cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance of combined trellis coded modulation and nonlinear cancellation

The performance of nonlinear cancellation schemes is limited by the accuracy of tentative decisions. This correspondence analyzes the performance of combined trellis coded modulation and nonlinear cancellation. A scheme is proposed to make use of the redundancy of the code. It is shown that performance close to optimum can be achieved with this scheme. >
The Impact of the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction on Student Self-Determination

Promoting self-determination has become a best practice in special education. There remains, however, a paucity of causal evidence for interventions to promote self-determination. This article presents the results of a group-randomized, modified equivalent control group design study of the efficacy of the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI, Wehmeyer, Palmer, Agran, Mithaug, & Martin, 2000) to promote self-determination. The authors used data on self-determination using multiple measures collected with 312 high school students with cognitive disabilities in both a control and a treatment group to examine the relationship between the SDLMI and self-determination. After determining strong measurement invariance for each latent construct, they found significant differences in latent means across measurement occasions and differential effects attributable to the SDLMI. This was true across disability category, though there was variance across disability populations.
A simple quantitative assay for studying the invasive potential of high and low human metastatic variants

Abstract This paper presents a more reliable model for studying the extent of tumor cell migration and invasion in vitro. Polycarbonate filters were uniformly coated with a reconstituted basement membrane material and allowed to dry; each filter measured 0.035 mm in thickness when hydrated with media. Subsequently, the membrane-coated filters were suspended in Membrane Invasion Culture System (MICS) chambers, and high (A375M) and low (A375P) metastatic variants of human melanoma cells were seeded onto the membranes and allowed to incubate for 3 days. At the end of this period, cells were examined morphologically, and the invasive cells of both metastatic variants were collected, stained and counted microscopically. The tumor cells could be seen attached to the reconstituted basement membrane, buried within it, and forming colony-like aggregates in the matrix. It was determined that approximately twice as many A375M cells invaded the artificial biological matrix compared with the A375P cells (P
Some Approximations in the Nonlinear Vibrations of Unsymmetrically Laminated Plates

d,e ^ i i + d + e = 6 The bending stretching coupling terms enter only the linear frequency terms and the quadratic nonlinear term. The quadratic terms are in general small. The derivation of these equations is algebraically complex and tedious even for a single degree of freedom and simple mode shapes. An approximation due to Berger and extended by Wah has proved useful in simplifying the analysis of nonlinear isotropic and orthotropic plates. Unfortunately, it was shown that for angle ply laminates the bending stretching terms render this approximation infeasible. An approximation suggested by Ashton for linear problems involves neglecting certain of the bending stretching coupling terms in such a way that the application of the Berger approximation becomes feasible. Combining these approximations and using solution (1), the time dependent equations become
Genome-wide association mapping and identification of candidate genes for the rumpless and ear-tufted traits of the Araucana chicken.

Araucana chickens are known for their rounded, tailless rumps and tufted ears. Inheritance studies have shown that the rumpless (Rp) and ear-tufted (Et) loci each act in an autosomal dominant fashion, segregate independently, and are associated with an increased rate of embryonic mortality. To find genomic regions associated with Rp and Et, we generated genome-wide SNP profiles for a diverse population of 60 Araucana chickens using the 60 K chicken SNP BeadChip. Genomewide association studies using 40 rumpless and 11 tailed birds showed a strong association with rumpless on Gga 2 (Praw=2.45610 210 , Pgenome=0.00575), and analysis of genotypes revealed a 2.14 Mb haplotype shared by all rumpless birds. Within this haplotype, a 0.74 Mb critical interval containing two Iroquois homeobox genes, Irx1 and Irx2, was unique to rumpless Araucana chickens. Irx1 and Irx2 are central for developmental prepatterning, but neither gene is known to have a role in mechanisms leading to caudal development. A second genome-wide association analysis using 30 ear-tufted and 28 non-tufted birds revealed an association with tufted on Gga 15 (Praw=6.61610 27 , Pgenome=0.0981). We identified a 0.58 Mb haplotype common to tufted birds and harboring 7 genes. Because homozygosity for Et is nearly 100% lethal, we employed a heterozygosity mapping approach to prioritize candidate gene selection. A 60 kb region heterozygous in all Araucana chickens contains the complete coding sequence for TBX1 and partial sequence for GNB1L. TBX1 is an important transcriptional regulator of embryonic development and a key genetic determinant of human DiGeorge syndrome. Herein, we describe localization of Rp and Et and identification of positional candidate genes.
Two Models of Learning: Cognition Vs. Socialization

