cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Frequency of different histologic types of bronchogenic carcinoma as related to radiation exposure.

Epidermoid, small cell undifferentiated, and adenomatous types of bronchogenic carcinoma were all shown to be increased among uranium miners. This was done by use of calculations of expected numbers for each of the major histologic types. The predominance of the small cell undifferentiated histologic types, however, was so great that it appeared to be the only type whose frequency was elevated in earlier, relative distribution studies. The same three histologic types have been shown to be elevated among cigarette smokers, but with different relative frequencies. These findings are consistent with Kreyberg's hypothesis that small cell undifferentiated and epidermoid carcinomas of the lung are closely related, and are the principal types whose frequency is affected by inhaled carcinogens, even though adenocarcinomas are also increased to some extent.
Identification of Persons at High Risk for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Do We Need the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test?

Persons at high risk for diabetes mellitus are better identified by using a simple prediction model than by relying exclusively on the results of a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. Although addi...
Animal antibiotic use has an early but important impact on the emergence of antibiotic resistance in human commensal bacteria

Antibiotic use is known to promote the development of antibiotic resistance, but substantial controversy exists about the impact of agricultural antibiotic use (AAU) on the subsequent emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria among humans. AAU for animal growth promotion or for treatment or control of animal diseases generates reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant (AR) bacteria that contaminate animal food products. Mathematical models are an important tool for understanding the potential medical consequences of this increased exposure. We have developed a mathematical model to evaluate factors affecting the prevalence of human commensal AR bacteria that cause opportunistic infections (e.g., enterococci). Our analysis suggests that AAU hastens the appearance of AR bacteria in humans. Our model indicates that the greatest impact occurs very early in the emergence of resistance, when AR bacteria are rare, possibly below the detection limits of current surveillance methods.
Spatially-resolved thermal coupling in VCSEL arrays using thermoreflectance microscopy

Thermoreflectance microscopy is used for simultaneous, spatially-resolved temperature measurements of VCSELs in a 1D array. Significant thermal effects such as thermal coupling between neighboring VCSELs and temperature distribution across the apertures are reported.
Remote sensing and GIS investigation of glacial features in the region of Devil's Lake State Park, South-Central Wisconsin, USA

Abstract This study utilizes Landsat TM, ASTER and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)-derived DEMs in conjunction with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in order to reevaluate previously-published interpretations of glacial landforms in and around Devil's Lake State Park, south-central Wisconsin, USA. Devil's Lake sits in a gorge carved into the southern flank of a doubly-plunging syncline known as the Baraboo Hills through which the Wisconsin or some other river flowed prior to the last ice age. During the last glacial maximum about 18,000 B.P., an outlet glacier of the Laurentide Ice Sheet called the Green Bay Lobe extended southward into south-central Wisconsin and left behind extensive glacial landforms such as moraines, drumlins and eskers. During advance of the Green Bay Lobe into the region, Devil's Lake Gorge was plugged at both ends by glacial deposits and resulted in formation of Devil's Lake. The Wisconsin River, if it originally flowed through Devil's Lake Gorge, found a new course to the east of the Baraboo Hills Syncline. This study utilizes the aforementioned remote sensing data to spatially image the following features: (1) Original extent of the Green Bay Lobe, (2) Moraines and streamlined glacial landforms as indicators of ice-flow directions, and (3) Former path of the old Wisconsin or some other river prior to being rerouted by the Green Bay Lobe. GIS analysis is also performed in order to test published interpretations of the regional glacial history. This study confirms that glacial features observed today are consistent with the former advance of the Green Bay Lobe into the area, formation of glacial Lake Wisconsin, plugging of Devil's Lake Gorge by a moraine to form Devil's Lake, and subsequent glacial retreat leading to the breaching of an ice dam and catastrophic flooding by ~ 14,000 years ago. The large aerial coverage of satellite imagery with resolutions up to 15 m are valuable for reevaluating regional interpretations previously based on local field mapping and aerial photography of limited extent.
Understanding a Period of Policy Change: The Case of Hydraulic Fracturing Disclosure Policy in Colorado

This paper investigates the beliefs and framing strategies of interest groups during a period of policy change and the factors explaining policy change. We develop propositions to explore questions concerning policy change primarily from the advocacy coalition framework as well as from other theorie. The propositions are tested by examining the promulgation of a Colorado regulation requiring the disclosure of chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing. Using coded data of documents published by organizations involved in the rulemaking process, we find divergence between industry and environmental groups on their beliefs concerning hydraulic fracturing, as well as their portraying themselves and each other as heroes, victims, and villains, but some convergence on their more specific beliefs concerning disclosure of chemicals. Interviews point to the importance of policy entrepreneurs, timing, a negotiated agreement, and learning for explaining policy change. The findings provide both theoretical and methodological insights into how and why policy changes.
Correlation of infecting serovar and local inflammation in genital chlamydial infections.

