cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic influences on measures of the environment: a systematic review.

Background. Traditional models of psychiatric epidemiology often assume that the relationship between individuals and their environment is unidirectional, from environment to person. Accumulating evidence from developmental and genetic studies has made this perspective increasingly untenable. Method. Literature search using Medline, PsycINFO, article references and contact with experts to identify all papers examining the heritability of measures of environments of relevance to psychiatry/psychology. Results. We identified 55 independent studies organized into seven categories : general and specific stressful life events (SLEs), parenting as reported by child, parenting reported by parent, family environment, social support, peer interactions, and marital quality. Thirty-five environmental measures in these categories were examined by at least two studies and produced weighted heritability estimates ranging from 7 % to 39 %, with most falling between 15 % and 35%. The weighted heritability for all environmental measures in all studies was 27%. The weighted heritability for environmental measures by rating method was : self-report 29 %, informant report 26 %, and direct rater or videotape observation (typically examining 10 min of behavior) 14 %. Conclusion. Genetic influences on measures of the environment are pervasive in extent and modest to moderate in impact. These findings largely reflect ‘actual behavior ’ rather than ‘ only perceptions ’. Etiologic models for psychiatric illness need to account for the non-trivial influences of genetic factors on environmental experiences.
Adjusted Poverty Measures and the Distribution of Title I Aid: Does Title I Really Make the Rich States Richer?.

Abstract Federal and state governments in the United States make extensive use of student poverty rates in compensatory aid programs like Title I. Unfortunately, the measures of student poverty that drive funding allocations under such programs are biased because they fail to reflect geographic differences in the cost of living. In this study, we construct alternative poverty income thresholds based on regional differences in the wage level for low-skilled workers. We then examine the distribution of Title I revenues after adjusting poverty rates for geographic differences in the cost of living and adjusting Title I revenues for geographic differences in the purchasing power of school districts. Our findings turn conventional wisdom on its head. We find that when we fully adjust for regional differences, Title I funding patterns disproportionately favor rural school districts in low cost-of-living states. We conclude with policy recommendations for revising Title I funding formulas.
Improved Pancreatic β-Cell Function in Type 2 Diabetic Patients After Lifestyle-Induced Weight Loss Is Related to Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide

OBJECTIVE Restoration of insulin secretion is critical for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Exercise and diet can alter glucose-induced insulin responses, but whether this is due to changes in β-cell function per se is not clear. The mechanisms by which lifestyle intervention may modify insulin secretion in type 2 diabetes have also not been examined but may involve the incretin axis. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Twenty-nine older, obese (aged 65 ± 1 years; BMI 33.6 ± 1.0 kg/m2) subjects, including individuals with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (obese-type 2 diabetic) and individuals with normal glucose tolerance (obese-NGT), underwent 3 months of nutritional counseling and exercise training. β-Cell function (oral glucose–induced insulin secretion corrected for insulin resistance assessed by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps) and the role of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) were examined. RESULTS After exercise and diet-induced weight loss (−5.0 ± 0.7 kg), oral glucose–induced insulin secretion was increased in the obese-type 2 diabetic group and decreased in the obese-NGT group (both P CONCLUSIONS After lifestyle-induced weight loss, improvements in oral glucose–induced insulin secretion in older, obese, nondiabetic subjects seem to be largely dependent on improved insulin sensitivity. However, in older obese diabetic patients, improved insulin secretion is a consequence of elevated β-cell function. We demonstrate for the first time that changes in insulin secretion after lifestyle intervention may be mediated via alterations in GIP secretion from intestinal K-cells.
Selected Properties of Predominantly Cotton Staple-Core Knitted Fabrics

This study of single-jersey knit fabrics is the first to examine the basic properties of staple-core knits. Prior studies revealed certain functional and aesthetic advantages of woven staple-core fabrics when compared to 100% cotton or intimate-blend fabrics of the same construction. In this study, nominal 20s count staple-core yams have been spun on a ring spinning frame that incorporates patented modifications. The staple-core yams contain a high tenacity polyester core and a cotton sheath comprising two-thirds of the yam. The fabrics are knitted on a single-feed jersey knitter with a 88.9 mm (3.5-inch) diameter, 20-gauge cylinder. Fabric properties are examined after five home-laundering cycles, in the greige state, after scouring, and after scouring and heat setting. The staple-core knits are stronger, less permeable, and significantly more abrasion resistant than the cotton controls. They also show less differential shrinkage and look consistently better than the controls after laundering. Greater sp...
On Embeddings of Rectangles into Optimal Squares