In this paper, I bring out the contrasts between two different approaches to student learning: that of computational learning scientists and socio-cultural anthropologists, and suggest some implications and directions for learning research in MOOCs. Computational learning scientists see learning as a matter of imbibing particular knowledge propositions, and therefore understand teaching as a way of configuring these knowledge propositions in a way that takes into account the learner's capacities. Cultural anthropologists see learning as a process of acculturation or socialization--the process of becoming a member of a community. They see school itself as a social institution and the process of learning at school as a special case of socialization into a certain kind of learning style (Lave 1988); being socialized into this learning style depends on the kinds of social and cultural resources that a student has access to. Rather than see these approaches as either right or wrong, I see them as productive leading to particular kinds of research: thus, while a computational model of learning leads to research that looks at particular paths through the course material that accomplish the learning of a concept, an anthropological approach would look at student-student and student-teacher forum dialog to see how students use language, cultural resources and the affordances of the forum itself to make meaning. I argue that a socialization approach to learning might be more useful for humanities courses where assignments tend to be essays or dialogue. Finally, I bring up the old historical controversy in Artificial Intelligence: between the Physical Symbol Systems hypothesis and situated action. I argue that some of the computational approaches taken up by the proponents of situated action may be useful exemplars to implement a computational model of learning as socialization.
Prevalence of overweight and obesity among students with intellectual disabilities in Taiwan: A secondary analysis.

Abstract Purpose The study aims to investigate the prevalence and likelihood of overweight and obesity in a large sample of students with intellectual disabilities (ID) from Taiwan. Method A secondary analysis of a cross sectional study was employed to examine the body weight status among 7 to 18 year-old students with ID enrolled in public special education schools in 2013. The students were divided into three age groups (7–12 yrs, 13–15 yrs, and 16–18 yrs), four ID levels (mild, moderate, severe, and profound) and six comorbidities of ID (ID only, ID caused by genetic disorders, ID with physical disability, ID with multiple disabilities without physical disabilities, ID with autism spectrum disorders, and others with rare diseases). Results The sample represented 34.8% of students with ID attending public special education schools in Taiwan. Within this sample, 35.2% were identified as being overweight or obese. The 16 to 18 year-old age group were approximately two times (AOR = 2.02, more likely to be obese than the 7–12 year-old group. Students with ID caused by genetic disorders such as Down syndrome (AOR = 2.00) appeared to be more overweight or obese in comparison to those with ID only. Students with moderate (AOR = 1.64) and severe ID (AOR = 1.49) were more overweight/obese compared to those with profound ID. Conclusion The findings not only highlight the high prevalence of overweight/obesity but also stress the need for health promotion initiatives to address issues of overweight/obesity within this population.
Effects of immunization of heifers against estradiol on growth, reproductive traits, and carcass characteristics.

AbstractAn experiment was performed to evaluate the effects of active immunization of heifers against estradiol on feedlot performance (growth and efficiency), carcass characteristics, and reproductive functions. Seventy-two crossbred heifers were divided into four equal treatment groups consisting of controls, ovariectomized heifers, and heifers actively immunized against keyhole limpet-estradiol antigen and bovine serum albumin-estradiol antigen. Heifers were fed ad libitum for 170 days. Both groups of heifers immunized against estradiol had higher (P < 0.05) average daily gains than controls. Heifers immunized against bovine serum albumin-estradiol had increased feed efficiency (P < 0.05) over controls. Ovariectomized heifers did not perform at levels sufficient to compensate for the initial setback from surgery. No differences were noted in carcass grade, quality, or concentration of water, fat, or protein. Uterine weights were increased in estrogen-immunized animals but were not significantly greater...
Computational Color Imaging with Enhanced Light Sensitivity based on a Microstructured Diffractive Element Array

Replacing color filters by a diffractive optic, a new color imaging system is demonstrated with 2.67 times light sensitivity enhancement. Computational effort based on regularization is exploited in color reconstruction. Hyper-spectral imaging is also possible.
Improving OCD time to solution using Signal Response Metrology

In recent technology nodes, advanced process and novel integration scheme have challenged the precision limits of conventional metrology; with critical dimensions (CD) of device reduce to sub-nanometer region. Optical metrology has proved its capability to precisely detect intricate details on the complex structures, however, conventional RCWA-based (rigorous coupled wave analysis) scatterometry has the limitations of long time-to-results and lack of flexibility to adapt to wide process variations. Signal Response Metrology (SRM) is a new metrology technique targeted to alleviate the consumption of engineering and computation resources by eliminating geometric/dispersion modeling and spectral simulation from the workflow. This is achieved by directly correlating the spectra acquired from a set of wafers with known process variations encoded. In SPIE 2015, we presented the results of SRM application in lithography metrology and control [1], accomplished the mission of setting up a new measurement recipe of focus/dose monitoring in hours. This work will demonstrate our recent field exploration of SRM implementation in 20nm technology and beyond, including focus metrology for scanner control; post etch geometric profile measurement, and actual device profile metrology.
Effect of Hypophysectomy on the Molar of the Rat

