cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Visualizing Electric Fields at Au(111) Step Edges via Tip-Enhanced Raman Scattering

Tip-enhanced Raman scattering (TERS) can be used to image plasmon-enhanced local electric fields on the nanoscale. This is illustrated through ambient TERS measurements recorded using silver atomic force microscope tips coated with 4-mercaptobenzonitrile molecules and used to image step edges on an Au(111) surface. The observed two-dimensional TERS images uniquely map electric fields localized at Au(111) step edges following 671 nm excitation. We establish that our measurements are not only sensitive to spatial variations in the enhanced electric fields but also to their vector components. We also experimentally demonstrate that (i) few nanometer precision is attainable in TERS nanoscopy using corrugated tips with nominal radii on the order of 100–200 nm, and (ii) TERS signals do not necessarily exhibit the expected E4 dependence. Overall, we illustrate the concept of electric field imaging via TERS and establish the connections between our observations and conventional TERS chemical imaging measurements.
Cell-specific and region-specific transcriptomics in the multiple sclerosis model: Focus on astrocytes

Changes in gene expression that occur across the central nervous system (CNS) during neurological diseases do not address the heterogeneity of cell types from one CNS region to another and are complicated by alterations in cellular composition during disease. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is multifocal by definition. Here, a cell-specific and region-specific transcriptomics approach was used to determine gene expression changes in astrocytes in the most widely used MS model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Astrocyte-specific RNAs from various neuroanatomic regions were attained using RiboTag technology. Sequencing and bioinformatics analyses showed that EAE-induced gene expression changes differed between neuroanatomic regions when comparing astrocytes from spinal cord, cerebellum, cerebral cortex, and hippocampus. The top gene pathways that were changed in astrocytes from spinal cord during chronic EAE involved decreases in expression of cholesterol synthesis genes while immune pathway gene expression in astrocytes was increased. Optic nerve from EAE and optic chiasm from MS also showed decreased cholesterol synthesis gene expression. The potential role of cholesterol synthesized by astrocytes during EAE and MS is discussed. Together, this provides proof-of-concept that a cell-specific and region-specific gene expression approach can provide potential treatment targets in distinct neuroanatomic regions during multifocal neurological diseases.
Health Sensors, Smart Home Devices, and the Internet of Medical Things: An Opportunity for Dramatic Improvement in Care for the Lower Extremity Complications of Diabetes.

Objective:The prevalent and long-neglected diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) and its related complications rank among the most debilitating and costly sequelae of diabetes. With the rise of the Internet of medical things (IoMT), along with smart devices, the med-tech industry is on the cusp of a home-care revolution, which could also create opportunity for developing effective solutions with significant potential to reduce DFU-associated costs and saving limbs. This article discusses potential applications of IoMT to the DFU patient population and beyond.Methods:To better understand potential opportunities and challenges associated with implementing IoMT for management of DFU, the authors reviewed recent relevant literatures and included their own expert opinions from a multidisciplinary point of view including podiatry, engineering, and data security.Results:The IoMT has opened digital transformation of home-based diabetic foot care, as it enables promoting patient engagement, personalized care and smart managem...
Transient Analysis of a Line-Focus Transducer Probing a Liquid/Solid Interface

The use of a line-focus ultrasonic transducer in a vertical scanning reflection acoustic microscope system is well known for quantitative materials characterization [1]. The technique relies on the measurement of the reflected radio frequency tone burst echo amplitude, V, as a fonction of amount of defocus, z, and analysis of the interference minima of the V(z) curve to obtain various interface wave speeds. The technique uses well developed theory [2,3,4] representing fixed frequency ultrasound generated and detected by a cylindrical lens in the frequency domain. We have developed a large aperture lensless line-focus transducer which is highly efficient and has a bandwidth wide enough to allow the generation and detection of narrow transient pulses [5]. From this transducer placed in water near a solid sample, the resulting echo waveforms have multiple features which can be interpreted as the arrival of a specularly reflected axial ray and leaky surface waves. Using this transducer, we have developed a time-resolved and polarization-sensitive testing technique for materials characterization [6]. The objective of this paper is to provide a theoretical basis for interpretation and analysis of these time domain waveforms.
Inhibition of the MHC class II antigen presentation pathway by human cytomegalovirus

