cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Left with Raging Hormones

Both Norman Geschwind and Sandra Witelson proposed theories that connect fetal levels of the male hormone, testosterone, to the development of handedness. However, the two theories make opposite predictions. The Geschwind model states that high levels of fetal testosterone increase the propensity to develop left-handedness while the Witelson theory argues that low levels of fetal testosterone are associated with left-handedness. There are reliable sex differences in the occurrence of left-handedness with males being more likely to be left-handed than females. Also, both male and female homosexuals are more likely to be non-right-handed (a category that includes both mixed- and left-handers) than their heterosexual counterparts. These findings are consistent with a hormonal component in handedness development. However, there is little empirical evidence to support a direct connection between fetal testosterone levels and left-handedness. This is particularly true for predictions based on the Geschwind model. The Geschwind theory can account for the higher rates of left-handedness in males but it cannot account for the high rates of non-right-handedness in male homosexuals who have a tendency to have low testosterone levels. Also, predictions from the model proposing that more left-handers are born during certain months of the year because of seasonal fluctuations in sex hormone levels are not supported by most of the existing data.
Host Plant Physiology and Mycorrhizal Functioning Shift across a Glacial through Future [CO2] Gradient.

Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) may modulate the functioning of mycorrhizal associations by altering the relative degree of nutrient and carbohydrate limitations in plants. To test this, we grew Taraxacum ceratophorum and Taraxacum officinale (native and exotic dandelions) with and without mycorrhizal fungi across a broad [CO2] gradient (180–1,000 µL L−1). Differential plant growth rates and vegetative plasticity were hypothesized to drive species-specific responses to [CO2] and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. To evaluate [CO2] effects on mycorrhizal functioning, we calculated response ratios based on the relative biomass of mycorrhizal (MBio) and nonmycorrhizal (NMBio) plants (RBio = [MBio − NMBio]/NMBio). We then assessed linkages between RBio and host physiology, fungal growth, and biomass allocation using structural equation modeling. For T. officinale, RBio increased with rising [CO2], shifting from negative to positive values at 700 µL L−1. [CO2] and mycorrhizal effects on photosynthesis and leaf growth rates drove shifts in RBio in this species. For T. ceratophorum, RBio increased from 180 to 390 µL L−1 and further increases in [CO2] caused RBio to shift from positive to negative values. [CO2] and fungal effects on plant growth and carbon sink strength were correlated with shifts in RBio in this species. Overall, we show that rising [CO2] significantly altered the functioning of mycorrhizal associations. These symbioses became more beneficial with rising [CO2], but nonlinear effects may limit plant responses to mycorrhizal fungi under future [CO2]. The magnitude and mechanisms driving mycorrhizal-CO2 responses reflected species-specific differences in growth rate and vegetative plasticity, indicating that these traits may provide a framework for predicting mycorrhizal responses to global change.
Painful and provocative events scale and fearlessness about death among Veterans: Exploratory factor analysis.

BACKGROUND: The interpersonal theory of suicide suggests three proximal risk factors for suicide: perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and acquired capability. Previous literature indicates that repetitive exposure to painful and provocative events is related to increased acquired capability for suicide. Despite this, research related to the assessment of painful and provocative events has been insufficient. Research has inconsistently administered the Painful and Provocative Events Scale (PPES; a painful and provocative events assessment), and no study has examined the factor structure of the English PPES. This study explored the factor structure of the PPES and the relation between factors and fearlessness about death. METHODS: The sample was a cross-sectional, self-report study comprised of 119 Veterans (Mage = 46.5, SD = 13.5). RESULTS: Findings from an exploratory factor analysis indicated a four-factor solution for the PPES; however, no factor from the PPES significantly related to fearlessness about death (measured by the Acquired Capability for Suicide Scale - Fearlessness About Death Scale; all p >.21). LIMITATIONS: Cross-sectional, small Veteran sample. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that the PPES lacks the psychometric properties necessary to reliably investigate painful and provocative factors. Consequently, this measure may not reliably capture and explain how painful and provocative events relate to fearlessness about death, which is a barrier to improving suicide risk assessment and prediction. Recommendations for the construction of a new PPES are offered.Published by Elsevier B.V. Language: en
Comparison of Three Methods for Sampling Panfish in Iowa Impoundments

AbstractScience-based decision making in fisheries management requires the collection of sampling data with the acknowledgment that all gears have inherent sampling biases. Fyke nets are a common tool for sampling panfish. However, recent evaluations suggest hoop nets are more effective for evaluating these populations. We compared panfish relative abundance, size structure, condition, sampling effort to capture 100 individuals, and sampling precision for small (61 × 122-cm frames) and large (91 × 183-cm frames) fyke nets soaked for 24 h and tandem hoop nets soaked for 72 h during spring and fall. Hoop nets and large fyke nets captured more Bluegills Lepomis macrochirus, Black Crappies Pomoxis nigromaculatus, and White Crappies P. annularis than did small fyke nets, but catch rates for Redear Sunfish L. microlophus were similar among gear types. Bluegills captured in hoop nets were generally longer than those captured in small or large fyke nets, but the length of other panfish was similar among gears. Bl...
Fault Tolerant Recursive Least Squares Minimization

