cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of Democratic Values in Transformational Leadership

Transformational leaders are typically seen as visionaries and catalysts of organizational change. Although organizational change is important, the transformational leadership model is vitally impo...
NOETHER SETTINGS FOR CENTRAL EXTENSIONS OF GROUPS WITH ZERO SCHUR MULTIPLIER

Let G be a finite group, and let F be an algebraically closed field. The rational extension of F, F(G) = F(xg : g ∈ G) with G action given by hxg = xhg for g, h ∈ G, is referred to as the Noether setting for G. We show that if G is a group with zero Schur multiplier, then for any central extension G′ of G, F(G′)G′ and F(G)G are stably equivalent over F. That is, F(G)G is stably rational over F if and only if F(G′)G′ is stably rational over F. In particular, if G is a cyclic group or an abelian group with zero Schur multiplier, then F(G′) is stably rational over F.
Outside of School Matters: What We Need to Know in Urban Environments

This article focuses on factors outside of school that we have identified from the established research literature as essential for educators to consider in supporting students in urban environments. We start by conceptualizing what it means for a school to be “urban.” Following this discussion, we describe four outside-of-school factors that emerge from the literature: (1) Understanding Student and Family Homelessness; (2) Understanding Geography and Social Contexts; (3) Understanding Policy and School Funding; and (4) Understanding Parental and Family Involvement. These factors are important to helping educators, especially pre- and in-service teachers, in their understanding of and, consequently, the practices they use to meet the needs of students in these social contexts. We conclude with recommendations for educational practice.
Questionnaires that screen for multiple sleep disorders

Summary The goal of this review was to identify, describe, and evaluate the existing multiple sleep disorders screening questionnaires for their comprehensiveness, brevity, and psychometric quality. A systematic review was conducted using Medline/PubMed, cumulative index to nursing & allied health literature, health and psychosocial instruments and the "grey literature". Search terms were "sleep disorders, screening, questionnaires, and psychometrics". The scope of the search was limited to English language articles for adult age groups from 1989 through 2015. Of the n = 2812 articles identified, most were assessment or treatment guideline reviews, topical reviews, and/or empirical articles. Seven of the articles described multiple sleep disorders screening instruments. Of the identified instruments, two questionnaires (the Holland sleep Disorders questionnaire and sleep-50) were evaluated as comprehensive and one questionnaire (the global sleep assessment questionnaire [GSAQ]) was judged to be both comprehensive and efficient. The GSAQ was found to cover four of the six core intrinsic disorders, sleep insufficiency, and daytime sequela with 11 questions. Accordingly, the GSAQ is the most suitable for application as a general sleep disorders screener. Additional work is required to validate this instrument in the context of primary care. Finally, the future development of multiple sleep disorders screening questionnaires should not only cover all six intrinsic sleep disorders but also acquire some basic demographic information (age, sex, body mass index, presence/absence of bed partner, work status and shift) and some limited data regarding sleep sufficiency and the daytime consequences of sleep disturbance.
Cascading Failure Analysis With DC Power Flow Model and Transient Stability Analysis

When the modern electrical infrastructure is undergoing a migration to the Smart Grid, vulnerability and security concerns have also been raised regarding the cascading failure threats in this interconnected transmission system with complex communication and control challenge. The DC power flow-based model has been a popular model to study the cascading failure problem due to its efficiency, simplicity and scalability in simulations of such failures. However, due to the complex nature of the power system and cascading failures, the underlying assumptions in DC power flow-based cascading failure simulators (CFS) may fail to hold during the development of cascading failures. This paper compares the validity of a typical DC power flow-based CFS in cascading failure analysis with a new numerical metric defined as the critical moment (CM). The adopted CFS is first implemented to simulate system behavior after initial contingencies and to evaluate the utility of DC-CFS in cascading failure analysis. Then the DC-CFS is compared against another classic, more precise power system stability methodology, i.e., the transient stability analysis (TSA). The CM is introduced with a case study to assess the utilization of these two models for cascading failure analysis. Comparative simulations on the IEEE 39-bus and 68-bus benchmark reveal important consistency and discrepancy between these two approaches. Some suggestions are provided for using these two models in the power grid cascading failure analysis.
The association between on-site cardiac catheterization facilities and the use of coronary angiography after acute myocardial infarction

Background During the past decade the use of coronary angiography after acute myocardial infarction has substantially increased. Among the possible contributing factors, the increasing availability of cardiac catheterization facilities was the focus of our investigation. Methods We investigated whether the availability of cardiac catheterization facilities at an admitting hospital was associated with the likelihood that a patient would undergo coronary angiography. After adjusting for age, sex, cardiac history, and cardiac complications during hospitalization, we evaluated this association in 5867 consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction admitted to 19 Seattle-area hospitals. We also assessed the association between the presence of on-site cardiac catheterization facilities and in-hospital mortality. Results Patients admitted to hospitals with on-site cardiac catheterization facilities were far more likely to undergo coronary angiography (odds ratio, 3.21; 95 percent confidence interval, 2.81...
Impact of Six Insecticide-based Arthropod Pest Management Strategies on Pecan Yield, Quality, and Return Bloom Under Four Irrigation/Soil-fertility Regimes

