cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comparison of surface and rectal temperatures between sheared and non-sheared alpacas (Lama pacos)

The objective of this research was to determine if whole-body shearing would effect gross thermoregulation in alpacas. Eight mature, intact male alpacas were randomly assigned to one of two groups and maintained in outdoor pastures with adequate artificial shade from June through August (summer climate) in east central Alabama, USA. Group one animals (N=4) were sheared to remove all fiber to within 2cm of their skin. Group 2 animals (N=4) were left non-sheared. Sheared alpacas tended to have lower rectal temperatures during high ambient temperatures than did non-sheared alpacas (P=0.06). Thermographic studies of the scrotum revealed cooler surface temperatures in sheared versus non-sheared alpacas (P=0.05). Temperatures in the right medial thigh of sheared animals were 0.9 degrees C cooler than the thigh region of non-sheared animals in the morning (P<0.03). Right medial thigh temperatures were 1.6 degrees C cooler in sheared alpacas in the afternoon (P<0.01). Significant positive correlations were found in non-sheared animals between ambient temperature and rectal temperature in the morning (r=0.612, P=0.014). In sheared animals during the morning significant positive correlations were established between the Heat Stress Index (HSI) and the right medial thigh surface temperatures (r=0.648, P=0.003), the HSI and rectal temperature (r=0.729, P=0.0003), the ambient temperature and right medial thigh surface temperature (r=0.485, P=0.04), and the ambient temperature and the rectal temperature (r=0.823, P<0.0001). In the afternoon a significant positive correlation was found in the sheared alpacas between the HSI and the right medial thigh surface temperature, rectal temperature and surface scrotal temperature (r=0.538, P=0.02, r=0.543, P=0.019 and r=0.522, P=0.045), respectively. These data indicate that whole-body shearing of alpacas could have a beneficial effect on thermoregulation when used as a preventative measure against heat stress. Shearing may assist heat dissipation resulting in a cooler surface body temperature and rectal temperature in alpacas when challenged by the heat and humidity experienced in the summer months in the southeastern United States.
Basic Properties of Almost Periodic Functions

In Section 2.3, we defined the almost periodic functions in Bohr’s sense and stated some properties that follow more or less easily from their definition (see Remark 2.13 to Proposition 2.14 of Section 2.3). We shall briefly review those properties and provide some details in cases requiring clarification.
Vertical Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1: Seroreactivity by Maternal Antibodies to the Carboxy Region of the gp41 Envelope Glycoprotein

Maternal antibodies against the envelope glycoprotein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) have previously been suggested to be important in influencing the rate of vertical transmission. In this study, serum antibody responses in mothers who did or did not transmit HIV-1 infection to their children were measured against the carboxy region of the transmembrane envelope glycoprotein gp41. Results indicate significantly higher binding reactivity of nontransmitter mothers compared with transmitters to three peptides spanning amino acids 771-810 and 841-856. In addition, high neutralization titers in maternal sera against HIV-1 MN were associated with a non-transmission status. This is the initial report demonstrating a correlation between maternal antibody binding to epitopes within the carboxy region of gp41 envelope glycoprotein and lack of vertical transmission. Immunodetection that identifies antibodies to these regions in gp41 could therefore be considered a strategy to assess the risk of vertical transmission of HIV-I.
Global optimization of bilinear process networks with multicomponent flows

Abstract This paper deals with the global optimization of networks consisting of splitters, mixers and linear process units and that involve multicomponent streams. Examples include pooling and blending systems and sharp separation networks in which nonconvexities arise in the bilinear equations for the mass balances. A reformulation-linearization technique is first applied to models expressed with compositions and total flows in order to obtain a relaxed LP formulation that provides a valid lower bound to the global optimum. This formulation is used within a spatial branch and bound search. The application of this method is considered in detail for sharp separation systems with single feed and mixed products. Numerical results are presented on 12 test problems involving up to a few hundred variables. It is shown that only a few nodes are commonly required in the branch and bound search.
High-T/sub c/ SQUID microscope for room temperature samples

A high-T/sub c/ SQUID microscope has been constructed for imaging samples at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The SQUID is mounted on the upper end of a sapphire rod, cooled to liquid nitrogen temperature, below a 3-/spl mu/m thick silicon nitride vacuum window. This arrangement yields a SQUID-to-sample separation as low as 15 /spl mu/m. A sample can be placed on the window or scanned over the SQUID to produce magnetic images.
Coronary flow studies for risk stratification in multivessel disease. A physiologic bridge too far

In this era of intense historical reflection on the events of World War II, noted authors and film makers have transported a new generation back to the heroic acts and inglorious failures of the last struggle for Europe. Steven Spielberg’s and Tom Hanks’ Saving Private Ryan and Band of Brothers
Collagen cross-linking: the substrate specificity of lysyl oxidase.