The gross and microscopic anatomy of the molars was studied in 2 groups of rats:A. Completely hypophysectomized. 22 animals. Age at operation: 36 to 64 days. Post-operative life: 63 to 459 days. B. Litter mate controls. Some were unoperated but most were unsuccessfully subjected to operation. Normal oestrous cycles and normal rate of growth. 15 animals.Significant alterations were observed only in group A. The gross findings in these animals were (a) retarded eruption; (b) shorter length of roots. The histologic findings are summarized below.1. The epithelial attachment is absent in a number of cases for varying lengths near the cemento-enamel junction so that the enamel is bounded directly by connective tissue or by a cementum spur of varying length and width. In 7 animals the enamel shows here some areas of resorption.2. The enamel is normal in structure except for areas of resorption near which the organic matrix is sometimes seen in decalcified sections.3. The dentin appears, as a whole, normal in str...
Impacts of Nutrition Information on Choices of Fresh Seafood Among Parents

AbstractFederal rules require raw meat and poultry products to carry nutrition information, but such rules do not extend to fresh (raw) seafood products. This article examines the extent to which providing nutrition information could impact consumers’ choices for seafood, with a special focus on parents with children, because parents influence the food preferences of future generations. Using a choice experiment with a between subjects design, we find that providing nutrition information similar to the nutrition facts panel increases marginal willingness to pay (MWTP) for all types of seafood studied, whereas providing health benefit information of seafood is only effective for some types of seafood. This finding can inform the industry and policy makers on the potential impact of introducing nutrition labels for fresh seafood.
Health behaviors and demographic factors of chronic health conditions among elderly veteran men

ABSTRACTAs male veterans age, there are unique opportunities for health-related prevention efforts to be introduced throughout the life cycle to ameliorate the effects of chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, asthma, arthritis, and diabetes. This study analyzed data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2012) with a sample of 27,187 male veterans aged 65–84 years and 4,079 male veterans over 85 years of age. The study examined associations between behaviors, demographics, and five chronic health conditions with variables that included marital status, health insurance coverage, alcohol consumption, smoking history, and income levels. These associations varied between the two age groups, suggesting the need for intervention with veterans across their lifespans. Public health social workers could help veterans modify their health behaviors to prevent the occurrence or worsening of chronic health conditions over time and across the aging process.
The Oracle-recorded Pilgrimage Etiquette in the Shang Dynasty

In the Yin times,there were large numbers of manors and realms beyond site of the imperial court,which were in fragile subordination to the Shang Dynasty.The two sides sustained an unstable union and relationship between the ruling and the ruled by a ceremonial system providing a variety of conventions and regulations.As the oracle inscriptions show,there were certainly ceremonial contents for the lords to pilgrim the king of Shang and the king to courteously receive the lords in this period of time,including the court's etiquette to receive the pilgrims,the lord's etiquette to express regard and contribute sacrifice after their arrival and the king's etiquette to knight and entertain the lords.Most of the pilgrimage etiquette recorded in later documents could find their historical counterparts in the oracle inscriptions in the Shang Dynasty 3,000 years ago.Therefore,the traditional view that the Zhou Dynasty succeeded the etiquette in the Shang Dynasty is well-grounded.
Strategies for Health Education in Rural Areas,a Study Based on Investigation in Sheyang County, Jiangsu Province

Objective To explore effective strategies for health education in rural areas.Methods With the unity and cooperation of certain departments of the government, to probe the strategy of propagation, which mainly depends on mass communication with a supplementation of interpersonal communication skills in village communities; to develop new methods for rural health education and health promotion.Results New measures, such as health education demonstrative households, health education popularization village, town, and township had been adopted.Specialized funds had been raised from many channels.The health knowledge rate among the peasants and pupils was 60 0% in 1994 and was 89 0% in 1998 (P0 01); the health knowledge rate was 87 6% among the pupils in 1994 and was 91 2% in 1998 (P0 01) The health behavior rates about hand washing, teeth brushing, kitchen hygiene, courtyard hygiene, etc among the peasants were increased in 1998 in comparison with those in 1994 (P0 01) However, the smoking rate remained almost the same The incidence rate of infectious disease, mortality rate of infants and young children, mortality rate of pregnant and lying in women significantly decreased in 2001 in comparison with those in 2000 (all P0 01) Conclusion The measures, such as health education demonstrative households, health education popularization village, town, and township are effective in rural areas
The Bohr-Einstein Debate and the Philosophers’ Debate over Realism versus Anti-Realism

Although debates surrounding the interpretation of quantum theory are generally thought to have some bearing on the question of realism, the exact nature of the connection has remained controversial. Thus it is common to find the anti-realist arguing that the success of quantum theory has dealt the death blow to realism, while simultaneously some realists herald the quantum revolution as demanding a reconstruction of the conceptual framework of physics in order to attain a fuller understanding of nature’s structure. At the center of this debate on physical reality and the quantum description of nature is the monumental encounter between Bohr and Einstein, certainly by any standard one of the most significant intellectual confrontations in the history of science. Yet the precise relation of this particular debate to the philosopher’s discussion of realism remains not surprisingly as obscure and ill-understood as the relationship between quantum theory and realism generally.
From ‘Dialoghorrhea’ to Mental-Image: Comédie (1966), Not I (1977) and What Where (1986)