The spectrum of activity of six insecticide-based arthropod pest management strategies was measured for fruit and foliage arthropod pests of pecans. Treatments that controlled the pecan aphid complex below peak population levels of 50 aphids per terminal (current year's stem growth) improved foliage retention in the fall over less effective treatments. Improved foliage retention in the fall was positively correlated with the number of pistillate flower clusters set during the following spring in both irrigated and nonirrigated trees. Improved aphid and mite control was associated with larger nut size in nonirrigated but not in irrigated trees. Irrigation and soil fertility levels did not effect the relative abundance of pecan aphids or mites.
Antiperistaltic Jejunal Interposition for Control of Dumping

Although the majority of patients who develop dumping syndrome after partial gastrectomy can be treated successfully by medical means, some inevitably require a second operation. In the case presented, as in others, interposing a segment of jejunum in the anti rather than isoperistaltic relationship was highly effective in delaying the emptying of the gastric remnant and restoring its reservoir function.
Human Genetics of Atrial Septal Defect

Atrial septal defects and other interatrial communications share the physiologic phenotype of shunting blood from the left to the right atrium, but their genetics and development have important differences. Secundum ASDs are the most common and usually the type implied by clinicians when not otherwise specified. The distinction is important because the development and genetics of ostium primum ASDs, the second most common type, are related to atrioventricular septal defects. Sinus venosus and coronary sinus defects are rare. Their anatomy and development are more properly considered as an interatrial communication rather than a true septal defect. Little is known about their genetics. This chapter focuses on the human genetics of secundum ASD and sinus venosus and coronary sinus defects.
Health-related quality of life measurements and studies in rheumatoid arthritis.

Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a major cause of disability and impairment of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in the United States. Increasingly, HRQOL assessments are becoming part of a package of materials reviewed by managed care providers in making formulary and reimbursement decisions. Objective To help managed care administrators understand how to interpret and apply the results of HRQOL assessment scales. Methods Several patient-reported instruments in common use in RA were reviewed, including the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Modified HAQ, Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale, and the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey. Results These self-assessment scales help improve patient/physician communication and thus enable better treatment decision-making. The scales can also aid managed care administrators in evaluating the efficacy and the financial benefits of therapies. The HAQ was one scale that stood out as being short, easy to administer, and disease-specific for RA. Conclusions Self-assessment reports, such as the HAQ, provide key data on disability and HRQOL from the patient's perspective. The information so gained enables the clinician to select the most cost-effective therapies and interventions that slow disease progression, maintain functional status, and improve HRQOL.
Control of neuronal pathway selection by the Drosophila LIM homeodomain gene apterous

The Drosophila apterous gene encodes a LIM homeodomain protein expressed embryonically in a small subset of differentiating neurons. To establish the identity of these neurons and to study the role of apterous in their development, we made apterous promoter fusions to an axon-targeted reporter gene. We found that all apterous-expressing neurons are interneurons that choose a single pathway within the developing central nervous system. In apterous mutants, these neurons choose incorrect pathways and fail to fasciculate with one another. Our results indicate that apterous functions to control neuronal pathway selection and suggest that other vertebrate and invertebrate members of the LIM homeodomain class of proteins may serve similar functions.
Personality traits, political attitudes and vote choice: Evidence from the United States

Past studies have documented the significant relationships between personality traits and voter turnout, but we know less about whether personality traits influence individual vote choices. This study examines whether such attitudinal factors as party identification, feeling thermometers toward the candidates, policy preferences and executive approval mediate the effects of personality traits on vote choice in the United States. Using data from ANES 2012, this study finds no direct relationship between personality traits and vote choice. More importantly, the results reveal that through previously mentioned attitudinal factors, higher levels of extraversion, conscientiousness and emotional stability indirectly decrease the probability of voting for Obama, whereas a higher level of openness to experience indirectly increases the probability of voting for Obama. Nevertheless, agreeableness only exerts an indirect, positive influence on vote choice via executive approval. Overall, this study provides insight into the relationship between personality traits and vote choice and makes up for the insufficiency in the study of personality and voting behavior.
Robotic mitral valve repair: algorithmic approach in degenerative mitral valve disease