Lysyl oxidase is a specific amine oxidase that contains copper and is irreversibly inhibited by compounds called lathyrogens (1,2,3). 3-Aminopropionitrile (BAPN) is the most widely studied and best known of these compounds. When growing animals are either fed lathyrogens or made copper deficient they develop a wide variety of connective tissue and skeletal abnormalities such as dissecting aneurysms of the thoracic aorta, kyphoscoliosis and abdominal hernias. The pathogenesis of these abnormalities is related to decreased collagen cross-linking secondary to decreased lysyl oxidase activity which results from either lack of the copper cofactor(4) or irreversible inhibition by BAPN. Since clinical abnormalities in these disorders have been noted as a result of deranged biosynthesis in both elastin and collagen with lysyl oxidase deficiency, it seemed appropriate to define the substrate specificity of highly purified lysyl oxidase in more detail and to determine whether the same enzyme is active on collagen and elastin substrates(5,6,7,8).
Energy Use Pattern for Production of Rainfed Wheat

The study on input energy requirement for production of rainfed wheat was carried out in Sehore block of Sehore district of Madhya Pradesh. The data was collected from 90 randomly selected wheat growers. The results of the study showed that per hectare operational energy use and size of holdings were inversely related to each other. The average use of operational energy was 1028 MJ/ha for rainfed wheat production. The highest operational energy was required for preparation of field for sowing. The source wise energy use was 3826 MJ/ha. The major sources of input energy use were seed and fertilizer. The output-input energy ratio was 5.39. The energy use gap analysis showed that an additional investment of rupee one on energy use in the production of rainfed wheat gave an additional income of Rs. 1.61.
Responses of Melanoplus sanguinipes and M. differentialis (Orthoptera : acrididae) to fenoxycarb

Nymphs and adults of the grasshopper Melanoplus sanguinipes (F.) and nymphs of M. differentialis (Thomas) were treated with the juvenile hormone analog fenoxycarb by topical application or by ingestion of bait. Nymphal mortality was variable, but both species were significantly affected by topical treatment. Neither species succumbed to bait treatment. Both methods of application produced significant effects on nymphal development time, but the nature of the response varied with time of application, and the degree of the response (<20%) was of questionable biological importance. Fenoxycarb induced morphological deformities, principally wing twisting. Temporary induction of green coloration was also noted, especially in M. differentialis. The most important effect of fenoxycarb application was disruption of reproduction; topical application of M. sanguinipes nymphs at 100 microgram/insect resulted in complete elimination of egg pod production, and ingestion of 1 and 5% fenoxycarb on bran bait reduced oviposition. M. sanguinipes treated as adults were unaffected by fenoxycarb administered by topical application of up to 100 microgram/insect or ingestion of 10% bran bait.
Identification of Determinant Attributes: A Comparison of Methods

Not all product attributes are equally important in determining consumer preferences. This article distinguishes determinant attributes from nondeterminant ones and presents a cross-validation meth...
A community model of ciliateTetrahymena and bacteriaE. coli: Part I. Individual-based models ofTetrahymena andE. coli populations

The dynamics of a microbial community consisting of a eucaryotic ciliateTetrahymena pyriformis and procaryoticEscherichia coli in a batch culture is explored by employing an individual-based approach. In this portion of the article, Part I, population models are presented. Because both models are individual-based, models of individual organisms are developed prior to construction of the population models. The individual models use an energy budget method in which growth depends on energy gain from feeding and energy sinks such as maintenance and reproduction. These models are not limited by simplifying assumptions about constant yield, constant energy sinks and Monod growth kinetics as are traditional models of microbal organisms. Population models are generated from individual models by creating distinct individual types and assigning to each type the number of real individuals they represent. A population is a compilation of individual types that vary in a phase of cell cycle and physiological parameters such as filtering rate for ciliates and maximum anabolic rate for bacteria. An advantage of the developed models is that they realistically describe the growth of the individual cells feeding on resource which varies in density and composition. Part II, the core of the project, integrates models into a dynamic microbial community and provides model analysis based upon available data.
Automated Reticulocyte Counting by Image Analysisand Flow Cytometry

We compared reticulocyte levels in 85 patients determined by conventional manual methods and two automated methods, image analysis on the Hematrak 590 and flow cytometry on the Ortho Spectrum. Each automated method showed acceptable correlation with manual determinations over a range of 0.4% to 31% reticulocytes. The Hematrak 590 regression equation was y=0.98x+0.37. The Ortho Spectrum regression equation was y=0.95x+0.87. Automated determination of reticulocyte percentage by image analysis or flow cytometry is an acceptable alternative to manual counts, especially for high-volume laboratories. The advantages of each automated methodology are compared.
Performance of RHIC 50 Watt Recoolers

Brookhaven National Laboratory has designed and tested cryogenic heat exchangers for use in the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). These units, called recoolers, are located periodically in the superconducting magnet string and maintain the accelerator at design temperature by removing heat from the closed Helium circulating loop. Each is required to transfer 50 Watts from supercritical Helium, nominally flowing at 100 g/s to a Helium bath boiling at 4.25 K. With a 50 Watt heat load applied, there is a.028 K differential temperature between the Helium exiting the recooler and the recooler bath, and a heat exchange effectiveness of approximately 80%. The recoolers met design requirements during first article testing and then during the RHIC first sextant test. This paper describes the design and testing of the recoolers as well as their performance during the RHIC first sextant test.
Vestibulopathy induced by high impact aerobics. A new syndrome: discussion of 30 cases.