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) causes serious disease in immunocompromised individuals. Normally, anti-HCMV immune response controls virus replication following reactivation from latency. However, HCMV, like other large herpesviruses, encodes immune evasion proteins that allow the virus to replicate, for a time or in specific tissues, and produce viral progeny in the face of robust host immunity. HCMV glycoproteins US2, US3, US6 and US11 all inhibit different stages of the MHC class I antigen presentation pathway and can reduce recognition by CD8+ T lymphocytes. Here, we discuss two novel inhibitors of the MHC class II antigen presentation pathway, HCMV glycoproteins US2 and US3. Both US2 and US3 can inhibit presentation of exogenous protein antigens to CD4+ T lymphocytes in in vitro assays. US2 causes degradation of MHC class II molecules: HLA-DR-α and HLA-DM-α, as well as class I heavy chain (HC), but does not affect DR-β or DM-β chains. Mutant forms of US2 have been constructed that can bind to DR-α and class I HC but do not cause their degradation, separating the binding step from other processes that precede degradation. We also found evidence that US2-induced degradation of class I and II proteins involves a cellular component, other than Sec61, that is limiting in quantity. Unlike US2, US3 binds newly synthesized class II α/β complexes, reducing the association with the invariant chain (Ii) and causing mislocalization of class II complexes in cells. US3 expression reduces accumulation of class II complexes in peptide-loading compartments and loading of peptides. Since US2 and US3 are expressed solely within HCMV-infected cells, it appears that these viral proteins have evolved to inhibit presentation of endogenous, intracellular viral antigens to anti-HCMV CD4+ T cells. This is different from how the MHC class II pathway is normally viewed, as a pathway for presentation of exogenous, extracellular proteins. The existence of these proteins indicates the importance of class II-mediated presentation of endogenous antigens in signalling virus infection to CD4+ T cells.
The Future of Temperate Agroforestry in the United States

Agroforestry has been practiced in the United States since the 1930s in the form of windbreaks; however, science-based agroforestry research and practice gained attention only in the1970s. Even then, the progress of agroforestry and its acceptance by practitioners, farmers, and policy makers were hindered by the paucity of hard evidence to support the practice. The scientific foundation that has been laid, over the past decade in particular, has elevated agroforestry’s role as an integral component of a multifunctional working landscape in the United States. Recent trends in the agriculture sector necessitate farm diversification as an essential strategy for economic competitiveness in a global market. The realization that agroforestry systems are well suited for diversifying farm income while providing environmental services and ecosystem benefits has increased receptivity on the part of some landowners. Agroforestry systems offer great promise for the production of biomass for biofuel, specialty and organic crops, pasture-based dairy, and beef, among others. Agroforestry also offers proven strategies for carbon sequestration, soil enrichment, biodiversity conservation, and air and water quality improvement not only for the landowners or farmers but for society at large. The USDA Agroforestry Strategic Framework released in 2011 identifies agroforestry as an important component of a much-needed national strategy to “enhance America’s agricultural landscapes, watersheds, and rural communities.” Minor shifts in national agricultural policy can serve to catalyze the growth of agroforestry further. In an era of environmental sustainability and green business, the realization that agroforestry is an environmentally sound, ecologically sustainable, and economically viable alternative to traditional farming will propel its adoption to newer heights in the coming decades.
Corpus Callosum Section: Preoperative Evaluation

Successful division of the corpus callosum (CC) in humans was initially described by Dandy in 1931. Nine years later, Van Wagenen and Herren (1940) reported the use of CC section in an attempt to control the spread of epileptic seizures. Van Wagenen may have operated on as many as 27 patients during less than a year (Williamson 1985). Details concerning preoperative evaluation and postoperative outcome in these patients are sparse, with most information being anecdotal. Van Wagenen, after a flurry of activity, apparently abandoned CC section, as the procedure no longer interested him. During the 1960s, Bogen and colleagues (Bogen et al. 1962, 1963, 1965, 1969, 1975) began to use CC section in medically refractory epileptic patients. Few details of outcome in terms of seizure control were provided, but the Bogen series generated considerable interest in the neuropsychological consequences of dividing the CC (Sperry 1968, 1970). Neurosurgical complications ultimately led Bogen to discontinue the procedure.
Narrative: Cognitive Approaches

Study of the cognitive dimensions of stories and storytelling has become an important subdomain within the field of narrative analysis. Concerned both with how people understand narratives and with narrative itself as a mode of understanding, cognitive approaches have emerged from a larger ‘narrative turn’ unfolding across many disciplines. This article surveys specific analytic paradigms that have helped shape cognitive narrative analysis, including structuralist narratology, artificial-intelligence research, cognitive linguistics, and discursive psychology, and traces forward the influence of these paradigms on some of the main trends within the field. Furthermore, after discussing criticisms leveled against cognitive approaches, the article outlines areas of concern that can be viewed as targets for future research.
Expanding Beginning Teachers' Perspectives on Planning

