cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The impact of cow nutrient status during the second and third trimesters on age at puberty, antral follicle count, and fertility of daughters

Abstract Fluctuating feed resources to beef cows across the production cycle is a proven method for decreasing input costs; however, limiting nutrients during late gestation have been demonstrated to decrease ovarian follicle numbers in female offspring in some studies. We hypothesize that limiting nutrients to mature (≥3 yr) crossbred beef cows during the second and third trimesters would result in daughters that would have decreased follicle numbers detectable by ultrasonography as yearlings. Over four breeding seasons, pregnant beef cows (n=397) were assigned to either Low (L), Moderate (M) or High (H) nutrient intake during the second or third trimester, resulting in four dietary treatment groups (L–H, L–L, M–H, and M–M). Heifers (n=416) born to these cows were weighed at weaning and moved to a dry lot where they were monitored for behavioral estrus with the aid of heat detection patches. Two weeks before their first breeding season, heifers were submitted for ultrasonographic examination of their ovaries to determine antral follicle numbers. Heifers were placed with bulls for 60 d and pregnancy status was determined 45 d after the bulls were removed. Growth and reproductive traits were analyzed using the MIXED Procedure of SAS with maternal diet and year as fixed effects. Maternal dietary intake did not affect heifer growth rates, age at puberty, or antral follicle counts (P≥0.40). However, an increased proportion of the heifers born to dams fed a high nutrient diet during the third trimester (L–H or M–H) calved in the first 21 d of their first calving season (P=0.004). Antral follicle counts detectable by ultrasonography at yearling pre-breeding examination were greater in heifers that calved during the first 21 d of their first calving season (P=0.02); however, these heifers did not differ in age at puberty (P=0.60). From this study, we conclude that: (1) limiting nutrient intake during late gestation in mature (≥3 yr) beef cows does not influence the ovarian reserve or reproductive performance of daughters; (2) increasing maternal nutrient intake during the third trimester can improve the first service conception rates of daughters; and (3) pre-breeding ultrasonography to determine antral follicle counts is a good indicator of fertility for choosing replacement heifers.
Optical Tweezers: A Practical Guide

Optical tweezers, or the single-beam optical gradient force trap, is becoming a major tool in biology for noninvasive micromanipulation on an optical microscope. The principles and practical aspects that influence construction are presented in an introductory primer. Quantitative theories are also reviewed but have yet to supplant user calibration. Various biological applications are summarized, including recent quantitative force and displacement measurements. Finally, tantalizing developments for new, nonimaging microscopy techniques based on optical tweezers are included.
Azimuthal modulational instability of vortices in the nonlinear Schrodinger equation

Abstract We study the azimuthal modulational instability of vortices with different topological charges, in the focusing two-dimensional nonlinear Schrodinger (NLS) equation. The method of studying the stability relies on freezing the radial direction in the Lagrangian functional of the NLS in order to form a quasi-one-dimensional azimuthal equation of motion, and then applying a stability analysis in Fourier space of the azimuthal modes. We formulate predictions of growth rates of individual modes and find that vortices are unstable below a critical azimuthal wave number. Steady-state vortex solutions are found by first using a variational approach to obtain an asymptotic analytical ansatz, and then using it as an initial condition to a numerical optimization routine. The stability analysis predictions are corroborated by direct numerical simulations of the NLS. We briefly show how to extend the method to encompass nonlocal nonlinearities that tend to stabilize such solutions.
Shadow theories in Fountain's theory of technology enactment

Fountain was concerned with the effect of information technologies on government. Her thesis was that government organizations are strongly motivated to adopt information technologies and that the ways these technologies are used and their effects vary depending on agency interests. Although Fountain claimed to present original ideas, elements of her thesis have been commonplace for decades in political science, public administration, business administration, and the field of science, technology, and public policy. Instead of crediting orthodox concepts such as technological determinism, rational actor models, incrementalism, and systems analysis, she attacked them as "shadow theories" only to import large elements of them back into her own framework. Fountain sought to dazzle us with her originality when she really was assembling a worth while research agenda out of good ideas taken from existing scholarship. Instead of encouraging cooperation in her modest venture, she invites a backlash.
Interaction of Al2O3-ZrO2 fibers with a Ti-Al matrix during pressure casting

Electron and optical electron microscopy, together with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) chemical microanalysis, were employed to examine the microstructure of a pressure-cast composite consisting of a Ti-48.4 at. pct Al-1 at. pct Mn matrix reinforced with DuPont’s PRD-166 A12O3 fibers containing 20 wt pct partially stabilized ZrO2. The originally cylindrical fibers were found to have a scalloped surface, and a zone just below the surface was free of ZrO2. In addition, the fibers contained entrapped TiAl, and a small portion of the fiber periphery was covered by ZrO2 particles, which were free of the Y2O3 and HfO2 oxides present in the ZrO2 within the fibers. The matrix consisted of a mixture of TiAl and a lamellar structure of TiAl and Ti3Al and contained Zr not originally present in the matrix alloy. An analysis of the origin of this microstructure is presented.
Bias-corrected estimators of scalar skew normal

