction, there has to be some way to deal with the threat of deception. We see this not only at the level of complex animal societies such as baboon troops or cooperatively nesting birds or social insects, but also in the complex social organization within the body of any single multicellular organism. The problem of avoiding deception to allow social organization can be broken down into at least two categories: 1) the legitimate members of the social institution have some overlap in interests, but they also have individual incentives for deception, and 2) non-members of the social organization attempt to parasitize and exploit the system but subversion and other forms of trickery. We see the former category in the evolution of mate-choice signals; we see the latter in the evolution of immune strategies to deal with pathogens. At a previous Squaw Valley conference I talked about the biological mechanisms for manufacturing trust among the legitimate participants in a social institution, and described the basic results from signaling theory, the well-established game theoretic framework for addressing such questions. This year, I will look at the second part of the problem: how biological systems deter exploitation and subversion by rogue outsiders. Using the vertebrate adaptive immune system as a case study, I will discuss a number of the principles involved in making a system not only robust against accidental noise or component failure, but also strategically robust against deliberate and devious efforts at subversion. In striking contrast to signaling theory, here we have no general game theoretic framework for addressing these problems. I'll discuss some of the challenges that have hindered progress in developing a theory of this sort, and offer a few modest suggestions about how we might use attempt to move in this direction.
Justice Breyer's Mandarin Liberty

This review essay on Justice Breyer's "Active Liberty: Interpreting Our Democratic Constitution" considers Justice Breyer's approach to constitutional interpretation within the broader framework of his jurisprudential thought as fashioned over the course of his career in academia, government, and on the bench. The review emphasizes the degree to which Breyer has sought to apply the Legal Process approach to statutory construction, as initially set out by Hart and Sacks to constitutional questions. It provides an intellectual history, linking that Legal Process approach to Progressive and New Deal liberal thought fashioned to serve the modern liberal administrative state. The essay raises the question of whether this quasi-administrative, problem-solving approach to legal questions is, in any meaningful sense, truly constitutional at all. And it considers the relationship between this administrative, purposive, problem-solving vision, and Justice Breyer's enthusiasm for an increasingly transnational consideration of constitutional problems.
Neural Mechanisms of Selective Visual Attention

Selective visual attention describes the tendency of visual processing to be confined largely to stimuli that are relevant to behavior. It is among the most fundamental of cognitive functions, particularly in humans and other primates for whom vision is the dominant sense. We review recent progress in identifying the neural mechanisms of selective visual attention. We discuss evidence from studies of different varieties of selective attention and examine how these varieties alter the processing of stimuli by neurons within the visual system, current knowledge of their causal basis, and methods for assessing attentional dysfunctions. In addition, we identify some key questions that remain in identifying the neural mechanisms that give rise to the selective processing of visual information.
Cytotoxic Glomerular Nephritis in Rabbits—a Non-Allergic Condition

The important discovery of Masugi1 that in rabbits and rats glomerular nephritis can be produced by intravenous injections of anti-kidney serum has been confirmed by Fahr2 and his pupils Hemprich3 and Weiss,4 in rabbits; by Arnott, Kellar and Matthew,5 in rabbits; and by Farr and Smadel,6, 7 in rats. It has been shown that the animals develop albuminuria (up to 30%, Esbach), hematuria, cylindruria, lipuria, moderate oliguria or occasionally anuria (in acute stages), moderate edema, rise in blood urea (up to 224 mg. %), rise in blood pressure, cardiac hypertrophy, and anemia, and that at autopsy the kidneys exhibit extensive glomerular lesions which closely resemble those of human glomerular nephritis.Masugi injected 10 cc. of a 10 to 30% suspension of blood-free kidney juice of rabbits in saline solution into the peritoneal cavity of ducks, and that 18 to 30 times at intervals of about 5 days. Five to 8 days after the last injection serum was prepared, and after inactivation by heating to 56°C. for 30 min...
Immunotherapy for malignant glioma using human recombinant interleukin-2 and activated autologous lymphocytes. A review of pre-clinical and clinical investigations.