Degenerative mitral valve disease is the most common reason for surgical referral of patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) (1). The most recent guidelines strongly recommend mitral valve repair (MVR) over replacement because of higher survival, better preservation of left ventricular function and greater freedoms from endocarditis, thromboembolism, and anticoagulant-related hemorrhage (1). Robotic MVR was introduced in the late1990s with the goal of improving technical precision of less invasive surgical mitral valve reconstruction. When compared to other less invasive approaches, the advantages of robotic MVR include three-dimensional views of the valve pathology and better maneuverability of the endoscopic instruments. A 69-year-old lady was referred to our institution for evaluation and management of mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR). She had been experiencing worsening shortness of breath over the previous 6 months, and she was in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class II at the time of surgery. Her past medical history was significant for basal cell carcinoma of the lower lip; however, there was no history of concomitant cardiovascular disease. Physical examination revealed blood pressure of 135/73 mmHg and pulse of 85 BPM. A V/VI holosystolic murmur was detected at the fifth left intercostal space (ICS) radiating to the axilla. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) demonstrated a mildly dilated left atrium, normal left and right ventricles with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 63%, and right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) of 22 mmHg. There was 4+ MR and 3+ TR with normal aortic and pulmonary valves. The patient underwent thorough perioperative screening for potential robotic mitral and tricuspid valve repair, including coronary angiography to exclude coronary artery disease, thoraco-abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan to ensure feasibility and safety of peripheral perfusion and intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to delineate mitral valve anatomy in detail.
Dueling Narratives: Racial Socialization and Literacy as Triggers for Re-Humanizing African American Boys, Young Men, and Their Families

Confronting narratives of black male dehumanization is posed as an initial step toward the development of novel family mental health interventions. Narrative change requires a rethinking of the individual and systemic assumptions about how we conceptualize, measure, and analyze black male pathways toward manhood, particularly if past narratives exclude their unique racial risk and protective life experiences. Universal approaches to risk and protection cast a blind eye to historical and contemporary tragedies of black male developmental trajectories that are dehumanizing. Centering prevention and intervention efforts to confront dehumanization is the most novel aspect of future research on black males and family or community mental health approaches. Racial socialization and literacy can spark a critical race consciousness that justify the engagement of community efforts involving physical activity, sports, barbershops, and cultural style strategies. Recommendations for measurement and development of racial risk and protective factors as well as policies that appreciate racial dehumanization are proposed.
Energy consumption of traditional simulation protocol over SmartPhones: an empirical study (WIP)

Smartphones having limited capabilities to store, and process data. In recent era, smartphones adoption is growing exponentially and at the same time with limited power availability and high power consumption is one of the major concern of smartphone users and manufacturers. In parallel and distributed simulations (PDS), traditional algorithms consumed large amount of energy. This is due to the fact traditional algorithms are designed without considering power as a limiting factor. In the domain of parallel simulations, limited work exist that focus of power consumption and optimization of simulation codes in mobile online distributed simulations. In this work, we measured the energy consumption of various components of mobile device by executing optimistic simulation protocol. The preliminary results are reported concerning energy consumption of socket, kernel, simulation code, and LCD. We further suggested some improvements in the execution of protocol to optimize the energy consumption.
Parental Concordance Regarding Problems and Hopes for Seriously Ill Children: A Two-Year Cohort Study

Abstract Context Parents of a seriously ill child may have different concerns and hopes for their child, and these concerns and hopes may change over time. Objectives In a mixed-method prospective cohort of parental dyads of children with serious illness, to describe the major problems and hopes perceived for their child, examine the degree of concordance between parents, and assess whether prevalence and concordance change over time. Methods Eighty-four parents (42 dyads) of seriously ill children reported the major problems and hopes for their children at baseline. Thirty-two parents (16 dyads) answered the same questions at 24 months. Problems and hopes were classified into nine domains. Observed concordance was calculated between parents on each domain. Data for parents of 11 children who died are reported separately. Results The most common major problem and hope domains at baseline were physical body, quality of life, future health and well-being, and medical care. Parental dyads demonstrated a moderately high percentage of concordance (69%) regarding reported problem domains and a slightly lower percentage of concordance on hopes (61%), with higher concordance for more common domains. Domain prevalence and concordance changed considerably at 24 months. Parents of children who later died showed markedly different patterns of domain prevalence and more extreme patterns of concordance. Conclusion Parents of children with serious illness may have different perspectives regarding major problems and hopes, and these perspectives change over time. Parents of sicker children are more likely to be in either complete agreement or disagreement regarding the problems and hopes they identify.
Photocatalytic TiO2 coating of plastic cutting board to prevent microbial cross-contamination