One problem of a skew normal model is the difficulty in estimating the shape parameter, for which the maximum likelihood estimate may be infinite when sample size is moderate. The existing estimators suffer from large bias even for moderate size samples. In this paper, we proposed five estimators of the shape parameter for a scalar skew normal model, either by bias correction method or by solving a modified score equation. Simulation studies show that except bootstrap estimator, the proposed estimators have smaller bias compared to those estimators in literature for small and moderate samples.
Sara: A Software Environment Supporting Rapid Acquisition and Analysis of NMR Relaxation Rates with Accordion Spectroscopy

We present SARA (Software for Accordion Relaxation Analysis), an interactive and user-friendly MATLAB software environment designed for analyzing relaxation data obtained with accordion spectroscopy. Accordion spectroscopy can be used to measure nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation rates more quickly than traditional methods, yet data analysis can be intimidating and no unified software packages are available to assist investigators. Hence, the technique has not achieved widespread use within the NMR community. SARA offers users a selection of analysis protocols spanning those presented in the literature thus far, with modifications permitting a more general application to crowded spectra such as those of proteins. We discuss the advantages and limitations of each fitting method and suggest a protocol combining the strengths of each procedure to achieve optimal results. In the end, SARA provides an environment for facile extraction of relaxation rates and should promote routine application of accordion relaxation spectroscopy.
Analyzing and Interpreting Automatically Learned Rules Across Dialects.

In this paper, we demonstrate how informative dialect recognition systems such as acoustic pronunciation model (APM) help speech scientists locate and analyze phonetic rules efficiently. In particular, we analyze dialect-specific characteristics automatically learned from APM across two American English dialects. We show that unsupervised rule retrieval performs similarly to supervised retrieval, indicating that APM is useful in practical applications, where word transcripts are often unavailable. We also demonstrate that the top-ranking rules learned from APM generally correspond to the linguistic literature, and can even pinpoint potential research directions to refine existing knowledge. Thus, the APM system can help phoneticians analyze rules efficiently by characterizing large amounts of data to postulate rule candidates, so they can reserve time to conduct more targeted investigations. Potential applications of informative dialect recognition systems include forensic phonetics and diagnosis of spoken language disorders.
Receptor-dependent activation of store-operated calcium entry increases endothelial cell permeability

The present study evaluated the necessity of store-operated Ca2+ entry in mediating thrombin-induced 20-kDa myosin light chain (MLC20) phosphorylation and increased permeability in bovine pulmonary...
Online Dissemination of Resources and Services for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs): a Systematic Review of Evidence

As autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses continue to rise, traditional support services are unable to meet the demand. Parents are increasingly turning to online resources, which vary across a continuum of interactivity from passive online information seeking to highly interactive eHealth models, allowing engagement for parents in innovative ways. Although online resources may provide necessary opportunities for information dissemination, outreach, intervention, and support systems, there is cause for reservation. The current study summarizes results of a systematic review (N = 27 articles) of the evidence surrounding parent use of online resources. Recommendations for researchers to better leverage online tools for the advancement of service provision and child outcomes are discussed.
The Cerebellum in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of behaviorally defined disorders characterized by impaired social interaction, delayed and disordered language, isolated areas of interest and an insistence on sameness. Although specific causes of ASD are not fully known, both genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a role. One of the most consistently abnormal regions of the autistic brain is the cerebellum. This chapter describes some of the gross and microscopic features of the cerebellum in the autistic brain and suggests possible correlations between these findings and clinical symptoms of the disorder.
Testing for occupational barriers in agriculture

The last chapter presented two models of occupational sorting by strength and argued that, in the more competitive portions of the labor market, the division of labor between the sexes can be explained by comparative advantage. This chapter will present statistical tests for occupational barriers in agriculture. Both discrimination and free markets would imply that men and women worked different jobs. This chapter will attempt to distinguish between those two theories by testing whether the labor market was segmented or integrated. If customary barriers kept women in certain types of work, then changes in the supply of or demand for their labor would not influence the wage or employment of male workers. However, if the division of labor was the result of the sorting models presented in the last chapter, then men and women should be substitutable, and changes in the wages of one sex should affect the labor market opportunities for the other sex. Having established that sex differences in wages and occupations are not proof of occupational segregation constraints, I will now provide evidence that the agricultural labor market did not have discriminatory occupational constraints. The results in this chapter will show that men and women were hired in an integrated labor market; employers were willing to substitute men and women workers in response to wage changes. As we shall see in later chapters, these results do not apply to the entire labor market. The evidence provided here is for agriculture only.
“The Sound of Metal and the Taste of Coffee: Modernity, Race, and Gender in ‘The State of Tides”

