cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bog Turtle Demographics within the Southern Population

Turtles are among the most vulnerable vertebrate group to declines, extirpations, and extinctions, especially those species with specific habitat requirements. The Bog Turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) is listed as federally Threatened in the United States, but the southern population of the species does not receive full habitat protection under the Endangered Species Act. To understand Bog Turtle demographics within the southern population, we applied Cormack-Jolly-Seber and multistate models in program MARK and calculated annual adult, sex-specific, and juvenile survival for intensively sampled (19–180 sampling days) Bog Turtle populations in North Carolina. The most parsimonious model indicated that adult survival remained constant over time for all populations, but was relatively low when compared to other species of turtles. Adult survival estimates varied between 0.86 and 0.94 among the sites, all below the 0.96 adult survival estimate documented for northern Bog Turtle populations. To evaluate variat...
The Complementarity Between Community and Government in Enforcing Norms and Contracts, and Their Interaction with Religion and Corruption

We investigate the complementarity between informal communities and formal government enforcement of norms of reciprocation and exchange. We introduce a model in which people exchange informally within their community as well as externally on a market. We show that informal community and formal enforcement are complements: the news that someone was convicted of cheating on the market leads that person to be ostracized by their community, bolstering incentives. Although transactions within a community can be less directly beneficial than those on a wider market, doing some transactions within a community and others on a formal market lowers overall costs of enforcement and is still welfare-enhancing compared to either extreme for a wide range of costs of formal enforcement. We also show that religion can enhance the complementarity between community and formal enforcement, while corruption undermines it. We discuss how community can play an important role in a country's development.
Onanie und Geschlecht, 1712–1990

Das Aufkommen der neuzeitlichen Masturbation kann mit einer Prazision datiert werden, wie sie in der Kulturgeschichte nur selten moglich ist. Es war am 1. Januar 1712, als der anonyme Autor eines kurzen Traktats mit langem Titel eine neue Krankheit nicht nur benannte, sondern sie regelrecht erfand. Geboren war damit jedoch nicht nur eine Krankheit, sondern ebenfalls ein neuer Mechanismus zur Erzeugung von Scham- und Schuldgefuhlen — ein Mechanismus, der eindeutig der Epoche der Moderne angehort und in der Folge eine fast universelle Wirksamkeit entfaltete. Der Originaltitel des Traktats lautete Onania; or the Heinous Sin of Seif Pollution and all its Frightful Consequences, in both SEXES [im Text]. Considered with Spiritual and Physical Advice to those who have already injured themselves by this abominable practice And seasonable Admonition to the Youth of the nation of Both SEXES [im Text]. Oder, in der deutschen Ausgabe: Onania oder die Selbstbeflekkung mit allen ihren entsetzlichen Folgen, welche dieses schandliche Laster bei beiderlei Geschlechtern nach sich zieht. Mit geistigem und leiblichem Rat fur diejenigen, welche sich durch diese abscheuliche Sunde bereits Schaden zugefugt haben und dem enthullten Geheimnisse, wie ohne arztliche Hulfe die geschwachten Leibesund Seelenkrafte wieder herzustellen sind. Dem Autor zufolge sei Onanie ein “solch haufiges und [zum Himmel] schreiendes Vergehen”(8. Aufl., 1723:iii, ii), dass allein die Unkenntnis der damit verbundenen Gefahren, die Heimlichkeit sowie die eingebildete Straflosigkeit seine weite Verbreitung erklaren konnten. Es gab fur dieses Vergehen weder die Todesstrafe, die z.B. fur “unnaturliche Unreinheiten” erlassen wurde, noch konnte es wie Unzucht oder Untreue durch spezielle Gesetze geahndet werden.
Development of the embryonic murine kidney in normal and congenital polycystic kidney disease: characterization of a proximal tubular degenerative process as the first observable light microscopic defect.

Abstract The current report presents findings from a comparative histological and histochemical investigation of murine congenital polycystic kidney disease. The studies revealed that the morphological changes are initiated in the developing proximal tubules of the nephron; differences from control sections first become evident at 16 days’ gestation. As the disease progresses, obvious changes include hyperplasia and dilation of the tubule, cellular vacuolization, and alterations in the apical cell brush border. Included among the latter changes are decreases in enzyme (alkaline phosphatase) staining and decreases in glycoprotein staining (periodic acid Schiff). All such changes continue until the kidney is markedly cystic and apical cell cytochemical staining is absent. Some cellular vacuolization, assumed to be a normal developmental event, is also seen within the same segment of the proximal tubule at 17 days’ gestation through the 1st postnatal day. Dilation of the collecting duct is noted to be a later or secondary change evident after the initial onset of the disease.
Two Pathways of Evolution of Neurotransmitters-Modulators

Nature provides many examples of parallel and convergent evolution. For example, two large categories of contractile proteins have evolved in parallel - myosins and tubulins. My thesis is that there have been two parallel pathways of evolution of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators: (1) Amino acids and amines which are formed by simple reactions from amino acids, phospholipid bases and nucleotides; (2) Neuropeptides, which are encoded as long precursors that are later cleaved and may be converted further, post-translationally. In some cells, the two types of neuro-agents co-exist.
DRIVERS OF ECONOMIC GROWTH IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