Abstract Kitchen cutting boards are one common source of microbial cross-contamination in foods. In this study, a method was developed to create an antimicrobial coating on HDPE cutting board using UV-activated TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs). The antimicrobial efficacy of the developed coatings was tested against E. coli O157: H7 for 3 h at 0.5 ± 0.05 mW/cm2 UVA light intensity. In addition, the effect of NP loading (0.0125, 0.0625, and 0.125 mg/cm2), and surface treatment of coatings by oxygen plasma for 1–15 min on the bactericidal efficacy was investigated. Further, the bactericidal efficacy of the TiO2 coated cutting board on repeated use (i.e. 1, 2, 3 and 5 times) was also evaluated. The results showed that by increasing the NP loading from 0 to 0.125 mg/cm2 has increased the log reduction from 0.37 to 1.18 CFU/cm2. However, no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the reduction was observed between NP loadings at 0.0625 and 0.125 mg/cm2. Oxygen plasma treatment of the coated surfaces for 5–15 min significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05) the log reduction compared to control sample without plasma treatment. Under the tested conditions, TiO2 coating with 0.0625 mg/cm2 NP loading followed by oxygen plasma treatment for 5 min was found to achieve the greatest reduction up to 2.67 log CFU/cm2. Also, the coated-surfaces were found to retain the original bactericidal property even after up to 5 times washing treatment. The developed TiO2 coating on cutting board showed promise to mitigate the risk of microbial cross-contamination by providing a stable antimicrobial activity for extended use. Plasma treatment further enhanced the bactericidal property of the developed coatings without affecting physical stability.
Self-refutation in undecidability, diagonalization and Russell's paradox

Undecidability proofs, diagonalization proofs and Russell's paradox address distinct issues and are usually taught in different contexts: undecidability proofs are constructed to show that certain problems are not algorithmically solvable, diagonalization proofs to show that certain sets are not countable, and Russell's paradox to show that naive set theory is inconsistent. In this paper, we present self-refutation as a common basis of these seemingly distinct constructions. While all of these constructions are well-known and well-studied, rarely has a connection among them been explicitly made in the related classes. Thus, it seems instructive to bring out their common root.
Is activation of the granulocyte by concanavalin-A a reversible process?

The stimulation of granulocyte O2- production by concanavalin-A can be reversed with alpha-methylmannoside. Such cells can be reactivated to generate O2- by adding phorbol myristate acetate or N-formyl-methionyl- leucyl-phenylalanine. Opsonized zymosan, however, is not an effective stimulant to these cells. alpha-Methylmannoside prevents, but does not reverse, depolarization of granulocytes by concanavalin-A. Previously activated cells have a shorter lag time for reactivation by phorbol myristate acetate. Incubation in 2-deoxyglucose of cells previously treated with concanavalin-A and alpha-methylmannoside prevents reactivation. EGTA prevents concanavalin-A-stimulated O2- production only when added prior to the stimulant. EGTA has only a slight effect on reactivation. alpha-Methylmannoside prevents concanavalin-A- stimulated release of lysozyme only when added prior to the stimulant. Prior treatment of cells with concanavalin-A and alpha-methylmannoside inhibits subsequent ingestion of complement-coated particles. We conclude that although the O2--generating system can be reversibly activated with concanavalin-A followed by alpha-methylmannoside, these cells are different from untreated cells. Cells treated in such a way do not respond to all stimuli, remain depolarized, have shortened lag times, no longer require calcium for activation, continue to degranulate, and do not ingest well. Thus, although some changes that accompany the interaction of stimuli with granulocytes are reversible, some are not, and the previously activated cell does not return to a true resting state.
A Kinesin-14 Motor Activates Neocentromeres to Promote Meiotic Drive in Maize.

Summary Maize abnormal chromosome 10 (Ab10) encodes a classic example of true meiotic drive that converts heterochromatic regions called knobs into motile neocentromeres that are preferentially transmitted to egg cells. Here, we identify a cluster of eight genes on Ab10, called the Kinesin driver ( Kindr ) complex, that are required for both neocentromere motility and preferential transmission. Two meiotic drive mutants that lack neocentromere activity proved to be kindr epimutants with increased DNA methylation across the entire gene cluster. RNAi of Kindr induced a third epimutant and corresponding loss of meiotic drive. Kinesin gliding assays and immunolocalization revealed that KINDR is a functional minus-end-directed kinesin that localizes specifically to knobs containing 180 bp repeats. Sequence comparisons suggest that Kindr diverged from a Kinesin-14A ancestor ∼12 mya and has driven the accumulation of > 500 Mb of knob repeats and affected the segregation of thousands of genes linked to knobs on all 10 chromosomes.
Ultra-micronized Palmitoylethanolamide Effects on Sleep-wake Rhythm and Neuropathic Pain Phenotypes in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: An Open-label, Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome often suffer from fragmentary sleep. This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of treatment with ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide in reducing pain intensity and improving quality of sleep in patients with neuropathic pain due to carpal tunnel syndrome. METHODS An open, controlled study was conducted on 42 patients awaiting carpal tunnel syndrome surgery, suffering from sleep disorders and painful symptoms and randomized into two groups. One group received ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide (600 mg twice daily) during the pre- and postsurgery periods, while the other group did not receive any treatment except surgical therapy. The primary outcome measure was sleep quality assessment by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, with secondary outcome as painful symptomatology intensity evaluated by the Numeric Rating Scale. RESULTS At the end of the pre-surgery period (T1) there was a highly significant improvement (p<0.0001) in overall sleep quality with an increase of continuous sleep time and a reduction of sleep latency and disturbances as well as a significant mitigation (p<0.0001) of painful symptoms in favor of the treated group. CONCLUSION Disturbed sleep patterns are very common in patients suffering from neuropathic pain due to carpal tunnel syndrome. Our results, albeit preliminary, suggest that ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide administration favors a clear improvement of sleep quality, confirming a correlation between sleep disorders and pain intensity.
HIV Education for Low-Literate People: Transforming Students and Communities through Paulo Freire’s Praxis and the Pedagogy of Action

