cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does Television Viewership Predict Presidential Election Outcomes

The days of surprise about actual election outcomes in the big data world are likely to be fewer in the years ahead, at least to those who may have access to such data. In this paper we highlight the potential for forecasting the Unites States presidential election outcomes at the state and county levels based solely on the data about viewership of television programs. A key consideration for relevance is that given the infrequent nature of elections, such models are useful only if they can be trained using recent data on viewership. However, the target variable (election outcome) is usually not known until the election is over. Related to this, we show here that such models may be trained with the television viewership data in the "safe" states (the ones where the outcome can be assumed even in the days preceding elections) to potentially forecast the outcomes in the swing states. In addition to their potential to forecast, these models could also help campaigns target programs for advertisements. Nearly two billion dollars were spent on television advertising in the 2012 presidential race, suggesting potential for big data-driven optimization of campaign spending.
Absence of detectable phosphocreatine in rat luteal cells.

Previous studies from this laboratory showed that adenosine amplifies the action of luteinizing hormone (LH) severalfold in rat and human luteal cells by an intracellular, adenosine 5'-triphosphate...
Dihydrogen Addition Studies by the Pasadena Effect

Several experiments and theoretical development of the PASADENA effect (parahydrogen and synthesis allow dramatically enchanced nuclear alignment) to solution and solid-state NMR are presented
Worthenopora; an unusual cryptostome (Bryozoa) that looks like a cheilostome

Worthenopora is a Mississippian cryptostome bryozoan genus with certain characteristics that so closely resemble those of some cheilostomes (Jurassic–Recent) that previous bryozoan experts speculated whether Worthenopora should be assigned to the order Cheilostomata. This raises the question of possible affinities between cryptostomes (class Stenolaemata) and cheilostomes (class Gymnolaemata). Based on wall structure, growth sequence, zooecial shape, and secondary structures such as stylets, Worthenopora is here shown to be a stenolaemate, assignable to the suborder Ptilodictyina with other bifoliate cryptostomes. Although the exterior appearance of Worthenopora superficially resembles some cheilostomes, it represents rather limited divergence from more typical bifoliate growth patterns. Additionally, presence of characteristics such as elongate zooecia with thin exozones, cuticular medial plane, and distinctive exterior ridges justifies retention of the monogeneric family Worthenoporidae. Three species (W. spatulata, W. spinosa, and W. valmeyerensis), known only from North America and primarily restricted to the Illinois Basin, are recognized. Analysis of apertural spacing in these species suggests a trade-off between feeding efficiency and occupation of water-column space. Worthenopora valmeyerensis is considered a hypermorphic derivative of W. spinosa.
Diagnostic Imaging of the Hepatobiliary System: An Update

Recent advances in diagnostic imaging of the hepatobiliary system include MRI, computed tomography (CT), contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and ultrasound elastography. With the advent of multislice CT scanners, sedated examinations in veterinary patients are feasible, increasing the utility of this imaging modality. CT and MRI provide additional information for dogs and cats with hepatobiliary diseases due to lack of superimposition of structures, operator dependence, and through intravenous contrast administration. Advanced ultrasound methods can offer complementary information to standard ultrasound imaging. These newer imaging modalities assist clinicians by aiding diagnosis, prognostication, and surgical planning.
Investigation of Spatial Heterogeneity of Salt Disproportionation in Tablets by Synchrotron X-ray Diffractometry.

Tablets which were binary mixtures of pioglitazone hydrochloride (PioHCl) with magnesium stearate (MgSt), croscarmellose sodium (CCS), microcrystalline cellulose, or lactose monohydrate were prepared. Two sets of experiments, using intact tablets, were performed. (i) Tablets containing PioHCl (90% w/w) and MgSt were exposed to 25 or 40 °C and 75% RH in a custom-built temperature/humidity chamber. In situ spatiotemporal mapping of disproportionation was performed by transmission-mode synchrotron X-ray diffractometry (SXRD; Argonne National Laboratories). Tablets were scanned in radial direction starting from the top edge of the tablet and moving, in increments of 300 μm, toward the center. There was evidence of disproportionation after 10 min (at 40 °C). The reaction was initiated on the tablet surface and progressed toward the core. (ii) SXRD of tablets stored for a longer time (up to 15 days) enabled the simultaneous quantification of the reactants and products of disproportionation and provided insight ...
Effect of an enteral iron dosing change on hemoglobin and transfusion rates in very low birth weight infants

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the impact of targeting 2 mg/kg/day of enteral iron supplementation versus 4 mg/kg/day on hemoglobin and transfusion endpoints in very low birth weight neonates. Methods Retrospective cohort study of neonates less than 32 weeks gestational age or less than 1500 g at birth who received iron supplementation within the first 12 weeks of life. Patients received weight-based standard enteral iron supplementation targeting 4 mg/kg/day (Group 1) or 2 mg/kg/day (Group 2). Results 110 of 163 patients met inclusion criteria. A change from targeting 4 to 2 mg/kg/day in enteral standard iron supplementation did not affect the nadir in hemoglobin, proportion of patients requiring transfusion, or average number of transfusions. Conclusions Targeting a lower goal of standard enteral iron supplementation does not decrease time to hemoglobin nadir or value of nadir.
THE ISOLATION OF B AND T CELL-SPECIFIC GENES