This paper examines the impact of the drivers of economic growth in developing countries. We modify the conventional neoclassical growth model to account for the impact of the increase in the numbe...
Status and ecology of the brown pelican in the Greater Puerto Rican Bank region

The endangered Caribbean brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis occidentalis) was studied in the Greater Puerto Rican Bank from September 1980 to July 1983. Pelican numbers in Puerto Rican coastal waters averaged 1996 annually. Winter populations in Puerto Rico were 25% to 30% larger than summer populations because of an influx of newly fledged young and post-breeding adults from the U.S. Virgin Islands. Estimated mean annual pelican population size in the Bank region is 2300. Yearlings, subadults, and non-breeding adults tended to remain in Puerto Rican waters until breeding readiness caused their return to breeding colonies. Roosting and nesting habitat was comprised mostly of mangrove in Puerto Rico and offshore cays in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Used sites of mangrove vegetation had a mean height of 6.5 m, diameter at breast height of 13.2 cm, and stem density of 3557/ha. Feeding occurred in shallow, nutrient-rich waters associated with mangroves, estuaries, closed impoundments, and offshore cays. No relationship between pelican numbers and food availability (catchability) at selected feeding localities was detected. Pelican diet was dominated by Jenkinsia lamprotaenis, Anchoa lyolepis, and Harengula spp. Tilapia mossambica was an important prey species at estuaries and closed impoundments. Feeding success was correlated with age and water turbidity. Breeding efforts peaked during fall with extended breeding seasons in all colonies except those in western and southwestern Puerto Rico. Mean young produced per nesting attempt was 1.7 (1980), 0.59 (1981), and 0.71 (1982). These rates are believed adequate to maintain a viable population but further monitoring is recommended. Environmental contaminants, disease, climate and habitat availability are not limiting factors to pelican populations. Food and its distribution in space and time probably is the chief proximate factor influencing and regulating numbers of Caribbean pelicans.
A Brief Study of Software Defined Networking for Cloud Computing

The latest revolution in the field of networking is software defined networking (SDN). It is the key to set up virtual networks using current hardware infrastructure and program it to define a flexible network in a short time and with a low cost. The control and data planes are decoupled in the SDN architecture. Also, network management is logically centralized, and the underlying system in network infrastructure is abstracted from the applications. To communicate remotely with network plane elements, SDN needs to be associated with a specific protocol. There are some solutions available that can be exploited by SDN. OpenFlow is one of the most common techniques to be associated with SDN. It helps researchers run experiments on various types of switches uniformly with high port density and at line rate, whilst there is no need to know the internal design of vendors' switches. We first illustrate SDN in this article, and then briefly explain OpenFlow and its specifications.
A deep-learning radiomics model for predicting survival in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer.

8528Background: There is a growing body of evidence suggesting radiomic phenotypes can augment prognostic power, when used in combination with clinical features and tumor genomic profiles in lung c...
The utility of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment in predicting need for fitness to drive evaluations in older adults

Abstract Objectives With age, older adults (≥65 years) become increasingly vulnerable to cognitive disorders that may impair driving ability. Health practitioners are often tasked with screening older drivers and may recommend fitness to drive (FTD) evaluations for those potentially needing driving rehabilitation or cessation. Here, we examine whether the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), which mainly tests cognitive ability, may identify older adults who might benefit from FTD testing. Methods/design 264 older drivers (≥65 years), recruited from three primary care clinics, completed the MoCA and FTD evaluation. We compared literature-based MoCA cut-points (≥26 and Results Median age was 73, 89% were White, and 54% were male. Most (83%) had abnormal (fail or conditional pass) FTD test outcomes. Overall, 57% had abnormal literature-based MoCA scores. For participants with abnormal MoCA scores ( Discussion MoCA may be valuable when identifying those who might benefit from FTD evaluations among those with both normal and abnormal cognitive function, especially when accounting for factors like gait speed, age, and gender. Future research should further explore these factors' roles in predicting abnormal FTD test outcomes.
Increasing Receptivity to Messages about E-Cigarette Risk Using Vicarious-Affirmation.