Our analysis of Film took us to the verge of creating a pure time-image through a centrifugal, acentred movement towards the outside of both subjectivity and filmic space as a (w)hole by foregrounding the gap or interstice as an immanent plane of temporality. In contrast, the film and TV adaptations of the three theatre plays of this chapter — Play/Comedie, Not I and What Where — displace the language of both self-identity and performative space itself (specifically through mise-en-scene) towards a more centripetal immanence focused on a highly charged and affecting centre. Firstly, like Film, all three projects share basic concerns with the split subject, in this case through literal disembodiment and its relation to an all-encompassing immanent space. Shot in black and white, all feature talking heads severed from the rest of the human body set against black, featureless backgrounds which act as dark fields of obsessive memory and forgetting, both voluntary (What Where) and involuntary (Comedie and Not I). Here past, present and future collide and intermingle in the iterative time of the actual filmic event we are watching.
The superpowers' dilemma

A tit-for-tat strategy may be appropriate on substantive matters to deter exploitation by the other party. But playing tit-for-tat with the elements of the working relationship will destroy the relationship just when it is most needed to resolve substantive disputes. A more productive and stable approach would separate the substantive elements of a dispute from the procedural or relationship elements. Norms of procedural behavior, once established, should be pursued unconditionally, whether or not the other side reciprocates this behavior. Such unconditional behavior will provide a stable working relationship through which substantive disputes may be efficiently resolved. A stable relationship that provides for ready consultation will reduce the misperceptions and fears that could lead to dangerous downward spirals in substantive disputes.
Hormone-replacement therapy: current thinking

For several decades, the role of hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) has been debated. Early observational data on HRT showed many benefits, including a reduction in coronary heart disease (CHD) and mortality. More recently, randomized trials, including the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), studying mostly women many years after the the onset of menopause, showed no such benefit and, indeed, an increased risk of CHD and breast cancer, which led to an abrupt decrease in the use of HRT. Subsequent reanalyzes of data from the WHI with age stratification, newer randomized and observational data and several meta-analyses now consistently show reductions in CHD and mortality when HRT is initiated soon after menopause. HRT also significantly decreases the incidence of various symptoms of menopause and the risk of osteoporotic fractures, and improves quality of life. In younger healthy women (aged 50-60 years), the risk-benefit balance is positive for using HRT, with risks considered rare. As no validated primary prevention strategies are available for younger women (<60 years of age), other than lifestyle management, some consideration might be given to HRT as a prevention strategy as treatment can reduce CHD and all-cause mortality. Although HRT should be primarily oestrogen-based, no particular HRT regimen can be advocated.
Measuring Gamification Elements’ Effects on User Content Generation: An Empirical Study of Stackoverflow’s Two Sided Platform’s Big Data

The cornerstone of the new marketing era consists of user generated content. This information is useful for reducing consumer uncertainty, generating new ideas for new products, and managing the customer relationship. To motivate users to generate content, practitioners use video game elements such as badges, leaderboard, and reputation points for user achievements, in an approach called Gamification. To allow Gamification platforms to target their users, I profile user segments by an ensemble method over LDA, mixed-normal and k-mean clustering, and then I develop a model of state-dependent choices of content generating users. This model captures long tail distribution of user heterogeneity by Dirichlet Process, and investigates the effects of fun and social elements of Gamification, reputation points, rank in the leaderboard, and badges (i.e. gold, silver, bronze) on the users’ probabilities to contribute content. I used a big data set of approximately 11,000,000 choices made by 36,000 users across 250 days on Stackoverflow to estimate the mixed binary logit model of users’ content contribution choices. I show that estimating the model on smaller random samples generate biased results. The estimation results demonstrate that users show heterogeneous significant positive and negative inertia, reciprocity, intrinsic motivation, and responses to badges, reputation points, and leaderboard ranks. I found interesting sensitivity patterns to Gamification elements for users with different nationality, which allows the Gamification platform to create targeted messages. The counterfactual analysis suggests that the Gamification platform can increase the number of contributions by making earning badges more difficult.
The Borrelia burgdorferi adhesin DbpA is bifunctional, binding to extracellular matrix to foster tissue colonization and to the host complement regulatory protein C4BP to promote bloodstream survival

Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, the causative agent of Lyme disease, can infect the skin at the site of the tick bite and may subsequently spread via the bloodstream to the heart, nervous system, ...
Examining the Stability of β-Sheets using the Charmm Drude Polarizable Force Field