ABSTRACT Our understanding of lymphocyte differentiation and function would be greatly increased if we could isolate and characterize the specific genes involved. Towards this end we have measured the differences in gene expression between B and T cell lymphomas and developed procedures for systematically isolating the genes which make up these differences. Specifically we have found that B and T cell tumors differ by about 2% of the mass of their mRNA and that this corresponds to approximately 200 different genes present in one type of cell but not the other. We have also shown that the cDNA probes corresponding to this 2% difference (either B cell specific, B * -T, or T cell specific, T * -B): 1) are representative of genes expressed in normal tissues (spleen and thymus); 2) can be used to screen recombinant libraries and isolate B or T cell specific cDNA clones; and 3) can be cloned directly into plasmids, resulting in whole libraries of B or T cell specific genes. Additionally, we find a striking correlation between lineage relationships and gene expression; that is, cells which are closely related in terms of lineage are also closely related in terms of gene expression.
Characterization of human AlkB homolog 1 produced in mammalian cells and demonstration of mitochondrial dysfunction in ALKBH1-deficient cells.

Alkbh1 is a mammalian homolog of the Escherichia coli DNA repair enzyme AlkB, an Fe(II) and 2-oxoglutarate dependent dioxygenase that removes alkyl lesions from DNA bases. The human homolog ALKBH1 has been associated with six different enzymatic activities including DNA, mRNA, or tRNA hydroxylation, cleavage at abasic (AP) sites in DNA, as well as demethylation of histones. The reported cellular roles of this protein reflect the diverse enzymatic activities and include direct DNA repair, tRNA modification, and histone modification. We demonstrate that ALKBH1 produced in mammalian cells (ALKBH1293) is similar to the protein produced in bacteria (ALKBH1Ec) with regard to its m6A demethylase and AP lyase activities. In addition, we find that ALKBH1293 forms a covalent adduct with the 5' product of the lyase product in a manner analogous to ALKBH1Ec. Localization and subcellular fractionation studies with the endogenous protein in two human cell strains confirm that ALKBH1 is primarily in the mitochondria. Two strains of CRISPR/Cas9-created ALKBH1-deficient HEK293 cells showed increases in mtDNA copy number and mitochondrial dysfunction as revealed by growth measurements and citrate synthase activity assays.
Extended Functions of Multiple Instances for target characterization

An extension of the Function of Multiple Instances (FUMI) algorithm for target characterization is presented. FUMI is a generalization of Multiple Instance Learning (MIL). However, FUMI differs significantly from standard MIL and supervised learning approaches because only data points which are functions of class concepts are available. For applicability to hyperspectral data, this paper addresses the problem in which data points are convex combinations of target and non-target concepts. The presented method, eFUMI, extends previous methods to allow for further unspecificity in training labels while estimating target and non-target concepts, the number of non-target concepts, and the weight associating each concept to each data point. For eFUMI, training data need only binary labels indicating whether a spatial area in an input image contains or does not contain some proportion of target material; the specific locations or target proportions for training data are not needed. After learning the target concept, target detection can be performed on test data. Results showing sub-pixel target detection on simulated and real Hyperspectral data are provided.
Structure, Dynamics, and Fidelity of RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerases

The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is responsible for replicating the genomes of RNA viruses. The overall structure and function of RdRps is similar to other nucleic acid polymerases, although some RdRps employ unique initiation mechanisms. Recent biophysical studies indicate that the internal motions of RdRps, and other nucleic acid polymerases, are critical for their catalytic function and fidelity. In particular, these studies have suggested that the closing of the active site in preparation for catalysis involves the movement of the motif-D loop to help reposition a highly conserved lysine, enabling this residue to act as a general acid to protonate the pyrophosphate leaving group. Binding of incorrect nucleoside triphosphate does not induce the same structural changes in the motif-D loop, indicating a role for this loop in nucleotide discrimination. Indeed, substitution at the motif-D lysine increases polymerase fidelity and, intriguingly, decreases viral pathogenesis. The highly conserved nature of this lysine thus suggests a universal mechanism for rational vaccine design based on generating variants at this position. Moreover, substitutions elsewhere in the RdRp structure, including those remote from the active site, likewise lead to changes in polymerase fidelity and decrease viral pathogenesis. In these cases, the amino acid substitutions alter internal protein motions (including those in the motif-D loop) without substantially affecting the polymerase structure. A picture emerges in which RdRps and other nucleic acid polymerases can be viewed as “small world” networks of amino acids; communication pathways connect from the surface of the protein all the way to the catalytic center. These networks can be impacted by amino acid substitutions, inhibitor binding, and/or binding of accessory replication proteins to regulate RdRp catalysis and fidelity.
HER2 equivocal breast cancer that is positive by alternative probe HER2 FISH are classified as HER2 negative by Oncotype DX.