Empirical research has found that self-affirmation that precedes exposure to threatening information can reduce resistance and exert a positive effect on attitudes and beliefs. However, the effortf...
Ground- and space-based UV observations with EMCCDs (Conference Presentation)

I will present on-going detector developments in our joint NASA/CNES balloon-borne UV multi-object spectrograph, FIREBall-2, the Faint Intergalactic Redshifted Emission Balloon. FIREBall-2 is a path finding mission to test new technology (EMCCDs) and make new constraints on the temperature and density of this gas. This instrument has been designed to detect faint emission from the circumgalactic medium (CGM) around low redshift galaxies (z ~ 0.7). One major change from FIREBall-1 has been the use of a delta-doped Electron Multiplying CCD (EMCCD). EMCCDs can be used in photon-counting (PC) mode to achieve extremely low readout noise (< 1 electron). Our testing initially focused on reducing clock-induced-charge (CIC) through wave shaping and well depth optimisation with a NuVu CCD Controller for Counting Photons (CCCP). This optimisation also includes methods for reducing dark current, via cooling, and exploring substrate voltage levels. I will present some of our dark current results from laboratory testing. We recently launched FIREBall-2 from Fort Sumner, New Mexico on September 22nd, 2018. This was the first time an EMCCD has been used for UV/optical observations in flight! I will present performance data from the flight including cosmic ray rate measurements, and some of our preliminary on-sky UV results using our data reduction.
The rise and fall of a racist monument: the Good Darky, National Geographic Magazine, and civil rights activism

In 1927, a white man named Jackson (Jack) Lee Bryan commissioned, funded, and erected a monument on Front Street in downtown Natchitoches, Louisiana (Figure 1). A conspicuous plaque mounted on the ...
In vitro metabolism assessment of thiacloprid in rainbow trout and rat by LC-UV and high resolution-mass spectrometry.

Thiacloprid (THI) is a widely used neonicotinoid insecticide where concerns have been raised regarding low absorption by crops, substantial distribution in surrounding areas, and potential adverse ...
Population-Based Screening for Functional Disability in Older Adults

Background and objectives Screening for functional disability is a promising strategy to identify high-need older adults. We compare 2 disability measures, activities of daily living (ADLs), and life space constriction (LSC), in predicting hospitalization and mortality in older adults. Research design and methods We used the nationally representative National Health and Aging Trends Study of 30,885 observations of adults aged 65 years and older. Outcomes were 1-year mortality and hospitalization. Predictors were ADLs (receiving help with bathing, eating, dressing, toileting, getting out of bed, walking inside) and LSC (frequency of leaving home). Results Of respondents, 12.4% reported 3 or more ADLs and 10.8% reported rarely/never leaving home. ADL disability and LSC predicted high rates of 1-year mortality and hospitalization: of those with 3 or more ADLs, 46.4% died and 41.0% were hospitalized; of those who never/rarely left home, 40.7% died and 37.0% were hospitalized. Of those with both 3 or more ADLs and who never/rarely left home, 58.4% died. ADL and LSC disability combined was more predictive of 1-year mortality and hospitalization than either measure alone. ADL disability and LSC screens identified overlapping but distinct populations. LSC identified more women (72.6% vs 63.8% with ADL disability), more people who live alone (40.7% vs 30.7%), fewer who were White (71.7% vs 76.2%) with cancer (27.6% vs 32.4), and reported pain (67.1% vs 70.0%). Discussion and implications LSC and ADLs both independently predicted mortality and hospitalization but using both screens was most predictive. Routine screening for ADLs and LSC could help health systems identify those at high risk for mortality and health care use.
The Influence of Covid-19 Vaccine on Daily Cases, Hospitalization, and Death Rate in Tennessee: A Case Study in the United States

The COVID-19 outbreak highlights the vulnerability to novel infections, and vaccination remains a foreseeable method to return to normal life. However, infrastructure is inadequate for the whole population to be vaccinated immediately. Therefore, policies have adopted a strategy to vaccinate the elderly and vulnerable population while delaying others. This study uses the Tennessee official statistic from the onset of COVID vaccination (17th of December 2021) to understand how age-specific vaccination strategies reduce daily cases, hospitalization, and death rate. The result shows that vaccination strategy can significantly influence the numbers of patients with COVID-19 in all age groups and lower hospitalization and death rates just in older age groups. The Elderly had a 95% lower death rate from December to March; however, and no change in the death rate in other age groups. The Hospitalization rate was reduced by 80% in this study cohort for people aged 80 or older, while people who were between 50 to 70 had almost the same hospitalization rate. The study indicates that vaccination targeting older age groups is the optimal way to avoid higher transmissions and reduce hospitalization and death rate for older groups.
Effect of Receiving Dental Treatment on mortality among nursing facility residents.

Aim To assess the association between receipt of different types of dental procedures and mortality among nursing home residents. Methods and results Between June 2006 and March 2008, 535 nursing home residents received a health screening assessment and were offered comprehensive dental care. Death certificate data were obtained in September 2013 and multivariable regression models were generated to assess the effect of dental procedures delivered after the screening assessment on mortality, adjusting for demographic and health-related covariates. Residents had a mean age of 85.2 years at baseline and approximately 30% were edentulous. About two-thirds received at least one dental procedure, and about 88% had died, between the screening date and the end of follow-up. Among dentate residents, after adjustment for relevant covariates, for each one-unit increase in the number of intervals during which they received at least one preventive dental procedure there was a 13% decrease in mortality (HR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.78-0.98) at any given time, while for prosthetic dental procedures there was a 16% decrease in mortality (HR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.72-0.97). Among edentulous residents, only prosthetic procedures were analyzed, and they were not significantly associated with mortality. Conclusion Among dentate institutionalized elderly, receipt of preventive or prosthetic dental procedures was associated with decreased mortality.
Fully on-chip MAC at 14nm enabled by accurate row-wise programming of PCM-based weights and parallel vector-transport in duration-format