The relationship between acute inflammation and serovar of Chlamydia trachomatis was evaluated in patients with genital chlamydial infection who attended a sexually transmitted diseases clinic. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLS) were enumerated on Gram's-stained smears of endourethral contents in men; cervicitis was scored by visual observation of the endocervix in women. Isolates were serotyped with a monoclonal antibody-based radioimmunoassay. The distribution of serovars in 99 women did not differ in the presence or absence of cervicitis or concurrent gonorrhea. An overall difference (P = .037) was observed when serovar distributions in men with less than or equal to 3 PMNLs (n = 42), greater than or equal to 10 PMNLs (n = 41), and gonococcal urethritis (n = 42) were compared. Follow-up pairwise comparisons revealed that men with less than or equal to 3 PMNLs had fewer isolates of serovars F and G than did men with greater than or equal to 10 PMNLs (P less than .05). No strong overall association was observed between inflammation and serovar.
A computational scheme of closed link robot dynamics derived by D'Alembert principle

A general and systematic scheme for computing the dynamics of closed link mechanisms is derived using D'Alembert's principle. To account for the constraints, only the Jacobian matrix of the function which represents the passive joint angles in terms of the actuated ones is required. Given a nonredundant actuator system, this allows a unique representation of the constraints, even for a complicated multi-loop closed link mechanism. The scheme is computationally efficient because it is not necessary to compute Lagrange multipliers. A redundant actuator system is formulated, and the utilization of redundancy is actuation is illustrated. >
Being Critical of Criticality in the Brain

Relatively recent work has reported that networks of neurons can produce avalanches of activity whose sizes follow a power law distribution. This suggests that these networks may be operating near a critical point, poised between a phase where activity rapidly dies out and a phase where activity is amplified over time. The hypothesis that the electrical activity of neural networks in the brain is critical is potentially important, as many simulations suggest that information processing functions would be optimized at the critical point. This hypothesis, however, is still controversial. Here we will explain the concept of criticality and review the substantial objections to the criticality hypothesis raised by skeptics. Points and counter points are presented in dialog form.
Spinal and supraspinal agmatine activate different receptors to enhance spinal morphine antinociception.

The endogenous clonidine-displacing substance, agmatine, enhances morphine-induced antinociception and inhibits development of tolerance to morphine. Because agmatine binds with relatively high affinity to both alpha(2) adrenergic and imidazoline (I) receptors, the following studies were designed to determine which receptor type is involved in the morphine-enhancing activity. Mice were injected by various routes with agmatine, clonidine or norepinephrine as well as selective antagonists, and tail flick antinociception was measured. Agmatine administered subcutaneously (s.c.), intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.), or intrathecally (i.t.) had no antinociceptive activity, but enhanced the antinociception produced by i.t. morphine. The morphine-enhancing activity of i.c.v. agmatine (and clonidine) was attenuated by coadministered yohimbine, idazoxan and SK and F 86466 (alpha(2) antagonists). When given i.t., agmatine, yohimbine and SK and F 86466 attenuated the antinociception produced by coadministered i.t. clonidine. In contrast, i.t. yohimbine and SK and F 86466, but not agmatine, attenuated antinociception produced by i.t. norepinephrine. These results suggested that agmatine actions were different at brain and spinal sites. Thus, agmatine may act at both alpha(2) and I receptors in the brain and I receptors in the spinal cord.
Modeling of pseudospark pulsed plasma x-ray generation for portable medical devices

Modern x-ray devices typically rely on a high energy electron beam impinging on a target. Thermal requirements, due to the high energy source, impede the miniaturization of these devices to be used in portable applications. Plasma-based electron sources allow the generation of bremsstrahlung radiation while reducing the necessary beam power. Therefore, an investigation of pseudospark pulsed plasma x-ray generation will be conducted. Modeling of this device will be conducted in two stages. First, a plasma model of the pseudospark electron beam will be simulated using XOOPIC1 to determine the beam spot-size and amount of current impinging on a high-Z material target. Second, the Integrated TIGER Series (ITS)2 codes will be used to determine bremsstrahlung x-ray energies, spot-size and direction. Modeling results will be used to optimize a portable medical imaging device.
Knowledge-based signal understanding

The authors describe a coupled system for knowledge-based signal understanding. This system maintains two separate, collaborating knowledge bases, one for the signal analysis knowledge and one for the domain specific knowledge. An object-oriented approach is followed to ease the knowledge representation for both fields of expertise. A vocabulary (or language) is provided to facilitate interaction between the two experts and the two knowledge bases. This same language contains elements to express spatial and temporal relationships and to provide adaptation of object descriptors as the analysis progresses. Following the approach described here, the authors have developed two prototype application systems, for EEG analysis. >
Children with asthma have improved pulmonary functions after massage therapy