In breast cancer, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status is determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and/or in situ hybridization. Oncotype DX also reports HER2 status by an rt-PCR-based assay. Assay concordance between IHC and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) (including alternative probe HER2 FISH) vs Oncotype DX HER2 rt-PCR has not been described in the post-2013 American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists (ASCO/CAP) HER2 Guideline revision setting. We performed a retrospective review of HER2 equivocal invasive breast carcinoma from 2014 to 2016 with the Oncotype DX HER2 result. Fifteen patients with HER2 equivocal invasive breast cancer had Oncotype DX performed. Of these, 13 underwent alternative probe HER2 FISH yielding 4 negative, 6 equivocal and 3 positive results. All 15 cases were classified as HER2 negative by Oncotype DX rt-PCR, including the three cases which were positive by alternative probe HER2 FISH, yielding a discordance rate for Oncotype DX rt-PCR HER2 of 20% (3/15). All three patients with HER2-positive breast cancer on the basis of alternative probe HER2 FISH received anti-HER2-targeted therapy. Treatment decisions based on HER2 status should utilize the IHC/FISH result as Oncotype DX results may incorrectly disqualify some patients from being eligible for anti-HER2 therapy based on the current 2013 ASCO/CAP HER2 Guidelines.
Second-Generation Design of Micro-Spec: A Medium-Resolution, Submillimeter-Wavelength Spectrometer-on-a-Chip

Micro-Spec (µ-Spec) is a direct-detection spectrometer which integrates all the components of a diffraction-grating spectrometer onto a $$\sim $$ 10-cm $$^2$$ chip through the use of superconducting microstrip transmission lines on a single-crystal silicon substrate. A second-generation µ-Spec is being designed to operate with a spectral resolution of 512 in the submillimeter (500–1000 µm, 300–600 GHz) wavelength range, a band of interest for several spectroscopic applications in astrophysics. High-altitude balloon missions would provide the first test bed to demonstrate the µ-Spec technology in a space-like environment and would be an economically viable venue for multiple observation campaigns. This work reports on the current status of the instrument design and will provide a brief overview of each instrument subsystem. Particular emphasis will be given to the design of the spectrometer’s two-dimensional diffractive region, through which the light of different wavelengths is focused on the detectors along the focal plane. An optimization process is employed to generate geometrical configurations of the diffractive region that satisfy specific requirements on spectrometer size, operating spectral range, and performance. An optical design optimized for balloon missions will be presented in terms of geometric layout, spectral purity, and efficiency.
Updating of a Model and its Uncertainties Utilizing Dynamic Test Data

The problem of updating a structural model and its associated uncertainties by utilizing structural response data is addressed. Using a Bayesian probabilistic formulation, 6the updated “posterior” probability distribution of the uncertain parameters is obtained and it is found that for a large number of data points it is very peaked at some “optimal” values of the parameters. These optimal parameters can be obtained by minimizing a positive-definite measure-of-fit function. This paper focuses on the identifiability of the optimal parameters. The problem of finding the whole set of optimal models that have the same output at the observed degrees of freedom for a given input is resolved for the first time, by presenting an algorithm which methodically and efficiently searches the parameter space. Also, a simplified expression is given for the weighting coefficients associated with each optimal model which are involved in the probability distribution for the predicted response.
The Jamaican adolescent: an assessment of knowledge and attitudes regarding HIV/AIDS.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of adolescent Jamaicans in a church youth group, regarding HIV/AIDS. METHODS A convenience sample of 45 adolescents from a Jamaican youth group completed a modified version of the AIDS Attitude Scale (AAS). The subjects were assessed for having empathy or avoidance towards people with HIV/AIDS. A focus group discussion after completion of the AAS provided information about the participants' knowledge regarding HIV transmission and self-protection. FINDINGS The adolescents' responses on the AAS indicated strong empathy (4.66) and an overall supportive attitude (+1.77) for people with HIV/AIDS. While the adolescents incorrectly felt that HIV/AIDS was being spread mainly by homosexual encounters in their country, other responses regarding mode of transmission were quite accurate. Since these adolescents were practicing abstinence and the avoidance of drugs and alcohol, they weren't worried about protecting themselves from the transmission of HIV; however, when asked what they would tell their friends outside of the church about HIV protection, most subjects were able to provide accurate information. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that Jamaican adolescents actively committed to the teachings of the church are generally knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS and supportive of people with HIV/AIDS. Nurses and other health care professionals working with members of the church youth groups to develop peer educator programs, would have effective role models to help influence the sexual behaviors of their adolescents.
Spectra of Mutations Induced by Structurally-Related Aromatic Polycyclic Carcinogens during Replication of a Shuttle Vector in Human Cells