OBJECTIVE To examine the hypothesis that repetitive jarring traumas from the performance of high impact aerobic (HIA) exercises injuries the delicate otoliths and cochlea producing a syndrome of vertigo, tinnitus, balance dysfunction and hearing loss. DESIGN Cohort study with descriptive analysis of 30 symptomatic subjects who only perform HIA. Age, sex and exercise/duration matched asymptomatic HIA control population was also surveyed. SETTING Community study over a 5-month period. MATERIALS AND METHODS Subjects receive detailed history, neurological and audiological testing. MRI/CAT and BSAER were utilized to rule out structural lesions and ENG assessed vestibular functions. Stratification of subjects into instructors and enthusiasts subgroup was based upon their exercise status. RESULTS Thirty females were identified with a mean age 35 years (+/- 9) (range 20-54 years). There were 12 instructors and 18 enthusiasts. The instructors significantly exercised greater number of hours (p < 0.01) and greater number of years (p < 0.051) than enthusiasts. The symptoms of vertigo, dizziness and imbalance were present 24/30 (80%), whereas tinnitus and/or ear fullness was present in 20/30 (67%). The instructor group displayed a statistically significant higher proportion of examination abnormality with Barany than enthusiasts (p < 0.05). ENG data was obtained in 19 subjects and was statistically abnormal in the enthusiast subgroup (p < 0.05). Sensitivity to barometric pressure (flying/Scuba/swimming) and car travel was statistically present in 18/30 individuals (60%), whereas, it was seen only in 4.3% of HIA controls (p < 0.0001). A characteristic 6000 Hz hearing loss with "notching" was seen in 22/30 (73%) of cases, suggesting that repetitive jarring and loud music produced damage to Organ of Corti. Instructors displayed this to a greater extent but this was not statistical. CONCLUSION There appears to be selective vulnerability to the otolith and Organ of Corti in individuals performing HIA. This previously unknown vestibulopathy produces characteristic auditory loss, as well as sensitivity to barometric pressure and car travel. Strategies for prevention include elimination or reduction of loud noise exposure during the dance routines, utilization of better insulated shoes and substitution to a less traumatic exercise.
Localization and Quantification of GFP-Tagged Ion Channels Expressed in Xenopus Oocytes

The green fluorescent protein (GFP) from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria has recently emerged as a very powerful tool in cell biology. Fused to the protein of interest, GFP serves as a marker for gene expression as well as protein localization in living cells. We have used GFP as a marker for ionchannel localization and expression in Xenopus oocytes. As with any study using heterologous expression of proteins, these studies should be interpreted in the biological context in which they are presented, considering the cell biology and physiology of the protein under study. Furthermore, there are potential artifacts using these techniques necessitating the use of stringent control experiments. Nevertheless, in our studies, this approach has proven extremely useful, as we hope to convey in the current chapter.
Cell-Based Therapies for the Treatment of Aphasia

Aphasia is a consequence of injury to brain language networks. Many different forms of pathology can produce aphasia, including ischemia, degenerative disease, infection, and trauma, with the most common cause being ischemic stroke; approximately 1 in 4 patients with stroke have some degree of aphasia on acute presentation. The natural course of aphasia varies with the pathogenesis. When the cause is an ischemic stroke, some degree of spontaneous behavioral recovery is often seen. However, this is generally incomplete, and aphasia remains an important source of human disability. This chapter reviews the potential for stem cell therapies to improve deficits and disability from aphasia.
Apex: automatic programming assignment error explanation

This paper presents Apex, a system that can automatically generate explanations for programming assignment bugs, regarding where the bugs are and how the root causes led to the runtime failures. It works by comparing the passing execution of a correct implementation (provided by the instructor) and the failing execution of the buggy implementation (submitted by the student). The technique overcomes a number of technical challenges caused by syntactic and semantic differences of the two implementations. It collects the symbolic traces of the executions and matches assignment statements in the two execution traces by reasoning about symbolic equivalence. It then matches predicates by aligning the control dependences of the matched assignment statements, avoiding direct matching of path conditions which are usually quite different. Our evaluation shows that Apex is every effective for 205 buggy real world student submissions of 4 programming assignments, and a set of 15 programming assignment type of buggy programs collected from stackoverflow.com, precisely pinpointing the root causes and capturing the causality for 94.5% of them. The evaluation on a standard benchmark set with over 700 student bugs shows similar results. A user study in the classroom shows that Apex has substantially improved student productivity.
Fabrication of Tough Hydrogels from Chemically Cross-Linked Multiple Neutral Networks