Existing fault tolerance schemes have often been ignored by systolic array designers because they are too costly and unwieldy to implement. With this in mind, we have developed a new technique specially tailored for recursive least squares minimization that emphasizes simplicity. We propose a new decoding scheme that allows for error detection while wasting no precious processor cycles and preserving the basic structure of the systolic array. We will show that errors can be detected by examining a single scalar The technique can be implemented with negligible algorithmic modification and little additional hardware. The simplicity of our method invites its use in future systolic arrays.
An evaluation of national birth certificate data for neonatal seizure epidemiology.

SummaryObjective Seizures are a common manifestation of neurologic dysfunction in neonates and carry a high risk for mortality and adverse long-term outcomes. U.S. birth certificates are a potentially valuable source for studying the epidemiology of neonatal seizures. However, the quality of the data is understudied. Methods We reviewed all U.S. birth records from 2003 to 2013 to describe the following: (1) rates of missing data, (2) evidence of underreporting, and (3) effect of the 2003 revision of the birth certificate form. We evaluated missingness by state, year, demographic, infant health, and medical care factors using bivariate analyses. To measure potential underreporting, we compared estimates to a published reference (0.95 per 1,000 term births). We developed criteria for data plausibility, and reported which states met these criteria. Results Of 22,834,395 live term births (≥36 weeks of gestation) recorded using the revised form from 2005 to 2015, there were 5,875 with neonatal seizures, suggesting an incidence of 0.26 per 1,000 term births, one fourth of the expected incidence. Although the overall degree of missing seizure data was low (0.5%), missingness varied significantly by state, year, demographic, infant health, and medical care factors. After the 2003 birth certificate form revision, missing data and evidence of potential underreporting increased. Nine states met criteria for plausibility. Significance The value of U.S. birth certificate data for neonatal seizure epidemiology is limited by biased missingness, evidence suggestive of underreporting, and changes in reporting subsequent to the 2003 revision. There are plausible data from nine states, which merit investigation for further research.
The Absolute Monocyte Count Predicts Overall Survival In Patients Newly Diagnosed with Follicular Lymphoma

Abstract 85 Background: Follicular lymphoma (FL) is an indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) with a highly variable natural history. Clinical variables describing either patient- or tumor-specific characteristics, many of which are included in the Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI), are used to risk-stratify patients at the time of diagnosis. However, characteristics of non-malignant cells present within the tumor microenvironment provide important prognostic information. For example, both immunohistochemistry and gene expression profiling studies demonstrate that lymphoma-associated macrophages (LAMs) are prognostically important in FL. As LAMs are monocyte-derived, we sought to determine whether the absolute monocyte count (AMC) obtained from a CBC at diagnosis is an adverse prognostic factor in FL. Methods: Consecutive patients with FL who were evaluated and treated at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester between 1998 and 2007 were considered for study participation. Study approval was granted by the Mayo Clinic Institutional Review Board. The primary objective of the study was to determine the significance of the AMC, obtained at the time of diagnosis from a standard complete blood count with differential, in predicting overall survival. The secondary study objective was to determine whether the AMC is an independently significant prognostic factor when compared with the FLIPI. Results: The median follow-up was 4.2 years (range: 2 months to 11 years) for the 355 patients included in this study. At diagnosis, 43%, 34% and approximately 23% of patients were classified as low-, intermediate- or high-risk by the FLIPI. The median AMC at diagnosis was 510/μL, with 8% of patients presenting with an absolute monocytosis. At diagnosis, 45% of patients were initially observed, 42% received combination chemotherapy or immunochemotherapy alone, while the remaining 13% underwent surgery or radiation. The AMC was evaluated as both a continuous and dichotomized variable on univariate analysis. The optimal cut-point for the AMC was determined to be 570/μL by ROC analysis and was used when analyzing the AMC as a dichotomized variable. A relative elevation in the AMC was associated with inferior overall survival, whether analyzed as a continuous or dichotomized variable, with hazard ratios (HR) of 1.002 (HR per unit change in AMC; 95% confidence interval 1.001–1.002; p=0.0002) and 3.4 (95% confidence interval 2.0–6.0; p Conclusions: The AMC is associated with overall survival in FL and is independent from the FLIPI on multivariate analysis. While the AMC did not appear inferior to the FLIPI in identifying high-risk patients, it may be most helpful when used in conjunction with the FLIPI. These results further support the central role of nonneoplastic myeloid-lineage cells in FL biology. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Combining survival and toxicity effect sizes from clinical trials into an interpretable, quality-adjusted survival effect size estimate of treatment efficacy.

