cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Older Adults in Clinical Research and Drug Development: Closing the Geriatric Gap

> “For age is opportunity no less > > Than youth itself, though in another dress, > > And as the evening twilight fades away > > The sky is filled with stars, invisible by day.” > > –Henry Wadsworth Longfellow As cardiovascular specialists, we are caring for a rapidly growing number of older adults despite limited data to guide therapeutics in this population. During the next 25 years, the population age ≥85 years will be more than double—from 6.3 million in 2015 to 14.1 million by 2040.1 Over 25 years ago, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published the Guideline for the Study of Drugs Likely to be Used in the Elderly advocating that the population studied should reflect the population treated.2 A 2011 review by Cherubini et al3 demonstrated that 25% of heart failure trials had an arbitrary upper age exclusion; in the same year Zulman et al4 demonstrated that 45.6% of trials had other criteria that disproportionately excluded older adults (eg, decreased life expectancy, functional limitations, cognitive impairment, serious concomitant illness, or nursing home residence). Furthermore, many trials under-represent women, who comprise the majority of older cohorts. Thus, it is no surprise that Medicare beneficiaries, almost all of whom have multiple chronic conditions, differ significantly from participants in trials used to inform Medicare coverage decisions.5 The application of data and treatment recommendations from studied to unstudied populations can result in catastrophic consequences and increased costs. The medical community has suggested elimination of age-based exclusions, justification for exclusion criteria that limit inclusion of older individuals, performance of trials specific to older individuals, and reporting trends to assess inclusion of older adults in clinical trials.6 However, as a medical community, we have yet to embark on the kind of systematic effort necessary to ensure representation of older adults in pivotal research. There …
Psychometric properties of the newly translated creole multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS) and perceived adequacy of resource scale (PARS) and the relationship between perceived social support and resources in Haitian mothers in the US

Low income postpartum mothers with little to no social support have increased maternal and infant morbidity and mortality, especially those with limited English proficiency and limited accesses to resources. Haitians, a growing minority in the US are an understudied population excluded from most studies due to the lack of instruments in Creole. The most widely used instruments for measuring social support, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and Perceived Adequacy of Resource Scale (PARS), are not available in Creole. Currently, there are no published studies on the psychometric properties of the MSPSS or the PARS in Creole. Data from Haitian mothers are needed to identify potential postpartum mothers and infants most at risk of developing adverse maternal and infant outcomes from a lack of social support and perceived resources. The purpose of this study is to test the psychometrics of the newly-translated Creole instruments of the MSPSS and PARS with a sample of bilingual (Creole/English) mothers. The MSPSS and PARS were translated and back translated from English to Creole. The adapted Creole versions of the instruments were tested using a convenience sample. A total of 85 Haitian mothers’ completed both instruments in Creole and English 2 weeks apart. Internal consistency reliability and stability were strong for both the MSPSS and PARS (.91–.99). The two instruments had strong reliability and validity for the translated Creole versions and similar to the English versions. The MSPSS and PARS are a valid measure of perceived social support and resources. Psychometric findings suggest that the newly translated Creole versions are good representations of the English versions indicating the translation process was successful. The newly translated instruments available in Creole provide non-English speaking Haitian mothers the opportunity to participate in studies.
Missing Sample Recovery for Wireless Inertial Sensor-Based Human Movement Acquisition

This paper presents a novel, practical, and effective routine to reconstruct missing samples from a time-domain sequence of wirelessly transmitted IMU data during high-level mobility activities. Our work extends previous approaches involving empirical mode decomposition (EMD)-based and auto-regressive (AR) model-based interpolation algorithms in two aspects: 1) we utilized a modified sifting process for signal decomposition into a set of intrinsic mode functions with missing samples, and 2) we expand previous AR modeling for recovery of audio signals to exploit the quasi-periodic characteristics of lower-limb movement during the modified Edgren side step test. To verify the improvements provided by the proposed extensions, a comparison study of traditional interpolation methods, such as cubic spline interpolation, AR model-based interpolations, and EMD-based interpolation is also made via simulation with real inertial signals recorded during high-speed movement. The evaluation was based on two performance criteria: Euclidian distance and Pearson correlation coefficient between the original signal and the reconstructed signal. The experimental results show that the proposed method improves upon traditional interpolation methods used in recovering missing samples.
Aggregation of Transcobalamin II

SummaryPurification of transcobalamin II prepared from normal serum by DEAE-cellulose column chromatography and polyacryalmide gel electrophoresis resulted in aggregation of this vitamin B12 binder. Exposure of transcobalamin II to 8 M urea resulted in liberation of the vitamin and aggregation of the binder.
Science Sound Bites, a Podcast for STEM Curriculum Supplementation.