A simple method was developed to fabricate tough hydrogels from a chemically cross-linked neutral hydrogel. Loosely cross-linked pseudo- and true-interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels with double-, triple-, and quadruple-network structures were synthesized from acrylamide (AAm), and their mechanical properties were studied. Increasing the number of polymeric networks significantly changed the mechanical properties of pseudo-IPN hydrogels even though the chemical composition and polymerization procedure of each individual network was the same. The SN and DN hydrogels showed behavior similar to extensible soft tissue, but the TN and QN hydrogels exhibited strain localization during tensile deformation. Loading–unloading–reloading tensile experiments indicated that tensile loading causes no damage to the SN and DN hydrogels. For pseudo-IPN hydrogels where strain localization occurred, unloading before strain localization resulted in no damage, but unloading after strain localization showed a large...
Cultures of Empire, Nation, and Universe in Pres. José P. Laurel's Political Thought, 1927–1949

In order to refigure the period of Japanese occupation along a longerhistorical narrative of Filipino resistance to foreign domination, this articleexamines the mobilization and definition of the Filipino nation vis-a-visWestern imperialism and empire in the political thought of the wartimePhilippine president and Japanese “collaborator” Jose P. Laurel. In orderto elucidate the historical genealogies and legacies of empire informing histhought, this article reconstructs and interrogates his universalism againsthis nationalism and his construction of Pan-Asianism and the Orient againstthat of Western imperialism and the Occident. Keywords: Pan-asianism • LaureL • imPeriaLism • nationaLism •universaLism
A Taste of Brown Sugar: Black Women in Pornography. By Mireille Miller-Young

In A Taste of Brown Sugar, Mireille Miller-Young challenges long-held assumptions about and representations of black women in pornography and attempts to subvert the notion that the porn industry h...
Forging the Future of Special Collections . Arnold Hirshon, Robert H. Jackson, and Melissa A. Hubbard, eds. Chicago: Neal-Schuman, 2016. 202p. Paper, $85.00 (ISBN 978-08389-1386-4).

In October 2014, more than two hundred archivists, book collectors, donors, and librarians from the United States and Canada convened at Case Western University in Cleveland, Ohio, to discuss the state of Special Collections in North American libraries. The conference, “Acknowledging the Past, Forging the Future,” was hailed as “a milestone event in assessing the past and projecting the future of special collections.” The edited collection Forging the Future of Special Collections is a product of the sessions and “expands and enriches the ideas presented at the colloquium by including significant additional material from the contributors” (xv). The featured volume of essays is composed of three sections with 17 total chapters. Each chapter summarizes the revised remarks of event commentators and includes an introduction by Robert H. Jackson. Jackson points to the importance of the collection of essays, noting, “The implication is that the future of the book is in our hands. We will control it. We will shape it. The decisions we make as readers, collectors, and special librarians today will determine what happens to our fields tomorrow. This is a hopeful message, and this book presents a hopeful future as well” (xv).
Weighted Composition Operators between the Fractional Cauchy Spaces and the Bloch-Type Spaces

We characterize boundedness and compactness of weighted composition operators mapping the families of fractional Cauchy transforms into the Bloch-type spaces. Corollaries are obtained about composition operators and multiplication operators.
Initial design and results of an untethered insertable laparoscopic robotic surgical camera system

This paper introduces a most frontier solution for minimally invasive laparoscopic vision, an untethered insertable robotic surgical camera (sCAM) system. Several key technologies toward this fully insertable laparoscopic robotic camera characterized by no tethering wires or mechanical actuation linkages have been addressed. Non-contact transabdominal camera actuation is designed and operated in a stator-rotor manner borrowing the principle of spherical motors. Wireless video transmission and control communication running on onboard power have helped eliminate cumbersome tethering wires pertaining to most state-of-the-art designs and thus facilitated flexible camera in vivo mobility. Moreover, a proprietary Bluetooth low energy (BLE) application profile has been developed specifically for this camera, providing functional services in an energy-efficient reliable manner for wireless camera control. Finally, experimental results have verified basic functions of this untethered robotic laparoscopic camera and justified feasibility of the design.
Commodity and Token Monies

A government defines a dollar as a list of quantities of one or more precious metals. If issued in limited amounts, token money is a perfect substitute for precious metal money. Atemporal equilibrium conditions determine how quantities of precious metals and token monies affect an equilibrium price level. Within limits, a government can peg the relative price of two precious metals, confirming Fisher's (1911) response to a classic criticism of bimetallism. Monometallism dominates bimetallism according to a natural welfare criterion.
Medication patterns and fertility rates in a cohort of anabolic steroid users.