(2009). “The Sound of Metal and the Taste of Coffee: Modernity, Race, and Gender in ‘The State of Tides”. Journal of the African Literature Association: Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 186-205.
Ultrastructure of spermatid development within the testis of the Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake, Pelamis platurus (Squamata: Elapidae)

Little is known about spermatid development during spermiogenesis in snakes, as there is only one complete study in ophidians, which details the spermatid ultrastructure within the viperid, Agkistrodon piscivorus. Thus, the following study will add to our understanding of the ontogenic steps of spermiogenesis in snakes by examining spermatid maturation in the elapid, Pelamis platurus, which were collected in Costa Rica in 2009. The spermatids of P. platurus share many similar ultrastructural characteristics to that described for other squamates during spermiogenesis. Three notable differences between the spermatids of P. platurus and those of other snakes is a round and shorter epinuclear lucent zone, enlarged caudal nuclear shoulders, and more prominent 3 and 8 peripheral fibers in the principal and endpieces. Also, the midpiece is much longer in P. platurus and is similar to that reported for all snakes studied to date. Other features of chromatin condensation and morphology of the acrosome complex are similar to what has been observed in A. piscivorus and other squamates. Though the spermatids in P. platurus appear to be quite similar to other snakes and lizards studied to date, some differences in subcellular details are still observed. Analysis of developing spermatids in P. platurus and other snakes could reveals morphologically conserved traits between different species along with subtle changes that could help determine phylogenetic relationships once a suitable number of species have been examined for ophidians and other squamates.
Simulation of diffuse-charge capacitance in electric double layer capacitors

We use a Lattice Boltzmann Model (LBM) in order to simulate diffuse-charge dynamics in Electric Double Layer Capacitors (EDLCs). Simulations are carried out for both the charge and the discharge processes on 2D systems of complex random electrode geometries (pure random, random spheres and random fibers). The steric effect of concentrated solutions is considered by using a Modified Poisson–Nernst–Planck (MPNP) equations and compared with regular Poisson–Nernst–Planck (PNP) systems. The effects of electrode microstructures (electrode density, electrode filler morphology, filler size, etc.) on the net charge distribution and charge/discharge time are studied in detail. The influence of applied potential during discharging process is also discussed. Our studies show how electrode morphology can be used to tailor the properties of supercapacitors.
Roadway safety policy and leadership: Case study of six Midwest states

This study examined various factors that determine policy and political leadership in the adoption of evidence-based policy countermeasures and integrated, performance-based approaches such as Toward Zero Deaths to reduce road fatalities and serious injuries. Specifically, the study sought to increase understanding of the policy context for safety and to engage policy and political leaders and institutions at the state and local level in the application of these approaches. The study focused on six states in the Midwest region—Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin—and engaged legislators and policy safety policy leaders to better understand the challenges and opportunities to improve roadway safety through public policy. In a comparison of the extent of policy adoption and political leadership from one state to another, the study developed, applied, and tested an assessment tool of Toward Zero Deaths and roadway safety programs for each of the six states under review.
Mayo Adhesive Probability Score Is an Independent Computed Tomography Scan Predictor of Adherent Perinephric Fat in Open Partial Nephrectomy.

Objective To evaluate predictive radiological elements for adherent perinephric fat (APF) and the Mayo adhesive probability (MAP) score in the setting of open partial nephrectomy, and to assess their reproducibility. Patients and Methods We performed a retrospective case-control study involving 86 patients who had open partial nephrectomies performed by a single surgeon between January 1, 2009 and April 1, 2015. Radiological elements were assessed by 4 readers blinded to patient APF status. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for all radiological and clinical factors. Reproducibility was analyzed using agreement coefficients. Results On univariate analysis for radiological findings, lateral and posterior fat thickness (odds ratio [OR]: 1.084 [1.033, 1.138], P P P P = .03; and OR: 1.560 [1.137, 2.139], P = .0058, respectively). The reproducibility of the MAP score was fair (AC1 = 0.367 and kappa F = 0.353), as was that of stranding (AC1 = 0.499, kappa F = 0.376). The agreement was important if we defined a "low" (0 to 3) or "high" (4 or 5) score (AC1 = 0.706 and kappa F = 0.681). Conclusion The MAP score was the element that best predicted APF in our study, although its reproducibility among our readers was only fair. The agreement becomes important if we defined "low or high" score.
Level Set Estimation of Spatial-Temporally Correlated Random Fields With Active Sparse Sensing