We report on ARES – a 14nm Phase Change Memory (PCM)-based test-chip comprising multiple crossbar tiles, each capable of parallel Multiply-ACCumulate (MAC) inference on 512×512 unique weights. A massively-parallel 2-D mesh transports Deep Neural Network (DNN) excitations in duration-format across the chip, between tiles and inte-grated Landing Pads (LPs) where digital data enters and leaves the chip. For accurate weight-programming (<3% weight-error), we employ a row-wise programming scheme that efficiently programs the 4 PCM devices in each analog weight with minimal overshoot. We implement two DNNs at near-software-equivalent accuracy, demonstrating tile-to-tile transport with a fully-on-chip 2-layer network, and testing resilience to error propagation with a recurrent LSTM network, using off-chip activation functions before looping back to the next on-chip MAC.
Rationalizing the generation of broad spectrum antibiotics with the addition of a positive charge

Antibiotic resistance of Gram-negative bacteria is largely attributed to the low permeability of their outer membrane (OM). Recently, we disclosed the eNTRy rules, a key lesson of which is that the introduction of a primary amine enhances OM permeation in certain contexts. To understand the molecular basis for this finding, we perform an extensive set of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and free energy calculations comparing the permeation of aminated and amine-free antibiotic derivatives through the most abundant OM porin of E. coli, OmpF. To improve sampling of conformationally flexible drugs in MD simulations, we developed a novel, Monte Carlo and graph theory based algorithm to probe more efficiently the rotational and translational degrees of freedom visited during the permeation of the antibiotic molecule through OmpF. The resulting pathways were then used for free-energy calculations, revealing a lower barrier against the permeation of the aminated compound, substantiating its greater OM permeability. Further analysis revealed that the amine facilitates permeation by enabling the antibiotic to align its dipole to the luminal electric field of the porin and form favorable electrostatic interactions with specific, highly-conserved charged residues. The importance of these interactions in permeation was further validated with experimental mutagenesis and whole cell accumulation assays. Overall, this study provides insights on the importance of the primary amine for antibiotic permeation into Gram-negative pathogens that could help the design of future antibiotics. We also offer a new computational approach for calculating free-energy of processes where relevant molecular conformations cannot be efficiently captured.
Case reportUreteropelvic junction obstruction: an overlooked cause of cyclic vomiting

Cyclic vomiting syndrome is an unusual cause of recurrent episodes of repetitive vomiting, particularly in children. Although in only a minority of cases can an underlying cause be found, each patient deserves a thorough evaluation for treatable conditions. We present four cases of cyclic vomiting syndrome caused by ureteropelvic obstruction. Surgical correction was followed by resolution of symptoms in all four patients.
Detention Storage Control Strategy Development

Simulation and optimization techniques were employed in developing strategies for the operation of detention reservoirs for the control of combined sewer overflows. A single subbasin reservoir system in the San Francisco Plan for Wastewater Management was used as a case study. A simulation model was constructed and used in conjunction with both artificial and long-term historical rainfall data to develop and evaluate various general control strategies. It was demonstrated that control strategies can produce significant reductions in number and volume of overflows.
Christina Abreu, Rhythms of race: Cuban musicians and the making of Latino New York City and Miami, 1940–1960

The music cultures of Spanish Caribbean communities in the eastern USA, and especially New York City, have been the subject of a steadily growing body of scholarly and journalistic literature. Prom...
Environmental cues and seasonal reproduction in a temperate estuary: a case study of Owenia collaris (Annelida: Polychaeta, Oweniidae)

Coordination of gametogenesis and spawning during restricted breeding seasons increases availability of mates, fertilization rates, and often success of offspring. Orton’s Rule predicts water temperature as the dominant environmental cue for gametogenesis or spawning in temperate invertebrates. Crisp’s Rule predicts that species producing planktotrophic larvae will time their reproduction to ensure optimal nutrition for the larvae. Owenia collaris (Annelida: Oweniidae) is a temperate polychaete that produces planktotrophic larvae that remain in the water column for several weeks. Reproductive phenology and its relationship to the environment were investigated in an estuarine population of O. collaris using field and laboratory studies. Owenia collaris produced mature gametes between March and September each year during the productive season between the spring and fall transitions when day lengths were 12 h or more, alkalinity was 8.1 or higher, and temperature was 11 °C or higher. Gamete production was not related to seasonal changes in salinity or benthic phytoplankton concentrations and gametes were present prior to the spring phytoplankton bloom. In laboratory experiments, production of gametes was influenced somewhat by manipulating day lengths but not adult food. The association with predictable and stable environmental cycles (day length) and a broad spawning season suggest that this species is unlikely to mis-match with larval food availability which would lead to reduced availability of recruits in any given year, supporting Crisp’s Rule. Our data do not support the hypothesis that reproductive timing in this species is driven by access to excess energy required by adults to initiate the production of gametes. Our data also do not support Orton’s premise that temperature is the primary controlling factor of reproduction in this temperate marine invertebrate.
ENZYMATIC EXPRESSION OF GENETIC UNITS OF FUNCTION CONCERNED WITH GALACTOSE METABOLISM IN ESCHERICHIA COLI