Background: To describe self-reported medication patterns and fertility rates in a population of anabolic steroid (AS) users. Methods: We reviewed data from an online survey of AS users and identified a sub-group who had attempted to achieve a pregnancy with their partners while using AS. The online survey consisted of questions addressing demographics, AS use, ancillary medications, and fertility outcomes. Results: A total of 97 men (of 231 total respondents) had attempted to achieve a pregnancy while taking AS and comprise the current cohort. The majority of men were 25–44 years old (63.9%), married (75.5%) and Caucasian (88.7%). Ancillary drug use was common with only 5.2% denying drug use other than ASs. The most common reported ancillary drugs were antiestrogens (89.7%) and sexual enhancement medications (SEMs) (68%). The fertility rate was 92.8%, with 82.4% achieving pregnancy within one year. Interestingly, only 13.5% sought fertility evaluation with treatment required in 8.3%. Age at initiation of AS use, maximum dosage utilized, yearly duration of supplementation, and number of years using steroids were not associated with a prolonged duration to pregnancy or decreased rate of pregnancy. Conclusions: Despite continued use of ASs, this cohort’s self-reported fertility rates are unexpectedly high. This is presumably related to cycling of therapy and concomitant use of fertility preserving medications.
Bringing an Integral Approach to the Field of Technology Diffusion Research

The intention in this position paper is to propose a possible new future for the technology diffusion research community, based on the integral approach of American philosopher Ken Wilber. The trends and current state of technology diffusion research are reviewed, and relevant aspects of Wilber’s integral approach and its possible contributions are described. These aspects include Wilber’s basic quadrants model and integral methodological pluralism, as well as the metapractices from which they arise.
Acculturation and maternal health behaviors: findings from the Massachusetts birth certificate.

Background Although prior studies have shown disparities in maternal health behaviors according to race/ethnicity and acculturation, whether these patterns are evident among new immigrant populations remains unclear. Purpose To examine the associations among proxies of acculturation and maternal smoking during pregnancy and breastfeeding initiation within each major ethnic group in Massachusetts. Methods Data were from the Standard Certificate of Live Births on 1,067,375 babies by mothers from 31 ethnic groups for 1996–2009. Mothers reported whether they smoked during pregnancy and the birth facility recorded whether mothers started breastfeeding. The acculturation proxy combined mothers’ country of birth and language preference: U.S.-born, foreign-born English-speaking, and foreign-born non-English speaking. For each ethnic group, adjusted logistic regression models were used to examine associations between the acculturation proxy and whether mothers smoked or initiated breastfeeding. Data were analyzed from 2012 to 2013. Results A lower proportion of foreign-born mothers had a high school degree or private insurance than U.S.-born mothers. However, foreign-born mothers who were English (range of AORs=0.07–0.93) or non-English speakers (AORs=0.01–0.36) were less likely to smoke during pregnancy than their U.S.-born counterparts. Foreign-born mothers who were English (AORs=1.22–6.52) or non-English speakers (AORs=1.35–10.12) were also more likely to initiate breastfeeding compared to U.S.-born mothers, except for some mothers with Asian ethnicities. Conclusions The consistency of the associations of being foreign-born with less smoking and more breastfeeding suggests that for the majority of ethnic groups studied, acculturation in the U.S. results in poorer maternal health behaviors.
American College of Epidemiology mentoring guidelines

Abstract Career mentoring is beneficial for mobility, growth and development at all stages of an epidemiologist’s career. The American College of Epidemiology (ACE) provides a variety of opportunities to be mentored and to mentor, facilitated through the Career Mentoring Committee. ACE has now moved to a new level of engagement in mentoring, offering a more inclusive and structured one-on-one mentoring program for epidemiologists to achieve their professional goals. This program has recently been formalized in the Mentoring Guidelines that were developed by the Career Mentoring Committee. The Mentoring Guidelines can be used as a resource for both mentee and mentor as they offer suggestions for specific areas for mentoring and guiding principles of the mentee – mentor relationship. It is the hope of the Career Mentoring Committee and ACE that the adoption of the mentoring program will contribute positively to the professional success of ACE members at various career stages and in various career paths.
Near-field photonic cooling through control of the chemical potential of photons

Photonic cooling of matter has enabled both access to unexplored states of matter, such as Bose–Einstein condensates, and novel approaches to solid-state refrigeration1–3. Critical to these photonic cooling approaches is the use of low-entropy coherent radiation from lasers, which makes the cooling process thermodynamically feasible4–6. Recent theoretical work7–9 has suggested that photonic solid-state cooling may be accomplished by tuning the chemical potential of photons without using coherent laser radiation, but such cooling has not been experimentally realized. Here we report an experimental demonstration of photonic cooling without laser light using a custom-fabricated nanocalorimetric device and a photodiode. We show that when they are in each other’s near-field—that is, when the size of the vacuum gap between the planar surfaces of the calorimetric device and a reverse-biased photodiode is reduced to tens of nanometres—solid-state cooling of the calorimetric device can be accomplished via a combination of photon tunnelling, which enhances the transport of photons across nanoscale gaps, and suppression of photon emission from the photodiode due to a change in the chemical potential of the photons under an applied reverse bias. This demonstration of active nanophotonic cooling—without the use of coherent laser radiation—lays the experimental foundation for systematic exploration of nanoscale photonics and optoelectronics for solid-state refrigeration and on-chip device cooling. The ‘negative luminescence’ of a reverse-biased photodiode is harnessed to draw thermal energy from a nearby solid object, thereby realizing photonic cooling without the use of coherent laser radiation.
Institutional Review Boards: Purposes and Applications for Students