6630 Background: How can a clinician combine survival and toxicity data to interpet treatment benefit? Quality adjusted life years (QALYs) attempts to account for both the quality and quantity of l...
Therapy of Autoimmune Connective Tissue Diseases

The autoimmune diseases can be divided into two basic categories: organ specific and systemic. Organ specific autoimmune disease can affect virtually any tissue of the body and is associated most often with evidence of both T and B cell autoimmune responses directed against the cells of the affected organ. Examples of organ specific autoimmune disease include multiple sclerosis, Type I diabetes mellitus, Grave’s disease, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and myasthenia gravis, which affect the central nervous system, pancreatic β-cells, thyroid gland, erythrocytes, and cholinergic neuromuscular junctions, respectively. The systemic autoimmune diseases, also referred to as connective tissue diseases (CTD), comprise a group of illnesses in which multiple organ system damage is a common characteristic. These diseases are also related in that they can share autoantibody specificities and have overlap in organ system involvement as well as in clinical features. The CTD group includes systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic sclerosis (SSc), idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (polymyositis and dermatomyositis), and systemic vasculitides (e.g. Wegener’s granulomatosus and polyarteritis nodosa).
Out crosses between seasonally different segments of a Pacific salmon population reveal local adaptation

In salmon populations, local adaptation to seasonally varying incubation temperature is characterized by temperature-adjusted development times [measured in degree days – accumulated temperature units (ATUs)] that differ between control and F1 hybrid crosses that were made between temporally separated population segments, a contrast not expected in a panmictic population. We examined adaptation of embryo development time to seasonally cooling temperature in a population of pink salmon by estimating genetic components of variation in control and hybrid F1 crosses made between members of early- and late-spawning subpopulations, and replicated our observations in independent odd- and even-year brood lines. In each brood line, both sire and dam components of variation of development time were significant and accounted for a substantially larger portion of variation than their interactions, which suggested that natural selection has acted primarily on additive genetic variation. The implications of these results are that (1) spatially or temporally proximate salmon populations may be structured by distinct adaptations; (2) artificial relaxation of local geneflow barriers may lead to depression of fitness; and (3) populations of salmon genetically structured by local adaptation may carry variation that enhances their persistence during rapid climate change.
Unmanned Aerial Systems for Monitoring Trace Tropospheric Gases

The emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) has changed the composition of the atmosphere during the Anthropocene. Accurately documenting the sources and magnitude of GHGs emission is an important undertaking for discriminating the contributions of different processes to radiative forcing. Currently there is no mobile platform that is able to quantify trace gases at altitudes <100 m above ground level that can achieve spatiotemporal resolution on the order of meters and seconds. Unmanned aerial systems (UASs) can be deployed on-site in minutes and can support the payloads necessary to quantify trace gases. Therefore, current efforts combine the use of UASs available on the civilian market with inexpensively designed analytical systems for monitoring atmospheric trace gases. In this context, this perspective introduces the most relevant classes of UASs available and evaluates their suitability to operate three kinds of detectors for atmospheric trace gases. The three subsets of UASs discussed are: (1) micro aerial vehicles (MAVs); (2) vertical take-off and landing (VTOL); and, (3) low-altitude short endurance (LASE) systems. The trace gas detectors evaluated are first the vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), which is an infrared laser-absorption technique; second two types of metal-oxide semiconductor sensors; and, third a modified catalytic type sensor. UASs with wingspans under 3 m that can carry up to 5 kg a few hundred meters high for at least 30 min provide the best cost and convenience compromise for sensors deployment. Future efforts should be focused on the calibration and validation of lightweight analytical systems mounted on UASs for quantifying trace atmospheric gases. In conclusion, UASs offer new and exciting opportunities to study atmospheric composition and its effect on weather patterns and climate change.
Soft foam robot with caterpillar-inspired gait regimes for terrestrial locomotion

Caterpillars are the soft bodied larvae of lepidopteran insects. They have evolved to occupy an extremely diverse range of natural environments and to locomote in complex three-dimensional structures without articulated joint or hydrostatic control. These animals make excellent bio-inspiration for the field of soft robotics because of their diversity and adaptability. In this paper, we present SquMA Bot, a caterpillar-inspired soft robot. The robot's body is primarily composed of a soft viscoelastic foam, and it is actuated using a motor-tendon system. SquMA Bot is able to mimic the inching gait of a caterpillar and can use its flexible body to adapt to a range of environments. This bio-inspired prototype demonstrates the effectiveness of a soft robot as a potential tool for exploring environments too dangerous for humans.
A game-theoretic approach for communication-free voltage-VAR optimization