In this paper, we study the level set estimation of a spatial-temporally correlated random field by using a small number of spatially distributed sensors. The level sets of a random field are defined as regions where data values exceed a certain threshold. The identification of the boundaries of such sets is an important theoretical problem with a wide range of applications such as spectrum sensing, urban sensing, and environmental monitoring, etc. We propose a new active sparse sensing and inference scheme, which can achieve rapid and accurate extraction of level sets in a large random field by using a small number of data samples strategically and sparsely selected from the field. A Gaussian process (GP) prior model is used to capture the spatial–temporal correlations inherent in the random field. It is first shown that the optimal level set estimation can be achieved by performing a GP regression with all data samples and then thresholding the regression results. We then investigate the active sparse sensing scheme, where a central controller dynamically selects a small number of sensing locations according to the information revealed from past measurements, with the objective to minimize the expected level set estimation error probability. The expected estimation error probability is explicitly expressed as a function of the selected sensing locations, and the results are used to formulate the optimal sensing location selection problem as a combinatorial problem. Two low complexity greedy algorithms are developed by using analytical upper bounds of the expected estimation error probability. Both simulation and experiment results demonstrate that the greedy algorithms can achieve significant performance gains over baseline passive sensing algorithms and the GP upper confidence bound level set estimation algorithm.
Clinical and Electroencephalographic Characteristics of Infantile-Onset Epilepsies Caused by Genetic Mutations

Objectives To determine whether certain characteristic electroencephalography (EEG) features are indicative of a genetic cause in early-life epilepsy. Study design We enrolled a total of 100 patients with infantile-onset ( Results The genetic group was more likely to have seizure recurrence beyond infancy and significant developmental delay ( P .01). The genetic and nongenetic groups showed different EEG patterns in the initial EEGs that persisted in follow-up EEGs. Diffuse slowing with pleomorphic focal/multifocal epileptiform discharges were present more often in the genetic (86%) compared with the nongenetic group (20%) in the initial EEGs ( P .01). The last available follow-up EEG features were similar (81% in genetic versus 17% in nongenetic) to the EEG performed prior to 3 years of age. Conclusions Our findings suggest a simple guide for genetic screening in children with early-onset epilepsy. Genetic testing may be indicated and useful in infants with delayed development, no obvious cause, and significant EEG background slowing with pleomorphic focal or multifocal epileptiform discharges.
Systolic blood pressure within 24 hours after thrombectomy for acute Ischemic stroke correlates with outcome

BackgroundCurrent guidelines suggest treating blood pressure above 180/105 mm Hg during the first 24 hours in patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing any form of recanalization therapy. Curr...
He's just content to sit: a qualitative study of mothers' perceptions of infant obesity and physical activity.

Rates of obesity among children ages zero to five are rapidly increasing. Greater efforts are needed to promote healthy behaviors of young children. Mothers are especially important targets for promoting health as mothers’ views play a vital role in helping their children foster healthy habits from an early age. Research has found parents’ views of infants’ weight may influence their feeding practices; however, limited research has explored mothers’ view of infants’ weight in relation to the promotion of physical activity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of mothers of normal weight infants and overweight infants about their infant’s weight and physical activity. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with mothers of normal weight (n = 18) and of overweight (n = 11) infants (6.5 ± 0.5 month) in a Midwestern city in the United States. A thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. A majority of mothers thought infants could be overweight. However, no mothers referenced their own infant as overweight. Mothers most commonly noted infants could be overweight only if they were formula fed and/or were overfed, not if they were breastfed. Mothers views were not negatively influenced by others who mentioned that their child was either “big” or “small” and only one mother had been told her infant was overweight. A majority of mothers thought an infant could be physically active. When discussing infant activity, mothers primarily referred to it in terms of general mobility and a few thought activity level was related to a personality characteristic. Mothers intended to promote physical activity in the future either through outdoor play or specific organized activities such as sports. Despite a majority of mothers stating they were currently physically active themselves, only a few talked about interacting with their infant to promote their infant’s physical activity. Efforts are needed by healthcare professionals and other public health professionals to inform mothers about the dangers of increased weight during infancy as well as the importance of interacting with infants to promote physical activity.
Liver Transplantation for the Treatment of Complicated Iatrogenic Biliary Injuries: A National Review from the UNOS Data Set.

BackgroundLiver transplantation (LT) is rarely indicated in the management of iatrogenic bile duct injuries (IBDI), but occasionally, it becomes the only remaining therapy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate potential complications of IBDI and their impact on perioperative mortality, graft, an
Suicide prevention in u.S. Law enforcement agencies: A national survey of current practices.