Adominant concern of first-year teachers is survival (Fuller 1969). This concern often directs the thoughts and actions of beginning teachers. More specifically, a beginning teacher may view lesson planning from a survivalist's perspective, as evidenced by the following comment: "I structure and organize the lesson in such a way that students do not think I'm 'winging it'." Such a view of planning is not surprising in light of a beginning teacher's lack of experience that would allow him or her to comprehend the planning process and in light of the numerous pressures that firstyear teachers face. When asked by the author to describe their planning process, a group of first-year teachers participating in a mentor-intern program expressed very narrow views of the process, primarily emphasizing the elements of a daily lesson plan and a teacher-centered approach. These new teachers failed to tell how they made curricular decisions, and there was little mention of either long-range goals or techniques of evaluation/feedback. Moreover, many of these teachers ignored a central dimension of the planning process-the students. This article suggests ways to assist beginning teachers to broaden their views of planning and thus enhance their professional growth and provides a planning model for use with new teachers in inservice education.
Understanding physical activity in Veterans with Parkinson disease: A mixed-methods approach

Abstract Introduction Physical activity is critical in Parkinson disease (PD) management, but barriers and motivators of activity in Veterans with PD may be unique. We examined activity habits, including barriers and motivators, in this population. Methods Participants completed the Physical Activity Scale in the Elderly (PASE). Compliance with American Heart Association (AHA) recommendations was assessed. Veterans also completed the Exercise Perceptions Questionnaire (EPQ), assessing knowledge, barriers, and motivators of activity. Free-text barriers/motivators were analyzed by the overlapping clusters method. Results Seventy-five Veterans were recruited; mean age (standard deviation [SD]) was 70.5 (8.2) years and mean disease duration (SD) was 5.4 (5.2) years. Raw median PASE was 120.4 (interquartile range [IQR] 68.8–165.7); age-adjusted median PASE was 135.3. Only 9 Veterans (14.3%) were AHA-compliant. There were trends toward negative association between PASE and UPDRS-3 (r = −0.24, p = 0.06) and between PASE and PDQ-8 (r = −0.23, p = 0.08). Sixty-three subjects (84%) completed the EPQ; 27 (42.9%) preferred scheduled exercise, and only 33 (53.2%) reported that they preferred to exercise with others. Common themes of 46 free-text responses included desire to improve PD symptoms (n = 15, 32.6%) and social engagement (n = 12, 26.1%). Conclusions Self-reported activity in Veterans with PD is low, with less than 15% of subjects meeting recommended activity targets. Qualitative analysis of barriers and motivators revealed that although many Veterans enjoy the social aspects of group exercise, they may not feel comfortable in general exercise classes aimed at younger participants without chronic illnesses. These data will be useful in designing Veteran- and/or PD-specific interventions to increase activity levels.
Effects of asteroid property distributions on expected impact rates

Abstract Assessments of the risk posed by asteroid impacts depend implicitly upon estimates of how frequently asteroids of different sizes and properties are expected to strike Earth. These impact rates are generally based upon populations of near-Earth objects as a function of absolute magnitude, which are then translated to equivalent size frequencies by assuming an average albedo. However, this simplified approach neglects the broad distribution of sizes and properties among objects of a given absolute magnitude. In this study, we use a probabilistic asteroid impact risk model to more rigorously investigate the effects of asteroid property distributions on estimated impact rates as a function of diameter, energy, mass, and blast damage radius. We also use impact damage modeling results to compare the effects of the new distribution-based results on expected casualty rates for two sample risk assessment cases. The current study focuses on mid-sized objects with diameters of 20–300 m, which could cause substantial local ground damage but are unlikely to produce larger-scale regional or global effects. Particular emphasis is placed on sizes similar to the 1908 Tunguska event, which provides a unique source of evidence for such impacts and is often used as a reference point for damage potential and impact rates in the literature. Results demonstrate that accounting for realistic distributions of asteroid properties can significantly reduce expected impact intervals for these size ranges compared to estimates based on mean albedo, density, and velocity assumptions. These lower impact intervals, in turn, result in higher expected casualty estimates in impact risk assessment applications.
Discrete Time Sliding Mode Controller and Observer Scheme for Decoupled Current Control of the Induction Motor Drive

Induction motor (IM) drives are widely used in power conversion applications; for accurate dynamics, it is typical to use synchronous reference frame current control. The most common structure uses d-q axes PI controllers in conjunction with a decoupling voltage compensator. This paper presents an alternative scheme: first, discrete-time sliding mode controllers are used instead of PIs; second, the decoupling voltages are obtained using a sliding mode observer. The resulting structure is a theoretically optimal controller in terms of response time. Another advantage is that the motor speed is not needed in the generation of the decoupling voltages. The paper shows simulations and implementation results.
Particle Templated Graphene-Based Composites with Tailored Electro-mechanical Properties

