cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Household Composition, Parental Expectations, and School Achievement

This paper employs a large representative sample of Baltimore first graders to examine the effects of various household configurations on children's cognitive performance. Separate analyses are presented for blacks and whites. Using a school process model that is similar to those employed at the secondary level, the analyses shozv that household composition has an important influence on teachers' marks, particularly reading. These effects are pronounced and most consistent for blacks. The presence of a second adult, not just the father, has beneficial effects on reading marks. Households exert their effects on end-of-first grade achievement primarily by way of parent expectations for reading marks. There is also evidence that household configurations exercise some influence on spring achievement test scores for blacks in both the verbal and the quantitative domains, but stronger in the verbal domain. These effects, in general, are smaller than those for teachers marks.
Singular characteristics and unique chemical bond activation mechanisms of photocatalytic reactions on plasmonic nanostructures

It is now shown that, unlike most semiconductors, plasmonic metal nanostructures constructively couple the energy of photons and thermal energy, with the reaction rate positively responding to both stimuli. These unique characteristics suggest that these photocatalysts could prove useful for heterogeneous catalytic processes that cannot be activated using conventional thermal processes on metals or photocatalytic processes on semiconductors.
The Role of Metabolic Activation in Drug Toxicity

It is now well recognized that metabolic activation of drugs to reactive metabolites is an important mechanism in many drug-induced toxicities. This paper presents an overview of historical and current aspects of the role of metabolic activation in drug-induced cytotoxicity and concentrates on noncarcinogens. As discussed in the other articles in this special issue, the role of metabolic activation in toxicology was discovered by Drs. James A. Miller and Elizabeth C. Miller at the McArdle Institute, University of Wisconsin, while working on mechanisms of carcinogenicity of aminoazo dyes. In 1947 these investigators [I] reported that the livers of rats fed the carcinogen N,N-dimethyl-4-aminoazobenzene contained aminoazo dye firmly bound to the protein, and that these adducts preceded the development of hepatic tumors. In subsequent work the Millers showed that formation of the protein adducts was a result of metabolism of the azo dye, and that the presence of the azo dye-protein adducts correlated with the carcinogenicity of the aminoazodye under a variety of conditions. These and subsequent *Contributed in honor of Elizabeth C. Miller, Ph.D., and James A. Miller, Ph.D.
Karsten: A New Genus of Eel Goby (Gobiidae: Amblyopinae) with a Key to “Trypauchen” Group Genera

Abstract Karsten, a new genus of amblyopine goby, is distinguished from all other members of the subfamily in having a spinous dorsal fin pterygiophore formula of 3–123, 3–132, or 3–1221+2. The genus is also distinct within the subfamily in having only nine precaudal vertebrae. Karsten lacks eyes as does Amblyotrypauchen, the only other amblyopine genus that is found at depths of 30 m or greater. Karsten has only been collected from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Fiji. Because of its lack of an interneural gap, Karsten is assigned to the “Trypauchen” group; it is compared to other members of this group.
Seasonality and Ontogenetic Habitat Partitioning of Cownose Rays in the Northern Gulf of Mexico

The seasonal and spatial heterogeneity of highly mobile mesopredators may play a large structuring role in estuarine dynamics. With a hypothesized relaxation of predation pressure from large sharks, growing populations of cownose rays (Rhinoptera bonasus) have been implicated in negatively affecting shellfish beds across multiple estuaries of the Atlantic coast; however, the pervasiveness of these potential impacts remains poorly understood elsewhere due to a lack of information on cownose ray distribution and seasonality across the species’ range. To better predict cownose ray dynamics in estuaries of the northern Gulf of Mexico, we conducted a multi-scale study using a combination of aerial and gillnet surveys. Cownose ray abundance was highly seasonal along the Mississippi-Alabama shelf, and a significant along-shelf gradient (west-east) in nearshore ray density was observed. This trend was best explained by changes in salinity, with higher abundances best correlated with more estuarine (i.e., lower salinity) conditions in nearshore areas. From north-south across the Alabama shelf, cownose rays displayed strong spatial and seasonal distributional patterns with ontogeny: adults (in particular, females) were primarily restricted to barrier islands and Gulf waters, whereas juveniles and young-of-the-year (YOY) exploited fresher waters of inshore bays protected from large predators. Among inshore locales, cownose ray catch was lowest over oyster habitats and only consisted of YOY rays, suggesting that foraging impacts may be reduced in these structurally complex substrates.
Modeling Agricultural Watersheds with the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT): Calibration and Validation with a Novel Procedure for Spatially Explicit HRUs.