Soffer, Richard L. (Stanford University, Palo Alto, Calif.). Enzymatic expression of genetic units of function concerned with galactose metabolism in Escherichia coli. J. Bacteriol. 82:471–478. 1961.—A series of genetically characterized galactose-negative mutants of Escherichia coli strain K12 were studied with respect to the enzymes of the Leloir pathway for utilization of this sugar. The functions pertaining to the three genetically defined cistrons were found to relate, respectively, to the expression of galactokinase, galactose 1-phosphate uridyl transferase, and uridine diphosphate galactose 4-epimerase. Mutants defective in the latter enzyme represent a new biochemical class in this strain of E. coli. Most of the mutants defective in galactokinase were found to exhibit significantly elevated levels of galactose 1-phosphate uridyl transferase as compared with the wild type when grown under conditions of induction. A suppressed transferase-deficient mutant was found to have regained this enzymatic activity.
The M/G/∞ Queue

The objective of this article is to describe the M/G/∞ system, where the arrivals are according to a Poisson process, the service times are independent and identically distributed, and there are an infinite number of servers. We analyze the number in the system under both transient and steady-state conditions. We describe results for the busy period distribution of as well as departure from an M/G/∞ queue. We finally study an extension in terms of considering time-varying arrivals. Keywords: abundant servers; nonhomogeneous Poisson process; transient and steady-state analysis; time-dependent arrivals
Galaxy interactions and strength of nuclear activity

Analysis of data in the literature for differential velocities and projected separations of nearby Seyfert galaxies with possible companions shows a clear difference in projected separations between type 1's and type 2's. This kinematic difference between the two activity classes reinforces other independent evidence that their different nuclear characteristics are related to a non-nuclear physical distinction between the two classes. The differential velocities and projected separations of the galaxy pairs in this sample yield mean galaxy masses, sizes, and mass to light ratios which are consistent with those found by the statistical methods of Karachentsev. Although the galaxy sample discussed here is too small and too poorly defined to provide robust support for these conclusions, the results strongly suggest that nuclear activity in Seyfert galaxies is associated with gravitational perturbations from companion galaxies, and that there are physical distinctions between the host companions of Seyfert 1 and Seyfert 2 nuclei which may depend both on the environment and the structure of the host galaxy itself.
Incorporating Ecological Costs and Benefits into Environmental Flow Recommendations For Oklahoma Rivers: Phase 1, Southeastern Oklahoma (Interim)

Providing a safe and sustainable water supply to the growing Oklahoma population while also providing for economic growth and maintaining natural ecosystems is the most serious challenge facing Oklahoma policy makers in the coming decades. Accomplishing this will require consideration of both the economic and ecological costs and benefits of different water allocation and management strategies (Arthington et al. 2006, Richter 2010). Multiple approaches have been used to attempt to quantify the amount of water needed by natural water bodies in Oklahoma. In-stream flows (ISFs) quantify the amount of water that needs to be left in a stream to maintain non-consumptive uses such as fisheries or riparian areas (OWRB 2009). Currently, there are over 200 methods for determining ISFs, ranging from designation of minimum flows to those that mimic natural flow regimes (Turton et al. 2009). Rivers in the Ouachita and Gulf Coastal Plains ecoregions of southeastern Oklahoma provide an excellent test system for examining the ecological costs and benefits of different environmental flows/in-stream flow recommendations. These rivers are known for their relatively abundant and pristine water and harbor the highest aquatic biological diversity in the state (Matthews et al. 2005). However, the water in these rivers also is in high demand to meet regional, human water needs (http://www.owrb.ok.gov/supply/ocwp/ocwp.php). In particular, the Kiamichi River is at the center of intense conflict over water use and governance between Oklahoma City, the State of Oklahoma, the Tarrant County Water District (Fort Worth, TX), and the Choctaw and Chickasaw nations. The source of conflict is over who gets to use water from a storage reservoir. Sardis Lake is an impoundment on a tributary to the Kiamichi. The Corps of Engineers built this reservoir in 1982 for flood control, water supply and recreation. However, Oklahoma owed money to the federal government for constructing the reservoir, and in 2011 90% of the water storage rights to Sardis Lake were sold to Oklahoma City. The Tarrant County Water District disputes this ownership. Under the 1978 Red River Compact (http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/deliverdocument.asp?id=97778&hits=), they claim to have rights to 25% of the water from Sardis Lake, and they want Oklahoma to sell it to them.
Numerical simulation of three-dimensional unsteady viscous flow past finite cylinders in an unbounded fluid at low intermediate reynolds numbers