A ‘study abroad’ program, which was designed to conscientize students at the University of Michigan through a year-long, three-course series using an innovative oral module to teach human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention both in the United States and South Africa, was developed to transform the students and also the community by using the principles of Paulo Freire's educational theories. The story and etiology of the Pedagogy of Action will reveal how transformations were achieved through the three courses, The Pedagogy of Empowerment: Activism in Race, Gender, and Health; Preparation for the Field; and The Pedagogy of Action, which is the praxis course conducted in South Africa for 7 years.
Effects of Air Pollution on Lung Function Development and Asthma Occurrence

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the effects of air pollution on development of lung function and occurrence of asthma. Impaired prenatal or postnatal lung growth may result from exposure to environmental toxicants including tobacco smoke and ambient air pollutants. Reduced prenatal or postnatal growth rates result in lungs that do not reach their developmental potential, reaching a reduced level resulting in symptoms at an earlier age with normal age-related decline in function or acute respiratory conditions. In utero exposure to maternal smoking is associated with decreased lung function at birth, which persists into adolescence and adulthood. The effects of in utero exposure are largest in children who also develop childhood asthma. Smoking and ETS exposure are associated with a shorter plateau and an accelerated decline in susceptible smokers that may lead to an early onset of disability and death from chronic lung diseases. The acute effects of ozone on lung function, airway hyper-responsiveness, and airway inflammation in humans and animal models have led to the hypothesis that living in regions with high levels of ambient ozone is associated with chronic deficits in lung function by reducing growth and speeding lung function decline. Diesel exhaust, a traffic-related pollutant that contains high levels of NO 2 , fine particles, and organic compounds, appears to have acute and chronic effects on lung function. Although it is accepted that combustion-related air pollution exacerbates asthma, there is little evidence to support a role for ambient air pollutants on prevalence or incidence of new onset asthma, and it is generally thought that air pollution does not cause new cases of asthma.
Exploring the Neurophysiological Effects of Self-Controlled Practice in Motor Skill Learning

Considerable research has been devoted to understanding how intrinsic motivation can augment the learning of motor skills. Many manipulations targeting intrinsic motivation have led to improved learning, but the mechanisms underlying this effect are not known. Replicating a previous study, we manipulated intrinsic motivation by giving one group self-control over the difficulty of practice, while a control group was yoked to that schedule. We collected measures of intrinsic motivation, engagement, and physiological measures related to dopamine (spontaneous eye-blink rate; sEBR) and approach motivation (frontal alpha asymmetry; FAS) to understand mechanisms underlying learning effects. Although the effect of self-control was not significant in the current experiment, the overall result was statistically significant when combined with the results of our previous study. Overall, there is evidence for a benefit of self-control during practice, but the true effect-size is smaller than initially estimated. Furth...
Streptococcus pneumoniae colonization after introduction of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for US adults 65 years of age and older, 2015-2016.

