cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The brain anatomy of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in young adults - a magnetic resonance imaging study.

Background This is one of the first studies to examine the structural brain anatomy and connectivity associated with an ADHD diagnosis and child as well as adult ADHD symptoms in young adults. It was hypothesized that an adult ADHD diagnosis and in particular childhood symptoms, are associated with widespread changes in the brain macro- and microstructure, which can be used to develop a morphometric biomarker for ADHD. Methods Voxel-wise linear regression models were used to examine structural and diffusion-weighted MRI data in 72 participants (31 young adults with ADHD and 41 controls without ADHD) in relation to diagnosis and the number of self-reported child and adult symptoms. Results Findings revealed significant associations between ADHD diagnosis and widespread changes to the maturation of white matter fiber bundles and gray matter density in the brain, such as structural shape changes (incomplete maturation) of the middle and superior temporal gyrus, and fronto-basal portions of both frontal lobes. ADHD symptoms in childhood showed the strongest association with brain macro- and microstructural abnormalities. At the brain circuitry level, the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) and cortico-limbic areas are dysfunctional in individuals with ADHD. The morphometric findings predicted an ADHD diagnosis correctly up to 83% of all cases. Conclusion An adult ADHD diagnosis and in particular childhood symptoms are associated with widespread micro- and macrostructural changes. The SLF and cortico-limbic findings suggest complex audio-visual, motivational, and emotional dysfunctions associated with ADHD in young adults. The sensitivity of the morphometric findings in predicting an ADHD diagnosis was sufficient, which indicates that MRI-based assessments are a promising strategy for the development of a biomarker.
Acute Toxicity From Intravenous Use of the Tricyclic Antidepressant Tianeptine

Tianeptine (7-[([3-chloro-6,11]-dihydro-6-methyldibenzo[c,f][1,2]thiazepin-11-yl) amino] heptanoic acid S, S dioxide) is a tricyclic compound prescribed as an antidepressant in European countries, but is not currently approved for use in the United States. There are few published case reports of tianeptine intoxication. Presented is the first case of acute toxicity associated with the intravenous use of tianeptine. A 36-year-old male intentionally injected tianeptine powder intravenously to "help him see into the future". He became unresponsive and a bystander called emergency medical services. Upon arrival to the Emergency Department, excessive constriction of the pupils, sedation, and a respiratory rate of 6 respirations per minute (rpm) were noted. Blood and urine were collected ~2 h post admission. The patient's serum ethanol concentration was 133 mg/dL. His toxicity was successfully reversed with two doses of naloxone 0.4 mg IV. He was started on a naloxone infusion at 0.2 mg/h and discharged 13 h after admittance awake, alert and oriented. The patient's urine sample screened negative for common drugs of abuse and total tricyclic antidepressants. A high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated to quantify tianeptine in urine. The calibration range was 1-100 ng/mL with linear regression correlation (r2) of 0.9996 or greater. The limit of quantitation was administratively set at 1 ng/mL. The bias of the assay was determined to be within ±20% of the target value for each quality control specimen. The intra-day and inter-day precision did not exceed 15% coefficient of variation for each quality control specimen. Matrix effects, absolute recovery, carryover and specificity were also evaluated. The patient's tianeptine urine concentration was determined to be 2 ng/mL.
Weakly supervised named entity classification

In this paper, we describe a new method for the problem of named entity classifica-tion for specialized or technical domains, using distant supervision. Our approach relies on a simple observation: in some specialized domains, named entities are almost unambiguous. Thus, given a seed list of names of entities, it is cheap and easy to obtain positive examples from unlabeled texts using a simple string match. Those positive examples can then be used to train a named entity classifier, by using the PU learning paradigm, which is learning from positive and unlabeled examples. We introduce a new convex formulation to solve this problem, and apply our technique in order to extract named entities from financial reports cor-responding to healthcare companies.
Biogenesis of the Flagellar Switch Complex in Escherichia coli: Formation of Sub-Complexes Independently of the Basal-Body MS-Ring

Direction switching in the flagellar motor of Escherichia coli is under the control of a complex on the rotor formed from the proteins FliG, FliM, and FliN. FliG lies at the top of the switch complex (i.e., nearest the membrane) and is arranged with its C-terminal domain (FliGC) resting on the middle domain (FliGM) of the neighboring subunit. This organization requires the protein to adopt an open conformation that exposes the surfaces engaging in intersubunit FliGC/FliGM contacts. In a recent study, Baker and coworkers [13] obtained evidence that FliG in the cytosol is monomeric and takes on a more compact conformation, with FliGC making intramolecular contact with FliGM of the same subunit. In the present work, we examine the conformational preferences and interactions of FliG through in vivo crosslinking experiments in cells that lack either all other flagellar proteins or just the MS-ring protein FliF. The results indicate that FliG has a significant tendency to form multimers independently of other flagellar components. The multimerization of FliG is promoted by FliF and also by FliM. FliM does not multimerize efficiently by itself but does so in the presence of FliG. Thus, pre-assemblies of the switch-complex proteins can form in the cytosol and might function as intermediates in assembly.
Acute Effect of Levetiracetam on Interictal Epileptiform Discharges in Persons with Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy (P2.086)