Let G = h x w be a rectangular grid and H = s x s be the optimal sqaure grid for G, i.e., the least square grid which is no less than G in size. In this paper, an embedding scheme is presented for embedding G into H such that the dilation cost is at most 6. The significance of this result is that optimal expansion is always achieved, regardless of the aspect ratio of the rectangle, while keeping the dilation constant.
Some analytical results on critic-driven ensemble classification

We (1999) proposed a framework for ensemble classification wherein auxiliary networks, dubbed critics, are used to provide reliability information on the ensemble's individual classifiers/experts. We showed experimentally that critic-driven combining schemes extend the applicability of ensemble methods by overcoming the usual requirement that the individual classifier error rate p must be less than 0.5. Here, we support our previous work by proving, under an independence assumption, that performance for a particular critic-driven voting scheme improves with increasing ensemble size N, so long as p+q<1, with p the critic's error rate in predicting accuracy of expert decisions. While this independence analysis gives significant insight into the conditions for success of critic-based schemes, it does not accurately predict the ensemble performance curve. We thus also develop an analytical approach for predicting the curve, by modeling dependence between experts.
Narrative Texts and Issues in Medical Humanities

Medical Humanities began in the late 1970s as an attempt to supplement the emphasis on technology and science in medical education with renewed attention to the role of personal care. Today, more than 80% of all medical schools offer courses in Medical Humanities. Most of these courses emphasize fiction and nonfiction by physicians and patients that depict the experience of disease and care. This essay surveys foundational works in the field as well as relevant recent narratives of physicians, patients, caregivers, and families. The agenda of Medical Humanities is to explore how these interrelated and competing narratives can improve health care. Narrative is regarded as a necessary tool in medical practice, supplementing other components of evidence-based medicine. The field has begun to be theorized by physicians who use narrative to describe how physicians and patients think and feel and how they reflect on their experience. Texts described in this essay address major issues in medicine, including multicultural medicine, access to care, death and dying, pain, empathy, medical mistakes, and physician impairment.
Keyboard Action End up Political Party: Understanding the Intertwining Relations of Social Media Activism, Citizenship, and the Dynamics of Democracy in Indonesia

The networked citizen-centered perspectives generate opportunities for the democratic innovations through self-actualized networking and interaction. A qualitative case study from Indonesia is used to examine the dynamics of citizenship participation in political discourse through social media. The movement started from public advocacy by clicking the ‘like’ button of Facebook Group to support marginalized individual then the movement evolved into provincial social activism. The Facebook connectivity help the group to build a political party to further back up their main figure in the forecast Presidential candidacy. Archival analysis of Facebook members postings message revealed five categories of Facebook role in facilitating democracy: public defense, political support, presidential allegiance, creative manufacturing, and counter disturbia. Using Breese’s (2011) quadrant in public spheres continuum, the research illustrated that the movements evolve from ‘click’ action to ‘real’ action and develop from civic sphere to the political sphere. The research suggests that citizen participation in conversational politic sphere will face potential challenge in developing country context and security issue.
Thymoquinone, a component of the herb Nigella sativa, suppresses proliferation and viability of prostate cancer cells by down-regulating androgen receptor and E2F-1

20038 Background: Prostate cancer (CaP) that relapses following androgen-ablation therapy is hormone refractory, yet its growth continues to depend on androgen receptor (AR). Therefore, a curative ...
Roger Haight's Controversial Theology

Controversy over Haight’s theology looks at three issues: First, the meaning of the word “symbol” in “Jesus symbol of God.” Haight denies “undialectically” that “Jesus is God” pointing out what was said by the Council of Chalcedon (451), but opponents claim that it is Haight’s reductionist avocation of Edward Schillebeeckx’s neo-Thomist classic, Christ the Sacrament of the Encounter with God (1963) that says Jesus points to God but he is not God. (Lakeland 2007). The second is Luke Timothy Johnson’s contention that Haight is advocating that “historical change and contingency” trumps “revelation and doctrinal authority.” Third, Haight’s embrace of religious pluralism and denying the superiority of Christianity thus denying the need to convert from other religions to Christianity and making Christianity no more than an option of religious beliefs moving into speculative theology and questioning the validity of Christianity. (Lakeland 2007).
Relationship between Operating Variables and Temperature of Elastomer Entering the Mold on a Coaxial Screw/Pot Injection Molding Machine

Abstract The conclusions from this study are : 1. A linear model can be easily developed and is a useful tool to aid in setting up an injection molding machine. 2. An elastomer temperature in the holding chamber close to the 3-min induction-time temperature usually yields reasonable cure times without scorch in the coaxial screw/pot machine described. 3. Material properties, especially viscosity, seem to have a relatively minor effect on elastomer purge temperature because of low shear rates. However, in a mold with small runners viscosity could have a significant effect on elastomer temperature.
Intercalation Chemistry: a Novel Approach To Materials Design

Intercalation of layered solids is used as a means to manipulate a variety of molecular and polymeric species into well-ordered multilayer films with an architecture controllable at the molecular level. Dielectric, conductivity and optical measurements demonstrate the potential of developing new families of materials with new functionalities by exploiting the synergistic effect of guest/host interactions.
A study of connective tissue macromolecules in skin of mice with goldthioglucose-induced obesity.