Increasing penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) has given rise to both opportunities and challenges for voltage regulation in distribution systems. Limited communication infrastructure in current distribution systems complicates this voltage regulation task with stringent budget on sensing and communication. In this paper, we develop a communication-free algorithm for DERs to optimize system voltage profiles by managing their reactive power (VAR) outputs. Under the payoff-based learning framework from game theory, the proposed approach can achieve the Pareto optimum using only instantaneous local measurements at no information exchange among DERs. The efficacy of the approach is corroborated through numerical simulations.
Small Molecule Mimetics of α-Helical Domain of IRAK2 Attenuate the Proinflammatory Effects of IL-33 in Asthma-like Mouse Models

IL-33 and its receptor ST2 play important roles in airway inflammation and contribute to asthma onset and exacerbation. The IL-33/ST2 signaling pathway recruits adapter protein myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) to transduce intracellular signaling. MyD88 forms a complex with IL-R-associated kinases (IRAKs), IRAK4 and IRAK2, called the Myddosome (MyD88-IRAK4-IRAK2). The myddosome subsequently activates downstream NF-κB and MAPKs p38 and JNK. We established an asthma-like mouse model by intratracheal administration of IL-33. The IL-33 model has a very similar phenotype compared with the OVA-induced mouse asthma model. The importance of MyD88 in the IL-33/ST2 signaling transduction was demonstrated by the MyD88 knockout mice, which were protected from the IL-33-induced asthma. We synthesized small molecule mimetics of the α-helical domain of IRAK2 with drug-like characteristics based on the recent advances in the designing of α-helix compounds. The mimetics can competitively interfere in the protein-protein interaction between IRAK2 and IRAK4, leading to disruption of Myddosome formation. A series of small molecules were screened using an NF-κB promoter assay in vitro. The lead compound, 7004, was further studied in the IL-33-induced and OVA-induced asthma mouse models in vivo. Compound 7004 can inhibit the IL-33-induced NF-κB activity, disrupt Myddosome formation, and attenuate the proinflammatory effects in asthma-like models. Our data indicate that the Myddosome may represent a novel intracellular therapeutic target for diseases in which IL-33/ST2 plays important roles, such as asthma and other inflammatory diseases.
CHAPTER 48 – Fluoride Therapy of Established Osteoporosis

This chapter reviews and discusses the clinical use of fluoride for established osteoporosis. It discusses the current information regarding the molecular mechanism of the action of fluoride, and the advantages and disadvantages of fluoride therapy. It has been well recognized for decades that fluoride has both beneficial and detrimental effects on the skeleton. On one hand, it is well documented that fluoride is a bone cell-specific, anabolic agent that effectively stimulates cancellous bone formation and increases spinal bone density without an increase in bone resorption. On the other hand, studies have also demonstrated that fluoride may cause calcium deficiency and osteomalacia, which reduces the integrity of bone, and that high bone deposition of fluoride could greatly reduce the biomechanical properties and strength of the skeleton. These undesirable side effects, together, significantly reduce the benefit-to-risk profile of fluoride therapy and thereby diminish its therapeutic values. However, at present, fluoride is the only orally active, bonespecific, anabolic agent that increases bone formation and bone density at appropriate skeletal sites, that is, trabecular and cortical–endosteal bone sites.
Regression Change Models with Incomplete Repeated Measures Data in Obesity Research

Human beings are dynamic organisms. We exist in time and space and change in many ways in space-time. Questions about these changes represent some of the most important questions in obesity research. We ask questions about what changes occur, such as, “How variable are people’s weights over time?” We ask questions about the causes of changes, such as, “What factors cause people’s weights to vary over time?” We ask questions about the effects of these changes, such as, “How do changes in weight affect longevity?”
Tin–lead halide perovskites with improved thermal and air stability for efficient all-perovskite tandem solar cells

We report the fabrication of monolithic all-perovskite tandem solar cells with a stabilized power conversion efficiency of 19.1% and demonstrate improved thermal, atmospheric, and operational stability of the tin–lead perovskite (FA0.75Cs0.25Sn0.5Pb0.5I3) used as the low gap absorber. To achieve a high matched current density in the two-terminal tandem, we develop a route to fabricate uniform and thick tin–lead perovskites that enable the two-terminal tandem to attain external quantum efficiencies >80% in the near infrared. By post-processing the as-deposited tin–lead perovskite films with methylammonium chloride vapor, we increase grain sizes to over a micron and boost solar cell open circuit voltage and fill factor. Tin–lead perovskite solar cells made by this method exhibit the most stable operation at maximum power under simulated sunlight of any reported small bandgap perovskite solar cell to date. We show that an unencapsulated tin–lead perovskite solar cell maintains its full performance after 150 hours at 85C in air, which is substantially better than has been observed previously. This work identifies strategies for attaining highly efficient all-perovskite tandem solar cells while maintaining thermal and operational stability.
Physical properties and superconductivity of BaTa2S5