OBJECTIVE: The study objective is to retrospectively assess the acute effect of levetiracetam (LEV) on interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) in persons with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE). BACKGROUND: Several investigators have reported that LEV reduces IEDs in persons with IGE on serial recordings measured over days to months. One study demonstrated an acute effect of LEV on the photo-paroxysmal response. The rapid oral absorption of LEV may offer the ability to quickly assess this effect in persons with frequent IEDs. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 5 LEV-naive patients with IGE who received their first dose during an EEG study. Pre-LEV analysis was performed during the hour immediately preceding LEV administration and a one hour Post-LEV analysis started one hour after oral dosing or following administration of a parenteral infusion. EEGs were analyzed for total number of IEDs, maximum IED burst duration and spike-wave index (SWI, the number of seconds with IEDs divided by total EEG duration). RESULTS: In 3 patients the principle seizure type was generalized tonic-clonic seizures, 1 juvenile myoclonic epilepsy with frequent myoclonias and 1 absence seizures. All patients received LEV 1000 mg - 3 orally and 2 parenterally. Pre-LEV IED counts were 93, 178, 40, 229 and 2, respectively. Post-LEV counts dropped to 0, 76, 3, 9, and 0, respectively. Maximum burst durations went from a range of 0.3-10 s Pre-LEV to 0-2.5 s Post-LEV and the SWI from 0.5-12.8[percnt] to 0-4.1[percnt]. CONCLUSIONS: This series is the first to report that LEV acutely reduces IEDs in persons with IGE. We show a decrease in IEDs within two hours of administration. In persons with frequent IEDs an assessment of this LEV effect is feasible during a three hour EEG recording. Disclosure: Dr. Jarvis has nothing to disclose. Dr. Spaulding has nothing to disclose. Dr. McSherry has nothing to disclose. Dr. Nagle has nothing to disclose.
Brown & Smith Communication Solutions: A Staffing System Simulation:

Developing students’ practical skills in strategic staffing and selection within the classroom can be challenging. This article describes a staffing system simulation designed to engage students an...
Capitalizando al demos: Construyendo el primer índice financiero de EE.UU., 1975-1983

espanolA traves del analisis de la creacion del primer indice financiero publico de tasacion inmobiliaria de los Estados Unidos – una tarea iniciada en 1975 y completada en 1983 – el presente texto busca entender la relacion entre finanzas y vivienda desde la perspectiva de las herramientas socio tecnicas que hicieron de estos ambitos distintos uno conmensurable, calculable y, por tanto, gobernable. EnglishBy exploring the making of the first public real estate financial index in the United States - an effort which begun in 1975 and was completed in 1983 - this text seeks to understand the relation between finance and housing from the perspective of the sociotechnical tools that made these distinct realms commensurable, calculable and, therefore, governable.
Outcomes of Peripheral Vascular Interventions in Select Patients With Lower Extremity Acute Limb Ischemia.

Background Contemporary data on patients presenting with acute limb ischemia (ALI), who are selected for treatment with endovascular peripheral vascular interventions (PVI), are limited. Our study examined outcomes following endovascular PVI in patients with ALI by comparing with patients treated for chronic critical limb ischemia using a regional quality improvement registry. Methods and Results Of the 11 035 patients in the Vascular Study Group of New England PVI database (2010–2014), we identified 365 patients treated for lower extremity ALI who were 5:1 frequency matched (by procedure year and arterial segments treated) to 1808 patients treated for critical limb ischemia. ALI patients treated with PVI had high burden of atherosclerotic risk factors and were more likely to have had prior ipsilateral revascularizations. ALI patients were less likely to be treated with self‐expanding stents and more likely to undergo thrombolysis than patients with critical limb ischemia. In multivariable analysis, ALI was associated with higher technical failure (odds ratio 1.7, 95% confidence interval, 1.1%–2.5%), increased rate of distal embolization (odds ratio 2.7, 95% confidence interval, 1.5%–4.9%), longer length of stay (means ratio 1.6, 95% confidence interval, 1.4%–1.8%), and higher in‐hospital mortality (odds ratio 2.8, 95% confidence interval, 1.3%–5.9%). ALI was not associated with risk of major amputation or mortality at 1 year. Conclusions In a multicenter cohort of patients treated with PVI, we found that ALI patients selected for treatment with endovascular techniques experienced greater short‐term adverse events but similar long‐term outcomes as their critical limb ischemia counterparts. Further studies are needed to refine the selection of ALI patients who are best served by PVI.
Resilienzförderung bei Flüchtlingen: Förderung der Flexibilität als Schlüsselaufgabe (Beispiele aus der kulturell adaptierten Multiplex Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