The flow past finite circular cylinders for Reynolds numbers 40 and 70 were simulated by numerical solutions of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. A nonuniform cartesian grid was used for the computation. The numerical scheme used was the QUICK scheme. Comparisons with experimental measurements of Jayaweera and Mason show that the results of the simulation are satisfactory. Features of three-dimensional unsteady viscous flow past finite cylinders, such as the pyramidal wake and the three-dimensional von Karmen vortex street, are successfully simulated.
Cardiovascular surgery in Jehovah's Witness patients: The role of preoperative optimization

Abstract Objective We aimed to identify factors associated with adverse outcomes in Jehovah's Witness patients undergoing complex cardiovascular surgery and to validate our preoperative optimization protocol. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 144 Jehovah's Witnesses who underwent cardiovascular surgery between 1999 and 2014. We excluded 7 salvage cases. The operative procedures included 56 coronary artery bypass graft surgeries, 43 valve procedures, 13 ventricular assist device implantations, 11 heart transplantations, 9 aortic surgeries, and 5 congenital defect repairs. Our preoperative optimization protocol for Jehovah's Witnesses includes discontinuing antiplatelets and adding iron/vitamin or erythropoietin to achieve a target hemoglobin greater than 12 g/dL. We evaluated the risk factors for postoperative mortality and composite outcomes (mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, acute kidney injury, heart failure, sternal wound infection), and compared the outcomes of optimized patients with a preoperative hemoglobin level greater than 12 g/dL (n = 93) versus unoptimized patients with a preoperative hemoglobin level less than 12 g/dL (n = 44). Results Preoperative and intraoperative demographics in the optimized and unoptimized groups were similar except for preoperative hemoglobin levels, renal dysfunction (optimized = 25/93 [26.9%], unoptimized = 26/44 [59.1%], P P = .035). The mean preoperative, intraoperative nadir, and discharge hemoglobin levels of the entire cohort were 12.7 ± 1.7 g/dL, 9.5 ± 2.6 g/dL, and 9.7 ± 1.8 g/dL, respectively. Hospital mortality was 9 of 137 patients (6.6%) (optimized = 2/93 [2.2%], unoptimized = 7/44 [15.9%], P = .002), and composite outcomes were observed in 44 of 137 patients (32.1%) (optimized = 21/93 [22.6%], unoptimized = 22/44 [50.0%], P = .001). The Youden index identified a cutoff value of the preoperative hemoglobin of 11.7 g/dL for mortality (area under curve, 0.719; sensitivity, 77.8%; specificity, 76.0%). Multivariate analysis identified a suboptimal preoperative hemoglobin ( Conclusions Complex cardiovascular surgery in Jehovah's Witnesses was associated with acceptable surgical outcomes, especially if they electively completed optimization. Our Jehovah's Witnesses' optimization protocol targeting a hemoglobin level greater than 12 g/dL seemed to be effective in reducing adverse events at The University of Chicago Medicine.
Prenatal Food Allergen Exposures and Odds of Childhood Peanut, Tree Nut, or Sesame Seed Sensitization

JT Hsu, SA Missmer, MC Young. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2013;111(5):391–396 The goal of this study was to examine whether prenatal exposure to peanut or sesame seed oil as a vehicle for progesterone injection increases the child’s odds of peanut (PN), tree nut (TN), or sesame seed (SS) allergy. A total of 1272 food-allergic children were evaluated at Boston Children’s Hospital. Control subjects were children allergic to foods including dairy or eggs but not PN, TNs, or SS. Case subjects included …
Hispanic ethnicity, physician-patient communication, and antidepressant adherence

The purpose of the study was to examine how Hispanic ethnicity influenced physician-patient communication about antidepressants and antidepressant adherence using a data set of audiotapes and transcripts of 98 medical visits and medical and pharmacy records. The data were collected in 1995 at the University of New Mexico's general medicine and family practice clinics. Physicians were more likely to state antidepressant information to non-Hispanic white patients than to Hispanic patients. Physicians were more likely to state information to patients who were prescribed new antidepressants. Physicians asked approximately one of five patients on continued therapy how well their antidepressants were working and only one of 10 patients if they were experiencing any side effects. Non-Hispanic white patients were significantly more likely to state information about their antidepressants than Hispanic patients. Younger patients and patients who were prescribed new antidepressants were more likely to ask questions about antidepressants. Hispanic patients and patients who were prescribed new antidepressants were significantly less adherent to their antidepressant therapy during the one hundred day period after their audio-taped visits than non-Hispanic white patients and patients on continued therapy.
Modification of aflatoxin B1 binding to DNA in vivo in rats fed phenolic antioxidants, ethoxyquin and a dithiothione