Abstract SrTa2S5 is revealed to be a BCS superconductor with bulk superconducting transition temperature Tc = 2.27(3) K, as determined from specific heat. The superconducting transition from electrical resistivity ρ measurements is 2.40(16) K; the slightly higher value is associated with filamentary superconductivity. Intergranular conductivity dominates ρ, as surmised from its large magnitude (ρ(3 K) = 454 μΩ cm). The magnetic susceptibility is paramagnetic and temperature independent with a large Van Vleck contribution (estimated at χVV = 1.93(2)x10 − 4 cm3/mol); below Tc the Meissner effect is observed. Hall effect measurements show that the majority charge carriers are holes with charge-carrier concentration n(5 K) = 2.75(15) × 1020 cm − 3 . The electronic specific heat coefficient is observed to be γ = 7.62(14) mJ/mol K2. The energy gap associated with the superconducting state is found to be Eg = 0.575(15) meV. Measurements of ρ(T) in magnetic field allow an estimate of the superconducting coherence length ξ ∼ 3.3 A. SrTa2S5 is classified as a Type II BCS superconductor.
NF-κB signaling pathway mediates respiratory syncytial virus-induced HMGB1 release in airway epithelial cells to promote an inflammatory response

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of severe lower respiratory tract infections in young children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. In addition to acute morbidity, RSV infections have been linked to both the development and severity of asthma. No effective treatment or vaccine is currently available for RSV. High mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) is a multifunctional protein that serves as both a DNA regulatory protein and an extracellular cytokine signaling molecule that promotes airway inflammation as a damage-associated molecular pattern. Although HMGB1 is implicated in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases, its involvement in RSV-induced lung inflammation is not yet investigated. The goal of this study is to investigate the molecular mechanisms that induce the release of HMGB1 and the involvement of the NF-κB and TLR4 pathway in RSV pathogenesis. Human lung epithelial cells were infected with RSV in the presence or absence of human recombinant HMGB1 and harvested over time to analyze HMGB1, NF-κB and TLR4 expression by Western blot, immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR. Our studies with airway epithelial cells clearly show that RSV-induces a significant release of HMGB1 from cells as a result of its translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and subsequently to the extracellular space; that secreted HMGB1 triggers immune responses by activating primary human monocytes via NF-κB-TLR4 signaling pathway. Blockage of one of these molecules could represent a novel therapeutic strategy in the treatment not only for RSV infection, but also for other respiratory diseases that affect human population at any age.
Parenting Stress and Adherence to Occlusion Therapy in the Infant Aphakia Treatment Study: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Purpose Using data from the Infant Aphakia Treatment Study, we examined the relationship between adherence to patching and parenting stress. Methods Caregivers completed the Parenting Stress Index 3 months after surgery (n = 106), after a visual acuity assessment at 12 months of age (n = 97), and at 4.25 (n = 96) years of age. Patching was reported in quarterly telephone interviews and annual 7-day patching diaries, and averaged across all assessments prior to and in the 6 months following the first stress assessment, and for 6 months before and after the other two stress assessments. The association was assessed using linear regression. Results Caregivers reporting the highest stress levels 3 months after surgery (i.e., 75th percentile) subsequently reported approximately three-quarters (0.87, 95% confidence interval -1.3 to -0.34) of an hour a day less patching than caregivers reporting the least stress (i.e., the 25th percentile) after controlling for prior patching and other confounders. The association was in the same direction, but not statistically significant, after the second stress assessment and was not apparent at 4.25 years of age. In contrast to our hypothesis, we did not find evidence that higher levels of patching were associated with subsequent increases in parenting stress. Conclusions Three months after surgery, higher levels of parenting stress are associated with poorer adherence to patching, and thus stress may contribute to early adherence to patching. Translational Relevance Clinicians may wish to provide support to caregivers exhibiting high levels of stress since it may impact their ability to adhere to prescribed patching.
Sovereignty, Repatriation, and the Archival Imagination: Indigenous Curation and Display Practices

Sovereignty is an often invoked, yet notoriously misunderstood and misused term in relation to the political, territorial, cultural and economic needs, aspirations, and goals of Indigenous peoples ...
Are Consultation and Social Justice Advocacy Similar?: Exploring the Perceptions of Professional Counselors and Counseling Students

An exploratory pilot study was conducted to investigate the views of present and future counselors on whether and in what ways social justice advocacy and consultation may overlap and possibly synergize. Descriptive results indicate that study participants (n = 203) viewed (a) basic counseling skills, (b) problem-solving, (c) acting on behalf of clients, and (d) contextualizing client or student issues in relation to oppression as services that both consultants and advocates engage in. Practices such as diagnosis or direct action were viewed as unique to either consultation or advocacy. A multivariate analysis of covariance revealed that participants differed in their perceived similarity between consultation and advocacy based on the interaction of their practice setting and ethnic or racial identification. Implications for future research and theory are discussed.
Perceived stress and cortisol reactivity among immigrants to the United States: The importance of bicultural identity integration.