In diesem Kapitel wird die Forderung der psychologischen Flexibilitat bei Fluchtlingen als ein Schlusselaspekt beim Aufbau von Resilienz dargestellt. Es wird erlautert, wie wir die psychologische Flexibilitat in unserem Ansatz der kognitiven Verhaltenstherapie, der Multiplex Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), verbessern. Die kulturell adaptierte Multiplex CBT betont die psychologische Flexibilitat und richtet sich an traumatisierte Fluchtlinge. Das Modell, auf dem die Multiplex CBT aufbaut, wird vorgestellt. Das Konzept der Flexibilitat wird definiert, und ein Modell der flexiblen Anpassung in einer Lebensereignissituation wird dargestellt. Auserdem wird ein Modell eines Flexibilitats-Verarbeitungsmodus prasentiert. Am speziellen Beispiel des Verarbeitungsmodus der Flexibilitat diskutieren wir, wie die Multiplex CBT die psychologische Flexibilitat verbessert.
Handbook of Research on Human Performance and Instructional Technology

Using the four lenses of the How People Learn (HPL) framework, this chapter reviews research on the use of computer simulations for pedagogical purposes. Deciding when and how to support effective learning with simulations requires careful consideration of learner-centered, assessment-centered, knowledge-centered, and community-centered issues. By reviewing educational research on simulations from these four perspectives, one may then be better equipped to incorporate simulations into instruction and training in a manner that can align and balance all four perspectives, resulting in a more effective learning environment.
The effects of colostrum on neutrophil function: decreased deformability with increased cytoskeleton-associated actin.

The most prominent cellular elements of human colostrum are phagocytic leukocytes, which are present in numbers ranging from 1-50 × 105/ml. The majority of these cells are polymorphonuclear leukocytes (neutrophils), the widely acknowledged acute inflammatory cell of the body. The presence of large numbers of neutrophils in any blood fluid other than bone marrow or blood is generally taken to imply the presence of acute inflammation, but in the newly lactating breast, the source of colostrum, “rubor et tumor cum adore et dolore” are not present.
Inzidenz arrhythmogener Wirkungen von Chinidin bei der ambulanten Behandlung benigner oder potentiell letaler ventrikulärer Arrhythmien

Um die Pravalenz und Bedeutung arrhythmogener Reaktionen nach Therapieeinleitung mit Chinidin bei ambulanten Patienten mit benignen oder potentiell letalen ventrikularen Arrhythmien zu ermitteln, wurden die Daten von 360 mit Chinidin im Rahmen von 3 Arzneimittelprufungen ambulant behandelten Patienten retrospektiv uberpruft. Bei diesen Patienten traten mindestens 30 ventrikulare Extrasystolen pro Stunde unter Plazebo auf, und es gab keinen Anhaltspunkt fur einen instabilen klinischen Zustand, eine Hypokaliamie, Digitalistoxizitat, Vorhofflimmern oder eine verlangerte QT-Zeit (uber 0,5 sec). Die Chinidindosis variierte zwischen 200 mg und 400 mg viermal taglich uber 2 bis 4 Wochen. Als arrhythmogene Wirkung definiert wurde eine Zunahme ventrikularer Extrasystolen im Langzeit-EKG von 400%, das Auftreten neuer, zuvor nicht nachgewiesener Tachykardien oder eine Zunahme der Aktionen bereits bestehender ventrikularer Tachykardien um das lOfache. In allen drei klinischen Prufungen bestanden keine Unterschiede bezuglich der demographischen Daten, des Ansprechens auf die Chinidintherapie oder der Nebenwirkungen unter Chinidin. Bei 6 der 360 Patienten (2%) erfolgte eine arrhythmogene Reaktion, doch in keinem Fall resultierte eine hamodynamische Symptomatik, die Notwendigkeit einer stationaren Aufnahme oder der Tod aufgrund arrhythmogener Komplikationen. Deshalb kann ambulant eine Chinidintherapie bei Patienten, die diese Einschluskriterien erfullen, unbedenklich eingeleitet werden.
Time to move beyond clinical and pathologic classification of BAC.

Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) is a unique subtype of lung adenocarcinoma that has received increasing attention in recent years. Levy and colleagues have provided a comprehensive review of the clinical and pathologic characteristics of this disease, as well as the clinical evidence available to guide treatment of patients with BAC.
Parents' perspectives on using autonomous vehicles to enhance children's mobility

Abstract Prior research has estimated the impact of an autonomous vehicle (AV) environment on the mobility of underserved populations such as adult non-drivers. What is currently unknown is the impact of AVs on enhancing the mobility of children who are also mobility disadvantaged, as child passengers are likely part of AV ridership scenarios in the perceivable future. To address this question, our study collected perceived benefits and concerns of AVs from a US convenience sample of parents whose children relied on them for mobility. We found that parents’ intentions to travel in AV and their technology readiness as well as parent (sex, residence area) and child (age, restraint system) demographic profiles were important determinants of potential AV acceptance and impact. In addition, two groups of potential AV users emerged from the data: the curious and the practical. This study addresses a gap in the literature by assessing parents’ perspectives on using AVs to transport children. The results have great potentials to guide the design of mobility features, safety evaluations, and implementation policies, as a decline in public interest in AVs has been recently documented.
Pathology of large vessel disease