SummaryThe effect of obesity on the connective tissue composition of skin was investigated in mice with goldthioglucose (GTG)-induced obesity. Four months after GTG treatment, the obese animals were sacrificed. Acid mucopolysaccharides, glyco-proteins, collagen, and elastin were analyzed in the skin and compared to the controls. Total MPS in the skin from obese animals decreased, reflected mostly in hyaluronic acid. Chondroitin showed an increase over controls. The content of soluble glycopro-teins varied; total carbohydrate and sialic acid of the glycoprotein tended to increase with obesity. Collagen and elastin both tended to decrease with obesity.The authors thank F. Piavidal and F. E. Brickman for their assistance and suggestions and Barbara Lynch, Ph.D., for editing the manuscript.This work was supported by funds from the United States Public Health Service, National Heart and Lung Institute (HL 02942) and the Specialized Center of Research—Arteriosclerosis (HL 15013) and the Louisiana Heart Association.
Transport of topical anesthetics in vitamin E loaded silicone hydrogel contact lenses.

Transport of surface active anesthetic drugs through silicone hydrogel contact lenses containing nanosized vitamin E aggregates is explored for achieving extended anesthetics delivery. Commercial silicone hydrogel contact lenses release most ophthalmic drugs including local anesthetics for only a few hours, which is not adequate. Here we focus on creating dispersion of highly hydrophobic vitamin E aggregates in the lenses as barriers for drug diffusion for increasing the release durations. This approach has been shown previously to be successful in extending the release durations for some common hydrophilic ophthalmic drugs. The topical anesthetic drugs considered here (lidocaine, bupivacaine, and tetracaine) are hydrophilic at physiologic pH due to the charge, and so these cannot partition into the vitamin E barriers. However, these surface active drug molecules adsorb on the surface of the vitamin E barriers and diffuse along the surface, leading to only a small decrease in the effective diffusivity com...
Cost-Effectiveness of Bariatric Surgery Prior to Total Knee Arthroplasty in the Morbidly Obese: A Computer Model-Based Evaluation.

Background: Obesity is associated with adverse outcomes and increased costs after total knee arthroplasty. Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for morbid obesity, but its cost-effectiveness for weight loss prior to total knee arthroplasty is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of bariatric surgery prior to total knee arthroplasty for patients in whom medical treatment of obesity and knee osteoarthritis had failed. Methods: A state-transition Markov model was constructed to compare the cost-utility of two treatment protocols for patients with morbid obesity and end-stage knee osteoarthritis: (1) immediate total knee arthroplasty and (2) bariatric surgery two years prior to the total knee arthroplasty. The probability of transition for each health state and its utility were derived from the literature. Costs, expressed in 2012 United States dollars, were estimated with use of administrative and claims data. Costs and utilities were discounted at 3% annually, and effectiveness was expressed in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). The principal outcome measure was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). One-way, two-way, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed, using $100,000 per QALY as the threshold willingness to pay. Results: Morbidly obese patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty alone had lower QALYs gained than patients who underwent bariatric surgery two years prior to the total knee arthroplasty. The ICER between these two procedures was approximately $13,910 per QALY, well below the threshold willingness to pay. Results were stable across broad value ranges for independent variables. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis found that the median ICER was $14,023 per QALY (95% confidence interval, $4875 to $51,210 per QALY). Conclusions: This model supports bariatric surgery prior to total knee arthroplasty as a cost-effective option for improving outcomes in morbidly obese patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis who are indicated for total knee arthroplasty. Level of Evidence: Economic and Decision Analysis Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Swing, release, and escape mechanisms contribute to the generation of phase-locked cluster patterns in a globally coupled FitzHugh-Nagumo model

We investigate the mechanism of generation of phase-locked cluster patterns in a globally coupled FitzhHugh-Nagumo model where the fast variable (activator) receives global feedback from the slow variable (inhibitor). We identify three qualitatively different mechanisms (swing-and-release, hold-and-release, and escape-and-release) that contribute to the generation of these patterns. We describe these mechanisms and use this framework to explain under what circumstances two initially out-of-phase oscillatory clusters reach steady phase-locked and in-phase synchronized solutions, and how the phase difference between these steady state cluster patterns depends on the clusters relative size, the global coupling intensity, and other model parameters.
Hybrid Hydrotalcite−Sulfonated Poly(ether ether ketone) Cation-Exchange Membranes Prepared by in situ Sulfonation