Abstract Migration experiences are inherently stressful and may negatively affect the health of immigrants. Bicultural identity integration (BII), individuals’ views of their multiple cultures as compatible and complementary, and their ability to easily integrate these cultures into their daily lives, has been linked with health outcomes. The main goal of the present study was to determine whether perceived stress and cortisol, a hormone of the HPA axis implicated in the biopsychological pathway linking stress and disease, are associated with BII. The sample consisted of 127 male and female, primarily Latino (68.3%) university and community college students (M = 20.4 yrs, SD = 2.1) who were either foreign-born or had at least one foreign-born parent. Regression analyses indicate that individuals scoring low on the cultural harmony subscale of the BII reported more perceived stress, overall model, F(2,126) = 18.04, p
Risk of rash associated with lenalidomide in multiple myeloma and myelodisplastic syndrome: A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis.

e18571 Background: Indications of lenalidomide (Len) include treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) in combination with dexamethasone (Dex) and myelodyplastic syndrome (MDS). The reported incidence and...
Clubs and Allied Activities

(1941). Clubs and Allied Activities. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 48, No. 10, pp. 696-698.
Talking Your Self into It: How and When Accounts Shape Motivation for Action:

Following Mills, several prominent sociologists have encouraged researchers to analyze actors’ motive talk not as data on the subjective desires that move them to pursue particular ends but as post...
Hybrid Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) Platform (Using MQTT and CoAP)

Robots are evolving from factory work-horses to be the robot-companions. The future of robots will be as companions in the workplace functioning as interactive salespeople. In order to support this transition, it is important to combine service-oriented architecture and robotics. Service-oriented architecture and cloud computing have become dominant computing paradigms and adding a RaaS (Robot as a Service) unit as a part of this system will help the companies manage and develop robots more efficiently. The major components of RaaS will be the integration of RMS (Robot Management System) and ROC (Robot Operation Center). As more and more robots are increasing in the service industry, the inter-robot communication is very critical. This communication can be achieved by ROC and the robots can be monitored remotely or locally via RMS. The RaaS platform will comply with all the standards of SOA (Service Oriented Architecture) like the development platform and execution unit, thereby creating a flexible and more development-friendly process.
Trabecular bone imaging using a 3D adiabatic inversion recovery prepared ultrashort TE Cones sequence at 3T.

PURPOSE To investigate direct imaging of trabecular bone using a 3D adiabatic inversion recovery prepared ultrashort TE cones (3D IR-UTE-Cones) sequence. METHODS The proposed 3D IR-UTE-Cones sequence used a broadband adiabatic inversion pulse together with a short TR/TI combination to suppress signals from long T2 tissues such as muscle and marrow fat, followed by multispoke UTE acquisition to detect signal from short T2 water components in trabecular bone. The feasibility of this technique for robust suppression of long T2 tissues was first demonstrated through numerical simulations. The proposed IR-UTE-Cones sequence was applied to a hip agarose bone phantom and to 6 healthy volunteers for morphologic and quantitative T2∗ and proton density mapping of trabecular bone. RESULTS Numeric simulation suggests that the IR technique with a short TR/TI combination provides sufficient suppression of long T2 tissues with a wide range of T1 s. High contrast imaging of trabecular bone can be achieved ex vivo and in vivo, with fitted T2∗ values of 0.3-0.45 ms and proton densities of 5-9 mol/L. CONCLUSION The 3D IR-UTE-Cones sequence with a short TR/TI combination provides robust suppression of long T2 tissues and allows both selective imaging and quantitative ( T2∗ and proton density) assessment of short T2 water components in trabecular bone in vivo.
Variation in juvenile steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) dispersal in relation to age and growth performance

Volitional dispersal is a ubiquitous strategy characteristic of species across major faunal groups. Dispersal during the juvenile life stage is of interest because early performance can be critical for determining future success (survival/reproduction). For salmonids, dispersal can influence local density, competition, individual growth and survival, though drivers of dispersal at meso‐scales are rarely quantified. Here, we evaluate dispersal of tagged juvenile steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) through habitat units in extended stream reaches (500 m) at sites across a watershed from July to October 2017. Our aim was to quantify the frequency and spatial extent of dispersal, identify links to biotic and abiotic factors, evaluate the implications for individual growth and test for associations between dispersal and migration initiation. Dispersal rates varied between sites, but were consistently higher for age 1+ than for age 0 steelhead (avg. 21% vs. 6% respectively). Age 1+ dispersal probability was positively correlated with time between recapture events and body mass, and negatively correlated with growth rate, maximum temperature experienced and age 1+ density. At sites where there appeared to be growth benefits to remaining sedentary compared to moving, proportionally fewer fish performed dispersal. We found no links between dispersal and timing or probability of migration initiation the following spring. Our results support the hypothesis that although dispersal over intermediate scales (10–1,000 m) might be rare, it could be an important strategy that permits fish to seek out better opportunities (foraging, shelter or otherwise) in underutilised areas.
Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 as a therapeutic target for kras mutated colorectal cancer