Abstract Diseases of large vessels include inflammatory, infectious, degenerative, and neoplastic conditions. Inflammatory large vessel diseases include atherosclerosis, aortitis, periaortitis and inflammatory atherosclerotic aneurysms. A pathological classification scheme is described for aortitis and periaortitis based on the pattern of the inflammatory infiltrate: granulomatous/giant cell pattern, lymphoplasmacytic pattern, mixed inflammatory pattern, and the suppurative pattern. Degenerative aortic diseases include aging and genetic syndromes such as Marfan syndrome and Loeys-Dietz syndrome. These conditions cause degenerative changes of the media such as mucoid extracellular matrix accumulation (MEMA), elastic fibre fragmentation and/or loss and smooth muscle cell nuclei loss. There are multiple primary sarcomas of large vessels including angiosarcomas, leiomyosarcomas and undifferentiated sarcomas.
University Leadership of Professional Development Schools

This study investigated the roles and responsibilities of University-Based Administrators (UBAs) in relation to their oversight of Professional Development Schools PDSs. UBAs refer to college administrators such as department chairs, program coordinators, directors, assistant deans, associate deans, and deans. The participants were 36 UBAs ranging from mid-level administrators to faculty chairpersons. They represented universities of various sizes and Carnegie classifications from across the United States. The UBAs responded through email or by telephone to nine semi-structured interview questions related to their PDS work. The majority of UBAs were tenure-track or clinical faculty, who spent less than 50% of their time on PDS work. Forty-six percent of the UBAs’ Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) partnered with between one to ten PDSs. The majority of the IHEs had been doing PDS work for 11-19 years. Findings revealed significant variation in UBA’s roles and responsibilities. There is no standardized leadership title, set of responsibilities or qualifications, or structure for the oversight of PDS activities and networks. Three major administrative responsibilities related to PDS work emerged: personnel, programs, and documents. UBAs reported the greatest challenges were time, sustainability, resources/support.
Can post-neoadjuvant therapy molecular classification guide future treatment selection for muscle-invasive bladder cancer?

While platinum based chemotherapy has been the backbone of systemic therapy for muscle invasive bladder cancer for decades, little is known about how this treatment changes the tumor phenotype, or if subsequent management decisions should be based on those changes. Seiler et al. present interesting data on clustering and classification of post-chemotherapy tumors. Their data support their model that chemotherapy is not simply selecting out resistant subclones but it is also inducing changes that may promote resistance and potentially vulnerabilities for subsequent therapy.
Predictor factors in laser thermal therapy for recurrent head and neck cancer.

5329 Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck occurs frequently worldwide with more than 500,000 new cases projected annually. Once recurrent after primary treatment, survival rates for head and neck cancers are very poor. Management of recurrent head and neck cancer is a seldom reported but a common clinical dilemma. Only a small subset of patients are candidates for potentially curative surgery. Chemotherapy alone provides only limited palliation with no long term survivors, and reirradiation in most cases is unfeasible because of local toxicity. Experience is accumulating using laser-induced thermal therapy (LITT) for treatment of recurrent, unresectable head and neck cancers leading to favorable results and apparent long-term efficacy in some cases. In this study, we review our results on 104 patients with recurrent head and neck cancer that were treated by LITT . Best results were seen in oral cavity tumors where average survival was 20.3 months (10.7-30mo; 95%CI) compared to neck (avg.=14.4 months, 7.5-20.7mo; 95%CI) and other tumor sites (avg.=18 months, 13.8-22.3mo; 95%CI). Tumor regrowth was not seen after treatment for an average of 47 days with significant palliation of symptoms observed in most of these patients. Therapy response was inversely related to initial tumor volume and was dependent on both histology and growth rate. Smaller slow growing tumors and more differentiated tumors were palliated successfully with a better local therapy response rate than poorly differentiated and rapidly dividing malignancies. The results of LITT in recurrent head and neck cancer and the prognostic factors predicting outcome in this patient population are also reviewed.
Three Waves of U.S. Reforms: Following the Path of Wholesale Electricity Market Restructuring

New generation, storage, demand management, and smart grid technologies have the potential to make the grid of 2050 very different from today's power system. Can market designers keep up, and what do they need to pay attention to now? Before offering a few answers to these questions, we first give some historical perspective on the creation of markets for electric power and how those markets have been adapted to new needs.
Skew and Trend Aversion

Despite evidence of the benefits to portfolio Sharpe ratio and variance, actual investor allocations to Trend Following strategies are typically 5% or less. Why is there such a significant discrepancy between the optimal allocation and actual allocation to Trend? We investigate known behavioral biases as a potential reason. While decision makers have other reasons to exclude Trend Following from their portfolios, in this paper, we explore loss aversion, recency bias, and the ambiguity effect as they pertain to Trend Following, and we call the combination of the three Trend Aversion. We quantify Trend Aversion and show that these biases are a viable explanation for suboptimal allocations to Trend. We demonstrate a direct connection between quantifications of known behavioral biases and current suboptimal allocations to Trend Following. Recognition of these relationships will help highlight the pitfalls of behavioral biases.
Antibodies Tip the Balance Towards an HIV Cure.