β-Sheets are some of the most common secondary structure motifs in proteins, and are important for mediating protein-protein interactions through their association. This association can also lead to the aggregation of misfolded proteins into β-pleated-sheets in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease. Fixed charge, all-atom molecular dynamics simulations have adequately reproduced the folding free energy landscape of a small β-hairpin, the GB1 domain of protein G, which is a prototype for a larger β-pleated-sheet. Polarizable force fields should, in theory, be able to more accurately reproduce experimental results as they are a more realistic model of the molecular system. The CHARMM Drude model is a relatively efficient polarizable force field that has been shown to perform as well or better than traditional non-polarizable force fields in reproducing helical content and folding mechanisms of model α-helical peptides. To assess the model's accuracy for β-sheets, we examined the stability of the GB1 β-hairpin using the CHARMM Drude polarizable force field and two non-polarizable force fields, CHARMM36 and CHARMM22∗. Two-dimensional replica exchange umbrella sampling (REUS) simulations show that the β-hairpin is unstable in the Drude system, whereas it is either stable or quasistable in CHARMM36 and CHARMM22∗, respectively. The instability in Drude appears to be driven mostly by interactions between the peptide backbone and the surrounding water molecules. By tuning these interactions, we have shiftedthe stability back towards the β-hairpin state.
Factors affecting bottlebrush polymer synthesis by the transfer-to method using reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization

The transfer-to method is a unique way to prepare bottlebrush polymers by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. This little-studied bottlebrush polymer synthesis strategy is distinct from the grafting-from, grafting-to, and grafting-through strategies and therefore may have specific advantages over these other synthetic approaches. Herein, we study the factors affecting the composition of bottlebrush polymer samples prepared by RAFT transfer-to, with particular emphasis on bottlebrush polymer molecular weight (MW) and dispersity (Đ) and the percentage of “dead” linear polymer as a function of initiator concentration, [M]/[CTA] ratio, backbone length, and monomer type. The lowest quantities of dead polymer were obtained under conditions that limited the MW of the bottlebrush polymer side-chains and that discouraged termination reactions. Under optimized conditions, high MW bottlebrush polymers were prepared with low dispersities and few dead polymer impurities.
Capital Account Liberalization, Financial Structure, and Access to Credit in Latin America

ABSTRACTThis article revisits the question of whether capital account liberalization improves access to credit by advancing and testing a theory of how the structure of the financial sector shapes the willingness and ability of banks and governments to repress the domestic financial sector. In a highly concentrated financial sector, banks and governments are more willing to reap the benefits of financial openness by suppressing liberalizing reforms to domestic financial policies, and they can also better coordinate with one another to stifle these reforms compared to when the financial sector is diffuse. Using a panel dataset of Latin American and Caribbean countries, I find that capital account liberalization leads to a decrease in loans to private firms and households and an increase in loans to governments and state-owned enterprises when the financial sector is highly concentrated. Only when the financial sector is diffuse does capital account liberalization lead to reforms in entry barriers, directed...
Reply to the discussion of Pinter et al. on ‘Fluvial system response to late Pleistocene-Holocene sea-level change on Santa Rosa Island, Channel Islands National Park, California’ by Schumann et al. (2016)

Abstract We appreciate the thoughtful discussion offered by Pinter et al. (2017) because it gives us an opportunity to elucidate some of the main points of our study, address some apparent misinterpretations, and recapitulate one of our conclusions. Pinter et al.’s discussion emphasizes and reinforces some of the important concepts we presented but also raises questions regarding specific aspects of our study, including that: (1) base level is the dominant control on fluvial system change on Santa Rosa Island (SRI); (2) post-Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) fluvial aggradation on SRI occurred at uniform rates; and (3) the transition from aggradation to incision on SRI occurred during the last 500 to ≤ 150 years.
Acute and Chronic Urticaria: Evaluation and Treatment

Urticaria commonly presents with intensely pruritic wheals, sometimes with edema of the subcutaneous or interstitial tissue. It has a lifetime prevalence of about 20%. Although often self-limited and benign, it can cause significant discomfort, continue for months to years, and uncommonly represent a serious systemic disease or life-threatening allergic reaction. Urticaria is caused by immunoglobulin E- and non-immunoglobulin E-mediated release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators from mast cells and basophils. Diagnosis is made clinically; anaphylaxis must be ruled out. Chronic urticaria is idiopathic in 80% to 90% of cases. Only a limited nonspecific laboratory workup should be considered unless elements of the history or physical examination suggest specific underlying conditions. The mainstay of treatment is avoidance of triggers, if identified. The first-line pharmacotherapy is second-generation H1 antihistamines, which can be titrated to greater than standard doses. First-generation H1 antihistamines, H2 antihistamines, leukotriene receptor antagonists, high-potency antihistamines, and brief corticosteroid bursts may be used as adjunctive treatment. In refractory chronic urticaria, patients can be referred to subspecialists for additional treatments, such as omalizumab or cyclosporine. More than one-half of patients with chronic urticaria will have resolution or improvement of symptoms within a year.
Porphyry Cu formation in the middle Jurassic Yerington batholith, Nevada, USA: Constraints from laser Raman, trace element, U-Pb age, and oxygen isotope analyses of zircon