Over the past few years, we and a number of other groups have conducted laboratory experiments and clinical trials of human recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) alone or in combination with autologous ‘activated’ lymphocytes expressing in vitro tumoricidal activity in order to define toxicity and indicate its potential efficacy in patients with high-grade glioma. Because high rIL-2 concentrations can be attained with considerably less toxicity than with a systemic approach, all of the clinical trials, to date, have chosen a direct route; injecting lymphokine and cells into tumor tissue, the cystic cavity remaining after tumor excision, and/or neural parenchyma surrounding the site of tumor excision. While the rIL-2 therapies, as they have been applied in animal glioma models and patients, are safe, cerebral edema around the site of treatment has been a consistent finding. We have also seen, however, that steroid medications used by patients to control their cerebral edema may depress the anti-tumor activity of rIL-2 by depressing the capacity of lymphocytes to develop normal LAK activity. Although none of the immunotherapies involving rIL-2 have produced cures, the fact that sustained clinical responses have been reported, suggests that such therapies may slow a recurrence of tumor at the site of treatment. Efforts to improve outcome from rIL-2 - based immunotherapies for malignant glioma are continuing with manipulation of rIL-2 dosing and scheduling and also with combinations of rIL-2 and other recombinant cytokines.
Community Violence Exposure and Developmental Psychopathology

Community violence is concentrated in lower socioeconomic urban communities although it occurs in many locations. While sharing many features with child maltreatment and other family violence, it is also distinct in the relation of perpetrator(s) to victims and in how residing near where it occurs is potentially harmful. The correlation of community violence exposure to psychopathology is well documented, and some studies to articulate the pathways of impact have been conducted. Yet much of the current understanding is based on inferences from child abuse and neglect studies, and others confound types of violence exposure. Among the key challenges in advancing knowledge about community violence impact are: (1) clearer shared definitions of what constitutes community violence; (2) sophisticated comparison to effects of other stressors and other forms of violence; (3) adequate tests of interventions meant to modify exposure and impact of exposure; and (4) clarity about neurobiological processes that characterize exposure impact. Also, most studies have focused on individual differences in exposure, not adequately considering community-level effects. A developmental-ecological approach is suggested as most useful, particularly in light of the common co-occurrence of exposure to other forms of violence and psychopathology risk factors. Keywords: violence; community; violence exposure; interventions
Nursing Care of Neonatal Respiratory Disease Syndrome

Objectives To summarize the experience of clinical nursing neonatal respiratory diseaes syndrome (NRDS). Methods: To summarize the practical and effective nursing managements for NRDS, we analyzed and compared nursing experience about the one hundred NRDS cases in our ward during January 2001 to February 2004. Results: Among the one hundred NRDS cases, sixty neonates recovered, sixteen gave up treating, and the rest infants died because of too early prematurity, extremely low birth weight, and/or severe complications. Conclusions NRDS is one of the severe diseases emerged in neonates, especially in preterm babies, with high mortality. Nursing neonates with RDS, it is important for us to observe them intensively, to keep their airway patent and to supply with appropriate concentration oxygen. Furthermore, it is essential for us to strengthen management of ventilators with skilled operation in order to prevent ventilator-related infection and other complications, which is critical for recovery. On the other hand, it is important to use enough dose of surfactant as early as possible when rescuing NRDS babies.
Perceived discrimination and health outcomes among Asian Indians in the United States

Perceived interpersonal discrimination while seeking healthcare services is associated with poor physical and mental health. Yet, there is a paucity of research among Asian Americans or its subgroups. This study examined the correlates of reported interpersonal discrimination when seeking health care among a large sample of Asian Indians, the 3rd largest Asian American subgroup in the US, and identify predictors of adverse self-rated physical health, a well-accepted measure of overall health status. Cross-sectional survey. Participants comprised of 1824 Asian Indian adults in six states with higher concentration of Asian Indians. Mean age and years lived in the US was 45.7 ± 12.8 and 16.6 ± 11.1 years respectively. The majority of the respondents was male, immigrants, college graduates, and had access to care. Perceived interpersonal discrimination when seeking health care was reported by a relatively small proportion of the population (7.2 %). However, Asian Indians who reported poor self-rated health were approximately twice as likely to perceived discrimination when seeking care as compared to those in good or excellent health status (OR 1.88; 95 % CI 1.12–3.14). Poor self-rated health was associated with perceived health care discrimination after controlling for all of the respondent characteristics (OR 1.93; 95 % CI: 1.17–3.19). In addition, Asian Indians who lived for more than 10 years in the U.S. (OR 3.28; 95 % CI: 1.73–6.22) and had chronic illnesses (OR 1.39; 95 % CI: 1.17–1.64) (p < 0.05) were more likely to perceive discrimination when seeking health care. However, older Asian Indians, over the age of 55 years, were less likely to perceive discrimination than those aged 18–34 years Indian American. Results offers initial support for the hypothesis that Asian Indians experience interpersonal discrimination when seeking health care services and that these experiences may be related to poor self-rated health status.
Disparities in Exposure to Intimate Partner Violence Among Transgender/Gender Nonconforming and Sexual Minority Primary Care Patients.