We are comparing the kinds and spectra of mutations induced when DNA containing covalently bound carcinogen residues (adducts) replicates in human cells. A shuttle vector, pZ189, carrying the supF gene coding for a bacterial tyrosine suppressor tRNA as the target was treated with tritiated polycyclic aromatic carcinogens and the number of adducts per plasmid was determined. The plasmids were trarsfected into human cells, and after replication had occurred, the progeny plasmids were rescued and assayed for the frequency of supF mutants. The carcinogens studied included the 7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide of benzo[a]pyrene (BPDE), 1nitrosopyrene (1-NOP), N-acetoxy-2-acetylaminofluorene (N-AcO-AAF), and its trifluoroacetyl derivative (N-AcO-TFA-AF). BPDE binds principally to the N2 position of guanine. The other three carcinogens bind to the C8 position of guanine. Each agent caused a linear increase in the frequency of supF mutants as a function of the number of DNA adducts formed, reaching frequencies as high as 20 x 10-4 to 40 x 10-4, above a background frequency of 1.4 x 10-4. When compared on the basis of adducts formed, BPDE was approximately four times more mutagenic than the other three carcinogens. This difference may reflect intrinsic differences in the nature of the adducts and their location in the DNA molecule, but it may also reflect differences in the rate of removal of particular adducts by nucleotide excision repair since we showed that the host cells excise BPDE induced adducts from genomic DNA at least three times slower than they excise 1-NOP induced adducts. Agarose gel electrophoresis and DNA sequencing analysis of mutants derived from untreated plasmids showed that the majority (70%) involved deletions, insertions, or altered gel mobility (gross rearrangements). In contrast, the majority of those from carcinogen treated plasmids were base substitutions. DNA sequencing of 86 unequivocally independent mutants derived from BPDE treated plasmids and 60 from 1-NOP treated plasmids indicated that 70% to 80% contained a single base substitution, 5%-10% had two base substitutions, and 4%-10% had small insertions or deletions (one or two base pairs). The majority (83%) of the base substitutions were transversions, predominantly G•C→T•A.These two carcinogens produced their own spectrum of mutations. Studies to date with the N-AcO-TFA-AF have shown that the AF adduct induces predominantly base subsitutions and all of these involve guanine.
Probing the active site of mammalian pyruvate dehydrogenase

The pyruvate dehydrogenase (E1) is the first catalytic component of the multienzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC). El catalyzes the two partial reactions: the thiamin pyrophosphate (TPP)-dependent decarboxylation of pyruvic acid to 2-hydroxyethylidene-TPP (HETPP) [Eq. 1] and reductive acetylation of lipoic acid residues covalently linked to the second catalytic component — dihydrolipoamide acetyltransferase (E2) [Eq. 2] (Reed, 1974): $$C{H_3}COC{O_2} - + E{1_ - }TPP \to C{H_3}C\left( {OH} \right) = TPP - E1 + C{O_2}$$ ([1]) $$C{H_3}C\left( {OH} \right) = TPP - E1 + E2 - lipoates\left( {{S_2}} \right) \to ETPP + E2 - lipoate\left( {SH} \right)SCOC{H_3}$$ (2) Mammalian E1 is a heterotetramer (α[2]β2) containing two 41 kDa α subunits and two kDa β subunits. The role of individual subunits is not clear. It was proposed that E1α can catalyze the first partial reaction and E1β the second (Roche and Reed, 1972). E1α is thought to be involved in TPP binding as it contains TPP motif found by sequence comparison of several TPP requiring enzymes (Hawkins et al., 1989). Recent evidence indicates that both subunits are involved in TPP binding (Robinson and Chun, 1993; Ali et al., 1995; Korotchkina et al., 1995).
Value Investing: Smart Beta vs. Style Indices

The active shares of traditional value style indices are dominated by industry bets. They also capture less than the entire value premium because, weighting constituents on the basis of capitalization, they tend to hold large positions in overpriced stocks and small positions in underpriced (i.e., value) stocks. Smart beta strategies, in comparison, are better diversified, and they systematically buy low and sell high by periodically rebalancing to non-price related target weights. In addition to exploiting mean reversion in prices, smart beta strategies profit from mean reversion in the value premium by effectively implementing a dollar cost averaging program.
Before the Annunciation Came the Virtual

This chapter offers a (traditional) theory of “theory.” It argues that, in seeking to overcome the situation of the modern subject and its imperial aims, it actually articulated their fulfillment—but on a plane of virtuality sustained by new technologies of representation as they converge with developing biotechnologies. Put starkly, if somewhat speculatively: if the project of progress aimed to replace the divine Maker by remaking (hence, owning) what nature provided, how much more complete will that replacement be if accomplished by cloned and genetically engineered (human?) beings living online in digitized virtual worlds of their own design? Regardless of the yet-to-be-determined practical limitations on this prospect—the logic of the historical argument, going back to Descartes sixth discourse, seems undeniable. And postmodern theory did not arise accidently in the context of these new technologies and the social and political developments they have engendered. In accordance with Hegel’s little aphorism on the title page (“philosophy is an age grasped in thought”), postmodern theory arose because it reflects and inflects those developments—thereby giving us as conscious agents some leverage, however slight, on the situation into which we have all been thrown.
Performance of an Interactive Upper Extremity Peripheral Nerve Training Module Among Medical Students, Radiology Residents, and Fellows: A Multi-institutional Study.