Long-term drug therapy for HIV-1 infection can prevent both disease progression and virus transmission, but treatment does not eradicate the virus. A new gene therapy study (Immunity 2019;50:567–575.e5) using human antibodies shows significant promise for a functional cure in a non-human primate model.
COMPLEMENTARY SEQUENCES IN HETEROGENEOUS NUCLEAR RNA

Complementary sequences comprise 14.8% or more of the heterogeneous nuclear RNA of HeLa cells. A majority of the complementary sequences is not duplexed in native hnRNA. Of those that are duplexed, some are in inter- and some in intramolecular duplexes. The complementary sequences show complex annealing kinetics and hybridize to DNA of both high and low reiteration frequency.
Dr. Arthur Buehler obituary

Comparative Islamic Studies mourns the loss of editorial board member, Dr. Arthur Buehler, who passed away in Tucson, Arizona April 1, 2019. Before pursuing his doctorate at Harvard University under Annemarie Schimmel, he had mastered the Arabic language and spent several years in Yemen and Oman teaching English. Before his retirement Dr. Buehler had been Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. He had also taught Islamic Studies at several American Universities. Art Buehler was a scholar of Sufism, especially the Persianate Sufism of South and Central Asia. In addition to numerous articles, his books include: Sufi Heirs of the Prophet: The Indian Naqshbandiyya and the Rise of the Mediating Sufi Shaykh (1998); Revealed Grace: The Juristic Sufism of Ahmad Sirhindi, 1564–1624 (2011), and Recognizing Sufism: Contemplation in the Islamic Tradition (2016).
Joint Radar and Communication System Optimization for Spectrum Sharing

Common approaches for radar and communication system spectrum sharing consider protection zones with power allocation for in-band operation, dynamic spectrum access (DSA) with spectrum sensing for in-band operation, and sense-and-avoid, frequency-agile approaches for out-of-band operation. In this paper we introduce a cooperative spectrum sharing model that combines multiple aspects of the previously mentioned approaches for in-band and out-of-band coexistence. This model jointly optimizes multiple radar and communication system parameters for improved frequency agility and performance while mitigating mutual interference between secondary radiofrequency (RF) users. Spectrum sensing is implemented to form a power spectral estimate of the electromagnetic environment (EME) to identify the secondary users. Multi-objective optimization then adjusts the output power, center frequency, and bandwidth parameters of the radar and communication system to maximize range resolution, radar signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR), and channel capacity. Simulations are used to evaluate the model for different RF spectra. The results indicate that spectrum sharing is achieved for all systems.
Efficacy of Conversation Training Therapy for Patients With Benign Vocal Fold Lesions and Muscle Tension Dysphonia Compared to Historical Matched Control Patients.

Purpose Conversation training therapy (CTT) is the 1st voice therapy approach to eliminate the traditional therapeutic hierarchy and use patient-driven conversation as the sole therapeutic stimulus...
Ventricular shunt complications in patients undergoing posterior vault distraction osteogenesis

The primary objective of this study is to investigate post-operative morbidity and shunt revision rates of patients with shunt-dependent hydrocephalus (SDH) undergoing posterior vault distraction osteogenesis (PVDO) compared to patients undergoing conventional posterior vault reconstruction (PVR). A retrospective case-controlled cohort analysis of all patients with SDH undergoing PVDO and PVR for syndromic or complex craniosynostosis was performed. Demographic information, perioperative variables, distraction protocols, and shunt-related complications—infection, surgical revision of shunt, increased length of stay (LOS), and readmission within 90 days of surgery—were compared using the appropriate statistical tests. Fourteen patients with ventricular shunts who underwent PVDO and eight patients with shunts who underwent PVR were identified. Shunt-related complication rates were significantly higher with PVDO (n = 5) compared to PVR (n = 0), p = 0.0093. Among the five patients who suffered complications, the most common were shunt infection (n = 4), shunt malfunction (n = 4), and wound infections (n = 3). All patients with complications required additional operations for shunt revision and/or replacement; four patients required multiple takebacks for such procedures, with an average of three additional procedures per patient. In complex or syndromic craniosynostosis patients who have previously undergone ventricular shunting, PVDO is associated with higher shunt-related complications and need for additional procedures when compared to traditional PVR. While the benefits of PVDO in the treatment of syndromic craniosynostosis are well documented, the risks of PVDO in the face of a VP shunt must be considered. Further investigation into patient-specific risk factors and risk reduction strategies is warranted.
Comparison of concurrent and mixed-flow spray drying on viability, growth kinetics and biofilm formation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG microencapsulated with fish gelatin and maltodextrin

Abstract Commercial probiotics cultures are conventionally delivered as freeze-dried powders. Spray drying is a cost-effective alternative for producing dried probiotic cultures. However, concurrent spray drying (CCSD), the preferred drying configuration to produce spray-dried probiotic powders, inactivates significant amounts of viable cells. The study evaluated the effect of freeze drying (FD), CCSD and/or mixed-flow spray drying (MXSD) on the survival, growth kinetics, biofilm formation and physicochemical properties of microencapsulated Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LRGG) powders using fish gelatin (FG) and maltodextrin (MD). MXSD showed significantly (P
Allergen-induced airway inflammation and Th2 cell development requires Blimp-1