The objective of this chapter is to introduce students to the processes involved with applying for institutional review board (IRB) approval. I discuss what human subjects review is and its purpose, then move on to a discussion of the potential make-up of an IRB and the related roles of the members. Lastly, I describe some of the processes associated with applying for IRB approval and some of the main elements necessary for an application.
Turning Back the Clock? Violence against Women and the Trump Administration

The Trump Administration has engaged in a systematic rolling back of protections, regulations, and a host of other social safety net programs for vulnerable people, leaving over half of the populat...
Regulation of Synaptic Development by Astrocyte Signaling Factors and Their Emerging Roles in Substance Abuse

Astrocytes have critical functions throughout the central nervous system (CNS) and have emerged as regulators of synaptic development and function. With their highly complex morphologies, they are able to interact with thousands of synapses via peripheral astrocytic processes (PAPs), ensheathing neuronal axons and dendrites to form the tripartite synapse. In this way, astrocytes engage in crosstalk with neurons to mediate a variety of CNS processes including the regulation of extracellular matrix protein signaling, formation and maintenance of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), axon growth and guidance, homeostasis of the synaptic microenvironment, synaptogenesis, and the promotion of synaptic diversity. In this review, we discuss several key astrocyte signaling factors (thrombospondins, netrins, apolipoproteins, neuregulins, bone morphogenetic proteins, and neuroligins) in the maintenance and regulation of synapse formation. We also explore how these astrocyte signaling factors are impacted by and contribute to substance abuse, particularly alcohol and cocaine use.
Histological development and integration of the Zebrafish Weberian apparatus.

Background The Weberian apparatus enhances hearing in otophysan fishes, including Zebrafish (Danio rerio). Several studies have examined aspects of morphological development of the Weberian apparatus and hearing ability in Zebrafish. A comprehensive developmental description including both hard and soft tissues is lacking. This information is critical for both interpretation of genetic developmental analyses and to better understand the role of morphogenesis and integration on changes in hearing ability. Results Histological development of hard and soft tissues of the Weberian apparatus, including ossicles, ear, swim bladder, and ligaments are described from early larval stages (3.8 mm notochord length) through adult. Results show a strong relationship in developmental timing and maturation across all regions. All required auditory elements are present and morphologically integrated early, by 6.5 mm SL. Dynamic ossification patterns and changes in shape continue throughout the examined developmental period. Conclusions This study provides the first comprehensive histological description of Weberian apparatus development in Zebrafish. Morphological integration was found early, before increases in hearing ability were detected in functional studies (>10 mm total length), suggesting morphological integration precedes functional integration. Further research is needed to examine the nature of the functional delay, and how maturation of the Weberian apparatus influences functionality.
Thermomechanical postbuckling of multilayered composite panels with cutouts

The results of a study of the detailed thermomechanical postbuckling response characteristics of flat unstiffened composite panels with central circular cutouts are presented. The panels are subjected to combined temperature changes and applied edge loading (or edge displacements). The analysis is based on a first-order shear deformation plate theory. A mixed formulation is used with the fundamental unknowns consisting of the generalized displacements and the stress resultants of the plate. The postbuckling displacements, transverse shear stresses, transverse shear strain energy density, and their sensitivity coefficients are evaluated. The sensitivity coefficients measure the sensitivity of the post-buckling response to variations in the different lamination and material parameters of the panel. Numerical results are presented showing the effects of the variations in the hole diameter, laminate stacking sequence, fiber orientation, and aspect ratio of the panel on the thermomechanical postbuckling response and its sensitivity to changes in panel parameters.
New species of Aphodiinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) from Southern Africa

This posthumous paper of the author is based on his last manuscript and comprises the description of seven new species in the subfamily Aphodiinae: Aphodius (Pleuraphodius) kaokoveldensis, A. (Pleuraphodius) matamataensis, A. (Blackburneus) ohopohoensis, A. (Bodilus) cathedralensis, A. (Allobodilus) obibensis, Harmogaster tuberculata and Paracorythoderus endroedyi. The Palaearctic genus Sugrames is represented in Southern Africa by a single relict species, S. capensis EndrA¶di, for which a new locality record is reported.
Whistler wave cascades in solar wind plasma