Abstract Background and Purpose Chronic pain is a common problem and imaging is becoming increasingly utilized in the characterization of peripheral neuropathy, although this topic is not emphasized during medical training. We hypothesized that an electronic module and nerve atlas would be effective in improving comprehension among trainees. Materials and Methods In this IRB-approved study, a training module was created that included a side-by-side comparison of normal upper extremity nerves on magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound (US), with embedded questions and cases, followed by a brief hands-on US scanning session. Thirty volunteers with variable training were enrolled in 1 institution, while 14 volunteers were enrolled in another. Pre- and post-test scores were collected and compared. Results There was a response rate of 100% at both institutions. At the first institution, subjects were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (16 medical students) and group 2 (14 residents/fellows). There was a baseline deficit of knowledge among both groups, with a mean pretest score of 37.5% and 47.5% for group 1 and group 2, respectively (P = 0.017). After module completion, both groups improved with a mean post-test score of 67.2% for group 1 and 76.1% for group 2. At the second institution, there was similar improvement even if the scanning session was not done. Conclusions Use of an electronic module helps trainees to become more familiar with peripheral nerve imaging, regardless of level of training. Use of the module, even in the absence of hands-on US scanning, results in an improved understanding of this topic.
OntoKeeper: Semiotic-driven Ontology Evaluation Tool For Biomedical Ontologists

Evaluation for ontologies is an important phase in ontology engineering. When evaluating ontologies the designer needs to assess validation and verification aspects of the knowledge artifact. Yet, this task is often disregarded, and therefore, tools that accommodate the workflow of the biomedical ontologists are needed. In this paper. we introduce OntoKeeper, a tool we developed that utilizes a semiotic-driven metric proposed by Burton-Jones and colleagues. Overall, OntoKeeper is the first of a few ontology evaluation tools that can help provide ontology evaluation functionality for knowledge engineers
Gut microbial short-chain fatty acids and the risk of diabetes

A new study used genome-wide association data and Mendelian randomization to investigate associations between the gut microbiome and metabolic traits. The researchers demonstrate that host genetic variants influence levels of the short-chain fatty acids butyrate and propionate in the gut, which in turn modulate host glycaemic metabolism.
Trust as an ethical value in emerging technology governance: The case of drone regulation

Abstract We build on discussions of ethical values for the good society by foregrounding the potential role of emerging technologies in realizing the good society. Specifically, we look at the emergence of drones and the evolving regulation of their ownership and use. We present a qualitative, thematic analysis of city council meetings in 20 cities in southern California where drone regulation was discussed from 2014 to 2017. These results show the ethical themes that were operative in such discussions: privacy, safety, enforceability, crime, nuisance and professionality. Underlying most of these themes is trust. We discuss this concept with respect to the good society, and we suggest that trust may be more critical to emerging technologies than technologies in general. That is, trust in an emerging technology is required for it to be accepted and more fully integrated in society. Without trust, it is difficult for society to accept the technology.
Use of Rayleigh Distribution Method for Assessment of Wind Energy Output in Cleveland–Ohio

In the developed world, energy is one of the major factors and research is focusing on renewable energy. The global warming, CO2, NOX and limited fossil fuel are the research areas that are important. Renewable energy may be generated by wind, water, wave, solar and biomass. In this article, we are studying the wind energy availability for Cleveland, Ohio area. A statistical method using the Rayleigh probability distribution function is used to estimate the mean wind speed and thus calculate the annual energy output from a windmill. Furthermore, the annual energy output calculated from Rayleigh PDF is compared with the actual energy output from the observed historical data for the period 2009-2018
Assessment of Cardiac Abnormalities in Sickle Cell Disease Patients Using Echocardiography

Background: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is characterized by chronic anemia and recurrent ischemia-reperfusion episodes that contribute to high output heart failure. The effects of SCD on the heart are significantly underrecognized. Methods: SCD patients who underwent echocardiography between March 2016 and March 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) and valvular heart disease were excluded. Cardiac chamber size, systolic and diastolic function parameters, and LV and RV strain were compared between hemoglobin SS (most severe form of SCD) and SC (less severe form) subtypes and against healthy controls. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for statistical analysis. Results: SS patients (n = 48, mean age 31.9) had lower mean hemoglobin 8.9 g/dl vs 11.3 g/dl (p 500 IU/L had higher E/e' ratio (11.3 vs 7.2, p=0.001) and larger indexed Left Ventricular End Diastolic Volume (LVEDVi) (80.8 ml/m2 vs 53.4 ml/m2, p=0.002) compared to SS patients with LDH Conclusion: SCD genotype adversely determines the degree of cardiac dysfunction in patients with SCD. LVEDVi, left atrial size, E velocity, E/A ratio, and E/e' ratio may serve as useful echocardiographic parameters to follow in this patient population. Serum LDH has been associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with SCD, and as demonstrated by our study, it also portends worsening cardiac function in this population at high risk for heart failure. Download : Download high-res image (22KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure . Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Social support perceptions, network characteristics, and international student adjustment

Abstract Two hundred seventy-six international students reported their perceptions of social support from multiple sources (i.e., friends, family, institution, and significant other) as predictors of three facets of cross-cultural adjustment (i.e., general, interaction, and school-related adjustment). In addition, this study explored the incremental effects of cultural diversity and social network size on adjustment by asking international students to report members of their social network that they rely on for instrumental (i.e., task-oriented) and socio-emotional (i.e., relationship-oriented) support. Findings showed that certain sources of social support (i.e., friends and institution) were more strongly related to adjustment than others. Moreover, cultural diversity and the presence of host-nationals in student’s socio-emotional support network were significant predictors of cross-cultural adjustment. This demonstrates the importance of promoting initiatives that encourage host-national and sojourner interactions and diverse relationships within higher education to benefit cross-cultural adjustment.
Discrepancy-Based Evidence for Loss of Thinking Abilities (DELTA): Development and Validation of a Novel Approach to Identifying Cognitive Changes.