Nearly 45% of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients harbor a mutation in their KRAS gene for which, despite many years of research, there are still no targeted therapies available. Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) is a transcription regulator for multiple cellular processes that is currently being tested as a potential target in several cancer types. PRMT5 has been previously shown to be overexpressed in approximately 75% of CRC patient tumor samples, as well as negatively correlated with CRC patient survival. Here, we provide evidence that PRMT5 can act as a surrogate target for mutated KRAS in CRC. Our findings show that PRMT5 expression is upregulated, as well as positively correlated with KRAS expression, in CRC patient datasets. Moreover, our results reveal that PRMT5 is further overexpressed in KRAS mutant CRC cells when compared to KRAS wild type (WT) CRC cells at both the transcriptional and translational levels. Additionally, our data demonstrate that this further overexpression of PRMT5 in the KRAS mutant CRC cells affects an even greater degree of growth inhibition, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest, following treatment with PRMT5 inhibitor, when compared to the KRAS WT CRC cells. Our research therefore suggests for the first time that PRMT5 and KRAS may crosstalk, and thus, PRMT5 can potentially be used as a surrogate target for mutated KRAS in CRC.
Developments in two dimensional arrays

A two dimensional array of individual millimeter wave antennas with detectors will be described. The array is placed on a substrate lens [1] in the focal plane of a primary lens to form an imaging system (Fig. 1.). Calculations which predict ideal efficiencies of over 90% will be presented. Fabrication of the array and preliminary measurements will also be discussed.
Evidence for a large Rashba splitting in PtPb 4 from angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy

We studied the electronic structure of ${\mathrm{PtPb}}_{4}$ using laser angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This material is closely related to ${\mathrm{PtSn}}_{4}$, which exhibits exotic topological properties such as Dirac node arcs. The Fermi surface (FS) of ${\mathrm{PtPb}}_{4}$ consists of two electron pockets at the center of the Brillouin zone (BZ) and several hole pockets around the zone boundaries. Our ARPES data reveal significant Rashba splitting at the $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}$ point, in agreement with DFT calculations. The presence of Rashba splitting may render this material of potential interest for spintronic applications.
The Statistics of Sharpe Ratios

The building blocks of the Sharpe ratio--expected returns and volatilities--are unknown quantities that must be estimated statistically and are, therefore, subject to estimation error. This raises the natural question: How accurately are Sharpe ratios measured? To address this question, I derive explicit expressions for the statistical distribution of the Sharpe ratio using standard asymptotic theory under several sets of assumptions for the return-generating process--independently and identically distributed returns, stationary returns, and with time aggregation. I show that monthly Sharpe ratios cannot be annualized by multiplying by the square root of 12 except under very special circumstances, and I derive the correct method of conversion in the general case of stationary returns. In an illustrative empirical example of mutual funds and hedge funds, I find that the annual Sharpe ratio for a hedge fund can be overstated by as much as 65 percent because of the presence of serial correlation in monthly returns, and once this serial correlation is properly taken into account, the rankings of hedge funds based on Sharpe ratios can change dramatically.
Applications of Vibrational Spectroscopy for Analysis of Connective Tissues.

Advances in vibrational spectroscopy have propelled new insights into the molecular composition and structure of biological tissues. In this review, we discuss common modalities and techniques of vibrational spectroscopy, and present key examples to illustrate how they have been applied to enrich the assessment of connective tissues. In particular, we focus on applications of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), near infrared (NIR) and Raman spectroscopy to assess cartilage and bone properties. We present strengths and limitations of each approach and discuss how the combination of spectrometers with microscopes (hyperspectral imaging) and fiber optic probes have greatly advanced their biomedical applications. We show how these modalities may be used to evaluate virtually any type of sample (ex vivo, in situ or in vivo) and how “spectral fingerprints” can be interpreted to quantify outcomes related to tissue composition and quality. We highlight the unparalleled advantage of vibrational spectroscopy as a label-free and often nondestructive approach to assess properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) associated with normal, developing, aging, pathological and treated tissues. We believe this review will assist readers not only in better understanding applications of FTIR, NIR and Raman spectroscopy, but also in implementing these approaches for their own research projects.
A cross-cultural comparison of millennials’ engagement with and donation to nonprofits: a hybrid U&G and TAM framework

Nonprofit organizations (NPOs) have been increasingly utilizing social media outlets to target Millennials for donations of time and money. These organizations, however, do not always take advantage of the hedonic, social, and normative factors that can influence engagement with and monetary donation to these organizations. Based on motivational theories, UG and it partially mediates the engagement–donation relationship. Thus, the intention to engage with nonprofits is important for Millennials to increase their need for entertainment and social interaction, and motivates them to donate to nonprofits. In addition, the proposed hybrid model is used to compare two cultures, Western (U.S.) and Middle Eastern (Palestinian), using a partial least square structural equation model (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that the model performs similarly in both cultures, except for two relationships. In Western culture, engagement with NPOs does not lead to monetary donations. In Middle Eastern culture, the hedonic motive does not predict donation intention. Implications for practitioners are discussed.
Flupirtine enhances NHE-3-mediated Na+ absorption in rat colon via an ENS-dependent mechanism.