A capillary-driven particle level templating technique was utilized to disperse graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) within a polystyrene matrix to form composites that possess tailored electro-mechanical properties. Utilizing capillary interactions, highly segregated composites were formed via a melt processing procedure. Since the graphene particles only resided at the boundary between the polymer matrix particles, the composites possess tremendous electrical conductivity but poor mechanical strength. To improve the mechanical properties of the composite, the graphene networks in the specimen were deformed by shear. An experimental investigation was conducted to understand the effect of graphene content as well as shearing on the mechanical strength and electrical conductivity of the composites. The experimental results show that both the mechanical and electrical properties of the composites can be altered using this very simple technique and therefore easily be tailored for desired applications.
Review: Kinaesthetic Knowing: Aesthetics, Epistemology, Modern Design, by Zeynep Çelik Alexander

Zeynep Celik Alexander Kinaesthetic Knowing: Aesthetics, Epistemology, Modern Design Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2017, 336 pp., 10 color and 99 b/w illus. $55 (cloth), ISBN 9790226485201 How do we know what we learn in an architecture or design school? How does visual or other instruction engaging the bodily senses inform the teaching of design as a creative yet iterative, pattern-making process? And what are the epistemological mechanisms that have historically supported such pedagogical practices converting bodily movements, tactile sensations, color tones, and sound signals into painted images, concrete artifacts, and built spaces? In Kinaesthetic Knowing , Zeynep Celik Alexander examines the methodical construction of such knowledge by describing the codification of psychological intuitions into a pedagogical system that has perpetuated itself in design schools over several generations. For decades now, modern architecture has been criticized for its orthogonal logic, disembodied rationality, and overconfidence regarding the power of the mind. Celik Alexander counterargues that twentieth-century art and architectural historians, practicing designers, and visual arts pedagogues drew from the anti-intellectual aesthetics of bodily movement, psychological impulse, and feeling to produce new experiential subjects who drew, built, and shaped artifacts with a presumably natural propensity unmediated by critical reason. She compellingly demonstrates how such an ostensibly unfettered form of creativity was harnessed into didactic regimens, rules, and principles solidified by modern design institutions in early twentieth-century Germany, including the Bauhaus and its epigones in the United States and other parts of the globe. Traversing aesthetics, epistemology, and design education, Kinaesthetic Knowing expands the notion of Gestaltung from the formation of modern artifacts to the shaping of human subjects and the restructuring of areas of knowledge, including scientific and design techniques and their interrelated histories. One of the book's many feats is that it makes the history of psychological aesthetics relevant again for the study of architectural history. Celik Alexander describes not simply an “aesthetics from below”—that is, an aesthetic system informed by the physiological capacities of subjects and material …
Electronic prescribing: criteria for evaluating handheld prescribing systems and an evaluation of a new, handheld, wireless wide area network (WWAN) prescribing system.

Objective The objectives of this study were: 1) to establish criteria for evaluating handheld computerized prescribing systems; and 2) to evaluate out-of-box performance and features of a new, Palm Operating System (OS)-based, handheld, wireless wide area network (WWAN) prescribing system. The system consisted of a Palm Vx handheld organizer, a Novatel Minstrel V wireless modem, OmniSky wireless internet access and ePhysician ePad 1.1, the Palm OS electronic prescribing software program. Design A dermatologist familiar with healthcare information technology conducted an evaluation of the performance and features of a new, handheld, WWAN electronic prescribing system in an office practice during a three-month period in 2000. System performance, defined as transmission success rate, was determined from data collected during the three-month trial. Evaluation criteria consisted of an analysis of features found in electronic prescribing systems. Methods All prescriptions written for all patients seen during a three-month period (August - November, 2000) were eligible for inclusion. Prescriptions written for patients who intended to fill them at pharmacies without known facsimile receiving capabilities were excluded from the study. The performance of the system was evaluated using data collected during the study. Criteria for evaluating features of electronic prescribing systems were developed and used to analyze the system employed in this study. Results During this three-month trial, 200 electronic prescriptions were generated for 132 patients included in the study. Of these prescriptions, 92.5 percent were successfully transmitted to pharmacies. Transmission failures resulted from incorrect facsimile numbers and non-functioning facsimile machines. Criteria established for evaluation of electronic prescribing systems included System (Hardware & Software), Costs, System Features, Printing & Transmission, Formulary & Insurance, Customization, Drug Safety and Security. Conclusion This study is the first effort to establish comprehensive criteria for evaluating handheld prescribing systems and to evaluate the performance and features of a handheld, electronic prescribing system. The results demonstrated that the evaluated system: 1) was simple to install; 2) successfully interfaced with a commonly used practice management system; 3) was user-friendly and easy to operate; 4) offered a robust variety of standard features; and, 5) resulted in a high rate of success for transmitting electronic prescriptions. The criteria established for the evaluation of features of an electronic prescribing system can be used to critically evaluate the performance and features of other handheld and personal computer-based electronic prescribing systems.
Duodenal Stenosis: A Diagnostic Challenge in a Neonate With Poor Weight Gain