Thirty-two children with asthma (16 4- to 8-year-olds and 16 9- to 14-year-olds) were randomly assigned to receive either massage therapy or relaxation therapy. The children's parents were taught to provide one therapy or the other for 20 minutes before bedtime each night for 30 days. The younger children who received massage therapy showed an immediate decrease in behavioral anxiety and cortisol levels after massage. Also, their attitude toward asthma and their peak air flow and other pulmonary functions improved over the course of the study. The older children who received massage therapy reported lower anxiety after the massage. Their attitude toward asthma also improved over the study, but only one measure of pulmonary function (forced expiratory flow 25% to 75%) improved. The reason for the smaller therapeutic benefit in the older children is unknown; however, it appears that daily massage improves airway caliber and control of asthma.
ANALYZING THE PHYSIOGNOMY AND STRUCTURE OF VEGETATION

A method to describe and analyze vegetation physiognomically was published a number of years ago and its application in various parts of the world has revealed how it can be improved. The revision, here presented, embodies above all a higher category for special life forms, a streamlining of the structural categories, the use of numbers instead of letter symbols for height classes, and the introduction of the Phytocenological Record for fast and accurate fieldwork.
Assessment of regional ventilation and deformation using 4D-CT imaging for healthy human lungs during tidal breathing

This study aims to assess regional ventilation, nonlinearity, and hysteresis of human lungs during dynamic breathing via image registration of four-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT) scans. Si...
Modified Rules for Modified Bugs: Balancing Safety and Efficiency in the Regulation of Deliberate Release of Genetically Engineered Microorganisms

In June 1986, the federal government, through the Office of Science and Technology Policy, published its Coordinated Framework for Regulation of Biotechnology. Unfortunately, the failure to agree on clear, common definitions of fundamental terms such as "release into the environment" and "genetically engineered" microorganism has led to confusion and violations of the regulations. A novel organism with new traits created in a laboratory might present a risk similar to that presented by an existing species imported from a different continent. A genetically engineered microorganism under development for use in the environment must be field tested many times before it will be ready for the market. An efficient method for allocating scarce governmental resources available for biotechnology regulation would be to create risk categories subject to different levels of regulatory scrutiny, depending on the magnitude of the hazards involved First, no genetically engineered microorganism will be released into the environment without at least an abbreviated review by a federal agency. Most of the worst-case scenarios for deliberate release experiments involve the proliferation and widespread dispersal of the genetically engineered microorganism. The federal government, in drafting its Coordinated Framework for Regulation of Biotechnology, attempted to balance the interests of those seeking protection of the public health and the environment with the interests of the industry in avoiding a stifling regulatory burden.
Pathological complete response rates after neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) for rectal cancer: Do novel agents have a role?

597 Background: Preoperative concurrent radiation with either 5-fluorouracil (5FU) or capecitabine (CAP) is considered standard of care for T3-T4 and/or node positive rectal cancers with historical...
Paracervical block anesthesia in obstetrics

Paracervical blocks administered during labor were performed with the use of lidocaine one per cent (356 blocks), mepivacaine one per cent (835 blocks) and prilocaine one per cent (702 blocks). Approximately half the incidence of fetal bradycardia occurred following the use of prilocaine compared to lidocaine or mepivacaine.
Schizophrenia, substance misuse, and smoking

The recent literature suggests that enriched genetic loading for substance use disorders, a desire to relieve the subjective distress associated with schizophrenia and its treatment, and ‘therapeutic’ effects of nicotine may contribute to the high prevalence rates for substance use disorder and smoking among patients with schizophrenia. Substance use disorder is associated with homelessness, aggression, and violence, and increased medical morbidity and mortality in this population. Comprehensive, integrated, outpatient programs that include assertive outreach, case management, and a longitudinal, stepwise, motivational approach to substance use disorder show the most promise.
Micromachined Silicon Grids for Direct TEM Characterization of Carbon Nanotubes Grown by CVD