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC), which operate using methanol as a fuel, are attracting considerable attention recently. However, DMFC face a major technical hurdle, namely, methanol crossover through the polymer electrolyte membrane. For example, the commercial Nafion membranes, in addition to being expensive, also often allow more than 40% of the methanol to be lost through crossover during fuel cell operation. Our study’s goal, therefore, was to develop a new, cost-effective membrane with superior methanol barrier properties to Nafion but which also maintains reasonable proton conductivity. We have prepared membranes by in situ sulfonation of hybrid poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) and hydrotalcite (HT) films. These composite HT−SPEEK polymer membranes show high conductivity and low methanol diffusivity and are comparable in their performance with commercial Nafion membranes. Their properties depend strongly on the sulfonation reaction time and the fraction of hydrotalcite contained in the original po...
Democratic Experiments and Trajectories of Regime Change in Africa: Ghana’s Democratic Trajectory in Comparative Perspective

In many ways, Ghana represents a puzzling and deviant case of democracy in Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite experiencing problematic inaugural elections in 1992, the country has since developed into a widely-recognized liberal democracy. Explanations for this outcome remain rather limited, with prior accounts suggesting this outcome may be explained either as an idiographic case or an outlier. This paper highlights the case of Ghana by demonstrating its distinction as a democracy emerging from inauspicious conditions. Furthermore, this paper argues that while Ghana is distinct for its evolution to democracy from authoritarian rule, it nevertheless remains a rather paradigmatic example of a country following a democratic trajectory in Africa, with insights leading to a broader understanding of democratization in Africa after the Cold War. Composed as a confluence of domestic and international factors, including access to foreign resources and significant domestic competition between political forces, an explanation of democratic trajectories not only accounts for how this country developed into a widely recognized democracy through a steadfast and incremental process, but additionally contains implications for aiding in the study of post Cold War democratization elsewhere in Africa.
Flapping before Flight: High Resolution, Three-Dimensional Skeletal Kinematics of Wings and Legs during Avian Development.

Some of the greatest transformations in vertebrate history involve developmental and evolutionary origins of avian flight. Flight is the most power-demanding mode of locomotion, and volant adult birds have many anatomical features that presumably help meet these demands. However, juvenile birds, like the first winged dinosaurs, lack many hallmarks of advanced flight capacity. Instead of large wings they have small “protowings”, and instead of robust, interlocking forelimb skeletons their limbs are more gracile and their joints less constrained. Such traits are often thought to preclude extinct theropods from powered flight, yet young birds with similarly rudimentary anatomies flap-run up slopes and even briefly fly, thereby challenging longstanding ideas on skeletal and feather function in the theropod-avian lineage. Though skeletons and feathers are the common link between extinct and extant theropods and figure prominently in discussions on flight performance (extant birds) and flight origins (extinct theropods), skeletal inter-workings are hidden from view and their functional relationship with aerodynamically active wings is not known. For the first time, we use X-ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology to visualize skeletal movement in developing birds, and explore how development of the avian flight apparatus corresponds with ontogenetic trajectories in skeletal kinematics, aerodynamic performance, and the locomotor transition from pre-flight flapping behaviors to full flight capacity. Our findings reveal that developing chukars (Alectoris chukar) with rudimentary flight apparatuses acquire an “avian” flight stroke early in ontogeny, initially by using their wings and legs cooperatively and, as they acquire flight capacity, counteracting ontogenetic increases in aerodynamic output with greater skeletal channelization. In conjunction with previous work, juvenile birds thereby demonstrate that the initial function of developing wings is to enhance leg performance, and that aerodynamically active, flapping wings might better be viewed as adaptations or exaptations for enhancing leg performance.
Design, Modeling, and Experimental Validation of a Stirling Pressurizer With a Controlled Displacer Piston

This paper presents the design, first-principles model, and experimental setup of a Stirling pressurizer. A Stirling pressurizer is defined as the portion of a Stirling engine or device with a displacer piston and is responsible for generating large-pressure oscillations. Unlike conventional Stirling devices, the power piston can be separated by directly and independently controlling the motion of the displacer piston in the pressurizer. The directly controlled loose-fit displacer is actuated with a small linear motor and moves the prepressurized working fluid (helium) between the hot and cold side of the sealed engine section, therefore inducing a pressure change. The position of the displacer is the only control input to the first-principles model of the pressurizer, and the output of the model is the dynamic pressure inside the device. The first-principles model is validated with experimental results for different controlled displacer piston motion profiles. Modeled and experimentally measured pressures are compared for average pressures ranging from 10–20 bar, and heater head temperatures ranging from 250–500 °C. The first-principles model is intended for: 1) the design and sizing of the pressurizer and power piston/power extraction, 2) specification of a displacer piston motion profile to optimize the efficiency and/or power output, and 3) the general design of Stirling devices, beyond the design of the experimental prototype investigated here, through the use of a lumped parameter model with well defined and measurable parameters.
Serum IgG Protection in Children Vaccinated Less Than 8 Months Against Measles