OBJECTIVE To develop and validate the Discrepancy-based Evidence for Loss of Thinking Abilities (DELTA) score. The DELTA score characterizes the strength of evidence for cognitive decline on a continuous spectrum using well-established psychometric principles for improving detection of cognitive changes. METHODS DELTA score development used neuropsychological test scores from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort (two tests each from Memory, Executive Function, and Language domains). We derived regression-based normative reference scores using age, gender, years of education, and word-reading ability from robust cognitively normal ADNI participants. Discrepancies between predicted and observed scores were used for calculating the DELTA score (range 0-15). We validated DELTA scores primarily against longitudinal Clinical Dementia Rating-Sum of Boxes (CDR-SOB) and Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) scores (baseline assessment through Year 3) using linear mixed models and secondarily against cross-sectional Alzheimer's biomarkers. RESULTS There were 1359 ADNI participants with calculable baseline DELTA scores (age 73.7 ± 7.1 years, 55.4% female, 100% white/Caucasian). Higher baseline DELTA scores (stronger evidence of cognitive decline) predicted higher baseline CDR-SOB (ΔR2 = .318) and faster rates of CDR-SOB increase over time (ΔR2 = .209). Longitudinal changes in DELTA scores tracked closely and in the same direction as CDR-SOB scores (fixed and random effects of mean + mean-centered DELTA, ΔR2 > .7). Results were similar for FAQ scores. High DELTA scores predicted higher PET-Aβ SUVr (ρ = 324), higher CSF-pTau/CSF-Aβ ratio (ρ = .460), and demonstrated PPV > .9 for positive Alzheimer's disease biomarker classification. CONCLUSIONS Data support initial development and validation of the DELTA score through its associations with longitudinal functional changes and Alzheimer's biomarkers. We provide several considerations for future research and include an automated scoring program for clinical use.
The relationship between psychopathic traits and risky sexual behavior in incarcerated adult male offenders

Abstract Individuals scoring high on psychopathic traits engage in various forms of risky behavior. However, the relationship between psychopathic traits and risky sexual behavior (RSB) is less understood, especially with participants recruited from incarcerated settings. Here, we investigated the relationship between RSB and psychopathic traits with n = 179 incarcerated adult male offenders who completed a self-report RSB questionnaire asking participants about their lifetime number of sexual partners and frequency of using a condom during sex. Psychopathic traits were assessed using the Hare Psychopathy Checklist – Revised (PCL-R). In independent-samples t-tests, participants scoring high on psychopathic traits (i.e., PCL-R total score ≥ 30) reported greater total number of sexual partners throughout their lifetime and were less likely to use a condom during sex compared to low-scorers (i.e., PCL-R total score ≤ 15). In multiple regression analyses, PCL-R total scores emerged as a significant predictor of reduced condom usage during sex, but covariate measures assessing general externalizing psychopathology, did not. Our results suggest that several public health concerns, including sexually transmitted infection transmittal and unwanted pregnancies, may arise due to individuals scoring higher on psychopathy engaging in risky sexual behavior to a greater extent compared to those scoring lower on psychopathy.
Implementation of a Psychiatry Consultation-Liaison Service "Conseminar".

Background The field of consultation-liaison psychiatry has generated a relatively small number of rigorous clinical trials that guide clinical care. Consequently, there is a need for a consensus-building process to inform best practices for common clinical dilemmas in consultation-liaison psychiatry. Objective We review several consensus-building approaches in academic medicine and describe a novel educational process called a “conseminar,” which is intended to minimize the variability in teaching and practice on a service staffed by multiple faculty members. Methods The conseminar is an iterative group exercise among faculty who attend on a consultation-liaison service. Faculty members generate a list of candidate topics and then prioritize those topics for a focused and critical literature review, aided by a librarian. In the absence of definitive clinical trial data or established practice guidelines, the faculty articulates a consensus “best-practice” approach and creates a brief document that summarizes specific recommendations for learners on the service. Conclusions The conseminar process can minimize variability among consultation-liaison faculty within a single institution with respect to the diagnostic and treatment recommendations conveyed to trainees. Furthermore, conseminar documents can be shared across institutions to promote more consistent teaching and practice within consultation-liaison psychiatry.
Von Augustinus’ zu Hegels Trinitätslehre

Das Kapitel vergleicht die beiden originellsten philosophischen Trinitatslehren, diejenigen von Augustinus und Hegel. Es konzentriert sich auf ihre Begriffe der Religionsphilosophie, ihre Erkenntnistheorien der Religion, ihre Theorien des Geistes und ihre Ausarbeitungen der Lehre von der immanenten Trinitat. Es endet mit der Skizze einer alternativen Trinitatslehre, die nicht im individuellen Geist, sonden in intersubjektiven Beziehungen den besten Zugang zur Trinitat findet.
Modeling as Story-Building and Storytelling: Developing the Mathematical Identities of Adolescent Girls of Color