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a key technique in the structural characterization of carbon nanotubes. For device applications, carbon nanotubes are typically grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on silicon substrates. However, TEM requires very thin samples, which are electron transparent. Therefore, for TEM analysis, CVD grown nanotubes are typically deposited on commercial TEM grids by post-processing. This procedure has two problems: It can damage the nanotubes, and it does not work reliably if the nanotube density is too low. The ability to do TEM directly on as-grown nanotubes lying on the silicon substrate would solve these two problems. In this work, for this purpose, we have fabricated micromachined TEM grids from silicon substrates. In particular, we have wet-etched large membranes from the back side of silicon wafers with a thin layer of thermal oxide on them. We have then etched a large array of long and narrow open slits on these membranes from the top side using a deep silicon etcher. Subsequently, we have grown nanotubes on these micromachined TEM grids by CVD, and characterized the nanotubes by high resolution TEM (HRTEM), micro-Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Since the nanotubes grown on the micromachined substrates are completely suspended over the width of the open slits, these substrates form a natural TEM grid for direct imaging of CVD-grown nanotubes. Furthermore, the signal from the substrate is significantly reduced during micro-Raman spectroscopy, resulting in a better signal-to-noise ratio. In addition, the silicon membranes are strong enough to support AFM and SEM characterization. As a result, these substrates provide a low cost, mass producible, efficient, and reliable platform for direct TEM, Raman, AFM, and SEM analysis of as-grown nanotubes or other nanomaterials on the same substrate, eliminating the need for any post-processing after CVD growth.
Content Analysis of Anti-Tobacco Videogames: Characteristics, Content, and Qualities.

Abstract Objective: Although the prevalence of adolescent smoking has declined over the past two decades, the rate of decline has slowed. Electronic videogames show promise as an effective tool for health behavior change; however, the current state of tobacco prevention and cessation games has not been previously reviewed or evaluated. Methods and Materials: Currently available tobacco-related videogames were identified through online searches and in smartphone application stores. In total, 88 games were systematically coded for characteristics, content, and quality using a reliable and valid coding instrument developed for this research. Results: The majority of games included at least two components of interactivity (75.0 percent) and at least one mechanism for rewarding (69.3 percent). However, most games lacked a story line (97.7 percent) and components for sense of control (25.0 percent). There were an average of 3.54 (standard deviation = 2.20) theoretical constructs in the games, with attitudes (83...
Vendor evaluation

In August 1970 we sent a letter to a number of vendors that manufacture large scale computer systems which might be suitable for use in the academic computer center at Ohio State University. In this letter we informed them that we intended to replace three separate computers by a single computer system in approximately two years. The three computer systems were an IBM 360/75 and an IBM 7094, both of which were used for batch processing, as well as a 360/50 which was used for time sharing.
283 SIGNIFICANT ETHNIC DIFFERENCES IN CORRELATION OF PERCENTAGE OF BODY FAT MEASURED BY DUAL X-RAY ABSORPTIOMETRY COMPARED WITH BODY MASS INDEX, WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE, AND BIOIMPEDANCE ASSAY.

Although body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) are fairly acceptable tools for description of population body fat content, they performed weakly when applied to a given individual, especially in certain ethnic groups. Quantification of percentage of body fat (PBF) along with knowledge of its distribution is expected to provide advantage in earlier recognition of metabolic derangements, which resulted from adverse systemic effects of adipose tissue products. Recently, a new device based on bioimpedance assay (BIA), Omron HBF306, allowing the determining of PBF became available and is very attractive due to portability, ease of use, and low cost. We enrolled 100 young healthy subjects, female:male ratio 53:47, average age 23 years, and BMI of 24 kg/m2, who were studied on three separate occasions. Anthropometric and instrumental test parameters were assessed by a trained specialist and included weight, height, BMI, WC, BIA, and dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Correlation of WC and BMI with PBF from DXA showed an average r of .14 and .38, respectively. Results of correlation of PBF values between BIA and DXA showed an r value of .99 for Asian, .92 for Caucasian, .69 for African American, and .66 for Native American groups. Study results indicate poor predictive value of WC and BMI in quantifications of PBF; BIA offered much higher accuracy, although trends toward substantial variations of PBF in different ethnic groups were present. Powered studies aiming at populations with different ethnic make-up and correlating with established “gold standards” are needed as the demand for the inexpensive BIA devices is on the rise.
The Symbolic Benefits of Descriptive and Substantive Representation

One of the major challenges in providing quality representation comes from the desire to balance the will of the majority with the needs of political minorities. Of particular importance is whether substantive or descriptive representation are necessary to create symbolic representation and perceptions that government outcomes are fair and legitimate. In this paper, we employ a novel experimental design to investigate how citizens feel about the relative importance of descriptive and substantive representation. Drawing on data from a nationally representative sample and two supplemental experiments, we show that citizens value descriptive representation independently of substantive representation. We also demonstrate that the degree of descriptive representation desired is conditional on the nature of the policy being considered.
Control of type II diabetes. Reaping the rewards of exercise and weight loss.