Increasing attention is being paid to suicide among law enforcement officers, and how the agencies that employ these officers could prevent such deaths. This study presents the results of a national survey of U.S. law enforcement agencies’ strategies for preventing officer suicide. We invited 177 agencies from across the United States to be interviewed, and 110 agreed to participate in qualitative interviews. Agencies were grouped into one of four categories based on the services they offered. Agencies offered minimal (a municipal employee assistance program), basic (mental health, critical incident response procedures, and training), proactive (in-house mental health care, embedded chaplains, substance misuse programs, peer support, screening, or health and wellness programs), and integrated services (integration of services into day-to-day operations). The results indicate that many U.S. law enforcement agencies are engaged in efforts to promote officer wellness and prevent suicide. Officers’ perceptions of confidentiality may inhibit the use of in-house or contracted mental health services, while a weak or inconclusive evidence-base raises questions about common approaches like peer support or critical incident stress debriefing.
Transient High Pressure in Pancreatic Ducts Promotes Inflammation and Alters Tight Junctions via Calcineurin Signaling in Mice.

Background & Aims Pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (PEP) is thought to be provoked by pancreatic ductal hypertension, via unknown mechanisms. We investigated the effects of hydrostatic pressures on the development of pancreatitis in mice. Methods We performed studies with Swiss Webster mice, B6129 mice (controls), and B6129 mice with disruption of the protein phosphatase 3, catalytic subunit, βisoform gene (Cnab–/– mice). Acute pancreatitis was induced in mice by retrograde biliopancreatic ductal or intraductal infusion of saline with a constant hydrostatic pressure while the proximal common bile duct was clamped —these mice were used as a model of PEP. Some mice were given pancreatic infusions of adeno-associated virus 6–nuclear factor of activated T-cells–luciferase to monitor calcineurin activity or the calcineurin inhibitor FK506. Blood samples and pancreas were collected at 6 and 24 hours and analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, histology, immunohistochemistry, or fluorescence microscopy. Ca2+ signaling and mitochondrial permeability were measured in pancreatic acinar cells isolated 15 minutes after PEP induction. Ca2+-activated phosphatase calcineurin within the pancreas was tracked in vivo over 24 hours. Results Intraductal pressures of up to 130 mm Hg were observed in the previously reported model of PEP; we found that application of hydrostatic pressures of 100 and 150 mm Hg for 10 minutes consistently induced pancreatitis. Pancreatic tissues had markers of inflammation (increased levels of interleukin [IL] 6, IL1B, and tumor necrosis factor), activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, increased serum amylase and IL6, and loss of tight junction integrity. Transiently high pressures dysregulated Ca2+ processing (reduced Ca2+ oscillations and an increased peak plateau Ca2+ signal) and reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential. We observed activation of pancreatic calcineurin in the pancreas in mice. Cnab–/– mice, which lack the catalytic subunit of calcineurin, and mice given FK506 did not develop pressure-induced pancreatic inflammation, edema, or loss of tight junction integrity. Conclusions Transient high ductal pressure produces pancreatic inflammation and loss of tight junction integrity in a mouse model of PEP. These processes require calcineurin signaling. Calcineurin inhibitors might be used to prevent acute pancreatitis that results from obstruction.
The role of institutional investors in the corporate governance of financial institutions: The UK case

Back in the 1930s, Berle and Means (1932) highlighted the impact of the separation of ownership and control in corporations. Over sixty years later institutional investors own large portions of equity in many companies across the world, and the key role played by institutional investors in corporate governance cannot be underestimated. The Cadbury Committee (1992) viewed institutional investors as having a special responsibility to try to ensure that its recommendations were adopted by companies, stating that ‘we look to the institutions in particular ... to use their influence as owners to ensure that the companies in which they have invested comply with the Code’. A similar view was expressed in the more recently published Greenbury Report (1995) as one of the main action points is ‘the investor institutions should use their power and influence to ensure the implementation of best practice as set out in the Code’. Therefore the two most influential committees which have reported on corporate governance in the UK clearly emphasize the role of institutional investors. The institutional investors’ potential to exert significant influence on companies has clear implications for corporate governance, especially in terms of the standards of corporate governance and issues concerned with enforcement.
Evidence for dual La and Lb emission in 5-methylindole

The steady-state fluorescence anisotropy of 5-methylindole is shown to depend on both excitation and emission wavelengths, at room temperature in glycerol. A simulation is presented that shows that this emission wavelength dependence of the anisotropy can be explained in terms of dual emission from both the La and the Lb transition moments of the indole ring. For such dual emission to occur, the lowest excited-state energy level of both of these oscillators must be very similar.
Assessing Decision Timing and Seasonal Climate Forecast Needs of Winter Wheat Producers in the South-Central United States

AbstractAgricultural decision-making that adapts to climate variability is essential to global food security. Crop production can be severely impacted by drought, flood, and heat, as seen in recent...
Embracing the Cruel Optimism of Phenomenological Writing

This article is about the euphoria I experience each time I write about philosophically informed phenomenological research: writing and reading and thinking that began in graduate school and has no...
The crystal structure of glucokinase from Leishmania braziliensis.