“Algebra-as-gatekeeper” is a powerful paradigm that structures students’ experiences within mathematics class, as well as their future educational trajectories. In this paper, I show how modeling—when conceived as a culturally relevant practice—can support students to make sense of the key ideas of algebra as well as develop positive mathematical identities. This requires two important facets: 1) that students see themselves reflected in the contexts that are mathematized and 2) that they are positioned to be creative, sense-making story builders and storytellers of this mathematics. Results from my semester-long design study with adolescent girls of color illustrate the potential of modeling, especially for students who often experience the greatest barriers to participation, engagement, and learning within the high school mathematics class.
Effects of pentoxifylline on canine platelet aggregation.

BACKGROUND Pentoxifylline can decrease platelet function in humans, but the anti-platelet effects of pentoxifylline in dogs is unknown. The addition of a luciferin-luciferase reagent during platelet aggregometry can induce a dose-dependent potentiation of platelet aggregation. OBJECTIVE To determine if exposure to pentoxifylline, without the addition of a luciferin-luciferase reagent during aggregometry, causes canine platelet dysfunction. Our hypotheses were that pentoxifylline would inhibit platelet function, and that the addition of a luciferin-luciferase reagent would obscure detection of pentoxifylline-induced platelet dysfunction as measured via aggregometry. METHODS Seven healthy Walker hound dogs. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and whole blood were treated for 30 minutes with pentoxifylline: 0 (control), 1 and 2 μg/mL. The platelet aggregation was determined using optical (maximum amplitude) and impedance (ohms) aggregometry using collagen as the agonists, with and without a luciferin-luciferase reagent. Four samples were analysed per concentration and the results were averaged. RESULTS Based on optical aggregometry, there was no difference (p = 0.964) in the mean maximum amplitude at any pentoxifylline concentration, with and without the luciferin-luciferase reagent. During impedance aggregometry, the addition of a luciferin-luciferase reagent was associated with significantly (p < 0.001) greater platelet aggregation in response to a collagen agonist, regardless of the presence or absence of pentoxifylline. CONCLUSIONS Pentoxifylline does not exert an in vitro anti-platelet effect on canine platelet aggregation when collagen is used as an agonist, but it is unknown if long-term oral drug administration will inhibit platelet aggregation. The addition of a luciferin-luciferase reagent during platelet aggregometry can artificially enhance canine platelet aggregation.
Exploring the role of students’ views of creativity on feeling creative

Creativity is crucial for doing mathematics, yet many United States students may not have opportunities to experience it in their courses. Moreover, the literature base on views of mathematical cre...
Bioethics of public commenting: Manipulation, data risk, and public participation in E-Rulemaking

Little scholarly attention has been given to the ethics of public commenting as part of the online federal rule-making process. This essay argues the process of public commenting on federal regulations in the digital era threatens both the integrity of those regulations and the integrity of the individuals they are meant to protect. The ongoing risk is anonymous public commenting is open to manipulation. This risk is particularly salient for eRulemaking with implications for human subjects as was shown in the completed revision process to the Common Rule. Guarding against physical and informational harms requires at least some verification of the identities of public commenters. The burdens of verification access are outweighed by the benefits to authentic participation in e-Rulemaking.
Protestant Missionaries, Asian Immigrants, and Ideologies of Race in America, 1850–1924

Introduction The Shape of Difference in Missionary Discourse Missionaries and the Chinese Exclusion Act Missionaries and the Exclusion of the Japanese United States vs. Bhagat Singh Thind From Homogeneity to Diversity: Missionary Responses to Scientific Racism Conclusion Notes Bibliography Index
Realizing homology boundary links with arbitrary patterns

Hornology boundary links have become an increasingly important class of links, largely due to their significance in the ongoing concordance classification of links. Tim Cochran and Jerome Levine defined an algebraic object called a pattern associated to a homology boundary link which can be used to study the deviance of a homology boundary link from being a boundary link. Since a pattern is a set of nx elements which normally generates the free group of rank nxS any invariants which detect non-trivial patterns can be applied to the purely algebraic question of when such a set is a set of conjugates of a generating set for the free group. We will give a constructive geometric proof that all patterns are realized by some homology boundary link Lrl in srl+2. We shall also prove an analogous existence theorem for calibrations of E-links, a more general and less understood class of links tha homology boundary links. 1. 1[NTRODUCTION A lin1z of m components is a smooth, oriented, submanifold L = {X1, , Km} of Sn+2 that is an ordered disjoint union of m manifolds, each of which is piecewiselinearly homeomorphic to sn. If m = 1, L is usually called a 1fnot. L is a boundary lin1z if there exist m disjoint Seifert surfaces, i.e. oriented submanifolds V1, . . ., Vm of Sn+2 such that AVi = Ki for i = 1, . . ., m. Knots and links are of interest since they repeatedly arise in the classification of manifolds. An especially significant equivalence relation on links is c oncordance. Two links Lo and L1 are concordant if there exists a smooth, oriented submanifold of m components C = {C1, . . ., Cm} of Sn+2 X I such that: (i) C is piecewise-linearly homeomorphic to Lo x I, and (ii) aC n (Sn+2 X {i})-lLi for i C {0,1}. The classification of knot concordance groups was obtained in the rnid 1960's by M. Kervaire and J. Levine [12], [14]. Among the things they prove is that the knot concordance group is trivial when n is even and is an infinitely generated group when n is odd. The techniques used in the concordance classification of knots have been found to extend in a compatible manner to the class of bou:ndary links [2], [13], [19]. However, the extension of these ideas to links in general has been a much more difficult and less successful task. In the process, another class of links, called homology boundary links, has arisen. A hornology boundary link of m components is a link which admits m disjoint generalized Seifelzt surfaces {Y1, . . ., Ym} such that Received by the editors May 16, 1995 and, in revised form, October 30, 1995. 1991 Mathematics S?lbject Classification. Primary 57Q45, 57M07, 57M15. (a)1998 American Mathematic.1l So iety 87 This content downloaded from 207.46.13.28 on Tue, 30 Aug 2016 05:27:13 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms
Knowledge: a variable in evaluating clothing quality