Abstract Background Vaccination of children with 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) led to declines in vaccine-type pneumococcal nasopharyngeal carriage among adults through indirect effects. In August 2014, PCV13 immunization of all U.S. adults ≥65 years of age was recommended. This study sought to define prevalence and serotype distribution of pneumococcal carriage among adults ≥65 years of age and to describe risk factors for colonization soon after introduction of PCV13 in adults. Methods A cross-sectional survey of non-institutionalized U.S. adults ≥65 years of age was conducted in four states in 2015–2016. Demographic information, risk factors for disease, PCV13 vaccination history, and nasopharyngeal (NP) and oropharyngeal (OP) swabs were collected. NP and OP swabs were processed separately and pneumococcal isolates were serotyped by Quellung reaction. Antimicrobial susceptibility of pneumococcal isolates was performed. NP swabs also underwent real-time PCR for pneumococcal detection and serotyping. Results Of 2989 participants, 45.3% (1354/2989) had been vaccinated with PCV13. Fifty-five (1.8%) carried pneumococcus (45 identified by culture and 10 by real-time PCR only) and PCV13 serotypes were found in eight (0.3%) participants. Almost half (22/45) of pneumococcal isolates were not susceptible to at least one of the antibiotics tested. Vaccine-type carriage among vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals was similar (0.2% vs. 0.1%, respectively). Respiratory symptoms were associated with higher odds of pneumococcal colonization (adjusted OR: 2.1; 95% CI = 1.1–3.8). Conclusions Pneumococcal carriage among non-institutionalized adults ≥65 years of age was very low. Less than 0.5% of both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals in our study carried vaccine-type serotypes. Over a decade of PCV vaccination of children likely led to indirect effects in adults. However, given the low vaccine-type carriage rates we observed in an already high PCV13 adult coverage setting, it is difficult to attribute our findings to the direct versus indirect effects of PCV13 on adult carriage.
Inter-Limb Transfer of Grasp Force Perception With Closed-Loop Hand Prosthesis

Sensory feedback of grasp forces provides important information about physical interactions between the hand and objects, enabling both reactive and anticipatory neural control mechanisms. The numerous studies have shown artificial sensory feedback of various forms improves force control during grasping tasks by prosthetic hand users through a closed-feedback loop. However, little is known about how perceptual information is transferred between an intact limb and a closed-loop prosthetic limb, and the extent to which training inter-limb transfer may improve myoelectric prosthetic control. We addressed these gaps by using a contralateral force-matching task in which able-bodied participants were asked to generate grasp forces with their native hand, and then match it using the contralateral hand or a soft-synergy prosthetic hand worn on the contralateral arm that was coupled with a mechanotactile feedback device. We found that absolute matching error and matching time were greater when using the prosthetic system than the native hand. However, with contralateral specific training, subjects were able to produce similar relative matching error with the prosthetic system and the native hand, especially at the untrained force level. These findings suggest that an association can be established between the perception produced by the prosthetic limb and the contralateral intact limb, and provide novel insights about potential applications to training and design of the closed-loop prosthesis.
Depth-zero supercuspidal L-packets for inner forms of GSp4

Abstract We show that for any tame regular discrete series parameter of G S p 4 or its inner form G U 2 ( D ) , the L-packet attached by the local Langlands conjecture (Gan and Takeda, 2011 [14] ; Gan and Tantono, submitted for publication [15] ) agrees with the L-packet of depth-zero supercuspidal representations constructed by DeBacker and Reeder (2009) [12] .
Solving challenges at the interface of simulation and big data using machine learning

Modeling & Simulation (M&S) and Machine Learning (ML) have been used separately for decades. They can also straightforwardly be employed in the same study by contrasting the results of a theory-driven M&S model with the most accurate data-driven ML model. In this paper, we propose a paradigm shift from seeing ML and M&S as two independent activities to identifying how their integration can solve challenges that emerge in a big data context. Since several works have already examined this interaction for conceptual modeling or model building (e.g., creating components with ML and embedding them in the M&S model), our analysis is devoted on three relatively under-studied stages: calibrating a simulation model using ML, dealing with the issues of large search space by employing ML for experimentation, and identifying the right visualizations of model output by applying ML to characteristics of the output or actions of the users.
Editorial: It's Complicated: Adrenarcheal and Pubertal Hormonal Influence on Brain Development.

Recent research has begun to establish the very important role of prepubertal, pubertal, and peripubertal neurodevelopment and the developmental expression of adolescent-onset psychiatric disorders. There are definite changes in the rates and expression of psychiatric disorders during this time period of marked hormonal changes, with increases in rates of both major depression and anxiety disorders, particularly in females, and a sharp increase in risk-taking behavior in both males and females. Recent reports underscore the critical roles that neurodevelopmental changes contribute to the development of psychiatric disorders. Typical pubertal developmental changes, such as generalized growth spurts, breast and genital bodily maturation, and the onset of menstruation are strongly related to developmental changes in hormonal expression. Until recently, however, many behavioral and psychiatric investigations (including neuroimaging investigations) did not measure hormonal levels. Such investigations, by a small number of investigators, have been completed over the past 5 to 10 years. These studies make it clear that we need to substantially increase our understanding of the endocrine-related neurodevelopmental processes in periadolescence and adolescence as they relate to the expression of many psychiatric. Barendse et al.,1 published in this issue, reports some interesting findings that advance our understanding of adrenarcheal brain development, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and its relationship to anxiety symptoms.
Time-Varying Conditional Beta, Return Spillovers, and Dynamic Bank Diversification Strategies