We present a novel mechanism regarding regulation of epithelial ion transport by enteric neurons. Activation of neuronal KV7 K+ channels markedly stimulates Na+ absorption and inhibits Cl− secretio...
Cache Oblivious Strategies to Exploit Multi-Level Memory on Manycore Systems

Many-core systems are beginning to feature novel large, high-bandwidth intermediate memory as a visible part of the memory hierarchy. This paper discusses how to make use of intermediate memory when composing matrix multiply with transpose to compute A * AT. We re-purpose the cache-oblivious approach developed by Frigo et al. and apply it to the composition of a bandwidth-bound kernel (transpose) with a compute-bound kernel (matrix multiply). Particular focus is on regions of matrix shapes far from square that are not usually considered. Our codes are simpler than optimized codes, but reasonably close in performance. Also, perhaps of more importance is developing a paradigm for how to construct other codes using intermediate memories.
A Mediterranean Region? Regional Security Complex Theory Revisited

This article argues that the shift from the bipolar structure of the Cold War international system to a more polycentric power structure at the system level has increased the significance of regional relations and has consequently enhanced the importance of the study of regionalism. It makes a case for a Mediterranean region and examines various efforts aimed at defining what constitutes a region. In so doing, it investigates whether the Regional Security Complex Theory (RSCT) can be utilized to define a Mediterranean region and argues that the patters of amity and enmity among Mediterranean states are necessary but not sufficient to identify such a region. It suggests that economic, energy, environmental, and other factors, such as migration and refugee flows should be taken into consideration in order to define the Mediterranean region. It also claims that the Mediterranean security complex includes three sub-complexes. The first is an eastern Mediterranean sub-complex that revolves mainly - albeit not exclusively - around three conflicts: the Greek-Turkish conflict, the Syrian conflict, and the Israeli-Palestinian/Arab conflict. The second is a central Mediterranean sub-complex that includes Italy, Libya, Albania and Malta and which revolves mainly around migration with Italy playing a dominant role due to its historical ties to both Libya and Albania. The third is a western Mediterranean security sub-complex that includes France, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Spain and Portugal. This sub-complex it centered around France, the migration question and its associated threats, such as terrorism, radicalism, and human trafficking. In conclusion, it is concluded that the Mediterranean security complex is very dynamic as there are states (i.e. Turkey) that seem eager and capable of challenging the status quo thereby contributing to the process of the complex’s internal transformation.
Installation and imaging of thousands of minirhizotrons to phenotype root systems of field-grown plants

Background: Roots are vital to plant performance because they acquire resources from the soil and provide anchorage. However, it remains difficult to assess root system size and distribution because roots are inaccessible in the soil. Existing methods to phenotype entire root systems range from slow, often destructive, methods applied to relatively small numbers of plants in the field to rapid methods that can be applied to large numbers of plants in controlled environment conditions. Much has been learned recently by extensive sampling of the root crown portion of field-grown plants. But, information on large-scale genetic and environmental variation in the size and distribution of root systems in the field remains a key knowledge gap. Minirhizotrons are the only established, non-destructive technology that can address this need in a standard field trial. Prior experiments have used only modest numbers of minirhizotrons, which has limited testing to small numbers of genotypes or environmental conditions. This study addressed the need for methods to install and collect images from thousands of minirhizotrons and thereby help break the phenotyping bottleneck in the field. Results: Over three growing seasons, methods were developed and refined to install and collect images from up to3038 minirhizotrons per experiment. Modifications were made to four tractors and hydraulic soil corers mounted to them. High quality installation was achieved at an average rate of up to 84.4 minirhizotron tubes per tractor per day. A set of four commercially available minirhizotron camera systems were each transported by wheelbarrow to allow collection of images of mature maize root systems at an average rate of up to 65.3 tubes per day per camera. This resulted in over 300,000 images being collected in as little as 11 days for a single experiment. Conclusion: The scale of minirhizotron installation was increased by two orders of magnitude by simultaneously using four tractor-mounted, hydraulic soil corers with modifications to ensure high quality, rapid operation. Image collection can be achieved at the corresponding scale using commercially available minirhizotron camera systems. Along with recent advances in image analysis, these advances will allow use of minirhizotrons at unprecedented scale to address key knowledge gaps regarding genetic and environmental effects on root system size and distribution in the field.