Cases of isolated duodenal stenosis in the neonatal period are minimally reported in pediatric literature. Causes of small bowel obstruction such as duodenal atresia or malrotation with midgut volvulus have been well documented and are often diagnosed due to their acute clinical presentation. Duodenal stenosis, however, causes an incomplete intestinal obstruction with a more indolent and varying clinical presentation thus making it a diagnostic challenge. We present a neonate with a unique case of congenital duodenal stenosis. The neonate presented with poor weight gain and frequent "spit-ups" as per the mother at the initial newborn visit. The clinical presentation was masked as the patient was being fed infrequently and with concentrated formula. We postulate that this may be due to the fact that the mother was an adolescent and relatively inexperienced with newborn care. During the hospital course, the patient had recurrent episodes of emesis with notable electrolyte abnormalities including hypochloremia and metabolic alkalosis. Further investigation with an abdominal X-ray showed dilated loops of bowel. Pyloric stenosis was ruled out via abdominal ultrasound. An upper gastrointestinal (GI) series ultimately confirmed a diagnosis of duodenal stenosis and the infant underwent surgical repair with full recovery. Congenital duodenal stenosis may have atypical presentations in neonates requiring pediatricians to have a high index of suspicion for diagnosis and to ensure timely therapy.
A Zero Emissions Landfill: Turning Myth to Reality

The ever increasing population has been the root cause for the outburst of solid wastes. Dumping wastes in a pit or an open area had been in practice ever since the advent of civilization. With the growing awareness about the health risks associated with the open dumping of the wastes, landfills gained eminence. Landfills have been modified from simple dumping to the engineered landfills with the liners. Initially, the major concern of a landfill was the pervasive odor which affected the lives of dwellers around the landfill area. As the gases such as methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) got recognized as the major contributors of global climate change, the landfill emissions became more critical. Currently, landfills are considered to be the third largest source of CH4 emissions in the United States (US). Various efforts have been made to control the landfill emissions such as providing low permeability landfill covers, installing gas extraction systems, and the biocovers. Landfills used to be considered as a liability due to the emissions and the odor. However, with the gas collection and recovery systems installed, the landfills have been able to generate revenue as well as lower the carbon footprint by converting extracted gas to energy. Modern engineered landfills with the engineered covers and gas extraction systems are able to keep the emissions to the minimum level, however there are fugitive emissions emanating from the landfills and contributing to the global climate change. Recently, in an attempt to capture those fugitive emissions and render landfills emissions free, an alternative landfill cover called biogeochemical cover concept was introduced. The biogeochemical cover aims to remove CO2, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and CH4. This paper discusses the progressive transformation of landfills into zero emissions landfills.
Prevalence and outcome of COVID-19 infection in cancer patients: a national Veterans Affairs study.

BACKGROUND Emerging data suggest variability in susceptibility and outcome to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Identifying risk factors associated with infection and outcomes in cancer patients is necessary to develop healthcare recommendations. METHODS We analyzed electronic health records of the US Veterans Affairs Healthcare System and assessed the prevalence of COVID-19 infection in cancer patients. We evaluated the proportion of cancer patients tested for COVID-19 who were positive, as well as outcome attributable to COVID-19, and stratified by clinical characteristics including demographics, comorbidities, cancer treatment, and cancer type. All statistical tests are 2-sided. RESULTS Of 22 914 cancer patients tested for COVID-19, 1794 (7.8%) were positive. The prevalence of COVID-19 was similar across age. Higher prevalence was observed in African American (15.0%) compared with White (5.5%; P < .001) and in patients with hematologic malignancy compared with those with solid tumors (10.9% vs 7.8%; P < .001). Conversely, prevalence was lower in current smokers and patients who recently received cancer therapy (<6 months). The COVID-19-attributable mortality was 10.9%. Higher attributable mortality rates were observed in older patients, those with higher Charlson comorbidity score, and in certain cancer types. Recent (<6 months) or past treatment did not influence attributable mortality. Importantly, African American patients had 3.5-fold higher COVID-19-attributable hospitalization; however, they had similar attributable mortality as White patients. CONCLUSION Preexistence of cancer affects both susceptibility to COVID-19 infection and eventual outcome. The overall COVID-19-attributable mortality in cancer patients is affected by age, comorbidity, and specific cancer types; however, race or recent treatment including immunotherapy do not impact outcome.
Additive value of intraoperative hemodynamic monitoring to epicardial echocardiography during surgical repair of children with congenital heart disease