Objective To explore the serum IgG protection of children under 8 months after being vaccinated against measles and evaluate the feasibility and necessity of vaccination in the children under 8 months. Methods Ten Children vaccinated against measles below 8 months in 2011 were matched those vaccinated at the age of 8-12 months with a ratio of 1: 4 based on their age,gender,times of vaccination,the interval between two vaccinations and the interval between the last vaccination and monitor time. IgG antibody was tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay( ELISA) stipulated in The Diagnosis Standard of Measles. EPI-INFO was adopted to analyze the difference in IgG antibody over infection protection levels between the first vaccination ahead of schedule and the first vaccination at the age of 8-12 months. Results Vaccination against measles in children below 8 months could significantly reduce long-term overt infection protection level while the first vaccination before schedule could not reduce the morbidity of measles of children below 8 months( χ2=12. 22,P0. 01,α = 0. 05,ORMLE = 0. 07,ORMLE95%CI: 0. 003-0. 832). Conclusion It is not suggested to vaccinate against measles under 8 months old.
Protein Kinase C in Neoplastic Cells

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses protein kinase C (PKC) in neoplastic cells. PKC is a Ca2+ and phospholipid-dependent protein kinase that phosphorylates intracellular substrates on serine and threonine residues. Current models of PKC structure depict inactive PKC as having its N-terminal pseudo substrate segment tucked into the protein structure and in contact with the substrate binding site. This folded, inactive form undergoes a conformational change upon addition of PKC activators such that the enzyme auto-phosphorylates and physiological substrates are admitted to the binding site. In the context of signal transduction, intracellular activation of PKC is generally believed to occur via growth factor receptor-mediated activation of phospholipase C. In addition, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor-kinase is phosphorylated at threonine-654 by PKC both in vitro and in vivo. The role of PKC in the biology of cancer has been studied in the context of its function as high-affinity receptor for the phorbol ester tumor promoters, and as an enzyme that mediates the action of certain growth factors and oncogenes. Preliminary studies demonstrate that human colon, breast, and brain tumors display altered levels of PKC when compared to their normal counterparts.
Principles of Bladder Cancer Surgery

Appropriate patient selection and coordinated perioperative care are essential to performing a successful radical cystectomy. Preoperative optimization of medical comorbidities and the use of an evidence-based collaborative care pathway may optimize recovery and reduce complications. Furthermore, early recognition and prompt treatment of complications and selective utilization of adjunctive therapies contribute to effective management. These same principles must be followed regardless of surgical approach, as they translate into improved outcomes through delivery of quality perioperative care.
The Basis Goes Stochastic: A Jump-Diffusion Model for Financial Risk Applications

There are several pricing and risk model applications where the assumption of a deterministic LIBOR-OIS basis can lead to severe mispricing. By modeling such a basis using a jump-diffusion process, we show how stochastic basis can impact the valuation of specific deals such as zero-coupon swaps, as well as credit valuation adjustments and gap risk in particular. Explicit formulas are provided and numerical examples showcased.
Seasonal Difference in National School Lunch Program Participation and Its Impacts on Household Food Security

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is one of the most important food assistance programs in the United States to ensure children's food security and healthy development. Previous studies have offered mixed results and challenges in estimating the effects of program participation. This study assesses NSLP's effect on household food security using data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP). SIPP collects information on food security that covers four reference months, including both summer (June, July, August) and nonsummer months. The number of summer months in these four reference months varies by SIPP rotation group. These unique features allow this study to address the potential selection bias in the research of NSLP and food security by examining a seasonal difference in program participation. The analysis found that one more summer month in the reference period increases the difference in low food security rates by about 1.5 percentage points between recipients and nonrecipients eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. Findings have important social work and health policy implications for increasing food security among low-income households with children.
Complications of ventricular entry during craniotomy for brain tumor resection