Glucokinase from pathogenic protozoa of the genus Leishmania is a potential drug target for the chemotherapeutic treatment against leishmaniasis because this enzyme is located at a nodal point between two critically important metabolic pathways, glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). L. braziliensis glucokinase (LbGlcK) was evaluated for its structural characterization and enzymatic performance. The enzyme catalyzes the phosphorylation of d-glucose with co-substrate ATP to yield the products G6P and ADP. LbGlcK had KM values determined as 6.61 ± 2.63 mM and 0.338 ± 0.080 mM for d-glucose and ATP, respectively. The 1.85 A resolution X-ray crystal structure of the apo form of LbGlcK was determined and a homodimer was revealed where each subunit (both in open conformations) included the typical small and large domains. Structural comparisons were assessed in relationship to Homo sapiens hexokinase IV and Trypanosoma cruzi glucokinase. Comparisons revealed that all residues important for making hydrogen bonding interactions with d-glucose in the active site and catalysis were strictly conserved. LbGlcK was screened against four glucosamine analogue inhibitors and the stronger inhibitor of the series, HPOP-GlcN, had a Ki value of 56.9 ± 16.6 μM that exhibited competitive inhibition. For the purpose of future structure-based drug design experimentation, L. braziliensis glucokinase was observed to be very similar to T. cruzi glucokinase even though there was a 44% protein sequence identity between the two enzymes.
Suicidal ideation, plan, and attempts and nonmedical prescription opioid use among U.S. adults.

Abstract Objective The increase of nonmedical prescription opioid use (NMPOU) in the United States has become a public health concern. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between nonmedical prescription opioid misuse and past-year suicidality (suicide ideation-SI, suicide plan-SP, and suicide attempts-SA) among U.S. adults. Method: Secondary data analysis was conducted using the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health with 42,625 respondents. NMPOU was grouped in 4 categories: (1) never used, (2) current user, (3) recent user, and (4) past user. The outcome variables were SI, SP and SA and they were predicted in multivariable logistic regression. Results Compared to the never-use of NMPO groups, the current, recent, and past users of NMPO showed significantly higher likelihoods of SI, SP, and SA models adjusting for sociodemographic and mental health-related factors. Presence of a major depressive episode had the significantly highest Odds Ratio of SI, SP, and SA. Suicidality among NMPO users is high, and there are multiple, sociodemographic and mental health related factors associated with this finding. Conclusion Policy and prevention efforts to improve screening and treatment should focus on the at-risk populations identified in this study.
Rapid On-site Evaluation of Spine Lesions

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and core needle biopsy are the primary diagnostic modalities for assessing mass lesions. Any superficial or deep-seated lesion occurring anywhere in the body, including bone and soft tissue, can undergo this procedure to pathologically characterize it. The outcomes of FNA, performed either alone or in combination with core biopsy, are best when performed and interpreted by skilled individuals. The roles of interventional radiologists and cytologists are pivotal in ensuring adequacy of the specimen and leading the clinical team in making the diagnosis and avoiding repeat diagnostic procedures or a more invasive open surgical biopsy.
Not the Earth, but its orbit: Andre Tacquet and the question of star sizes in a heliocentric universe

This paper consists of a translation of Andre Tacquet's discussion of the question of sizes of stars in a heliocentric universe, as published in his posthumous Opera Mathematica of 1668, along with introductory material and analysis. While Robert Hooke mentions Tacquet as one of the "great Anti-copernicans", who argued the question of star sizes against the heliocentric theory with "great vehemency and insulting", Tacquet's discussion has received only scant attention. The kernel of Tacquet's argument is that the absence of any detectable parallax in the stars, combined with the measured apparent sizes of the stars, means that, in a heliocentric universe, the sizes of stars compare to the size of Earth's orbit via the same proportion that they compare to the size of the Earth in a geocentric universe. The translated material presents this argument in a straightforward manner, insulting absent.
Detecting Suspected Pump Thrombosis in Left Ventricular Assist Devices via Acoustic Analysis

Objective: Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) fail in up to 10% of patients due to the development of pump thrombosis. Remote monitoring of patients with LVADs can enable early detection and, subsequently, treatment and prevention of pump thrombosis. We assessed whether acoustical signals measured on the chest of patients with LVADs, combined with machine learning algorithms, can be used for detecting pump thrombosis. Methods: 13 centrifugal pump (HVAD) recipients were enrolled in the study. When hospitalized for suspected pump thrombosis, clinical data and acoustical recordings were obtained at admission, prior to and after administration of thrombolytic therapy, and every 24 hours until laboratory and pump parameters normalized. First, we selected the most important features among our feature set using LDH-based correlation analysis. Then using these features, we trained a logistic regression model and determined our decision threshold to differentiate between thrombosis and non-thrombosis episodes. Results: Accuracy, sensitivity and precision were calculated to be 88.9%, 90.9% and 83.3%, respectively. When tested on the post-thrombolysis data, our algorithm suggested possible pump abnormalities that were not identified by the reference pump power or biomarker abnormalities. Significance: We showed that the acoustical signatures of LVADs can be an index of mechanical deterioration and, when combined with machine learning algorithms, provide clinical decision support regarding the presence of pump thrombosis.
Nonlinear Multiview Analysis: Identifiability and Neural Network-Assisted Implementation