PreviewNon-insulin-dependent (type II) diabetes mellitus is common among Americans and causes significant morbidity. However, it can often be safely and inexpensively controlled with exercise, weight loss, and dietary adjustment. Physicians play an important part by individualizing nonpharmacologic treatment and by encouraging their patients. Dr Blake summarizes the dividends to be gained by following such regimens and provides useful exercise and nutrition prescriptions.
A Comparison of Symbolic Meanings of Words for Adolescents and Adults

The word association test as described in the preceding chapter was immediately followed by a symbolic meaning test, carried out on the same groups of adolescents and adults in the same session. The written instruction presented, in a mimeographed test booklet containing the same fifty nouns as selected for the word association test, was worded as follows: On the next two pages a number of objects, plants, and animals are mentioned. Will you please write down beside each of them, what it symbolically means to you. For instance, ‘a lion’ might have a symbolic meaning for you such as ‘strength’, ‘courage’, ‘fierce’, ‘nobility’ or something else. Don’t reason about it but fill in the first symbolic meaning that comes to your mind. Also, ‘a rose’ might symbolically mean to you something such as ‘love’, ‘beauty’, ‘tenderness’, or something else. But whatever symbolic meaning each object, plant, or animal mentioned might have for you, no matter how intimate you find it, please write it down. Please read the words one by one and write down the symbolic meaning immediately after reading the word. Give only one symbolic meaning for each of the objects, plants, or animals mentioned.
The Status of Vascular Surgery Practice in the United States

There have been major changes in the practice of vascular surgery in the United States over the last few decades. Vascular Surgery has evolved from a predominantly open surgical specialty to a modern hybrid practice, with majority of vascular surgeons performing both open surgical and endovascular interventions. As catheter based technologies continue to evolve there has been a significant increase in endovascular procedures including aortic aneurysm repair and peripheral intervention. Vascular surgeons and interventional cardiologists have replaced interventional radiologists as the predominant specialty providers performing peripheral arterial intervention across the county. The training of vascular surgery has also evolved to accommodate the changes and demands of modern day practice. There are now a few different training pathways, including the traditional (5+2) and integrated (5+0) programs that can lead to vascular surgery certification. Clinical outcome research and evidence-based medicine have also impacted the practice of vascular surgery; there has been a major emphasis placed on vascular surgeons to participate in national and regional quality improvement programs, such as Vascular Quality Initiative, in order to improve the safety and cost-effectiveness of their patient care.
The Majority of Myeloma Patients Are Vitamin D Deficient, Unrelated to Survival or Cytogenetics

Abstract Introduction: Since a link between solar radiation, vitamin D production, and decreased colon cancer mortality was established in 1980, there has been increasing interest in vitamin D and cancer, suggesting that higher vitamin D levels improve overall survival, specifically in breast and colorectal cancer (Maalmi H et al, Eur J Canc, May-2014, PMID 24582912), but also in follicular lymphoma (Kelly JL, J Clin Onc, 1-May-2015, PMID 25823738). In myeloma, largest published series is from the Mayo Clinic reporting on 148 newly diagnosed MM patients for which no survival association was found, but there were associations between low 25-OH-Vit D ( Methods: The Buckeye Myeloma Registry (OSU 10115) opened in 2011 to enroll any patient with a plasma cell dyscrasia. Serum total 25-OH-Vitamin D was measured at the time of the initial clinic visit to the myeloma group at Ohio State. Results: Of a total of 843 patients, 115 (13.6%), 53 (6.3%) with SMM, and 675 (80.1%) with MM. In the 675 MM patients, the median age was 64 y.o. (range 28-95), 14.5% African-American and the remainder Caucasian, with 28.6% ISS stage 1, 48.7% ISS stage 2, 21.9% ISS stage 3, and 24.5% unknown. At diagnosis for the MM patients, 67% presented with lytic bone disease. Out of 675 MM patients, there were 52 (7.7%) patients with Among the MM patients, log-rank [Mantel-Cox] analysis of overall survival with serum 25-OH-Vit D including all groups demonstrated no significant differences (p=0.9725) with only 101 events. There was no correlation between 25-OH-Vit D and the presence on CD138-selected FISH of 1q21 amplification (p=0.196), 17p (p53) deletion (p=0.68), or 13q deletion (p=0.812). Conclusion: The majority of myeloma patients are vitamin D deficient, but this was not associated with worsened overall survival or with high risk cytogenetics. Cox proportional hazards analyses of survival adjusted for significant univariate covariates will be presented at the meeting. Correlations with presence or absence of diffuse lytic bone disease, severity of renal insufficiency, and race will also be presented at the meeting. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Outcomes of ischaemic mitral regurgitation in anterior versus inferior ST elevation myocardial infarction