Applications of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model typically involve delineation of a watershed into subwatersheds/subbasins that are then further subdivided into hydrologic response units (HRUs) which are homogeneous areas of aggregated soil, landuse, and slope and are the smallest modeling units used within the model. In a given standard SWAT application, multiple potential HRUs (farm fields) in a subbasin are usually aggregated into a single HRU feature. In other words, the standard version of the model combines multiple potential HRUs (farm fields) with the same landuse/landcover, soil, and slope, but located at different places of a subbasin (spatially non-unique), and considers them as one HRU. In this study, ArcGIS pre-processing procedures were developed to spatially define a one-to-one match between farm fields and HRUs (spatially unique HRUs) within a subbasin prior to SWAT simulations to facilitate input processing, input/output mapping, and further analysis at the individual farm field level. Model input data such as landuse/landcover (LULC), soil, crop rotation, and other management data were processed through these HRUs. The SWAT model was then calibrated/validated for Raccoon River watershed in Iowa for 2002–2010 and Big Creek River watershed in Illinois for 2000–2003. SWAT was able to replicate annual, monthly, and daily streamflow, as well as sediment, nitrate and mineral phosphorous within recommended accuracy in most cases. The one-to-one match between farm fields and HRUs created and used in this study is a first step in performing LULC change, climate change impact, and other analyses in a more spatially explicit manner.
Democracy: The New Opiate of the Masses? Review of John Dunn, 'Breaking Democracy's Spell'

Review of "Breaking Democracy's Spell" by John Dunn. Democracy, the political theorist John Dunn says, has cast a spell on us. That spell has had good and bad effects. But it is not the good effects that preoccupy Dunn in this new book. Instead, his aim is to sound an alarm. We have been naroticized by our faith in the power of democratic processes, Dunn says, and as a result we are neglecting existential threats. But is the alarm about democracy justified -- and if so, how are we supposed to respond to it? On both questions, Breaking Democracy's Spell may leave readers unsatisfied.
Abstract T P139: Prevalence and Predictors of Mood Disorders among a National Sample of Individuals with Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack

Intro: Depression is an independent stroke risk factor, yet little is known about comorbid mood disorders prevalence in stroke survivors. Data regarding association between mood disorders and transient ischemic attack (TIA) are scarce. Objective: To determine prevalence and predictors of comorbid mood disorders among individuals hospitalized with TIA, ischemic stroke, and hemorrhagic stroke in a national US sample. Methods: Using Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) data (2000-2010), we identified individuals discharged with a primary diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, or TIA. We determined the weighted proportion of stroke hospitalizations with comorbid mood disorders (bipolar affective disorder, depression, anxiety disorders). We used survey weighted Poisson regression to estimate risk ratios. The first multivariable model adjusted for sociodemographic and hospital factors. The second model also adjusted for comorbid conditions. Results: Among 2,057,799 hospital discharges for stroke o...
Rhodium pair-sites on magnesium oxide: Synthesis, characterization, and catalysis of ethylene hydrogenation

Abstract Supported rhodium acetate dimers were prepared by the reaction of Rh 2 (OAc) 4 (OAc is acetate) with highly dehydroxylated MgO powder and characterized by extended X-ray absorption fine structure and infrared (IR) spectra, which show that the supported species were well represented as Rh 2 (OAc) 3 , with each Rh atom on average bonded to one oxygen atom of the MgO surface. Aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy gave images of Rh atoms in pairs on the MgO. The supported rhodium dimers were probed with a pulse of CO, and the IR spectra indicate a Rh(II) species with weakly bonded carbonyl ligands; the sharpness of the ν CO band indicates highly uniform surface species. Further treatment in CO led to breakup of the rhodium dimers into mononuclear species; such fragmentation took place in other treatment gases as well, with the degree of fragmentation decreasing in the order CO > C 2 H 4 > helium. The fragmentation is inferred on the basis of IR spectra to have proceeded through intermediate Rh 2 species without acetate ligands. In contrast, rhodium dimers were reduced and not fragmented in the presence of H 2 at 353 K, but at higher temperatures the rhodium aggregated to give larger clusters. The supported species catalyzed ethylene hydrogenation at 298 K and 1 bar at a H 2 :ethylene molar ratio of 4; after 27 h of catalysis in a once-through flow reactor, acetate ligands were removed from the dimers, and some of them fragmented, as shown by IR spectroscopy. The intermediate dirhodium species without acetate ligands are two or three orders of magnitude more active as catalysts than the supported mononuclear rhodium species or those present predominantly as Rh 2 (OAc) 3 , respectively.
Instability of an Ω Ω ¯ Model of the ψ

On the assumption that the $\ensuremath{\psi}$ is an $\ensuremath{\Omega}\overline{\ensuremath{\Omega}}$ bound state, we find that the expected widths for $\ensuremath{\psi}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\Xi}\overline{\ensuremath{\Xi}}$, though dependent on the wave-function assumptions, are likely to be orders of magnitude bigger than experimentally allowed.
Interpurchase Time and Brand Loyalty