Multiview analysis aims at extracting shared latent components from data samples that are acquired in different domains, e.g., image, text, and audio. Classic multiview analysis, e.g., canonical correlation analysis (CCA), tackles this problem via matching the linearly transformed views in a certain latent domain. More recently, powerful nonlinear learning tools such as kernel methods and neural networks are utilized for enhancing the classic CCA. However, unlike linear CCA whose theoretical aspects are clearly understood, nonlinear CCA approaches are largely intuition-driven. In particular, it is unclear under what conditions the shared latent components across the views can be identified—while identifiability plays an essential role in many applications. In this work, we revisit nonlinear multiview analysis and address both the theoretical and computational aspects. Our work leverages a useful nonlinear model, namely, the post-nonlinear model, from the nonlinear mixture separation literature. Combining with multiview data, we take a nonlinear multiview mixture learning viewpoint, which is a natural extension of the classic generative models for linear CCA. From there, we derive a learning criterion. We show that minimizing this criterion leads to identification of the latent shared components up to certain ambiguities, under reasonable conditions. Our derivation and formulation also offer new insights and interpretations to existing deep neural network-based CCA formulations. On the computation side, we propose an effective algorithm with simple and scalable update rules. A series of simulations and real-data experiments corroborate our theoretical analysis.
The relationship between shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) size and biofloc consumption determined by the stable isotope technique

Abstract Biofloc technology (BFT) is considered one of the most promising methods for the sustainable development of shrimp culture. Bioflocs keep the water quality at good standards and represent a complementary food source, allowing the production of high stocking densities of the white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. Microorganisms present in flocs are an important source of lipids and proteins; however, laboratory observations indicate that floc consumption is not the same for all shrimp stages. We have, therefore, established the hypothesis that bioflocs are more important food sources for larger shrimps that can better manipulate the flocs and pick up and consume specific microorganisms. The stable isotope technique has been recently applied in aquaculture to quantify the importance of different food sources to the growth of target species. In this study, this technique was employed in two experiments in order to test the established hypothesis, measuring biofloc consumption by 0.01 g L. vannamei postlarvae in nursery tanks and by 0.80 g shrimp in the grow-out phase. Both experiments were conducted in greenhouse tanks (12–800 L) with a stocking density of 2000 shrimp/m3 in the nursery phase and 400 shrimp m3 in the grow-out phase. The experiment was designed with two treatments with four replicates each: (I) F, with feed only; and (II) BF, with bioflocs and feed. Shrimp were fed a commercial diet twice a day in the nursery and grow-out stage with 40 and 38% crude protein, respectively. Differences were found between water quality parameters for pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, SST and turbidity (p
Secondary Analysis of Existing Data Sets for Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics

ABSTRACT Secondary analysis of existing large, national data sets is a powerful method to address many of the complex, key research questions in developmental behavioral pediatrics (DBP). Major advantages include decreasing the time needed to complete a study and reducing expenses associated with research by eliminating the need to collect primary data. It can also increase the generalizability of research and, with some data sets, provide national estimates that may form the basis for developing policy. However, few resources are available to direct researchers who seek to develop expertise in this area. This study aims to guide investigators with limited experience in this area who wish to improve their skills in performing secondary analysis of existing large data sets. This study provides direction on the steps to perform secondary analysis of existing data sets. It describes where and how data sets can be identified to answer questions of interest to DBP. Finally, it offers an overview of a number of data sets relevant to DBP.
Positive Messages And Traditional Therapy For Three Children With Persistent Stuttering

As children age, they are less likely to experience spontaneous recovery from stuttering and are likely to develop negative attitudes about talking, necessitating counselling to address these feeli...
LOV-based optogenetic devices: light-driven modules to impart photoregulated control of cellular signaling

The Light-Oxygen-Voltage domain family of proteins is widespread in biology where they impart sensory responses to signal transduction domains. The small, light responsive LOV modules offer a novel platform for the construction of optogenetic tools. Currently, the design and implementation of these devices is partially hindered by a lack of understanding of how light drives allosteric changes in protein conformation to activate diverse signal transduction domains. Further, divergent photocycle properties amongst LOV family members complicate construction of highly sensitive devices with fast on/off kinetics. In the present review we discuss the history of LOV domain research with primary emphasis on tuning LOV domain chemistry and signal transduction to allow for improved optogenetic tools.
Hypofibrinogenemia due to L-asparaginase: studies of fibrinogen survival using autologous 131-I-fibrinogen.