OBJECTIVE Recent studies have demonstrated that periventricular tumor location is associated with poorer survival and that tumor location near the ventricle limits the extent of resection. This finding may relate to the perception that ventricular entry leads to further complications and thus surgeons may choose to perform less aggressive resection in these areas. However, there is little support for this view in the literature. This study seeks to determine whether ventricular entry is associated with more complications during craniotomy for brain tumor resection. METHODS A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent craniotomy for tumor resection at Henry Ford Hospital between January 2010 and November 2012 was conducted. A total of 183 cases were reviewed with attention to operative entry into the ventricular system, postoperative use of an external ventricular drain (EVD), subdural hematoma, hydrocephalus, and symptomatic intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). RESULTS Patients in whom the ventricles were entered had significantly higher rates of any complication (46% vs 21%). Complications included development of subdural hygroma, subdural hematoma, intraventricular hemorrhage, subgaleal collection, wound infection, urinary tract infection/deep venous thrombosis, hydrocephalus, and ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement. Specifically, these patients had significantly higher rates of EVD placement (23% vs 1%, p < 0.001), hydrocephalus (6% vs 0%, p = 0.03), IVH (14% vs 0%, p < 0.001), infection (15% vs 5%, p = 0.04), and subgaleal collection (20% vs 4%, p < 0.001). It was also observed that VP shunt placement was only seen in cases of ventricular entry (11% vs 0%, p = 0.001) with 3 of 4 of these patients having a large ventricular entry (defined here as entry greater than a pinhole [< 3 mm] entry). Furthermore, in a subset of glioblastoma patients with and without ventricular entry, Kaplan-Meier estimates for survival demonstrated a median survival time of 329 days for ventricular entry compared with 522 days for patients with no ventricular entry (HR 1.13, 95% CI 0.65-1.96; p = 0.67). CONCLUSIONS There are more complications associated with ventricular entry during brain tumor resection than in nonviolated ventricular systems. Better strategies for management of periventricular tumor resection should be actively sought to improve resection and survival for these patients.
Probing Electronic Wave Functions of Sodium-Doped Clusters: Dyson Orbitals, Anisotropy Parameters, and Ionization Cross-Sections

We apply high-level ab initio methods to describe the electronic structure of small clusters of ammonia and dimethyl ether (DME) doped with sodium, which provide a model for solvated electrons. We investigate the effect of the solvent and cluster size on the electronic states. We consider both energies and properties, with a focus on the shape of the electronic wave function and the related experimental observables such as photoelectron angular distributions. The central quantity in modeling photoionization experiments is the Dyson orbital, which describes the difference between the initial N-electron and final (N–1)-electron states of a system. Dyson orbitals enter the expression of the photoelectron matrix element, which determines total and partial photoionization cross-sections. We compute Dyson orbitals for the Na(NH3)n and Na(DME)m clusters using correlated wave functions (obtained with equation-of-motion coupled-cluster model for electron attachment with single and double substitutions) and compare...
H2s: lifting the molecular cloud

The apparent simplicity of the hydrogen molecule was for many years a source of frustration for spectroscopists. Although the molecule is composed of just two protons and two electrons, its spectrum proved to be surprisingly complicated, and it was not until the 1970s that details of its inner structure were finally revealed. Since then, however, molecular hydrogen has proved invaluable in understanding the complex interactions between the electrons and nuclei that make up molecules. It is these interactions that govern how and why molecules react, and thus they define the physical basis of chemistry.
315. Highly Efficient Targeted Addition of Large XIST Transgenes in a Population of Somatic Cells

Recent advances in genome editing technologies enable precise and corrective genome modification to treat genetic diseases in a targeted way. High efficiency of genome editing can be achieved through error-prone NHEJ pathway, however, the absolute rate of precise genome editing through homology-directed repair (HDR) pathway remains relatively low, especially for targeted addition of large DNA sequences. Although it is sufficient for the generation of cell lines derived from single targeted clones when coupled with drug selection, poor rates of homologous recombination greatly limit the practical application of targeted gene integration in somatic tissue. XIST encodes a large long non-coding RNA (19 kb) that plays an essential role in X chromosome inactivation in mammalian females. Recently, we have shown that XIST can be inserted to chromosome 21 and silence the extra copy of entire chromosome in Down syndrome stem cells derived from a single-targeted clones. Successful trisomy silencing in vitro holds promise for potential development of ‘chromosome therapy” in patients with Down syndrome. Here, using Zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) technology, we tested the feasibility of targeted addition of large XIST transgenes into different loci of human genome in a population of transformed cells, as well as primary fibroblasts. Our results demonstrate ZFNs enable highly efficient targeted addition of several large XIST transgenes (up to 21 kb) into multiple selected loci of human genome, which are the largest sequences for targeted addition to date. Surprisingly, the frequency of targeted integration is independent of the size of transgenes but possibly depends on ZFN cleavage activity. Highly efficient targeted addition of large XIST transgenes allows to directly compare silencing of XIST transgenes that contain different functional domains in a pool of many independent integrants. This study provides a powerful tool to test functional mini-XIST transgenes that can be packaged in a viral vector, and has particularly important applications in potential development of in vivo delivery of XIST transgenes into an organ of patients with trisomic chromosomal abnormalities.
Mapping the sequence–structure relationships of simple cyclic hexapeptides