Abstract Purpose: We investigated the odds of intimate partner violence (IPV) among primary care patients across subgroups of transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals relative to cis...
Vaccine Hesitancy: Where We Are and Where We Are Going.

Abstract Purpose Vaccines represent one of the most important aspects of pediatric preventive care. However, parents are increasingly questioning the safety of and need for vaccines, and as a result, vaccination rates have fallen to dangerously low levels in certain communities. The effects of vaccine hesitancy are widespread. Community pediatricians who interact regularly with vaccine-hesitant parents report higher levels of burnout and lower levels of job satisfaction. Not surprisingly, vaccine hesitancy has also had direct influence on vaccination rates, which in turn are linked to increased emergency department use, morbidity, and mortality. Methods Literature from 1999 to 2017 regarding vaccines and vaccine hesitancy was reviewed. Findings Few evidence-based strategies exist to guide providers in their discussions with vaccines-hesitant parents. Recent research has shown a presumptive approach (ie, the provider uses language that presumes the caregiver will vaccinate his or her child) is associated with higher vaccination uptake. Motivational interviewing is a promising technique for more hesitant parents. Implications At the community level, evidence-based communication strategies to address vaccine hesitancy are needed. The practice of dismissing families from pediatric practices who refuse to vaccinate is common, although widely criticized. Other controversial and rapidly evolving topics include statewide vaccination mandates and school exemption policies. Electronic interventions, such as text-messaging services and social media, have recently emerged as effective methods of communication and may become more important in coming years.
Weight Loss Success of Participants Residing in Rural and Urban Areas

Purpose Rural residents are significantly more likely to be overweight and obese than are urban residents. However, few data have compared weight control program responses in these population groups. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to evaluate the weight loss outcomes of participants in a multisite, online behavioral intervention by residential location (rural vs urban) and, second, assess any possible differences in adherence to treatment goals. Methods A total of 492 adult participants (mean BMI = 35.7 kg/m2 ; 90% female; 24% minority) were categorized based on their home ZIP code and the 2010 US Census Urban and Rural Classification criteria (58.3% rural; 41.7% urban). Weight (kg) was measured in-person at baseline and 6 months after participating in a behavioral weight control intervention. Adherence to physical activity and calorie and fat intake goals was assessed based on weekly self-monitoring journals. Weekly online chat attendance and completion of weekly online self-monitoring journals were recorded. Presence of obesogenic foods in the home was self-reported at baseline and 6 months. Findings There were no statistically significant differences in weight loss between rural and urban participants (-6.1 kg vs -5.3 kg, P = .16), nor were there differences in chat attendance, self-monitoring journals, self-reported physical activity, calorie intake, or obesogenic foods reported in the household. Conclusions Overall, there was no difference in weight loss and adherence to treatment goals for rural and urban participants. Further research on rural and urban residents is necessary to explore the factors responsible for the disparity in obesity prevalence.
Surgery for Primary Hyperparathyroidism with Normal Non-suppressed Parathyroid Hormone can be Both Challenging and Successful

Criteria for diagnosing primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) include hypercalcemia in the presence of parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels that are either elevated (classic PHPT) or normal but non-suppressed. However, there is no standard definition of what constitutes normal non-suppressed levels, and data are lacking regarding the potential for surgical cure in these patients. A retrospective review of patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for sporadic PHPT between 2012 and 2014 was performed. Patients with normal PTH were compared to classic PHPT patients to assess demographics, imaging, operative findings, and outcomes. In total, 332 patients met study criteria, and 60 (18%) had normal PTH levels. Negative sestamibi scans were seen more often with normal PTH levels (18.3 vs. 4.8%, p 55 pg/mL.
Foreign Safe Asset Demand for US Treasurys and the Dollar

We present theory showing that the spot dollar exchange rate reflects the value of all future convenience yields that foreign investors assign to US Treasuries. The convenience yield also creates wedge, the Treasury-based dollar basis, between the yield on foreign bonds and the currency-hedged yield on US Treasury bonds. We use the Treasury basis to measure the foreign convenience yield and show that an increase in the basis coincides with an appreciation of the dollar, consistent with the theory. The variation in the Treasury basis accounts for 25 percent of the quarterly variation in the dollar between 1988 and 2017.