Aim The aim was to evaluate the additive value of intraoperative hemodynamic monitoring to epicardial echocardiography on the surgical outcome in children undergoing surgical correction of congenial heart disease. Patients and methods This study was conducted on 238 children with congenital heart disease who were enrolled for surgical correction. They were arranged in two groups: group A included 159 children in whom e-echo was used to detect intraoperative residual lesions while group B included 79 patients in whom e-echo and intraoperative hemodynamic monitoring using oxygen saturation step-up and intracardiac pressures after disconnection of cardiopulmonary bypass to detect residual shunt flow and outflow tract obstruction were used; revision of bypass was done when significant lesions were detected for repair. The follow-up echocardiography showed no significant residual lesions and complications in the subgroup of patients who had both epicardial monitoring and hemodynamic studies, in contrast to other groups of patients in whom19 patients had residual lesions and complications. Conclusions Routine use of intraoperative epicardial echocardiography allows detection of majority of residual defects after bypass; however, addition of other intraoperative monitoring tools like hemodynamic pressure measurement and oxygen saturation step-up can result in the detection of more residual lesions with revision of bypass, thus saving these patients from reoperation and postoperative complications.
Comment on Arnold et al. (2021): CP in the MCA?

Abstract The Central Pacific (CP) flavor of El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) may account for some of the Medieval Climate Anomaly (MCA) aridity in the highland Titicaca Basin of the South Central Andes observed by Arnold et al. (2021 in Quaternary Science Reviews). There is urgent need for a longer record of CP presence and frequency.
Conflicts of Interest in Subscriber-Paid Credit Ratings

We provide the first evidence of systematic bias among an emerging type of credit rating agency that relies on subscriptions from institutional clients as its primary source of revenue. Using data on Egan-Jones (EJR) ratings, a subscriber-paid rating agency, we show that EJR issues more optimistically biased bond ratings, less timely downgrades, and less accurate ratings for bonds held by more EJR clients. Our evidence is consistent with subscriber-paid agencies optimistically biasing their ratings to bolster subscriber revenue, which allows institutional clients to invest in riskier bonds with higher expected returns. Taken together, our findings suggest that the emergence of subscriber-paid rating agencies as an alternative to more traditional issuer-paid agencies is unlikely to resolve problems arising from conflicts of interest, but rather alter the nature of these conflicts in the ratings process.
Endosome dysregulation in Down syndrome: a potential contributor to Alzheimer's disease pathology

Intracellular protein trafficking via the endosomes plays a key role in the maintenance of normal neuronal function. Although many diseases of the central nervous system exhibit specific pathological hallmarks, abnormalities of the endosome system are common traits for several of them including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Three main routes originate from the endosomes: the recycling, the degradation and the retrograde pathway. Studies have shown that the majority of Down syndrome subjects develop AD pathology and manifest altered morphology and number of endosomes, abnormalities in lysosome acidification and exosome secretion suggesting that dysfunction of one of these pathways could play a functional role in the AD-like phenotype of the syndrome. Two of the major endosomal routes are mediated by the retromer complex, a multimeric system responsible for transport of cargo from the endosome to the trans-Golgi network or to the cell membrane. Recently, a new endosome system structurally related to the retromer, called "retriever', has been reported. While we know a lot about the neuropathophysiology of the retromer complex, no precise pathogenic role for the retriever has been identified yet. Here, we will review the neurobiology of the endosome system and its role as key player in the development of AD-like pathology in Down syndrome. Additionally, we will discuss current knowledge on these two main endosome systems, retromer and retriever, and their potential as novel therapeutic targets. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Orthopedic aspects of achondroplasia in children.

The majority of achondroplastic children are fit and able throughout their early childhood. A small minority are disabled by cervico-medullary compression at the foramen magnum or by chronic recurrent otitis media. The first complaints in neurologically intact children are of leg pain due to progressive deformity at about 6 years of age.
Genomic Analysis of the Emergence and Rapid Global Dissemination of the Clonal Group 258 Klebsiella pneumoniae Pandemic

Multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae producing the KPC carbapenemase have rapidly spread throughout the world, causing severe healthcare-associated infections with limited antimicrobial treatment options. Dissemination of KPC-producing K. pneumoniae is largely attributed to expansion of a single dominant strain, ST258. In this study, we explore phylogenetic relationships and evolution within ST258 and its clonal group, CG258, using whole genome sequence analysis of 167 isolates from 20 countries collected over 17 years. Our results show a common ST258 ancestor emerged from its diverse parental clonal group around 1995 and likely acquired blaKPC prior to dissemination. Over the past two decades, ST258 has remained highly clonal despite diversity in accessory elements and divergence in the capsule polysaccharide synthesis locus. Apart from the large recombination event that gave rise to ST258, few mutations set it apart from its clonal group. However, one mutation occurs in a global transcription regulator. Characterization of outer membrane protein sequences revealed a profile in ST258 that includes a truncated OmpK35 and modified OmpK37. Our work illuminates potential genomic contributors to the pathogenic success of ST258, helps us better understand the global dissemination of this strain, and identifies genetic markers unique to ST258.
A cost-effectiveness analysis of retropubic midurethral sling versus transobturator midurethral sling for female stress urinary incontinence.