Cyclic peptides are promising protein-protein interaction modulators with high binding affinities and specificities, as well as enhanced stabilities and oral availabilities over linear analogs. Despite their relatively small size and cyclic architecture, it is currently difficult to predict the favored conformation(s) of most classes of cyclic peptides. An improved understanding of the sequence-structure relationships for cyclic peptides will offer an avenue for the rational design of cyclic peptides as possible therapeutics. In this work, we systematically explored the sequence-structure relationships for two cyclic hexapeptide systems using molecular dynamics simulation techniques. Starting with an all-glycine cyclic hexapeptide, cyclo-G6, we systematically replaced glycine residues with alanines and characterized the structural ensembles of different variants. The same process was repeated with valines to investigate the effects of larger side chains. An analysis of the origin of structure preferences was performed using thermodynamics decomposition and several general observations are reported.
Ergonomic Issues in the USA : Today and A Perspective on Tomorrow

This presentation reviews the practice of ergonomics (human factors) as a profession in the USA today as well as some of the critical issues that we face in the future. These issues are (1) creating better awareness of the benefits of ergonomic workplace design, (2) certification of ergonomists (3), development of ergonomic technical standards, and (4) development of laws regulating workplace health and safety.With regard to these issues, our experience teaches us that good ergonomic design can decrease errors and increase productivity. Unfortunately, we are only just beginning to communicate this to the rest of our society! Experience also teaches us that there is a need to concentrate our knowledge into technical standards that are accessible to new users, non-ergonomists such as process engineers and industrial designers. Thirdly, it teaches us that, as awareness of the benefits of applying ergonomics increases and more people attempt to utilize ergonomic science, it is important to establish criteria for recognizing competent ergonomics practitioners. Finally, poor ergonomic design is implicated as a causal factor in the development of occupational musculoskeletal disorders. As the State and National governments in the USA begin to protect workers from developing musculoskeletal disorders, ergonomists have necessarily been closely involved in developing the content of these workplace health and safety laws.
Deep Earth Structure – Lower Mantle and D″

The thick layer of rock extending from the base of the transition zone near 650–800 km depth down to the core–mantle boundary (CMB) at a depth of 2891 km comprises most of Earth's volume and is called the lower mantle. In general, the physical properties of this vast region inferred from seismology are indicative of relatively uniform composition material, with increasing pressure and temperature with depth accounting for systematic increases in density, incompressibility, rigidity, and associated seismic wave velocities. The bulk mineralogy is believed to be relatively simple as well, with the predominant mineral form being (Mg 0.85 ,Fe 0.15 )SiO 3 magnesium silicate perovskite, with perhaps 20% (Mg 0.85 ,Fe 0.15 )O ferropericlase and several percent calcium perovskite. In detail, however, the structure of the lower mantle is found to have both large-scale complexity and small-scale complexity indicative of thermal and chemical heterogeneities that are manifestations of a complex dynamic regime. There are also complexities expected due to changes from high spin to low spin for iron in both perovskite and ferropericlase minerals. Large-scale regions of anomalously high or anomalously low seismic velocities have been detected, as well as spatially concentrated structures with distinctive seismic velocities, likely related to upwelling and downwelling regions of the mantle thermal convection system. The lowermost few hundred kilometers of the lower mantle are particularly anomalous in its seismological properties and are identified as the D″ region. Abrupt seismic velocity increases are observed at the top of the D″ region in many places, probably due to a phase transition in perovskite. Large volumes of apparently chemically distinct material have been characterized in the lowermost mantle; these may be relics of Earth's early chemical stratification or possibly accumulations of subducted oceanic slab materials. Dramatic drops in seismic velocities are observed in thin layers at the bottom of D″ adjacent to the CMB, with partial melting probably being involved. Seismic wave anisotropy has been detected in this lowermost layer of the mantle, providing a possible probe of boundary layer deformation. The lower mantle appears to host complex thermochemical dynamic processes that likely have played a key role in mantle evolution throughout the history of planet Earth.
Situational Awareness and Time to Takeover: Exploring an Alternative Method to Measure Engagement with High-Level Automation:

Within human factors research of highly automated driving, in addition to examining the design of notifications of expected takeovers of vehicle control, understanding how drivers handle unexpected...
Kinetics and Mechanism of the Oxidation of Molybdenum