Abstract A Th2 immune response is central to allergic airway inflammation, which afflicts millions worldwide. However, the mechanisms that augment GATA3 expression in an antigen-primed developing Th2 cell are not well understood. Here, we describe an unexpected role for Blimp-1, a transcriptional repressor that constrains autoimmunity, as an upstream promoter of GATA3 expression that is critical for Th2 cell development in the lung, but dispensable for TFH function and IgE production. Mechanistically, Blimp-1 intrinsically represses Bcl6, which is necessary to drive GATA3 expression. Surprisingly, the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, but not the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 or IL-21, is required via STAT3 activation to upregulate Blimp-1 and promote Th2 cell development. These data reveal a hitherto unappreciated role for an IL-10-STAT3-Blimp-1 circuit as an initiator of an inflammatory Th2 response in the lung to allergens. Thus, Blimp-1 in a context-dependent fashion can drive inflammation by promoting rather than terminating effector T cell responses. Summary The transcriptional repressor Blimp-1 acts via a pro-inflammatory IL-10-STAT3 axis as a critical positive regulator of Th2 cells in the lung in response to allergens driving pathophysiology associated with asthma disease.
Pediatrician perspectives on symptom presentation and treatment of acute allergic reactions.

Abstract Background Anaphylaxis remains difficult to diagnose and epinephrine underused. Objective To better understand the thoughts of pediatricians regarding when acute allergic reactions constitute anaphylaxis and when epinephrine should be given by conducting an anonymous online survey. Methods The survey consisted of 8 case-based scenarios of allergic reactions with the following 2 questions on each case: (1) does this case represent anaphylaxis? and (2) if this patient immediately presented to you, would you treat the patient with epinephrine during the reaction? Results A total of 1001 responses were analyzed. When assessing all cases combined, there was discordance in whether a case represented anaphylaxis and administration of epinephrine was warranted in 8% of the cases. An average of 5% of all the respondents suggested that the case represented anaphylaxis but would not warrant epinephrine, whereas an average of 3% suggested that the case did not represent anaphylaxis but that epinephrine was warranted. Conclusion The results of this survey reveal that there is discordance among pediatricians on when an allergic reaction is considered anaphylaxis and when epinephrine is warranted. These data highlight the need for continued improvement of the definition of anaphylaxis and continued need for education regarding the diagnosis and management of anaphylaxis.
Technology Adoption and Workforce Skill in U.S. Manufacturing Plants

This paper examines the relationship between technology adoption and workforce skill in US manufacturing plants. Using information on the use and adoption of seven different information technologies, we find that the relationship between technology adoption and workforce skill varies across the technologies. Technologies more closely related to engineering and design tasks are associated with more skilled workforces. Technologies more closely related to production activities are not. When we examine the relationship between technology adoption and skill upgrading of workforces, we find little correlation between the use and/or adoption of technologies and changes in workforce skill at the plant level. However, we do find that plants adopting technologies related to engineering and design tasks do grow faster over the period 1987-1997.
Demonstration of the photothermal catalysis of the Sabatier reaction using nickel nanoparticles and solar spectrum light

The promise of light-to-chemical energy conversion has led researchers to explore photo-thermal processes for chemical reactivity of nanoparticles. Previous work has examined particles as an element of a supported catalyst, but not as an unsupported nanopowder. We present a preliminary examination of a photo-thermal Sabatier reaction performed on suspended Ni nanoparticles. This new system performs a catalytic Sabatier reaction at lower bulk temperatures than reported for a standard reaction, driven by light. This result occurs only when the particles are suspended freely in a gaseous mixture; implying that particle isolation enhances photo-thermal catalysis.
Optically Controlled Supercapacitors: Functional Active Carbon Electrodes with Semiconductor Particles.

Supercapacitors, S-C—capacitors that take advantage of the large capacitance at the interface between an electrode and an electrolyte—have found many short-term energy applications. The parallel plate cells were made of two transparent electrodes (ITO), each covered with a semiconductor-embedded, active carbon (A-C) layer. While A-C appears black, it is not an ideal blackbody absorber that absorbs all spectral light indiscriminately. In addition to a relatively flat optical absorption background, A-C exhibits two distinct absorption bands: in the near-infrared (near-IR and in the blue. The first may be attributed to absorption by the OH− group and the latter, by scattering, possibly through surface plasmons at the pore/electrolyte interface. Here, optical and thermal effects of sub-μm SiC particles that are embedded in A-C electrodes, are presented. Similar to nano-Si particles, SiC exhibits blue band absorption, but it is less likely to oxidize. Using Charge-Discharge (CD) experiments, the relative optically related capacitance increase may be as large as ~34% (68% when the illuminated area is taken into account). Capacitance increase was noted as the illuminated samples became hotter. This thermal effect amounts to <20% of the overall relative capacitance change using CD experiments. The thermal effect was quite large when the SiC particles were replaced by CdSe/ZnS quantum dots; for the latter, the thermal effect was 35% compared to 10% for the optical effect. When analyzing the optical effect one may consider two processes: ionization of the semiconductor particles and charge displacement under the cell’s terminals—a dipole effect. A model suggests that the capacitance increase is related to an optically induced dipole effect.
Molecular and Functional Imaging and Theranostics of the Tumor Microenvironment