Porphyry copper systems provide the majority of global copper resources and are generally formed from highly oxidized magmas. Zircon, a common accessory mineral in granitoid rocks that host porphyry deposits, is well established as an effective tool for assessing timescales and evolution of magmatic conditions. We present new U-Pb ages, trace element concentrations, and oxy­gen isotope ratios of zircon measured by secondary ion mass spectrom­etry (SIMS) from a suite of cogenetic host rocks and ore-bearing porphyry dikes from the Yerington copper mine, western Nevada, USA. Zircons were subjected to chemical abrasion and thermal annealing in order to evaluate Pb loss, and laser Raman analyses were performed to avoid measurements of radia­tion damaged or non-crystalline (potentially metamict) portions of zircon. Weighted-mean U-Pb ages from ore-bearing Yerington porphyry dikes and granitoid host plutons overlap at 2σ uncertainty, ranging from 168.7 ± 1.1 Ma to 170.0 ± 1.4 Ma. Zircon trace element concentrations show fractional crystallization trends, such as decreasing Ti versus increasing Eu anomaly (Eu N /Eu N *) and Yb/Gd. Uranium concentrations range from 90 to 2200 ppm (average is ~320 ppm U), Eu-anomaly ratios range from 0.19 to 1.05, and Ce N /Ce N * values range from 20 to 980. Oxygen isotope compositions range from 4.8 ± 0.7‰ to 5.7 ± 0.8‰ (sample means), with the most depleted composition from the youngest porphyry dike. We find no statistically significant difference in ages, trace elements, or oxygen isotopes from chemically abraded and untreated zircons. Based on variations in magmatic conditions as suggested by Eu anomalies, trace element trends, model zircon crystallization temperatures, and δ 18 O in zircon, we conclude that variable but increasing oxidation and ongoing fractional crystallization were strong controls on elemental partitioning and ore-forming processes in the Yerington system.
The impact of depression medications on oral antidiabetic drug adherence in patients with diabetes and depression

Abstract Aims To compare adherence and persistence to oral antidiabetic drugs (OAD) between patients who are new users of second generation antipsychotics (SGA) versus new users of other depression therapies in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods Adults 18–64 years with previously-treated T2DM and MDD (past OAD and SSRI/SNRI use) who are new users of SGA or non-SGA therapies (bupropion, lithium, mirtazapine, thyroid hormone, tricyclic antidepressant) were identified in the 2009–2015 MarketScan® Commercial Claims and Encounters database. Multivariate regression models were used to determine the odds of a ≥10% decline in OAD adherence over 180- and 365-days, and time to OAD discontinuation, adjusting for differences between groups. Results A total of 8664 (21.5% SGA), 8311 (22.1% SGA), and 17,524 (21.3% SGA) patients met inclusion criteria for the 180-day adherence, 365-day adherence, and persistence cohorts, respectively. Over 180-days, 16.6% of SGA and 13.3% of non-SGA initiators had a ≥10% decline in OAD adherence (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.41, 95% CI 1.21–1.63). Over 365-days, 22.3% of SGA and 18.9% of non-SGA initiators had a ≥ 10% decline (OR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.17–1.53). Time to OAD discontinuation was similar between groups (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.03, 95% CI 0.94–1.12). Conclusion Use of SGA was associated with a 1.3–1.4 times higher odds of a ≥10% decline in OAD adherence. Adherence to OAD is critical for optimal diabetes control and reductions in this magnitude may impact A1C. Close monitoring of OAD adherence after SGA initiation is warranted.
Incontinence affects health-related quality of life in children and adolescents with spina bifida