Abstract This paper investigates how time-varying beta and return spillovers relate to bank diversification strategies conditional on market states, from a portfolio management approach. This paper explores the methods of estimating beta in a time-varying fashion for banking data. Further, it discovers the regime-switching relationship between bank beta and returns. Finally, this paper analyzes how the dynamic relationship between beta and return implies to bank diversification strategies. The main findings are: 1) Bank betas are time-varying and the relationship between beta and return in banking is regime-dependent; 2) banks use different diversification strategies in response to market movements conditional on market stability; 3) return spillovers among the banking industry affect bank returns through activity diversification.
Striking Similarities between CDRs in Some mAbs That Neutralize COVID-19

Four of five different monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that have been crystallized in complex with the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S) have remarkably similar primary and secondary loop structures at the heavy chain complementarity-determining regions (HCDR) 1 and 2. All these reports give a structural basis for the deceptively difficult problem of accurate peptidomimetic loop mimic design.
Travel distance and its interaction with patient and hospital factors in pancreas cancer care

Abstract Background Although volume-outcome literature supports regionalization for complex procedures, travel may be burdensome. We assessed the relationship between overall survival and travel distance for patients undergoing pancreatic resection for adenocarcinoma. Methods We analyzed the Fall 2018 National Cancer Database Public Use File. We defined distance traveled as a categorical variable ( 50mi). We analyzed overall survival (OS) as a function of distance traveled using the log rank test and Cox proportional hazards models; we estimated stratified models to assess for interaction between distance and other relevant covariates. Results In adjusted analysis of 39,089 patients, greater distance was associated with decreased OS (p = 0.0029). We found interactions between distance and center type, comorbidities, and age. Distance traveled was a negative factor for patients treated at low-volume academic centers (but not high-volume academic or non-academic centers). Additionally, distance traveled was a negative factor for OS in young, healthy patients but not geriatric, ill patients. Conclusion Traveling more than 12.5 miles for pancreatic resection was associated with worse OS. Prior to regionalization, evaluation of local resources may be necessary.
Phthalate mixtures in pregnancy, autistic traits, and adverse childhood behavioral outcomes.

Abstract Background Prenatal exposure to multiple phthalates is ubiquitous, and yet few studies have evaluated these exposures as a mixture in relation to child autistic traits and behavioral problems. Objectives To assess cumulative associations between prenatal phthalate mixtures and child behaviors, including effect modification by exposure timing and child sex. Methods Analyses included 501 mother/child pairs from the multicenter pregnancy cohort The Infant Development and Environment Study (TIDES). Nine maternal urinary phthalate metabolites were measured in early and late pregnancy, and behavior was assessed at ages 4–5 years using composite T scores for the Behavioral Assessment System for Children (BASC-2), which measures several dimensions of child behavior, and the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2), which measures social impairment consistent with autistic traits. We utilized weighted quantile sum (WQS) regressions to examine pregnancy period-specific associations between phthalate mixtures and behavioral outcomes. Full-sample 95% WQS confidence intervals are known to be anti-conservative, so we calculated a confirmatory p-value using a permutation test. Effect modification by sex was examined with stratified analyses. Results A one-quintile increase in the early pregnancy phthalate mixture was associated with increased SRS-2 total score (coefficient = 1.0, confirmatory p = 0.01) and worse adaptive skills (coefficient = −1.0, confirmatory p = 0.06) in both sexes. In sex-stratified analyses, the early pregnancy phthalate mixture was associated with increased SRS-2 total score in boys (coefficient = 1.2, confirmatory p = 0.04) and girls (coefficient = 1.0, confirmatory p = 0.10) and worse BASC-2 adaptive skills score in girls (coefficient = −1.5, confirmatory p = 0.06), while the late pregnancy phthalate mixture was associated with increased BASC-2 externalizing score in boys (coefficient = 1.3, confirmatory p = 0.03). Conclusion Our results suggest cumulative adverse associations between prenatal phthalate mixtures and multiple facets of childhood behavior.
Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System Comprehensive Guide: MR Imaging Edition

The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) is a comprehensive system for standardizing the lexicon, technique, interpretation, reporting, and data collection of liver imaging. Developed specifically for assessment of liver observations in patients at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), LI-RADS classifies hepatic observations on the basis of the probability of their being HCC, from LR-1 (definitely benign) to LR-5 (definitely HCC). This article discusses the technical requirements, major features, and ancillary features of and a systematic approach for using the LI-RADS diagnostic algorithm, with special emphasis on MR imaging.
Parallel recognizer algorithm for automatic speech recognition

A parallel recognizer algorithm for automatic speech recognition (ASR) was presented. This algorithm uses the principle of best-fit in an open competition for all phonemes in the Knowledge Base of Reference Phonemes (KBRP). The phonemes were concurrently matched in KBRP to an input T using a set of defined segment entities. This made it possible to convert the matrix computation of two-level dynamic programming (TLDP) to a vector space.
Power optimal routing in wireless networks