Non-linear, three-dimensional, time-dependent fluid simulations of whistler wave turbulence are performed to investigate role of whistler waves in solar wind plasma turbulence in which characteristic turbulent fluctuations are characterized typically by the frequency and length-scales that are, respectively, bigger than ion gyrofrequency and smaller than ion gyroradius. The electron inertial length is an intrinsic length-scale in whistler wave turbulence that distinguishably divides the high-frequency solar wind turbulent spectra into scales smaller and bigger than the electron inertial length. Our simulations find that the dispersive whistler modes evolve entirely differently in the two regimes. While the dispersive whistler wave effects are stronger in the large-scale regime, they do not influence the spectral cascades which are describable by a Kolmogorov-like k ―7/3 spectrum. By contrast, the small-scale turbulent fluctuations exhibit a Navier-Stokes-like evolution where characteristic turbulent eddies exhibit a typical k ―5/3 hydrodynamic turbulent spectrum. By virtue of equipartition between the wave velocity and magnetic fields, we quantify the role of whistler waves in the solar wind plasma fluctuations.
Thromboelastography is predictive of mortality, blood transfusions, and blood loss in patients with traumatic pelvic fractures: a retrospective cohort study

In patients with traumatic pelvic fractures, thromboelastography (TEG) is a useful tool to rapidly evaluate and identify coagulation disturbances. The purpose of this study was to examine the coagulation kinetics of patients with traumatic pelvic fractures (pelvic ring and/or acetabulum) by analyzing the TEG results at initial presentation and its relationship with mortality and blood loss. A retrospective review at our Level-1 trauma center was conducted to identify Full Trauma Team activations (FTTa) with traumatic pelvic and/or acetabular fractures who were evaluated with a TEG on initial presentation between 2012 and 2016. In-hospital mortality, product transfusion, and hemoglobin changes were analyzed. Subgroup analysis was performed based on pelvic fracture type. 141 patients with a mean age of 49.0 ± 20.8 years and mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 25.18 ± 12.8 met inclusion criteria. PRBC transfusion occurred in 78.0% of patients; a total of 1486 blood products were transfused. A total of 65 patients (46.1%) underwent operative treatment for the pelvic injuries, and 18 patients (12.7%) required embolization. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 14.9%. The degree of clot lysis at 30 min (LY30) was significantly associated with blood loss (p < 0.0001), units of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) transfused (p < 0.0001), and mortality rate (p = 0.0002). Increased fibrinolysis evidenced by an elevated LY30 on initial TEG in patients with traumatic pelvic fractures is associated with increased blood loss, blood product transfusions, and mortality. Future studies should evaluate the clinical utility of reversing hyperfibrinolysis on initial TEG. Prognostic level III.
Assessment of Nicotine and Cannabis Vaping and Respiratory Symptoms in Young Adults.

Importance Rates of e-cigarette use (ie, nicotine vaping) and cannabis vaping continue to increase among youth and young adults. However, the association of nicotine and cannabis vaping with independent respiratory health outcomes has not been well studied. Objective To investigate associations of nicotine and cannabis vaping with bronchitic symptoms, wheeze, and shortness of breath. Design, Setting, and Participants Cross-sectional survey data on self-reported lifetime, 6-month, and 30-day vaping from 2553 young adults recruited from high schools in Southern California were collected from June 2018 to October 2019. Of these participants, 94% provided data for shortness of breath and wheeze, and 86% provided data for chronic bronchitis. Main Outcomes and Measures Self-reported nicotine and cannabis vaping were measured on a Likert-type scale using the following responses: (1) never used, (2) lifetime but no past 6-month use, (3) past 6-month use but no use in the past 30 days, (4) use on 1 or 2 of the past 30 days, and (5) use on 3 or more of the past 30 days. Three respiratory health outcomes were assessed separately on the basis of self-reported symptoms: bronchitic symptoms in the previous 12 months (ie, daily cough for 3 months in a row, congestion or phlegm other than with a cold, and/or bronchitis), wheeze in the previous 12 months, and shortness of breath when hurrying on level ground or walking up a slight hill. Results Of 2553 participants in the analytic sample (mean [SD] age, 19.3 [0.79] years; 1477 [57.9%] female individuals), 1095 of 2553 young adults (42.9%) reported vaping nicotine and 939 of 2553 (38.4%) reported vaping cannabis. Compared with those who never vaped cannabis, individuals who vaped cannabis in their lifetime but not in the past 60 months (204 of 2553 [8.4%]; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.83 [95% CI, 1.08-3.10]), in the past 6 months but not in the last 30 days (490 of 2443 [20.1%]; aOR, 1.58 [95% CI, 1.02-2.46]), 1-2 days in the past 30 days (90 of 2443 [3.7%]; aOR, 2.83 [95% CI, 1.46-5.50]), and 3 or more days in the past 30 days (155 of 2443 [6.3%]; aOR, 2.14 [95% CI, 1.16-3.92]) had significantly higher odds of chronic bronchitic symptoms after adjusting for nicotine vaping, cigarette smoking, cannabis smoking, and sociodemographic characteristics. Cannabis vaping 3 or more times in the last 30 days was also associated with increased odds of wheeze (aOR, 2.27 [95% CI, 1.17-4.37]). Associations of cannabis vaping with shortness of breath and nicotine vaping with any respiratory health outcome were not statistically significant in fully adjusted models. Conclusions and Relevance Findings of this cross-sectional study suggest that cannabis vaping is associated with increased risk of bronchitic symptoms and wheeze in young adults. Further research is needed to understand the temporality of the association and the mechanisms underlying the difference between nicotine and cannabis vaping in the risk of bronchitic symptoms and wheeze.
Towards an Instrument for CS Teacher Attitudes and Beliefs: Analysis of Component Factors from Foundational Professional Documents