Summary Purpose Despite devoting many resources to managing urinary and fecal incontinence (UI and FI) in children with spina bifida (SB), it remains unclear whether either is associated with lower health-related quality of life (HRQOL). We sought to determine the impact of UI and FI on HRQOL in this population. Materials and methods Children with SB (8–17 years) living in the United States were surveyed online and in SB clinics (2013–15). We evaluated incontinence over the previous 4 weeks using a UI dry interval ( Results The mean age of 298 children was 12.5 years (52.0% male). Overall, 73.1% had UI, 52.3% had FI, and 43.6% had both. Adjusting for concurrent UI and FI, any UI was associated with lower HRQOL in 14–17 year olds (p Figure ). All age groups reported lower HRQOL with FI (p ≤ 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, UI and FI incontinence intervals were not associated with lower HRQOL for any age group (p ≥ 0.58 and p ≥ 0.10, respectively). Higher quantities of UI were associated with ever-lower HRQOL, particularly in 14–17 year olds (p ≤ 0.02). Any quantity of FI was associated with lower HRQOL in all ages. The findings did not change significantly on exploratory analysis correcting for demographic and clinical variables. Discussion We report the first evidence that incontinence matters to children and adolescents with SB. Being a cross-sectional study, we were unable to track HRQOL over time. A prospective study is required to assess if HRQOL impact of UI indeed changes as a child grows up and if improving incontinence with treatments improves HRQOL. Findings are similar to those reported in adults with SB and suggest that the concept of “social continence” based on time interval has no HRQOL relevance in children, adolescents or adults with SB. Conclusions UI is negatively associated with HRQOL in children with SB in an age-dependent fashion: starting in 10 year olds and increasing until 14 years. FI correlates with lower HRQOL regardless of age. Similar to findings in adults with SB, HRQOL is lower with increasing amounts of UI and not the length of a dry interval. FI impacts HRQOL uniformly, regardless of frequency or amount. Download : Download high-res image (155KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure . Independent effects of urinary and fecal incontinence on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children, adolescents and adults with spina bifida. HRQOL was assessed by QUALAS Bowel and Bladder domain. Negative score differences signify lower HRQOL. Those without incontinence served as controls within each age group. Results for adults were obtained from 383 adults with spina bifid living in the United States enrolled in a separate, previously published international HRQOL study (Szymanski [13] ).
Tandem Reactivity of a Self-Assembled Cage Catalyst with Endohedral Acid Groups

Self-assembly of a carboxylic acid-containing ligand into an Fe4L6 iminopyridine cage allows endohedral positioning of the acid groups while maintaining a robust cage structure. The cage is an effective supramolecular catalyst, providing up to 1000-fold rate enhancement of acetal solvolysis. This enhanced reactivity allows a tandem deprotection/cage-to-cage interconversion that cannot be achieved with other acid catalysts. The combination of rate enhancements and sequestration of the reactive function confers both activity and selectivity on the process, mimicking enzymatic behavior.
Response letter on Micromanagement of drug-resistant advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors: regorafenib-new ammunition in battling exon 17 mutations .

We thank Eckardt and Klein for their interest in our phase II trial delineating the treatment efficacy of regorafenib in patients with metastatic and/or an unresectable gastrointestinal stromal tumor harboring secondary mutations of exon 17 (1). Several issues emerged (2).
FCC Reform: Scalpel or Steamroller?

The FCC Procedural Reform for Openness and Clarity Encouraging Sensible Solutions Act (FCC PROCESS Act) is a commendable effort to improve decision making at the Commission, and upon analysis it is evident the proposed reforms would do much in improving both transparency and timeliness in the Commission. However, recent challenges to the Commission's decisions suggest reform is needed at the institutional level. Two additional reforms that Congress should consider include imposing deadlines on the FCC's ability to hold requests for agency action that require public notice and comment, and addressing the agency's approach to its adjudicatory processes. Furthermore, a new approach to communications regulation should be considered in order to update and clarify the agency's authority and jurisdiction. At present, the Commission's regulatory authority is structured under separate titles defined by technology, leaving IP-based services subject to vaguely defined ancillary jurisdiction. Reformers should consider a new regulatory approach to better fit the modern communications market. Our domestic regulatory policy debate is continually hobbled by the need to conduct it in the 'terms of the past' rather than in accordance with the reality of the networks and services of today, let alone the needs of tomorrow's network, service and applications developers and providers.
Liver Cholestasis Secondary to Syphilis in an Immunocompetent Patient

Liver involvement is a known feature of secondary syphilis. The prevalence of hepatitis in secondary syphilis ranges broadly from 1 to 50%. We report a case of a 37-year-old man with type 1 diabetes mellitus and sickle cell trait presenting with jaundice and acute liver cholestasis. Abdominal ultrasound revealed mild hepatic fatty infiltration. RPR and Treponema pallidum IgG results were positive with a reflex titer of 1:64. Liver biopsy revealed chronic hepatitis with normal hepatic architecture, Kupffer cell hyperplasia, hepatic cholestasis, and ductal proliferation suggestive of syphilitic hepatitis.
Associations between the built environment and body mass index in the Mexican American Mano A Mano Cohort.