The effects of dietary administration of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene (BHT), 2(3)-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (BHA), ethoxyquin (EQ) and 5-(2-pyrizinyl)-4-methyl-1,2-dithiol-3-thione (oltipraz) on aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) - DNA adduct formation in vivo in livers and kidneys of rats were investigated. Male F344 rats were treated with 1 mg/kg AFB1 by i.p. administration and nucleic acids isolated 2 h post dosing. Animals were fed a semipurified diet supplemented with either 0.5% EQ, 0.45% BHT, 0.45% BHA or 0.1% oltipraz for 2 weeks prior to AFB1 treatment. Analysis of nucleic acid bases by h.p.l.c. showed that several AFB1 metabolite-DNA adducts were formed in both tissues. The principal and related adducts of 8,9-dihydro-8-(N7-guanyl)-9-hydroxyaflatoxin B1 represented approximately 80-90% of all adducts in both tissues and in all treatment groups. However, inclusion of the antioxidants in the diet resulted in substantial reductions in overall AFB1 modified DNA levels. EQ, BHT, BHA and oltipraz reduced the covalent binding of AFB1 to liver DNA by 91, 85, 65 and 76% and to kidney DNA by 80, 35, 62 and 64%, respectively. Concordantly, the specific activities of hepatic enzymes of presumed importance to AFB1 detoxification, epoxide hydrase, and glucuronyl and glutathione transferases were significantly elevated by all antioxidants. Reduced glutathione levels were unchanged except by oltipraz, although activities of enzymes contributing to the maintenance of reduced glutathione pools, glutathione reductase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, were elevated in most treatment groups. An excellent correlation (r = 0.95) was observed between the degree of inhibition of DNA binding by AFB1 and the induction of hepatic glutathione S-transferase activities by the four antioxidants.
Polarization effects in nematic liquid crystal optical phased arrays

In a one-dimensional liquid crystal optical phased array (LCOPA), a liquid crystal layer is electrically addressed by an array of long, narrow electrodes. A spatially periodic voltage profile can be applied to the liquid crystals in order to induce a sawtooth-shaped index of refraction variation in the liquid crystal layer that will steer an optical beam in a fashion analogous to that of a blazed diffraction grating. In reality, an LCOPA is a thick, periodic, anisotropic structure with complicated polarization properties. The changes in polarization as a beam passes through an LCOPA can have negative practical effects, particularly in optical systems where LCOPAs and other polarization-sensitive optical elements are cascaded. This paper presents experimental measurements of the polarization state of the light diffracted by an LCOPA as well as a discussion of the origin of these effects.
Sensitivity of zebrafish to environmental toxins implicated in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra and movement defects, including bradykinesia, tremor, and postural imbalance. Whereas the etiology and pathogenesis of PD is still poorly understood, studies in animal models are providing important insights. One valuable type of animal model for PD is established by treating animals with PD-inducing neurotoxins, including 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), rotenone, and paraquat. These neurotoxins are thought to inhibit mitochondrial complex I activity leading to oxidative stress, impaired energy metabolism, proteasomal dysfunction, and, eventually, dopamine neuronal loss. However, the genes and pathways that underlie the neurotoxicity of these agents are not known. In this study, we explored the effect of MPTP, rotenone, and paraquat in both adult and larval zebrafish, which are highly amenable to genetic analysis that can lead to the identification of the underlying genes and pathways. Here, we report that adult zebrafish display behavioral alterations, including decreased locomotor activity in response to MPTP, whereas larval zebrafish exhibited developmental, behavioral, and DA sensitivity to these agents. Taken together, these findings suggest that zebrafish could be a valuable model for genetically dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying the neurotoxicity of PD-inducing agents.
Partner involvement and contraceptive efficacy in premarital sexual relationships

This paper attempts to account for the strong, positive correlation between partner involvement and contraceptive behavior in premarital sexual relationships. Interpersonal and structural characteristics of partner involvement identified in previous research as possible explanatory variables were factor analyzed and three major dimensions were isolated: 1. affection and commitment, 2. sexual and contraceptive communication, and 3. predictability of intercourse. Partner involvement loaded highest on the affect factor. In a multiple regression analysis using composite (factor) scores, prior sex-related communication emerged as the strongest predictor of contraceptive behavior, followed by affection for partner; contrary to expectations, however, predictability of intercourse was not significantly related to contraceptive use.
The Sociocultural Turn and Its Challenges for Second Language Teacher Education.

Although the overall mission of second language (L2) teacher education has remained relatively constant, that is, to prepare L2 teachers to do the work of this profession, the field's understanding of that work—of who teaches English, who learns English and why, of the sociopolitical and socioeconomic contexts in which English is taught, and of the varieties of English that are being taught and used around the world—has changed dramatically over the past 40 years. This article examines the epistemological underpinnings of a more general sociocultural turn in the human sciences and the impact that this turn has had on the field's understanding of how L2 teachers learn to do their work. Four interrelated challenges that have come to the forefront as a result of this turn are discussed: (a) theory/practice versus praxis, (b) the legitimacy of teachers' ways of knowing, (c) redrawing the boundaries of professional development, and (d) “located” L2 teacher education. In addressing these challenges, the intellectual tools of inquiry are positioned as critical if L2 teacher education is to sustain a teaching force of transformative intellectuals who can navigate their professional worlds in ways that enable them to create educationally sound, contextually appropriate, and socially equitable learning opportunities for the students they teach.
Short cut fusion is correct