An important question in the theory of consumer behavior is how time elapsed between successive purchases affects the consumer's brand loyalty. This article attacks a commonly used method for study...
Numerical evaluation of crack growth in polymer electrolyte fuel cell membranes based on plastically dissipated energy

Abstract Understanding the mechanisms of growth of defects in polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells is essential for improving cell longevity. Characterizing the crack growth in PEM fuel cell membrane under relative humidity (RH) cycling is an important step towards establishing strategies essential for developing more durable membrane electrode assemblies (MEA). In this study, a crack propagation criterion based on plastically dissipated energy is investigated numerically. The accumulation of plastically dissipated energy under cyclical RH loading ahead of the crack tip is calculated and compared to a critical value, presumed to be a material parameter. Once the accumulation reaches the critical value, the crack propagates via a node release algorithm. From the literature, it is well established experimentally that membranes reinforced with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) reinforced perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) have better durability than unreinforced membranes, and through-thickness cracks are generally found under the flow channel regions but not land regions in unreinforced PFSA membranes. We show that the proposed plastically dissipated energy criterion captures these experimental observations and provides a framework for investigating failure mechanisms in ionomer membranes subjected to similar environmental loads.
Mosquito population and seasonal fluctuation investigation in Zhenjiang port

Objective To reveal population and seasonal growth and decay of mosquitoes in the river ports of Zhenjiang area so as to provide scientific base for mosquito control and for the sanitation monitor.Methods Net-trapping,mosquitoes were captured at fixed time and locations by fixed persons.Results For this research,altogether 621 mature mosquitoes were captured with a density of 8.63 pieces per net per hour,and could be categorized into 4 genera and 8 species,among which the majority was Culex pipens pallens.Mosquitoes appeared in late March in the river ports of Zhenjiang area,and the maximum occured in July,then in September,the density tended to decline.They completely disappeared in December.Conclusion With the constant exploration of the Yangtze River ports,the mosquito population,density and seasonal fluctuation are changing with the ecological environments,therefore,monitoring and controlling of mosquitoes,especially newly discovered species should be reinforced.
Existence and uniqueness of the positive solution for a even-order nonlinear singular boundary value problems

In this paper,we proved the existence and uniqueness of positive solution for a class of even-order nonlinear singular boundary value problems by using of perturbation techniques,the comparison principle and fixed point theorem.
The Appraisal of Development Level of Social Capital based on Enterprise's Technological Innovation

With the thoroughly development of regional economy,enterprise only rely on internal resource obtain competition advantage became very difficult.As the important component of enterprise's capital,the social capital exerts a far-reaching influence on the development of enterprises,the good social capital can raise the technological innovation ability of enterprises.This text uses relevant theories such as philosophy,economics and sociology,analyses the effects of social capital on technological innovation and influence,from the relevant influencing factors of the social capital of enterprise's technological innovation appraising the development level of the social capital in analysis way of the cluster,have offered the policy recommendations for sound development of enterprise's technological innovation of our country.
Review: probiotics are effective for prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and treatment of Clostridium difficile disease.

Source Citation McFarland LV. Meta-analysis of probiotics for the prevention of antibiotic associated diarrhea and the treatment of Clostridium difficiledisease. Am J Gastroenterol. 2006;101:812-22...
Comprehensive RNA profiling of villous trophoblast and decidua basalis in pregnancies complicated by preterm birth following intra-amniotic infection.

Abstract Introduction We performed RNA sequencing with the primary goal of discovering key placental villous trophoblast (VT) and decidua basalis (DB) transcripts differentially expressed in intra-amniotic infection (IAI)-induced preterm birth (PTB). Methods RNA was extracted from 15 paired VT and DB specimens delivered of women with: 1) spontaneous PTB in the setting of amniocentesis-proven IAI and histological chorioamnionitis (n = 5); 2) spontaneous idiopathic PTB (iPTB, n = 5); and 3) physiologic term pregnancy (n = 5). RNA sequencing was performed using the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform, and a spectrum of computational tools was used for gene prioritization and pathway analyses. Results In the VT specimens, 128 unique long transcripts and 7 mature microRNAs differed significantly between pregnancies complicated by IAI relative to iPTB (FDR Discussion IAI is associated with a transcriptional signature consistent with acute inflammation in the villous trophoblast. The present findings illuminate novel signaling pathways involved in IAI, and suggest putative therapeutic targets and potential biomarkers associated with this condition.
A Message-Passing Approach to Phase Retrieval of Sparse Signals