The rates of formation of the different oxides on molybdenum in pure oxygen at 1 atm pressure have been determined in the temperature range 500° to 770°C. The rate of vaporization of MoOs is linear with time, and the energy of activation for its vaporization is 53,000 cal per mol below 650°C and 89,600 cal per mol at temperatures above 650°C. The ratio Mo03(vaporizing)/Mo03(surface) increases in a complicated manner with time and temperature. There is a maximum in the total rate of oxidation at 600°C. At temperatures below 600°C, an activation energy of 48,900 cal per mol for the formation of total Mo08 on molybdenum has been evaluated. The suboxide Mo02 does not increase beyond a very small critical thickness. At temperatures above 725°C, catastrophic oxidation of an autocatalytic nature was encountered. Pronounced pitting of the metal was found to occur in the temperature range 550° to 650°C. Marker movement experiments indicate that the oxides on molybdenum grow almost entirely by diffusion of oxygen anions.
Polynomials orthogonal on the unit circle with random recurrence coefficients

Polynomials orthogonal on the unit circle whose recurrence coefficients are generated from a stationary stochastic process are considered. A Lyapunov exponent introduced and its properties are related to absolutely continuous components of the orthogonality measure.
Against deep conventionalism

William Morgan presents two diametrically opposed normative conceptions of sport and athletic excellence from late nineteenth/early twentieth-century British and American athletes. He claims that t...
Rapid Uncertainty Propagation for High-Fidelity Prognostics Using SROMPy and Python

This work introduces a practical approach for accelerating probabilistic, high-fidelity prognostics using the stochastic reduced order model (SROM) method and its availability in the open-source Python package, SROMPy. SROMs are used as an efficient Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) method, providing low-dimensional representations of random model inputs enabling rapid and non-intrusive uncertainty propagation. This study represents the first application of the SROM approach in the field of prognostics and health management and serves as a tutorial demonstration of the SROMPy software package. The relative ease of applying SROMs with SROMPy for uncertainty propagation is demonstrated on an example of probabilistic, non-planar crack growth simulation. Results show that the SROM approach agrees well with results from MCS while providing orders of magnitude computational speedup. The complete source code and input data required to reproduce the results in this paper are available online to facilitate further evaluation and adoption of the SROM method by researchers in the field.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease - A global public health perspective.

Summary As the epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus increase worldwide, the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing proportionately. The subtype of NAFLD which can be characterised as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a potentially progressive liver disease that can lead to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplantation, and death. NAFLD is also associated with extrahepatic manifestations such as chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease and sleep apnoea. NAFLD and NASH carry a large economic burden and create poor health-related quality of life. Despite this important burden, we are only beginning to understand its mechanisms of pathogenesis and the contribution of environmental and genetic factors to the risk of developing a progressive course of disease. Research is underway to identify appropriate non-invasive diagnostic methods and effective treatments. Although the risk of liver-related mortality is increased in patients with NAFLD and liver fibrosis stages F3 or F4, the leading cause of death is cardiovascular disease. Given the rapidly growing global burden of NAFLD and NASH, efforts must continue to find accurate non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, to develop effective treatments for individuals with advanced NASH and prevention methods for individuals at high risk of NAFLD and progressive liver disease.
School Leadership in International Schools: Perspectives and Practices

This commentary reviews the papers in this special issue, highlights the importance of understanding the nature, prevalence, and potential impact of leadership in international schools, and provide...
Another Score for the Pore: S. aureus Leukocidins Take a Shot on the Endothelium

Sepsis is a complex disease characterized by severe endothelial injury. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Lubkin et al. (2019) reveal that an interaction between Staphylococcus aureus leukocidins and their cellular receptor DARC on endothelial cells leads to vascular injury, shedding light on pathogen-driven contributions to sepsis.
The Moral Character of Academic Learning: Challenging the Exclusivity of the Reigning Paradigm of School Learning

One approach to the study of change is to ask, “change of what, for what?” This essay advocates for a change of the schooling process from an exclusive, and therefore distorting, concentration on the intellectual character of learning to a learning process that attends to both the moral as well as the intellectual character of learning. Such a change would lead to promoting more authentic learning – that is, real learning, not make-believe, drive-by learning that lasts, at best, less than a day after the grades for the test descend from on high. By authentic learning, I mean a learning that enables learners to encounter meanings embedded in the academic curriculum that reveal features of the natural, social, and cultural worlds they inhabit, and, at the same time, enables learners to find themselves in and through those very encounters. That kind of authentic learning, I argue, is intrinsically moral.
Simultaneous Bilateral Extensor Mechanism Disruptions: More Than Double the Trouble?

Simultaneous bilateral extensor mechanism disruption (BEMD) is a rare condition, for which the relationship between comorbid conditions, complications, and clinical outcomes has not been well defined. We hypothesized that patients with BEMD would have more comorbidities, more repair failures, and worse clinical outcomes compared with patients with unilateral extensor mechanism disruption (UEMD). We performed a retrospective review of all adult patients seen at our institution for either a quadriceps or patellar tendon rupture between 2012 and 2017. Statistical analysis was conducted using Student's t-tests and Fisher's exact tests. Significance was defined as p