This study was designed to determine the effect knowledge has on the types of information cues used to evaluate clothing quality. Students ranked the importance of 24 product attributes for evaluating clothing quality before beginning a 15-week university course on evaluation of clothing products and again at the conclusion of the course. Most (64%) of the intrinsic cues were ranked significantly higher on the pretest than post-test and many of the extrinsic (75%) and aesthetic (67%) cues rated significantly lower. There were no differences in the ranking of the performance cues. However, caution should be taken when interpreting the results of the study. Although all of the cues ranked significantly higher in the post-test were intrinsic cues, when evaluating the relative ranking of the cues in the pretest and post-test, there were few differences. The same five aesthetic cues were in the top third on both tests and the same six intrinsic cues were in the bottom third on both tests. The findings of this study suggest that knowledge does influence how consumers evaluate quality and additional research that focuses on the effect of knowledge in consumers’ evaluation of clothing quality is needed.
A 45nm SOI monolithic photonics chip-to-chip link with bit-statistics-based resonant microring thermal tuning

A new thermal tuning circuit for optical ring modulators enables demonstration of an optical chip-to-chip link for the first time with monolithically integrated photonic devices in a commercial 45nm SOI process, without any process changes. The tuning circuit uses independent 1/0 level-tracking and 1/0 bit counting to remain resilient against laser self-heating transients caused by non-DC-balanced transmit data. A 30fJ/bit transmitter and 374fJ/bit receiver with 6μA pk-pk photocurrent sensitivity complete the 5Gb/s link. The thermal tuner consumes 275fJ/bit and achieves a 600 GHz tuning range with a heater tuning efficiency of 3.8μW/GHz.
Generation of the Ca2+-independent form of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II in cerebellar granule cells

Abstract Conditions that regulate the generation of the Ca2(+)-independent form of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM-kinase II) in cultured rat cerebellar granule cells have been investigated. Under basal conditions, 4-5% of total CaM-kinase II activity, assayed in the presence of Ca2+/CaM, was the Ca2(+)-independent form active in the presence of EGTA. Depolarization with 56 mM K+ produced a transient increase to 9% Ca2+ independence within 15 s followed by a decline to 5-6% at 10 min. The divalent cation ionophore ionomycin elicited 10% Ca2+ independence, which remained elevated. Removal of Ca2+ from the Krebs-Ringer medium reduced basal Ca2+ independence to 1-2% and eliminated the elevation in response to K+ depolarization. Inclusion of 5 microM okadaic acid, a protein phosphatase inhibitor, in the incubation medium potentiated the levels of Ca2(+)-independent activity of CaM-kinase II. Additional studies in granule cell extracts indicated that there were both okadiac acid-sensitive and -insensitive protein phosphatases involved in the reversal of the Ca2+ independence of CaM-kinase II. Phosphopeptide mapping of the CNBr-cleaved 32P-labeled 58-60-kDa subunit of CaM-kinase II revealed that under basal conditions, the kinase contained phosphate in many sites. Conditions that promoted formation of the Ca2(+)-independent form of the kinase increased the 32P incorporation into multiple sites of the kinase. However, there was a good temporal correlation between 32P incorporation into CNBr peptide 1, which contains Thr-287, and generation of the Ca2(+)-independent kinase activity. These results indicate that formation of the Ca2(+)-independent species of CaM-kinase II is dynamically regulated in cerebellar granule cells by Ca2(+)-mobilizing agents and by protein phosphatase activity and is correlated with autophosphorylation of Thr-287.
System modeling: Petri nets and activity networks in juxtaposition

The author gives a synopsis of the salient aspects of Petri nets and activity networks. In view of the strong similarity between the two, a unified view is recommended that captures the best elements of both, which are the ease of expression in Petri nets and the analytical power of activity nets. The work of W.D. Allen (1992) in the automatic translation of timed Petri nets into activity nets is considered as the precursor of such a paradigm. >