In phase retrieval, the goal is to recover a signal \(\boldsymbol{x} \in \mathbb{C}^{N}\) from the magnitudes of linear measurements \(\boldsymbol{Ax} \in \mathbb{C}^{M}\). While recent theory has established that M ≈ 4 N intensity measurements are necessary and sufficient to recover generic \(\boldsymbol{x}\), there is great interest in reducing the number of measurements through the exploitation of sparse \(\boldsymbol{x}\), which is known as compressive phase retrieval. In this work, we detail a novel, probabilistic approach to compressive phase retrieval based on the generalized approximate message passing (GAMP) algorithm. We then present a numerical study of the proposed PR-GAMP algorithm, demonstrating its excellent phase-transition behavior, robustness to noise, and runtime. For example, to successfully recover K-sparse signals, approximately \(M \geq 2K\log _{2}(N/K)\) intensity measurements suffice when K ≪ N and \(\boldsymbol{A}\) has i.i.d Gaussian entries. When recovering a 6k-sparse 65k-pixel grayscale image from 32k randomly masked and blurred Fourier intensity measurements, PR-GAMP achieved 99% success rate with a median runtime of only 12. 6 seconds. Compared to the recently proposed CPRL, sparse-Fienup, and GESPAR algorithms, experiments show that PR-GAMP has a superior phase transition and orders-of-magnitude faster runtimes as the problem dimensions increase.
Characteristics of an Ideal Biomarker of Kidney Diseases

Publisher Summary In its simplest definition, a biomarker is anything that can be measured to extract information about a biological state or process. The NIH Biomarkers Definitions Working Group has defined a biological marker (biomarker) as “A characteristic that is objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal biological processes, pathogenic processes, or pharmacologic responses to a therapeutic intervention.” However, certain universal characteristics are important for any biomarker such as they should be non-invasive, easily measured, inexpensive, and produce rapid results; they should be from readily available sources, such as blood or urine; they should have a high sensitivity, allowing early detection, and no overlap in values between diseased patients and healthy controls; they should have a high specificity, being greatly upregulated (or downregulated) specifically in the diseased samples and unaffected by comorbid conditions; biomarker levels should vary rapidly in response to treatment; biomarker levels should aid in risk stratification and possess prognostic value in terms of real outcomes; and biomarkers should be biologically plausible and provide insight into the underlying disease mechanism. Of course, very few biomarkers will meet all of the characteristics of an ideal marker. This chapter discusses these characteristics in detail.
International Justice and Politics

The dream of an independent justice has taken hold only in a few countries which believe in and try to respect Montesquieu’s doctrine of separation of powers. Even in those countries, as in others, national justice is inherently part of a country’s historical, political and cultural background, and related to its economic and social evolution. Judges, as citizens of their time, are not judging in an ivory tower. While called upon to apply the law, they are aware of and sensitive to their country’s past and current problems, of the evolution of mores.
Architectural support for runtime verification on ccNUMA multiprocessors

This paper presents a runtime verification (RV) framework on distributed shared-memory multiprocessors based on explicit functional/concurrency intent specification in the form of temporal logic properties. A generic programming model, that subsumes task and data parallelism, has been wrought along with an automata-based formulation of the RV problem. Algorithms are implemented for the construction and minimization of automata checkers that can be executed concurrently with multithreaded applications to assert their correct functioning. The needed architectural supporting mechanisms and the ensuing design tradeoffs are investigated using an approximately-timed transaction-level model. The simulation model confirms scalability of the proposed RV approach to large multiprocessor systems. It also quantifies the increase in the number of processors needed to replenish the monitoring-induced performance degradation.
Impact of Vacancies on the Mechanical Properties of Ultraincompressible, Hard Rhenium Subnitrides: Re2N and Re3N

The development of ultraincompressible, superhard materials has recently focused on systems containing heavy transition metals and light main group elements. The combination of these atom types provides the high valence electron density electron and directional covalent bonding necessary to achieve the desired mechanical response. Rhenium subnitrides, Re2N and Re3N, are a perfect example of satisfying these criteria yielding high hardness (≈15 to 20 GPa) and an extreme bulk modulus (≈400 GPa). However, the volatility of nitrogen at the high temperatures required to synthesize these phases makes them prone to the formation of anion vacancies, which may alter the electronic structure and adversely affect the mechanical properties. Using first principle calculations, the possibility of vacancy formation in Re2N1–x (x = 0–0.25) and Re3N1–y (y = 0–0.25) is predicted as a function of applied pressure, while the effects of vacancies on the electronic structure and mechanical properties are investigated. These re...
Simulation of LD Identification Accuracy Using a Pattern of Processing Strengths and Weaknesses Method With Multiple Measures.