Background Ischaemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) is a detrimental complication of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Objective We sought to determine patient characteristics and outcomes of patients with IMR with focus on anterior or inferior location of STEMI. Methods All patients presenting with STEMI complicated by IMR to our centre who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention within the first 12 hours of presentation from 1995 to 2014 were included. IMR was graded from 1+ to 4+ within 3 days of index myocardial infarction by echocardiography, divided into 2 groups based on infarct location and outcomes were compared. Results Overall, 805 patients were included. There were 302 (17.8%) patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) out of the 1700 patients with anterior STEMI while 503 (21.8%) had MR out of the 2305 patients with inferior STEMI. There was no significant difference between both groups in comorbidities, clinical presentation or door-to-balloon time (DBT; median 104 vs 106 min, p=0.5). 30-day and 1-year mortality were higher in anterior STEMI compared with inferior STEMI (14.9% vs 6.8% and 26.4% vs 14.3%, respectively, p<0.001 both), as well as 5-year mortality (39.7% vs 24.8%, p<0.01). When analysis was performed for each grade of IMR, anterior was associated with worse outcomes in every grade. On multivariate cox survival analysis, after adjustment for age, gender, comorbidities, grade of IMR, ejection fraction and DBT, anterior STEMI was still associated with worse outcomes (HR 1.62 (95% CI 1.23 to 2.12), p<0.001). Conclusions Although IMR occurs more frequently with inferior infarction, outcomes are worse following anterior infarction.
Evidence from Three National Studies

Chapter Three, “Evidence from Three National Studies,” draws upon evidence from three studies employing nationally-representative samples of students and demonstrates that math efficacy and engagement decline at an accelerating rate across race and ethnicity, but the decline is sharper for low-income black and Hispanic students, suggesting that the same factor causing the decline in self-efficacy and engagement is a major factor contributing to or causing the persistence of the student achievement gap throughout the K-12 years. The pattern is not easily explained by theories that the achievement gap is due to the quality of schools and teachers experienced by black and Hispanic students. High-scoring students, including those who presumably attend high-quality schools and are taught by high-quality teachers, experience a similar decline in self-efficacy.
Cerebellar lesions are associated with TSC2 mutations in tuberous sclerosis complex: a retrospective record review study.

Aim Cerebellar lesions are present in approximately 30% of patients with tuberous sclerosis complex. Although several prior studies have characterized these lesions, our study provides the first description of the specific distribution of these lesions within the cerebellum and the first genotype–phenotype correlation yet to be published. Method We retrospectively reviewed magnetic resonance images from 220 paediatric and adult patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (95 males, 125 females; mean age 22.7y, range 9mo–81y). Sex, age, and genotype of patients with cerebellar lesions were recorded and specific characteristics, including signal intensity, number, shape, presence of enhancement, calcification or haemorrhage, and location within the cerebellar lobules were noted. Results Fifty-eight patients (26.4%) had 106 cerebellar lesions (62 right, 44 left). The mean number of cerebellar lesions per patient was 1.8 (range 1–6). Enhancement was present in 42.4% of lesions and folial retraction in 84%. Calcification was detected in 86.8% of lesions. Patients with calcified lesions were older (mean age 21.6y) than patients without calcification (11.5y). TSC2 mutations were detected in 41/42 (97.6%) of patients with cerebellar tubers who had genetic testing and one patient had no mutation identified. None of the patients had TSC1 mutation. Interpretation We provide new information regarding cerebellar lesions in tuberous sclerosis complex: cerebellar lesions are significantly much more frequent in patients with TSC2 mutations than TSC1 mutations or patients with no mutation identified, and Crus II is the most frequent location of cerebellar lesions. New studies are needed to assess the clinical significance of these lesions.
Cadaverine induces closing of E. coli porins

We have used the electrophysiological technique of patch-clamp to study the modulation of Escherichia coli porins by cadaverine. Porin channels typically have a very high probability to be open, and were not known to be inhibited by specific compounds until the present study. Experiments performed on patches of outer membrane reconstituted in liposomes reveal that cadaverine applied to the periplasmic side increases the frequency of channel closures in a concentration-dependent fashion, and thereby decreases the total amount of ion flux through a porin-containing membrane. The positive charge on cadaverine is important for inhibition, because the effect is relieved at higher pH where fewer polyamine molecules are charged. Modulation is observed only at negative pipet voltages, and therefore confers voltage dependence to porin activity. Cadaverine increases the number and duration of cooperative closures of more than one channel, suggesting that it does not merely block the pore but exerts its kinetic effect allosterically. As a biological assay of porin inhibition, E. coli behavior in chemotaxis swarm plates was tested and found to be impaired in the presence of cadaverine. Polyamines are naturally found associated with the outer membrane of E.coli, but are lost upon fractionation. We postulate that cadaverine might be a natural regulator of porin activity.
A distributed energy management strategy for resilient shipboard power system