Abstract The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a dynamic structure that is highly interactive with cancer cells and is shaped to a large extent by these cells. Abnormal vasculature, hypoxia, acidic extracellular pH, an altered extracellular matrix, and stromal cells such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, macrophages, and immune cells are some of the characteristics of the TME. These characteristics contribute significantly to cancer progression but also provide novel opportunities for cancer-specific therapeutic strategies. The fluidity of the TME, with its spatial and temporal heterogeneities, makes noninvasive molecular and functional imaging technologies highly important to image TME components and to develop image-guided theranostic strategies for cancer-specific precision treatments. Here we have reviewed the characteristics of the TME, the imaging modalities available to visualize the TME components, and the theranostic strategies that are available for image-guided therapy of the TME.
Racial and Ethnic Abortion Disparities Following Georgia's 22-Week Gestational Age Limit.

Introduction Georgia's 2012 House Bill 954 (HB954) prohibiting abortions after 22 weeks from last menstrual period (LMP) has been associated with a significant decrease in abortions after 22 weeks. However, the policy's effects by race or ethnicity remain unexplored. We investigated whether changes in abortion numbers and ratios (per 1,000 live births) in Georgia after HB954 varied by race or ethnicity. Methods Using Georgia Department of Public Health induced terminations of pregnancy data from 2007 to 2017, we examined changes in number of abortions and abortion ratios (per 1,000 live births) by race and ethnicity following HB954 implementation. Results After full implementation of HB954 in 2015, the number of abortions and abortion ratios at or after 22 weeks (from last menstrual period) decreased among White (bNumber = -261.83, p Conclusion The full implementation of HB954 had differential effects by race/ethnicity and gestational age. Although abortion at 22 weeks or more decreased for all groups, abortion at less than 22 weeks increased among Black people. Additional research should elucidate the possible causes, consequences, and reactions to differential effects of abortion restrictions by race and ethnicity.
Das Problem der gewichteten Zuteilung

Die Standardform des Transportmodells benutzt eine besonders einfache Restriktionsmatrix, bei der jede Variable hochstens zwei von Null verschiedene Koeffizienten hat, deren Werte +1 und — 1 sind. Wir wollen nun ein Modell von ahnlicher Form untersuchen; denn es erlaubt ebenfalls hochstens zwei von Null verschiedene Koeffizienten fur jede Variable.
A multifunctional, light-activated prochelator inhibits UVA-induced oxidative stress.

Abstract UVA radiation can damage cells and tissues by direct photodamage of biomolecules as well as by initiating metal-catalyzed oxidative stress. In order to alleviate both concerns simultaneously, we synthesized a multifunctional prochelator PC-HAPI (2-(( E )-1-(2-isonicotinoylhydrazono)ethyl)phenyl ( trans )-3-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)acrylate) that contains a trans -( o -hydroxy)cinnamate ester photocleavable protecting group that is cleaved upon UVA exposure to release a coumarin, umbelliferone, and an aroylhydrazone metal chelator, HAPI ( N ′-[1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)ethyliden]isonicotinoylhydrazide). While the prochelator PC-HAPI exhibits negligible affinity for iron, it responds rapidly to UVA irradiation and converts to an iron-binding chelator that inhibits iron-catalyzed formation of reactive oxygen species and protects cells from UVA damage.
Interaction of Calcium with Other Putative Mediators

Our survey of the secretory systems established that cyclic AMP exerts an influence on a number of secretory systems, although no unitary theory can be promulgated regarding the role of cyclic AMP. In some systems cyclic AMP augments secretory activity. This positive modulatory role of cyclic AMP is nowhere more apparent than in the rat parotid gland where secretion evoked by p-adrenergic receptor activation proceeds through a cyclic-AMP-mediated mechanism (Butcher and Putney, 1980). In fact, in this system the role of cyclic AMP in β-adreno-receptor-mediated amylase release has been more clearly established than the role for calcium.
Stochastic System Identification of the Compliance of Conducting Polymers.

Conducting polymers such as polypyrrole, polythiophene and polyaniline are currently studied as novel biologically inspired actuators. The actuation mechanism of these materials depends upon the motion of ions in and out of the polymer film during electrochemical cycling. The diffusion of ions into the bulk of the film causes the dynamic mechanical compliance (or modulus) of the material to change during the actuation process. The mechanism of this change in compliance is not fully understood as it can depend on many different factors such as oxidation state, solvation of the film and the level of counter ion swelling. In-situ measurement of the dynamic compliance of polypyrrole as a function of charge is difficult since the compliance depends upon the excitation frequency as well as the electrochemical stimulus. Pytel et al [1] studied the effect of the changing elastic modulus in-situ at a fixed frequency. In this study we describe a technique to measure the compliance response of polypyrrole as a function of frequency and electrochemistry. A voltage input and a simultaneous stress input was applied to polypyrrole actuated in neat 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexaflourophosphate. The stress input was a stochastic force with a bandwidth of 30 Hz and it allows us to compute the mechanical compliance transfer function of polypyrrole as function of the electrochemistry. Our studies show that the low frequency compliance changes by 50% as charge was injected into the polymer. The compliance changes reversibly as ions diffuse in and out of the film which indicates that the compliance depends upon the level of counter ion swelling.
Living with AIDS: a play for middle high school through adult students.