We investigated the classification accuracy of learning disability (LD) identification methods premised on the identification of an intraindividual pattern of processing strengths and weaknesses (PSW) method using multiple indicators for all latent constructs. Known LD status was derived from latent scores; values at the observed level identified LD status for individual cases according to the concordance/discordance method. Agreement with latent status was evaluated using (a) a single indicator, (b) two indicators as part of a test–retest “confirmation” model, and (c) a mean score. Specificity and negative predictive value (NPV) were generally high for single indicators (median specificity = 98.8%, range = 93.4%-99.7%; median NPV = 94.2%, range = 85.6%-98.7%), but low for sensitivity (median sensitivity = 49.1%, range = 20.3%-77.1%) and positive predictive value (PPV; median PPV = 48.8%, range = 23.5%-69.6%). A test–retest procedure produced inconsistent and small improvements in classification accuracy,...
Abstract B90: The Prostate Outreach Project (POP): Novel methods of recruitment for prostate education and screening among underserved African American men

Purpose/Goals of project: We compared the effectiveness of a satellite clinic vs. a mobile clinic as a method for recruiting men to a prostate cancer screening program, and to deliver prostate cancer education and awareness in an underserved patient population. Methodology: Over 40 months, men were recruited to POP via mass media, community partnerships, and faith-based outreach at a satellite or mobile clinic. Recruitment was done in 4 phases and at 173 events; success was determined by the number of men screened/event (screening ratio [SR]) in each phase. An educational video was shown to all participants, and the initial 421 participants completed a Prostate Knowledge and Attitude Questionnaire before and after watching the video to assess change in knowledge. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to assess differences in recruitment phases. McNemar9s test was used to assess the differences in pre- and post-video responses. Results: 2,713 men were screened during 173 events. An increase in SR was noted during recruitment Phases III/IV when mobile screenings were implemented compared to Phases I/II utilizing satellite locations. (SR I/II = 6.4–6.6, versus III/IV = 23.2–29, p Implications: In this population the mobile-clinic was most effective in providing prostate education and screening. Sustainability: The mobile-clinic may be useful in reducing prostate cancer mortality in this population.
Pre-cardiac transplant amiodarone use is not associated with postoperative mortality: An updated meta-analysis.

Abstract Background Amiodarone remains the preferred agent for the treatment and prevention of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias in patients with end-stage heart failure. While several reports suggest that pre-operative amiodarone exposure worsens outcomes in heart transplant recipients, other studies have failed to validate this relationship. We sought to clarify this issue by performing a meta-analysis of the available literature surrounding this topic. Methods We searched Medline, SCOPUS and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through December 15th 2016, as well as proceedings from related conferences over the prior 3years. Included studies evaluated patients undergoing cardiac transplantation who had received pre-transplant amiodarone and reported postoperative mortality. Outcomes were pooled using a Hartung-Knapp random-effects model producing odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated using the Cochrane Q statistic p -value and I 2 value. Publication bias was assessed by visual inspection of funnel plots and using Egger's weighted regression statistic. Results Nine studies including 16,509 participants were included in the overall analysis. Use of pre-transplant amiodarone was not associated with an increase in postoperative mortality versus control (OR 1.38, 95% 0.8 to 2.36). Moderate statistical heterogeneity was present (I 2 =45.8%, p =0.06); visual inspection of funnel plot analysis did not suggest publication bias. No association was noted between a longer duration of follow-up and higher odds of mortality with amiodarone use ( p =0.91). Conclusion Meta-analysis of the available evidence suggests that pre-operative amiodarone exposure does not increase mortality in cardiac transplant recipients.
Voluntary disclosure of non-financial information and its association with sustainability performance

Abstract This paper investigates management incentives for disclosing voluntary non-financial information and whether such disclosure is associated with firms' environmental, social, and governance (ESG) sustainability performance. We hand-collect 580 sample firms' voluntary non-financial disclosure on product, competition, industry, customers, trends, and technology data from their annual reports in 2010. We find that information contents and managerial motivations play an important role in assessing the antecedents and consequences of non-financial disclosure. Specifically, we find that earnings quality is a more pronounced factor in influencing forward-looking non-financial disclosures whereas proprietary cost is a more pronounced factor in influencing historical non-financial disclosures. Using the ratings from the KLD database to construct ESG sustainability performance, we find a two-directional association between non-financial disclosures and sustainability performance. Specifically, forward-looking non-financial disclosures are associated with a one year lead in sustainability performance, whereas current year sustainability performance is linked to more disclosures of historical non-financial information in the year-end annual filings.
Education Division Guest Editorial: 40th Anniversary of the Special Libraries Association Education Division

This year, 2014, celebrates the 40th anniversary of the SLA Education Division. As the Division was founded in June 1974 at the Annual Conference of the Association in Toronto, Canada, it was appropriate that we celebrated the 40th Anniversary at the June 2014 conference in Vancouver, Canada. [...]
Sentinel lymph node biopsy in Merkel cell carcinoma: The Mayo Clinic experience of 150 patients.