Abstract The shipboard power system of an all-electric ship can be characterized as an isolated microgrid system. To achieve resilient, cost-effective and privacy-preserved operation of the shipboard power system, a novel energy management strategy is proposed in this paper. Currently, a master controller is required for energy management. However, such a centralized energy management strategy suffers from numerous disadvantages. Therefore, a modified nested energy management method is proposed to preserve privacy and run the microgrid system in a distributed manner for plug-and-play operation. Furthermore, the system resilience is enhanced against energy deficiency by reserving more in the energy storage system. This is achieved by a distributed algorithm, known as alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM), to obtain the solution of an optimization problem with contradicting objectives. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the benefits of proposed energy management system.
The molecular dissection of Fc gamma receptor mediated phagocytosis

Because hematopoietic cells express multiple Fc gamma receptor isoforms, the role of the individual Fc gamma receptors in phagocytosis has been difficult to define. Transfection of Fc gamma receptors into COS-1 cells, which lack endogeneous Fc gamma receptors but have phagocytic potential, has proved valuable for the study of individual Fc gamma receptor function. Using this model system, we have established that a single class of human Fc gamma receptor mediates phagocytosis in the absence of other Fc receptors and that isoforms from each Fc gamma receptor class mediate phagocytosis, although the requirements for phagocytosis differ. In investigating the relationship between structure and function for Fc gamma receptor mediated phagocytosis, the importance of the cytoplasmic tyrosines of the receptor or its associated gamma chain has been established. For example, two cytoplasmic YXXL sequences, in a configuration similar to the conserved tyrosine-containing motif found in Ig gene family receptors, are important for phagocytosis by the human Fc gamma receptor, Fc gamma RIIA. Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RIIIA do not possess cytoplasmic tyrosines but transmit a phagocytic signal through interaction with an associated gamma subunit that contains two YXXL sequences in a conserved motif required for phagocytosis. The human Fc gamma RII isoforms Fc gamma RIIB1 and Fc gamma RIIB2 do not induce phagocytosis and have only a single YXXL sequence. Cross-linking the phagocytic Fc gamma receptors induces tyrosine phosphorylation of either Fc gamma RIIA or the gamma chain, and treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors reduces both phagocytosis and phosphorylation of the receptor tyrosine residues. Activation of protein tyrosine kinases follows Fc gamma receptor engagement of IgG-coated cells. The data indicate that coexpression of the protein tyrosine kinase Syk, which is associated with the gamma chain in monocytes/macrophages, is important for phagocytosis mediated by Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RIIIA. Furthermore, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase is required for phagocytosis mediated by Fc gamma RIIA as well as for phagocytosis mediated by Fc gamma RI/gamma and Rc gamma RIIIA/gamma.
Financial Models in One Period Economy

This chapter focuses on financial models in a one period economy with a finite sample space. Mathematically, these models involve only finite dimensional spaces yet they still illustrate the main patterns.
Self-Reporting CSR Activities: When Your Company Harms, Do You Self-Disclose?

Abstract Companies increasingly view corporate social responsibility (CSR) as an important dimension of corporate reputation. This is at least partly motivated by the understanding that a strong CSR reputation can enhance profits. This research examines how self-reporting of CSR activities links to corporations’ CSR reputation. Broadly, a company can opt to (a) voluntarily embrace self-reporting and describe its CSR policies and performance to stakeholders or (b) stay silent in this regard. We find a positive link between CSR self-reporting and a company’s social responsibility reputation and, more interestingly, show that companies are more apt to report this information when (a) their activities have a greater adverse environment impact and (b) have policies that are evaluated favorably by a third party. CSR self-reporting mediates the effects of third-party evaluations and improves the CSR reputation of companies. Moreover, consistent with prior research, we show that improvements in CSR reputation enhance profits.
Applications of Microwave Photonic Processing

We review recent advances in microwave photonic processors for full spectrum awareness and frequency translation. Hybrid integration progress for these systems is shown along with the latest waveguide and chip-scale technologies to reduce SWaP and improve performance.
Understanding sex offender community supervision: A mixed methods approach:

The process of transitioning from prison to the community poses unique challenges for those who have been convicted of sexually based offenses. Due to the realities associated with the unique challenges facing these individuals, the community supervision process fluctuates along the correctional continuum which polarizes rehabilitative and control. The current study examines how this fluctuation relates to both the supervision process and correctional outcomes. Furthermore, the literature suggests five specific checkpoints along this continuum which are measured both qualitatively and quantitatively. The five checkpoints are Social Reintegration, Community Reentry, Status Maintenance, Statutory Compliance, and Risk Management. Overall, all five checkpoints are included in some way in the community supervision process; and analyses show significant links between the checkpoints and correctional outcomes.
Goodbye, ‘temporary’ transvestites – hello, new girlfriend! Ozon’s transgenre and transgender crossovers in Une nouvelle amie (2014)