In the quest to study and deliver Computer Science (CS) education reform, attention to gate-keeping teacher characteristics is imperative. Broad research in teacher education has demonstrated that teacher dispositions are an important driver of teacher motivation, professional choices, and classroom practices. Identification and measurements of teacher dispositions enables further analysis of how teacher beliefs may support or hinder effective practice in CS instruction, how teacher populations may differ, and how identified dispositions may change with exposure to various CS learning experiences. We analyzed 17 key documents produced by 12 national CS organizations using a grounded theory methodology to identify desirable attitudes and beliefs associated with CS and the CS education reform movement. The documents included standards, corporate research reports, advocacy tools for CS education, and organizational documents of professional associations for CS and CS Education. The analysis yielded several important dispositional targets for description and measurement in the area of teacher attitudes and beliefs. An analysis of 98 coded segments related to dispositions yielded consensus attitudes and beliefs. Professional documents in CS highlight an equity orientation, a teacher growth mindset, and identify key beliefs regarding (career) outcomes and epistemology of CS. It is possible, based on this analysis, to create a profile of a teacher who demonstrates the attitudes and beliefs of a reform-aligned CS teacher, the CS "Champion''. Instrument development along these factors is an important next step towards unlocking the analytical power of teacher attitudes and beliefs.
Test–retest reliability of hippocampal subfield volumes in a developmental sample: Implications for longitudinal developmental studies

The hippocampus (Hc) is composed of cytoarchitectonically distinct subfields: dentate gyrus (DG), cornu ammonis sectors 1-3 (CA1-3), and subiculum. Limited evidence suggests differential maturation rates across the Hc subfields. While longitudinal studies are essential in demonstrating differential development of Hc subfields, a prerequisite for interpreting meaningful longitudinal effects is establishing test-retest consistency of Hc subfield volumes measured in vivo over time. Here, we examined test-retest consistency of Hc subfield volumes measured from structural MR images in two independent developmental samples. Sample One (n = 28, ages 7-20 years, M = 12.64, SD = 3.35) and Sample Two (n = 28, ages 7-17 years, M = 11.72, SD = 2.88) underwent MRI twice with a 1-month and a 2-year delay, respectively. High-resolution PD-TSE-T2 -weighted MR images (0.4 × 0.4 × 2 mm3 ) were collected and manually traced using a longitudinal manual demarcation protocol. In both samples, we found excellent consistency of Hc subfield volumes between the two visits, assessed by two-way mixed intraclass correlation (ICC (3) single measures ≥ 0.87), and no difference between children and adolescents. The results further indicated that discrepancies between repeated measures were not related to Hc subfield volumes, or visit number. In addition to high consistency, with the applied longitudinal protocol, we detected significant variability in Hc subfield volume changes over the 2-year delay, implying high sensitivity of the method in detecting individual differences. Establishing unbiased, high longitudinal consistency of Hc subfield volume measurements optimizes statistical power of a hypothesis test and reduces standard error of the estimate, together improving external validity of the measures in constructing theoretical models of memory development.
Gender differences in immunological response of African-American juveniles with grade C molar incisor pattern periodontitis.

BACKGROUND Prevalence of grade C molar incisor periodontitis (C/MIP) in females (F) and males (M) is controversial, although some studies suggest higher prevalence in females. The objective of this study was to evaluate differences in clinical parameters, and levels of cyto/chemokines in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and peripheral blood response. METHODS GCF and blood were collected from 79 C/MIP African-American participants (53F and 26 M) and healthy controls (58F and 38 M), aged 5 to 23. Blood was stimulated with ultrapure LPS from Escherichia coli (Ec) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) and we quantified levels of 14 cyto/chemokines. Clinical parameters were collected before and 12 months following treatment RESULTS: No clinical parameters or age differences were found between males and females, although age was negatively correlated with response to treatment. GCF levels of TNFα, IFNγ, MIP1α, and MCP1 from diseased and sites and healthy sites IFNγ levels were higher in M (P < 0.05). C/MIP females presented higher Pg and Ec LPS induced levels of Eotaxin, IFNγ, and GMCSF (P < 0.05), whereas healthy males presented higher Ec LPS induced levels of Eotaxin and IFNγ (P < 0.05). Inflammatory profiles were also different among genders in disease (P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS Although males seemed to present few elevated inflammatory markers in the GCF in disease and in health, females presented an elevated systemic inflammatory response to LPS in disease, which indicates a possible differential susceptibility to inflammation. Future studies need to determine if sex hormones have a role in the peripheral host response and in the pathogenesis of C/MIP.