Abstract Background Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare cutaneous malignancy of neuroendocrine origin with a high propensity for lymph node metastasis. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) status is important for accurate staging; however, the optimal treatment following SLN biopsy, regardless of nodal status, remains unclear. Methods 150 patients with MCC who underwent SLN biopsy from 1995 to 2011 at 3 Mayo Clinic sites were reviewed. Results Of 150 patients with MCC who underwent SLN biopsy, 39 (26%) were positive and 111 (74%) were negative. There was no significant difference between the sex, age, tumor location, or size of primary in the positive and negative SLN groups. While there was no difference in the cumulative incidence of any regional recurrence between SLN groups, the rate of in-transit recurrences was significantly higher in patients with a positive SLN (p = 0.022). The disease-specific survival for MCC was 97.0%, 82.4%, and 82.4% at 1, 3, and 5 years with a positive SLN and 99.0%, 94.9%, and 86.8% with a negative SLN (p = 0.31). Among those alive at last follow up, the median follow up was 3.8 years (IQR, 2.1–8.4) and 2.9 years (IQR, 1.8–6.1) for positive and negative SLN cohorts respectively. Conclusions Occult nodal metastasis is common in MCC(26%). No tumor or patient characteristics were identified to predict SLN positivity. Patients with a positive SLN have a higher risk of in-transit recurrence and may benefit from adjuvant radiation with inclusion of the in-transit field in amenable cases. When patients with a positive SLN receive additional treatment to the at-risk nodal basin, both OS and DSS are similar to patients with a negative SLN.
Sea-Level Rise and Climate Change Impacts on an Urbanized Pacific Coast Estuary

The San Francisco Bay-Delta estuary, the largest estuary on the west coast of North America, has lost over 90% of its tidal wetlands through conversion to agriculture, grazing or urban development. Accelerated sea-level rise poses an additional threat to the remaining wetlands, and keeping pace requires that they increase in relative elevation through trapping of suspended sediment or increasing organic productivity in the root zone. Suspended sediment concentrations (SSC) have been declining in rivers and deep channels, and although little is known about sediment dynamics in shallow areas, sediment supply to tidal wetlands may not be sufficient to maintain their elevations in the future. Wetlands will be constrained by existing development and mountainous terrain. Increases in tidal wetland salinity have been occurring in saline, brackish and the western edges of freshwater tidal wetlands. To mitigate for sea-level rise, considerable acreages currently are being restored, with and without active management practices. Restoration techniques are being piloted to increase shoreline protection, resiliency, and high tide refuge in adaptation to current and projected sea level rise. We recommend additional research into plant physiological responses to combinations of climate change impacts, as well as suggest potential practical policy positions.
Teaching paediatric transgender care

BACKGROUND We aimed to evaluate the effect of online modules - as stand-alone training - on paediatric transgender-related self-perceived knowledge, objective knowledge, and clinical self-efficacy of learners. We previously evaluated the online modules as part of a larger curriculum that included observation in a paediatric transgender clinic, and assessed change in self-perceived knowledge. METHODS Paediatric interns, psychiatry interns, fourth-year medical students and nurse practitioner students were administered assessments before and after the completion of six online modules focused on medical and psychosocial considerations for transgender youth. The assessments queried learner demographics and transgender clinical exposure. Nine items tested transgender-related objective knowledge. Twenty-four items asked learners to rate self-perceived transgender-specific knowledge (1, not at all knowledgeable; 5, completely knowledgeable). Thirteen self-efficacy items asked learners to rate confidence in their ability to evaluate and counsel these youth (0, not at all confident; 10, completely confident). Overall and subscores were calculated for each domain. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to compare the pre- and post-module scores. RESULTS Thirty-six learners were eligible to join the study and 86% (n = 31) participated. Among the participants, 90% (n = 28) completed both assessments. The median number of transgender patients seen before the curriculum was one, and 10% had past experience in a transgender clinic. Comparing pre- and post-module scores, the overall objective knowledge scores increased from 22 to 56% (p < 0.001), self-perceived knowledge scores increased from 1.8 to 3.8 (p < 0.001) and self-efficacy scores increased from 3.5 to 7.0 (p < 0.001). [What is] the effect of online modules on paediatric transgender-related self-perceived knowledge [?] DISCUSSION: This study suggests that e-learning was an effective stand-alone intervention to enhance transgender-related knowledge and self-efficacy in interdisciplinary learners.
Diffusion of aromatic hydrocarbons in hierarchical mesoporous H-ZSM-5 zeolite