Departing from the premise that, prior to the passage of the marriage-for-all law in France, the representation of transgender identities in mainstream French cinema had been limited to the cross-d...
Hearing Knowledge into Action: Mobilizing Sound for Multicultural Imaginaries

Drawing on multimodal, sound-based data, this study examines how high school students harnessed elements of sound and music for multicultural learning within collaborative research and radio podcasting. Data were collected from a variety of sources, including field notes, final media projects, and audio and video footage of students’ collaborative media production processes and interviews. Findings reveal multivocal and divergent engagements in the sound editing process as well as multimodal struggles in which students leveraged sound to express nuanced views about racism, culture, and privilege. This study has implications for educators teaching multicultural perspectives and critical media literacy studies.
Emission Spectroscopic Characterization of the NASA IHF Plenum Plasma

Computational fluid dynamics simulations of the flow in the NASA Ames 60 MW Interaction Heating Facility (IHF) use a starting condition in the plenum reconstructed from experimental data in the tes...
A Precis of Fishnet Statistics for Tail Probability of Failure of Materials with Alternating Series and Parallel Links

During the last dozen years it has been established that the Weibull statistical theory of structural failure and strength scaling does not apply to quasibrittle materials. These are heterogeneous materials with brittle constituents and a representative volume element that is not negligible compared to the structure dimensions. A new theory of quasibrittle strength statistics in which the strength distribution is a structure size dependent graft of Gaussian and Weibull distributions has been developed. The present article gives a precis of several recent studies, conducted chiefly at the writer’s home institution, in which the quasibrittle statistics has been refined to capture the statistical effect of alternating series and parallel links, which is exemplified by the material architecture of staggered platelets seen on the submicrometer scale in nacre. This architecture, which resembles a fishnet pulled diagonally, intervenes in many quasibrittle materials. The fishnet architecture is found to be advantageous for increasing the material strength at the tail of failure probability 10—6, which represents the maximum tolerable risk for engineering structures and should be adopted as the basis of tail-risk design. Scaling analysis, asymptotic considerations, and cohesive fracture process zone, which were the hallmark of Barenblatt’s contributions, pervade the new theory, briefly called the “fishnet statistics”.
Maternal Mortality in the United States and the HOPE Registry.

Maternal mortality in the United States is highest among all developed nations and continues to rise. The leading cause of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy and the postpartum period is cardiovascular disease. While there are large European and Canadian studies exploring the care and outcomes of moms with heart disease in pregnancy, there are no large prospective studies to guide the care of this growing group of patients in the US. We review the current approach to the management of patients with heart disease in pregnancy and the gaps in knowledge thereof. Currently, antenatal management and delivery planning are highly variable for patients with heart disease in pregnancy and maternal risk models’ application to the US patient population is limited by their derivation from an international cohort of patients and their focus on patients with congenital heart disease. As the need for interdisciplinary care between cardiologists and obstetricians becomes evident, and as broad research efforts within this space are very much needed, we propose a research collaborative called the Heart Outcomes in Pregnancy: Expectations (HOPE) for Mom and Baby Registry. The HOPE Registry aims to address key clinical questions surrounding the preconception period, antenatal care, delivery planning and outcomes, and long-term postpartum care and outcomes of these unique patients. We have made progress in recent years by recognizing the clinical need to address and standardize the management of patients with heart disease in pregnancy. We now must initiate and propel US-based cardio-obstetrics research to address key gaps in knowledge and variability in the care of patients with heart disease in pregnancy.
Sociodemographic Factors in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

‬‬‬‬Abstract‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ In 3205 patients with newly diagnosed neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), older age, non-white race, and decreased regional average adjusted gross income were associated with a severe reduction in visual acuity at initial nAMD
Axons Gonna Ride 'til They Can't No More

Prion-like domains have been implicated in protein phase separation and aggregation in cellular stress and neurodegeneration. In this issue of Neuron, Andrusiak et al. (2019) uncover a surprising role for a stress granule protein and phase separation in axon regeneration.
Vaping-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome

Vaping-associated lung injury via the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) is currently being evaluated as a potential source of pulmonary injury with uncertain etiology as the use of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is increasing throughout the USA. ENDS are marketed to be unlike traditional cigarette smoking in that they are purported to contain only propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, nicotine, and flavorants compared with the > 60 carcinogenic ingredients in cigarettes. The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) currently reports four imaging patterns correlated with vaping-attributed pathology including acute eosinophilic pneumonia, diffuse alveolar damage, organizing pneumonia, and lipoid pneumonia. The incidence and extent of lung disease in otherwise young healthy patients with a history of vaping has not however been definitively recognized within the field of radiology. We present a case of vaping-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in a young patient with no additional past medical history. The immediate radiologic recognition of vaping as a risk factor for ARDS in the emergency setting is pivotal so that appropriate medical management and respiratory support can be initiated without delay.