Aims To compare the cost-effectiveness (CE) of retropubic midurethral sling (RMS) versus transobturator midurethral sling (TMS) for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Methods A Markov chain decision model was created to simulate treatment of SUI with RMS versus TMS. Costing data were obtained from the Medicare RBRVS. Data regarding the efficacy and complications associated with RMS versus TMS was compiled from a literature review of 21 randomized RCTs with a minimum of 12 months follow-up, as were corresponding utilities for different continence states. Deterministic and probabilistic estimates of cost-effectiveness (CE) for each procedure were calculated and compared, and sensitivity analyses were performed. Results In the base-case deterministic analysis, the efficacy of RMS was 6.275 versus 6.272 QALYs for TMS. QALYs represent a measure of disease burden accounting for both quantity and quality of life lived and are used to assess the monetary value of a medical intervention. The average cost for treatment with RMS however was higher at $9,579 versus $9,017 with TMS. TMS was therefore overall more cost-effective than RMS (CE = $1,438/QALY vs. $1,527/QALY). Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that physician and sling characteristics such as device cost, surgeon fee, efficacy of treatment, operative time, and duration of hospitalization could all affect the relative CE of the therapies. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that TMS was more cost-effective than RMS as a treatment for female SUI. The efficacy of the two treatments could be affected by physician and sling characteristic factors. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:1186–1192, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Loss-Based Estimation with Evolutionary Algorithms and Cross-Validation

Statistical estimation in multivariate data sets presents myriad challenges when the form of the regression function linking the outcome and explanatory variables is unknown. Our study seeks to understand the computational challenges of regression estimation’s underlying optimization problem and design intelligent procedures for this setting. We begin by analyzing the size of the parameter space in polynomial regression in terms of the number of variables and the constraints on the polynomial degree and the number of interacting explanatory variables.We subsequently propose a new procedure for statistical estimation that relies upon cross-validation to select the optimal parameter subspace and an evolutionary algorithm to minimize risk within this subspace based upon the available data. This general purpose procedure can be shown to perform well in a variety of challenging multivariate estimation settings. Furthermore, the procedure is sufficiently flexible to allow the user to incorporate known causal structures into the estimate and to adjust computational parameters such as the population mutation rate according to the problem’s specific challenges. Furthermore, the procedure can be shown to asymptotically converge to the globally optimal estimate. We compare this evolutionary algorithm to a variety of competitors over the course of simulation studies and in the context of a study of disease progression in diabetes patients.
Shock-associated MHD waves - A model for interstellar density fluctuations

We discuss the possibility that the density fluctuations responsible for radio scintillations could be due to ion‐beam‐generated magnetohydrodynamic waves near interstellar shock waves. This suggestion is inspired by spacecraft observations which reveal these phenomena near shocks in the solar system. The model quite naturally accounts for the scale on which these fluctuations occur; it is dictated by the wavelength of the unstable waves. A feature of the model is that there is no cascasde from very large (of order parsec) scales to small scales. The fluctuations are directly produced on the small scales where they have a pronounced effect on radio waves. An embarrassment to the model is the apparently small spatial extent of region of intense MHD waves and associated density fluctuations. Simple estimates based on quasilinear theory yield regions too thin to produce the observed scattering. A number of ways in which this conclusion can be circumvented are discussed.
Centrally Acting Anti-Obesity Agents

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses agents that target central pathways involved in controlling food intake, body weight, and reward and that are under active investigation. Only two drugs are currently approved for chronic weight loss treatment—a pancreatic lipase inhibitor called orlistat (Xenical ® ) and a monoamine reuptake inhibitor sibutramine (Meridia ® ). Both have different adverse effect profiles that limit more widespread use. A cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) antagonist, rimonabant, is currently under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). CB1R is hypothesized to play a role in the regulation of appetite because of its location in the hypothalamus. This was confirmed using a combination of CB1R selective ligands and CB1 knockout (KO) mice. The search for melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) agonist drugs continues to be a highly active area of research. Biochemistry of the MC4R suggests that the receptor is constitutively active in vivo and that this is achieved by self-activation from the N-terminus.
The rˆle of the African media in patron-client relationship: a preliminary look

In an attempt to enrich the concept of development communication, a study of the patron-client network - a particular form of political, economic and social organization common to many developing c...
Making Sense of Intercultural Collaboration