Abstract Background Obesity is highly prevalent in Mexican American adults. Studies on the role of the built environment in relation to obesity among this population are scarce. Objectives To investigate cross-sectional associations between multiple components of the built environment, and Body Mass Index (BMI) as well as obesity status among Mexican American adults enrolled in the Mano a Mano Cohort (MAC) study in Houston, Texas. Methods We calculated BMI from measured height and weight among 9534 Mexican American adults (aged 20–60) who participated in the baseline survey during 2008–2013. Several metrics of exposure to the built environment (physical activity environment, land use, and food environment) were generated using Geographic Information System and Google Maps based on participants' residential address. Generalized linear regression and logistic regression models were used to estimate associations between exposure to the built environment, a continuous BMI variable and categorical BMI variables ( Results Among all built environment exposure variables investigated, road density (total road length per km2) [0.21 (0.06, 0.36) as coefficient (95% CI)], intersection density (intersection links per km2) [0.74 (0.21, 1.28)], networked distance (km) [−0.29 (−0.47, −0.10)], and walking time (mins) [−0.02 (−0.04, −0.01)] to the nearest parks had statistically significantly linear associations with BMI. Those variables were found to have statistically significant associations with BMI ≥ 35 in logistic regression models, the odds ratio was 1.08 (1.02, 1.14) for road density, 1.31 (1.07, 1.60) for intersection density, 0.91 (0.85, 0.98) for networked distance, and 0.99 (0.99, 1.00) for walking time. None of the built environment exposure variables were found to be associated with BMI ≥ 30. Conclusions Living in areas with high density of roads exhibited significant associations with increased BMI, in particular BMI ≥ 35, among enrolled Mexican American adults in the MAC study.
Simultaneous measurement of electrocochleography and ear canal pressure in normal-hearing adults

The auditory system is regulated by various adaptive mechanisms that modify sound as it passes upstream to the cortex. Studying these adaptive mechanisms, such as the middle ear muscle (MEM) reflex and the medial olivocochlear (MOC) reflex, reveals how the normal auditory system adjusts to challenging listening tasks and how abnormal reflexes may contribute to perceptual difficulties experienced by patients with sensorineural hearing loss. Studies in laboratory animals reveal that MOC and MEM reflexes result in neural antimasking at the output of the auditory nerve. Antimasking effects at the level of the middle ear and at the level of the cochlear hair cells should carry over to effects observed at the output of the auditory nerve. Antimasking due to MEM and MOC reflexes has been difficult to study in humans since measurement approaches are limited to non-invasive techniques with only a single output variable (e.g., ear canal pressure). In these studies, we assess MEM and MOC function by simultaneous measurements of ear canal pressure and electrocochleography, including the cochlear microphonic potential and compound action potential. Simultaneous measurements are expected to reveal the antimasking effects of MEM and MOC reflexes to middle ear, hair cell, and auditory nerve responses.The auditory system is regulated by various adaptive mechanisms that modify sound as it passes upstream to the cortex. Studying these adaptive mechanisms, such as the middle ear muscle (MEM) reflex and the medial olivocochlear (MOC) reflex, reveals how the normal auditory system adjusts to challenging listening tasks and how abnormal reflexes may contribute to perceptual difficulties experienced by patients with sensorineural hearing loss. Studies in laboratory animals reveal that MOC and MEM reflexes result in neural antimasking at the output of the auditory nerve. Antimasking effects at the level of the middle ear and at the level of the cochlear hair cells should carry over to effects observed at the output of the auditory nerve. Antimasking due to MEM and MOC reflexes has been difficult to study in humans since measurement approaches are limited to non-invasive techniques with only a single output variable (e.g., ear canal pressure). In these studies, we assess MEM and MOC function by simultaneous mea...
The Black Press Centering on Injustice (1938)An Afrocentric Analysis of Black Newspaper Coverage

This is a content analysis of coverage by the Seattle Times, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, the Seattle Star (mainstream papers), and the Northwest Enterprise (NWE, a Black press weekly newspaper) of the 1938 Berry Lawson police brutality case in Seattle, Washington. This study proposed to answer three research questions: (1) How did each type of news organization, Eurocentric and Black, frame the Lawson case? (2) Are these frames the same for both types of papers? (3) If not, how do the papers frame the case differently? The NWE’s frame was Afrocentric. The mainstream papers’ frame was Eurocentric.
Lean Construction: Experience of US Contractors

With the construction industry plagued with inefficiencies, Lean provides opportunities to identify and eliminate wastes in the construction processes and make them more efficient. Companies utiliz...
Exercise Recommendations for the Athlete With Coronary Artery Disease

We provide a framework for formulating exercise prescriptions for those with CAD in order to achieve the “optimal” dose of exercise for each individual. Multiple epidemiological studies demonstrate that exercise is inversely associated with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD), yet the risk of an acute coronary event is transiently elevated during vigorous exercise. In turn, CAD is the most common cause of exercise-related sudden cardiac death (SCD) in older athletes. When prescribing exercise recommendations for athletes with CAD, we should maintain equipoise between the benefits derived from sports participation and the risk of an adverse cardiac event. Athletes are not immune from atherosclerotic CAD, and we should perform risk assessments regardless of physical and athletic prowess. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing may be a useful tool to develop individualized exercise regimens for athletes with CAD.
Propositions for the Aesthetic Continuity of Urban Landscapes

While many global societies have undergone radical transformations, places have suffered from the irreversible loss of public memory. The value of continuity in the urban landscape has gradually de...