Abstract Hierarchical mesoporous zeolites exhibit higher catalytic activities and longer lifetime compared to the traditional microporous zeolites due to improved diffusivity of substrate molecules and their enhanced access to the zeolite active sites. Understanding diffusion of biomass pyrolysis vapors and their upgraded products in such materials is fundamentally important during catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) of lignocellulosic biomass, since diffusion makes major contribution to determine shape selectivity and product distribution. However, diffusivities of biomass relevant species in hierarchical mesoporous zeolites are poorly characterized, primarily due to the limitations of the available experimental technology. In this work, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are utilized to investigate the diffusivities of several selected coke precursor molecules, benzene, naphthalene, and anthracene, in hierarchical mesoporous H-ZSM-5 zeolite. The effects of temperature and size of mesopores on the diffusivity of the chosen model compounds are examined. The simulation results demonstrate that diffusion within the microspores as well as on the external surface of mesoporous H-ZSM-5 dominates only at low temperature. At pyrolysis relevant temperatures, mass transfer is essentially conducted via diffusion along the mesopores. Additionally, the results illustrate the heuristic diffusion model, such as the extensively used Knudsen diffusion, overestimates the diffusion of bulky molecules in the mesopores, thus making MD simulation a powerful and compulsory approach to explore diffusion in zeolites.
A Simple Power Law Governs Many Sensory Amplifications and Multisensory Enhancements

When one sensory response occurs in the presence of a different sensory stimulation, the sensory response is often amplified. The variety of sensory enhancement data tends to obscure the underlying rules, but it has long been clear that weak signals are usually amplified more than strong ones (the Principle of Inverse Effectiveness). Here we show that for many kinds of sensory amplification, the underlying law is simple and elegant: the amplified response is a power law of the unamplified response, with a compressive exponent that amplifies weak signals more than strong. For both psychophysics and cortical electrophysiology, for both humans and animals, and for both sensory integration and enhancement within a sense, gated power law amplification (amplification of one sense triggered by the presence of a different sensory signal) is often sufficient to explain sensory enhancement.
Beta Oscillatory Dynamics in the Prefrontal and Superior Temporal Cortices Predict Spatial Working Memory Performance

The oscillatory dynamics serving spatial working memory (SWM), and how such dynamics relate to performance, are poorly understood. To address these topics, the present study recruited 22 healthy adults to perform a SWM task during magnetoencephalography (MEG). The resulting MEG data were transformed into the time-frequency domain, and significant oscillatory responses were imaged using a beamformer. Voxel time series data were extracted from the cluster peaks to quantify the dynamics, while whole-brain partial correlation maps were computed to identify regions where oscillatory strength varied with accuracy on the SWM task. The results indicated transient theta oscillations in spatially distinct subregions of the prefrontal cortices at the onset of encoding and maintenance, which may underlie selection of goal-relevant information. Additionally, strong and persistent decreases in alpha and beta oscillations were observed throughout encoding and maintenance in parietal, temporal, and occipital regions, which could serve sustained attention and maintenance processes during SWM performance. The neuro-behavioral correlations revealed that beta activity within left dorsolateral prefrontal control regions and bilateral superior temporal integration regions was negatively correlated with SWM accuracy. Notably, this is the first study to employ a whole-brain approach to significantly link neural oscillations to behavioral performance in the context of SWM.
The Statistical Basis of Computerized Diagnosis Using the Electrocardiogram

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the computer-based multigroup diagnosis program of the Veterans Administration, a program designed to assign a tracing to one of a set of predesignated diagnostic categories with minimum probability of error, based on the resting electrocardiogram (ECG). Unlike most other automatic interpretations of the ECG, it is not intended to simulate a skilled cardiologist, that is, the ECG is not designed to approach as closely as possible the interpretation of a diagnosis that would have been reached by such a reader. The algorithms accepting the equivalence the ECG usually simulate the cardiologist by using decision trees. The weight, skin color, age, and sex have nontrivial influences on the electrocardiographic tracing. The electrocardiogram is not an infallible diagnostic tool, the probability and the assignment for many patients is influenced by the prior probabilities used. There are misclassification probabilities for three different sets of prior probabilities. The probability of a correct diagnosis depends on the diagnostic category into which a patient falls, being highest for the normals and lowest for those with right ventricular hypertrophy.
The Vitamin D Deficiency Pandemic: a Forgotten Hormone Important for Health

Early in the twentieth century more than 80 percent of children in industrialized Europe and North America were ravaged by the devastating skeletal consequences of rickets. Finding that exposure to ultraviolet radiation or sunlight treated and prevented rickets led to the ultraviolet irradiation of foods including milk. These practices along with the fortification of a variety of foods including dairy products with vitamin D and widespread use of cod liver oil eradicated rickets as a significant health problem by the late 1930s. Many countries mandated the fortification of milk with vitamin D to prevent rickets during wartime shortages. In the 1950s, in Europe, many countries forbid fortification of dairy and food products except breakfast cereals and margarine because of an outbreak of vitamin D intoxication in neonates. Vitamin D deficiency has again become a major public health interest with its association with osteoporosis, osteomalacia, fractures, and more recently with prevention of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and other chronic illnesses. Regular sun exposure has decreased due to changing lifestyles. Vitamin D deficiency is especially prevalent in dark skinned children and adults living in Northern latitudes, and obese children and adults. Improving the vitamin D status worldwide would have dramatic effects on public health, and reduce healthcare costs for many chronic diseases. The most cost-effective way to remedy this deficiency is to increase food fortification with higher levels of vitamin D along with sensible sun exposure, and adequate vitamin D supplementation. I review the pathophysiology of vitamin D deficiency and its health consequences and provide recommendations for a new policy approach to this vital public health issue.
A Cross-Sectional Study of Cannabidiol Users