The rise of globalization is accompanied by an increase in alliances and collaboration. While firms are gaining in expertise and cultural sensitivity, some initiatives founder as people fail to fully consider culture’s impact. We adopt a cultural sense-making approach to intercultural collaboration, presenting a framework for analyzing cultural differences—value dimensions and communication styles rarely compiled in one location. Using these concepts, we explain cultural barriers to trust, a key component in collaboration, and demonstrate how cultural sense making is useful in analyzing intercultural situations. Fourteen strategies to help managers collaborate more effectively across cultures follow.
Milo and J-Mole: computers as constructivist teachable agents

Understanding mathematical symbols requires more than procedural fluency. It also involves understanding the communicative work that symbols need to accomplish (Greeno & Hall, 1997). Typically, students receive a formula and apply it narrowly. This practice subverts opportunities to consider whether and why the formula appropriately captures and communicates the situation at hand. For example, students often fail to understand when one model is preferable over another or why. One solution is to have students develop models that others will have to interpret (e.g., Kordaki & Potari, 1998). By evaluating the extent to which their model communicates the relevant properties, students may begin to appreciate the qualities that make a model more or less useful.
Neuroimaging and the school-based assessment of traumatic brain injury.

Advanced neuroimaging contributes to a greater understanding of brain pathology following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and has the ability to guide neurorehabilitation decisions. When integrated with the school-based psychoeducational assess- ment of a child with a TBI, neuroimaging can provide a different perspective when interpreting educational and behavioral variables relevant to school-based neurorehabilitation. School psychologists conducting traditional psychoeducational assessments of chil- dren with TBI seldom obtain and integrate neuroimaging, despite its availability. This article presents contextual information on the medical assessment of TBI, major types of neuroimaging, and networks of the brain. A case study illustrates the value of incorporating neuroimaging into the standard school-based psychoeducational evaluations of children with traumatic brain injury.
Robust Detection Technique for Removing Random-Valued Impulse Noise

This paper presents a new detection technique to detect the random valued-impulse noise. In this technique, the noisy pixels are detected progressively through several phases. In the first phase, the pixel that has a strange value amongst its neighboring pixels in the local window is detected first as a noisy pixel. Then in the next phase, the pixel that has less than three similar pixels amongst its neighboring is detected as noisy pixel, and so on. Extensive simulations demonstrate that this method comparable to the best method at low noise rates, but it outperforms other state of the art methods at high noise rates. This method suppresses impulse noise efficiently, while at the same time preserving the image details.
PLUSHBOT: an introduction to computer science

We present the Plushbot project that focuses on providing a more motivating introduction of computer science to middle school students, employing tangible programming of plush toys as its central activity. About sixty students, ages 12-14, participated in a 7.5-week study in which they created and programmed their own plush toys. In order to achieve these, they learned and used several tools, including LilyPad Arduino, Modkit and a web-based application called Plushbot, which permits the user to integrate circuitry design with a pattern of plush toy pieces. Once a design is complete, the user can print the pattern and use it as a template for creating a plush toy. Plushbot is a system that allows children to create their own interactive plush toys with computational elements and ideas embedded.
AGU President's Message: Obama Administration's Commitment to Scientific Integrity

[1] In March 2009, President Barack Obama issued a memorandum on the subject of scientific integrity in which he stated emphatically, 'Science and the scientific process must inform and guide decisions of my Administration on a wide range of issues, including improvement of public health, protection of the environment, increased efficiency in the use of energy and other resources, mitigation of the threat of climate change, and protection of national security.” The president charged John Holdren, director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), with developing specific recommendations “for ensuring the highest level of integrity in all aspects of the executive branch's involvement with scientific and technological processes.” On Friday, 17 December, OSTP released federal department and agency guidelines for implementing the administration's policies on scientific integrity.
The second component (C2n) of the nurse shark complement system: purification, physico-chemical characterization and functional comparison with guinea pig C4.

Abstract C2n was isolated and purified from nurse shark serum by initial cold low ionic strength precipitation, followed by chromatography on DE-52 cellulose, hydroxylapatite and filtration on BioGel A-0.5. The molecular weight, determined by gel filtration and PAGE, was 170K daltons and 180K daltons respectively. The molecule retained 100% activity after heating for 2 hours at 56°C. Optimal temperature and time for C2n fixation was 30°C and 20 minutes respectively. Experiments were carried out to determine whether C2n and C4gp could replace each other in the lysis of cellular intermediate EAnCln (with which both components are compatible) when the remaining homologous and heterologous complement components were supplied. Results showed that lysis only occurred with the homologous components indicating an incompatibility between C2n and C2gp and C4gp and C3n. Results from interference studies indicated that C4gp and C2n interfere with each others binding and/or interaction with EAnCln.
Norepinephrine and Forearm Vascular Resistance Responses to Tilt and Cold Pressor Test in Essential Hypertension: Effects of Aging

Heart rate, blood pressure, forearm vascular resistance (FVR), and catecholamine and renin responses to head-up tilt at 80 degrees and cold pressor test were investigated in 15 hypertensive men age...