Plasma fibrinogen levels fall, often dramatically, in patients receiving L-asparaginase. Studies of six patients using autologous 131I-fibrinogen showed that at a dose of 1000 I.U./kg./day L-asparaginase had no effect on their rates of fibrinogen disappearance. The fall in their plasma fibrinogen levels, therefore, must have been a result of decreased synthesis since it could not be ascribed to increased utilization or destruction of fibrinogen.
Four-Dimensional Data Assimilation for Coupled Physical-Acoustical Fields

The estimation of oceanic environmental and acoustical fields is considered as a single coupled data assimilation problem. The four-dimensional data assimilation methodology employed is Error Subspace Statistical Estimation. Environmental fields and their dominant uncertainties are predicted by an ocean dynamical model and transferred to acoustical fields and uncertainties by an acoustic propagation model. The resulting coupled dominant uncertainties define the error subspace. The available physical and acoustical data are then assimilated into the predicted fields in accord with the error subspace and all data uncertainties. The criterion for data assimilation is presently to correct the predicted fields such that the total error variance in the error subspace is minimized. The approach is exemplified for the New England continental shelfbreak region, using data collected during the 1996 Shelfbreak Primer Experiment. The methodology is discussed, computational issues are outlined and the assimilation of model-simulated acoustical data is carried out. Results are encouraging and provide some insights into the dominant variability and uncertainty properties of acoustical fields.
The chemistry of metal carbonyl anions: VII. Reduction of cyclopentadienylmetal carbonyls in hexamethylphosphoramide

The alkali metal reductions of a series of monomeric and dimeric cyclopentadienyl-substituted metal carbonyls in hexamethylphosphoramide provide principally C5H5V(CO)32- from C5H5V(CO)4, Mn(CO)43- from C5H5Mn(CO)3, Co(CO)4- from C5H5Co(CO)2, and C5H5M(CO)y- from corresponding [C5H5M(CO)y]2, where M = Mo, Fe and Ni for y = 3, 2 and 1, respectively. The spectral and chemical properties of many of these reduced species are described.
Apply personal mobility in PCS environment for universal personal communications

This paper describes the concept of mobility which encompasses the terminal mobility provided by mobile systems (cellular, PCS) and the personal mobility defined by Universal Personal Telecommunication (UPT) services, and their relationship with respect to definition and service applications; access procedures and smart card application; numbering and identity; mobility management and call handling; and internetworking between UPT and wireless systems. The technical challenges of supporting UPT in PCS environment are also discussed.
On the importance of the forward speed of hurricanes in storm surge forecasting: A numerical study

[1] A systematic investigation of storm surge along the coast of Louisiana was conducted by using the fully nonlinear Finite-Volume Coastal Ocean Model. FVCOM was first applied to Hurricane Rita and validated by in situ measurements. Experiments were conducted with different parameters to evaluate the impacts of each factor on inundation over a wide and shallow shelf. Results show that a hurricane's forward speed is a significant parameter which has been overlooked in previous studies. Resonance may occur for certain hurricane forward motion speeds: increasing this speed increases peak surge heights while decreasing inland volume of flood. The effects of wind intensity, Radius of Maximum Winds, tidal timing, amplitude, and wind inflow angle were also examined. It was concluded that varying a storm's forward motion may account for variations in flooded volumes equivalent to an upgrade or downgrade of about 1 category on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
Oral ondansetron for preventing nausea and vomiting.

Available clinical data on the use of oral ondansetron for the prevention of nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy or surgery are reviewed. Injectable ondansetron hydrochloride is very effective in preventing nausea and vomiting associated with even the most emetogenic antineoplastic drugs. In December 1992, 4- and 8-mg oral tablets (ondansetron hydrochloride dihydrate) became available. Many of the clinical trials of oral ondansetron have not compared it with other antiemetics or have compared it only with placebo. Oral ondansetron has shown efficacy in such trials, but the standard of care for preventing chemotherapy-induced emesis is not placebo. Studies involving a prechemotherapy i.v. dose of ondansetron followed by oral therapy have shown high response rates for the whole study period; however, when day 1 is excluded, the results are not impressive for the remainder of the study period. It seems that the period beyond 24 hours is when oral ondansetron is effective, and that efficacy against acute emesis is due to i.v. ondansetron. Clinical trials in which oral ondansetron and oral metoclopramide were compared showed ondansetron to be, at best, equal to metoclopramide. One study showed the combination of dexamethasone and metoclopramide to be superior to oral ondansetron. Oral ondansetron is more effective than placebo in preventing post-operative nausea and vomiting in gynecologic surgery patients; however, there have been no comparative studies, and routine use of antiemetics in most surgical patients may be unnecessary because newer anesthetics are less emetogenic. Although the adverse effects of oral ondansetron are milder than those of standard antiemetics, this may not compensate for the drug's high cost. Oral ondansetron is not superior to traditional antiemetics for the prevention of nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or surgery.