Fusion is the process of removing intermediate data structures from modularly constructed functional programs. Short cut fusion is a particular fusion technique which uses a single, local transformation rule to fuse compositions of list-processing functions. Short cut fusion has traditionally been treated purely syntactically, and justifications for it have appealed either to intuition or to “free theorems” – even though the latter have not been known to hold in languages supporting higher-order polymorphic functions and fixpoint recursion. In this paper we use Pitts' recent demonstration that contextual equivalence in such languages is parametric to provide the first formal proof of the correctness of short cut fusion for them. In particular, we show that programs which have undergone short cut fusion are contextually equivalent to their unfused counterparts.
Identification of an “Acidic” C-Terminal Mineral Modification Sequence from the Mollusk Shell Protein Asprich

The formation of the mineralized mollusk shell involves the participation specific proteins to control mineral formation and morphology. Recent sequencing studies have identified a subfamily of seven proteins that are specific for the prismatic or calcitic layer of the mollusk Atrina rigida. This subfamily, named Asprich a through g, are polyanionic in sequence and contain conserved sequence regions at the N- and C-termini that are believed to play a role in mineral formation. Using solid-phase peptide synthesis, we have recreated the 42-AA C-terminal domain of Asprich which contains two conserved subdomains, the 17 AA Asp, Glu, Ala repeat (DEAD17) and the Asp, Glu-rich 25 AA acidic-2 region. Using in vitro calcium carbonate mineralization assays, we demonstrate that the 42 AA C-terminal domain exerts effects on the morphology of forming calcite crystals, leading to the formation of porosities and irregular crystal growth. The two subdomains, DEAD17 and acidic-2, exert similar, albeit weaker, effects on c...
The risk of teenage pregnancy among transitioning foster youth: Implications for extending state care beyond age 18

Abstract The purpose of this study is to examine how common teenage pregnancy is among young women in and aging out of foster care and to determine whether the risk of becoming pregnant can be reduced by extending foster care beyond age 18. The study used data from the first two waves of the Midwest Evaluation of the Adult Functioning of Former Foster Youth, a longitudinal study of foster youth making the transition to adulthood in three Midwestern states, as well as the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Cox proportional hazard models were estimated to examine the relationship between care status and the risk of teenage pregnancy. Foster youth are more likely to experience teenage pregnancy than their peers in the general population but staying in care seems to mitigate their risk of becoming pregnant even after the effects of other factors are taken into account. Our findings provide additional evidence of the need for a more concerted effort by child welfare agencies to help youth in foster care avoid becoming pregnant and suggest that allowing young people to remain in foster care beyond age 18 may be one way to reduce teenage pregnancy among this population.
Further evidence that CTAs produced by lithium and amphetamine are qualitatively different

Abstract After five conditioning trials, a sucrose Conditioned Taste Avoidance (CTA) produced by a low dose of lithium (12.2 mg/kg) was weaker than that produced by a moderately high dose of d -amphetamine (3 mg/kg). On the other hand, the lithium-paired flavor elicited a rejection response in the Taste Reactivity Test (TRT), but the amphetamine-paired flavor did not elicit the rejection response. Since the presence of the TRT rejection response pattern indicates that the sucrose solution is hedonically unpalatable, the results support the contention that the CTAs produced by lithium and amphetamine are qualitatively different.
Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBe)

The Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBe) is a 46-item questionnaire that measures behaviors associated with frontal subcortical deficits (apathy, disinhibition, and executive dysfunction) in adult neurologic populations. Based on findings from a previous exploratory factor analysis on the scale, the current study used confirmatory factor analysis to explore and potentially improve on the measurement model fit of current FrSBe scores. Model fit indices and reliabilities (measured using internal consistency reliability) were compared in the original and in several alternative models. The original scale demonstrated a generally good fitting model, although the best fitting model (referred to as the reduced model) removed eight items from the original measure and modestly improved model fit over the original FrSBe. Strong reliability was found in both versions. Results from the current study provide a critical first step in a potential FrSBe scale revision.
Geographic variation in reproduction between two populations of the bonnethead shark, Sphyrna tiburo

A study of two populations of the bonnethead shark,Sphyrna tiburo was conducted in Florida Bay and Tampa Bay, Florida from September 1982 to December 1986. The maintenance of sharks in captivity at the Marine Science and Conservation Center in the Florida Keys, and the collection of sharks from widely separated geographical areas allowed the examination of latitudinal variation in reproduction. Several reproductive parameters were found to differ: (1) size at maturation, (2) age at maturation, (3) time of fertilization, (4) rate of embryonic development, (5) size at birth, (6) the energetic investment in producing offspring, (7) gestation period, and (8) the incidence of infertility. Average litter size and maximum age of females was not different between the two populations. These contrasting life history parameters are not easily explained. Food limitation and seasonal differences between the two areas are considered as factors controlling reproduction in these populations. It is noteworthy that the average size of adult females in Tampa Bay is significantly greater than that of Florida Keys sharks. This size difference may be important in explaining the observed differences in reproduction.