(1989). Living with AIDS: A Play for Middle High School Through Adult Students. Health Education: Vol. 20, No. 4, pp. 26-29.
High speed analog filtering using feedforward neural network architectures

The design of analog filters has been a topic of research for many years, yielding a wide variety of techniques for addressing the problem. The work described here approaches this task from a neural network perspective to obtain some of the advantages of neural systems, such as a high tolerance to component imprecision and an ability to train or adapt high order structures. Investigations of linear filter networks utilizing neural-like system topologies are presented, along with accompanying training algorithms and simulation results. Designs of several network components in 2 /spl mu/m CMOS are described, with simulations indicating their potential for implementing high order, self-programming analog filters at bandwidths above 70 MHz. >
Shepard for a Day: A Novel Class Exercise for Teaching Citators

This article describes a novel class assignment and its pilot implementation in the Advanced Legal Research courses at eight law schools during 2014–2015. The assignment tasks students with creating concise citator entries, fostering a better understanding of the limits of commercial citators. The assignment was implemented using the free legal research platform Casetext.
Tribal Health and Medicines

Tribal Health and Medicines. A. K. Kalla and P. C. Joshi, eds. New Delhi, India: Concept Publishing, 2004. xxi + 447 pp.
A toolkit for policy enablement in autonomic computing

Developers of policy enabled systems need a common set of basic functionality regardless of their areas of application. This is most conveniently provided in terms of a toolkit from which they can choose those components that are needed for their particular implementations. IBM T J Watson Research Center is developing such a policy toolkit in Java. The toolkit's goal is to accelerate the adoption of policy based technologies in different products and services. The policy toolkit (PTK) is written in Java and consists of a core module plus a set of modules that perform specific functions. The policy toolkit consists of a set of components for supporting the policy enablement of computer applications. As well as providing the necessary basic functionality, it also includes advanced capabilities like policy validation, transformation, and conflict resolution. It also provides patterns for building a variety of policy enabled systems. A number of engagements have been undertaken in order to assess the usefulness of the components provided, and determining what additional capabilities might be needed. We have found that the policy toolkit has made it easier and more convenient for software developers to incorporate policy-based technologies into their applications.
Reliability of Heat Sink Optimization Using Entropy Generation Minimization

The design and optimization of electronics cooling systems is not easily accomplished through conventional analysis tools such as analytical and numerical methods. The enhancement in thermal performance causes a rise in pressure drop, which increases the load of pumping power. Consequently, the overall assessment of cooling system requires a trade-off between thermal performance and pressure drop. Entropy generation minimization (EGM) method is based on the theory that a thermodynamically optimized system is the least irreversible, or minimum entropy generation in the system. EGM method has been used as an optimization tool in thermodynamic systems for a broad range of engineering fields, but its reliability and accuracy has not been investigated. In this study, the fin pitch of a plate fin heat sink in free convection environment was optimized by EGM method. Results were compared with both analytical and numerical optimization results. The EGM method predicted slightly higher fin pitch than the analytical and CFD methods but with the same trend. The discrepancy between the analytical and EGM method was within 7-12%, while that between the CFD and EGM method was 5-9%. With this small discrepancy, it was concluded that the EGM method was very reliable to be used in the fin pitch optimization of the plate fin heat sink subject to free convection.
Assessment of novel ureteral occlusion device and comparison with stone cone in prevention of stone fragment migration during lithotripsy.

Purpose: To present the initial ex-vivo results of a new ureteral-occlusion device (Cook Urological, Spencer, IN) for preventing the retrograde migration of particles during ureteroscopy and its comparison with the Stone Cone (Microvasive-Boston Scientific Corp., Spencer, IN). Materials and Methods: We designed an ex-vivo model using a porcine kidney with an intact ureter. Standardized plastic beads were placed in the proximal ureter. Each device was deployed proximal to the beads during ureteroscopy, and the number of beads impeded by each device was recorded. Results: The new device was successful at preventing retrograde migration of beads ≥1.5 mm. Furthermore, 1.0-mm beads were impeded by the center of the device, although they passed through the periphery. The Stone Cone blocked the retrograde migration of beads ≥2.5 mm. Conclusion: The new occlusion device was efficacious in an ex-vivo model. It appears to prevent the migration of smaller particles than are blocked by the Stone Cone.
First results from a superconductive detector for moving magnetic monopoles

A velocity- and mass-independent search for moving magnetic monopoles is being performed by continuously monitoring the current in a 20-sq cm area superconducting loop. A single candidate event, consistent with one Dirac unit of magnetic charge, has been detected during five runs totaling 151 days. These data set an upper limit of 6.1 x
The cosmic-ray pathlength distribution at low energy: A new probe of the source/acceleration regions

Compiled measurements of secondary to primary ratios covering the charge range Z = 3-26 and the energy range 0.05 - 50 GeV/nucleon are analyzed in energy dependent galactic propagation plus solar modulation calculations. The cosmic ray pathlength distribution is shown to consist of two energy dependent components interpreted as representing confinement in the galaxy and confinement in the 'source' regions.