Abstract Introduction: Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that cannabidiol (CBD) found in Cannabis spp. has broad therapeutic value. CBD products can currently be purchased online, over the c...
Reconstitution of mammalian DNA replication.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on efforts to perform the series of reactions necessary to carry out mammalian chromosomal DNA replication using purified enzymes in vitro . This work fits into a larger framework of genetic and cell biological experiments, using prokaryotes, viruses, and eukaryotes. The particular features of DNA replication include initiation at replication origins, and the components and propagation of the replication fork. DNA replication begins when T antigen recognizes and binds simian virus 40 (SV40's) origin of replication. T antigen binds at positions designated as site I and site II. Although T antigen function is unique to SV40, the details of its action are important because it probably has common features with proteins that initiate DNA replication at all eukaryotic replication origins. Significant structural features of the SV40 origin have been determined by genetic analysis and site-directed mutagenesis. Analysis of the interaction specificity of a protein with other replication proteins can be used to verify its unique participation at a particular step in DNA replication, compared to proteins with the same catalytic activity. Phosphorylation plays an important role in the regulation of T antigen transcription and replication activities.
In Situ Observation of Alignment Templating by Seed Crystals in Highly Anisotropic Polymer Transistors

Due to the highly directional nature of transport in polymer-based organic field-effect transistors (OFETs), alignment of the polymer backbone can significantly affect device performance. While man...
Neurocognitive Precursors of Substance Misuse Corresponding to Risk, Resistance, and Resilience Pathways: Implications for Prevention Science

Studies of substance misuse prevention generally focus on characteristics that typify risk, with the assumption that the prevalence of the problem will be optimally reduced by identifying, targeting, and reducing or eliminating risk factors. However, this risk-centered approach neglects variations in individual-level and environmental characteristics that portend differential pathways that are distinguishable by timing of substance use initiation (e.g., early versus delayed), the likelihood of use escalation versus eventual desistance, and enduring abstinence, despite exposure to significant risk factors. Considering the various underpinnings of these distinct substance use trajectories is critical to a more nuanced understanding of the effects, potency, and malleability of factors that are known to increase risk or confer protection. Here, we discuss three pathways relative to substance use patterns and predictors in the context of adversity, a well-known, highly significant influence on propensity for substance misuse. The first pathway is designated as "high risk" based on early onset of substance use, rapid escalation, and proneness to substance use disorders. Individuals who defy all odds and eventually exhibit adaptive developmental outcomes despite an initial maladaptive reaction to adversity, are referred to as "resilient." However, another categorization that has not been adequately characterized is "resistant." Resistant individuals include those who do not exhibit problematic substance use behaviors (e.g., early onset and escalation) and do not develop substance use disorders or other forms of psychopathology, despite significant exposure to factors that normally increase the propensity for such outcomes (e.g. trauma and/or adversity). In this paper, we apply this conceptualization of risk, resistance, and resilience for substance misuse to a more fine-grained analysis of substance use pathways and their corresponding patterns (e.g., non-use, initiation, escalation, desistance). The significance of the progression of neurocognitive functioning over the course of development is discussed as well as how this knowledge may be translated to make a science-based determination of intervention targets. This more encompassing theoretical model has direct implications for primary prevention and clinical approaches to disrupt risk pathways and to optimize long-term outcomes.
A case report of long-term complete remission following cessation of romiplostim dosing in a previously severe ITP patient.

e17001 Background: Primary Immune thrombocytopenia(ITP) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by low platelet counts and bleeding complications. Platelet destruction together with insuffic...
Steering Magnetic Particles by Feedback Control of Permanent Magnet Manipulators

Noncontact magnetic manipulators are used in a range of medical, microrobotics, and microfluidics applications to operate magnetized tools from a distance without mechanical contact. The dominant trend in the design of these devices is to produce and control magnetic fields using electromagnets, while permanent magnets can produce much stronger magnetic fields for similar magnet size, weight, and cost. This advantage can be exploited to develop more compact, more effective, and less expensive magnetic manipulators. This paper briefly describes the conceptual design of a magnetic manipulator which utilizes an array of permanent magnets and mechanical actuators to control its magnetic field, and consequently, its magnetic force applied to magnetic particles. A nonlinear feedback control law is designed which enables this manipulator to steer magnetic particles along reference trajectories with reasonable precision.