Reducing power consumption and increasing battery life of nodes in an ad-hoc network requires an integrated power control and routing strategy. Power optimal routing selects the multi-hop links that require the minimum total power cost for data transmission under a constraint on the link quality. This paper studies optimal power routing under the constraint of a fixed end-to-end probability of error and compares the power optimal routes obtained with this criterion with those from the more commonly used fixed per hop error rate constraint. The comparison is carried out by looking at the properties of the power optimal graph, formed by the union of all the power optimal routes. The paper also provides algorithms to determine the power optimal routes.
Training and Learning Development for Homeland Security

Due to the inevitable changes that occur throughout society, training is a necessary component Homeland Security. However, training is frequently ineffective and inefficient because it is being implemented incorrectly. In order to maximize the benefits of training and ensure trainees are acquiring expertise, training must be applied appropriately. This article offers insights about the science of training and learning as well as several principles to help researchers and practitioners in designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating training. In addition, this article expands upon the benefits of using simulation-based training, game-based training, and on-the-job training as potential instructional techniques that can be utilized in Homeland Security. Keywords: training; training design; training development; learning
Ownership structures of foreign subsidiaries: Theory and evidence

Abstract This paper explains how multinational enterprises (MNEs) select ownership structures for their foreign manufacturing subsidiaries. It extends the literature on the economics of the MNE and provides new statistical tests of its theoretical predictions. MNEs are found to prefer a joint venture with a host-country firm over a wholly owned subsidiary when: (I) the capabilities of the local firm complement those of the MNE; (2) the contributions of both firms are costlier to transfer contractually than through ownership channels, and (3) costs due to shirking by partners and conflicts between them do not outweigh the benefits of joint ownership.
Conversations across time and space: classical traditions in the Andes

Ona June night in 1557,Gonzalo Femandez de Oviedo, courtier, soldier, imperial official, man of letters and historian, lay on his deathbed, clasping in his hands the key to the fortress of Santo Domingo of which he had been commandant, alcaide, duringthe preceding thirty four years. 2 His life had been long and event ful. In his youth, he had served in the household ofthe Infante Don Juan, son of Ferdinand and Isabel, at whose side he witnessed the capture of Granada. After the lnfante's premature death in 1498, Oviedo spent sorne time in Italy. Long afterwards, he was still exchanging letters with sorne ofthe eminent Italians whom he had met during those years.
Heparin responses in vascular smooth muscle cells involve cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG).

Published data provide strong evidence that heparin treatment of proliferating vascular smooth muscle cells results in decreased signaling through the ERK pathway and decreases in cell proliferation. In addition, these changes have been shown to be mimicked by antibodies that block heparin binding to the cell surface. Here, we provide evidence that the activity of protein kinase G is required for these heparin effects. Specifically, a chemical inhibitor of protein kinase G, Rp-8-pCPT-cGMS, eliminates heparin and anti-heparin receptor antibody effects on bromodeoxyuridine incorporation into growth factor-stimulated cells. In addition, protein kinase G inhibitors decrease heparin effects on ERK activity, phosphorylation of the transcription factor Elk-1, and heparin-induced MKP-1 synthesis. Although transient, the levels of cGMP increase in heparin treated cells. Finally, knock down of protein kinase G also significantly decreases heparin effects in growth factor-activated vascular smooth muscle cells. Together, these data indicate that heparin effects on vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation depend, at least in part, on signaling through protein kinase G. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 2142–2152, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Crimson Brain, Red Mind: Yablo on Mental Causation

Stephen Yablo offers a solution to the problem of mental causation by claiming that the physical is a determinate of the mental's determinable, and therefore the mental and physical do not compete for causal relevance. I present Yablo's solution and argue that the mental-physical relation cannot meet three necessary conditions for determination. That relation fails to meet the requirements that determinates of the same determinable be incompatible and that no property can be a determinate of more than one determinable. Further, the mental and physical do not fall under the same series of scope inclusions as determinables and their determinates must. Yablo's conception of determination might be rendered more general to avoid these objections, but doing so would prevent it from functioning as a competitor to extant theories of the mental-physical relation. Thus, Yablo's solution to the problem of mental causation cannot be both adequately specific and correct.
The path towards manifest background independence

The set of string vertices is extended to include moduli spaces with genus and numbers of ordinary and special punctures ranging over all integral values $g,n,\bar n\geq0$. It is argued that both the string background and the B-V delta operator should be associated with the vertex $\B^0_{0,1}$ corresponding to the once-punctured sphere. This leads naturally to the proposal that the manifestly background independent formulation of quantum closed string field theory is given by the sum $\B$ of the completed set of string vertices satisfying the classical master equation $\{\B,\B\}=0$.
Chemical imaging cameras: the first steps

This paper describes the use of a fast readout MCT focal plane array for spectrochemical imaging.