First hand accounts of research are a valuable part of students’ understanding and integration of scientific material, yet it is often difficult to access scientists to discuss ongoing research projects. To address this issue, we offer details of a podcast called Science Sound Bites; a tool designed to supplement STEM and biology curricula at the middle and high school grade levels. Roughly 20 minutes in length, each episode consists of a candid interview of a PhD- or MD-level researcher about their current research, while infusing and defining field-specific scientific terminology. Additionally, each Science Sound Bites podcast comes with a short biography of the interviewee and a list of terms that are defined within the episode, which serves to help teachers find relevant podcasts for a given lesson plan. The goal of this podcast is to provide real world applications of science in an attempt to bridge the gap between scientists in the field and students in the classroom.
The psychoanalytic concept of the self.

As recently as 1950, Hartmann first defined the terms self and self-representation as we currently use them. Since that time there have been a number of significant contributions to the subject of narcissism and the concept of the self, and the concept of the self is an active frontier of psychoanalytic investigation.
Calcium-activated potassium conductances in retinal ganglion cells of the ferret

Wang, Guo-Yong, David W. Robinson, and Leo M. Chalupa. Calcium-activated potassium conductances in retinal ganglion cells of the ferret. J. Neurophysiol. 79: 151–158, 1998. Patch-clamp recordings w...
Geographic Clusters of Basal Cell Carcinoma in a Northern California Health Plan Population

Importance Rates of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common cancer, have been increasing over the past 3 decades. A better understanding of geographic clustering of BCCs can help target screening and prevention efforts. Objective Present a methodology to identify spatial clusters of BCC and identify such clusters in a northern California population. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective study used a BCC registry to determine rates of BCC by census block group, and used spatial scan statistics to identify statistically significant geographic clusters of BCCs, adjusting for age, sex, and socioeconomic status. The study population consisted of white, non-Hispanic members of Kaiser Permanente Northern California during years 2011 and 2012. Main Outcomes and Measures Statistically significant geographic clusters of BCC as determined by spatial scan statistics. Results Spatial analysis of 28 408 individuals who received a diagnosis of at least 1 BCC in 2011 or 2012 revealed distinct geographic areas with elevated BCC rates. Among the 14 counties studied, BCC incidence ranged from 661 to 1598 per 100 000 person-years. After adjustment for age, sex, and neighborhood socioeconomic status, a pattern of 5 discrete geographic clusters emerged, with a relative risk ranging from 1.12 (95% CI, 1.03-1.21; P = .006) for a cluster in eastern Sonoma and northern Napa Counties to 1.40 (95% CI, 1.15-1.71; P Conclusions and Relevance In this study of a northern California population, we identified several geographic clusters with modestly elevated incidence of BCC. Knowledge of geographic clusters can help inform future research on the underlying etiology of the clustering including factors related to the environment, health care access, or other characteristics of the resident population, and can help target screening efforts to areas of highest yield.
Management of Blepharoptosis in Infancy and Childhood

Ptosis of the eyelid in infancy is most often congenital and is typically due to a developmental abnormality in the subnucleus of the third cranial nerve or its axon, which is responsible for the innervation of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle. The congenitally under-innervated levator muscle fails to develop normal muscle architecture with resultant poor contractility. Congenital ptosis may be unilateral or bilateral and can be inherited. Other etiologies of ptosis in infancy include congenital myasthenia gravis, ptosis associated with congenital cranial dysinnervation disorders or synkinetic dysinnervation disorders (Marcus Gunn jaw-winking ptosis), congenital Horner syndrome, myoneural junction disorders, and congenital third cranial nerve paresis. Ptosis can also occur in association with a variety of genetic syndromes. Acquired ptosis in infancy and childhood can be the result of mechanical factors such as tumors (i.e., capillary hemangioma), trauma, or acquired neurologic disorders. Amblyopia is frequently associated with ptosis of infancy and childhood and can be the result of anisometropia from induced astigmatism in the eye with ptosis or from occlusion in cases of more severe ptosis. The timing of surgical correction and the choice of surgical procedure are determined by the severity and etiology of the ptosis, the threat to vision, and the presence of significant chin-up head posture, as well as by associated ocular or systemic conditions.
Organic electrochemistry as a tool for synthesis: Umpolung reactions, reactive intermediates, and the design of new synthetic methods

Because electrochemistry allows for the selective introduction and removal of electrons from organic molecules, it is an ideal tool for reversing the polarity of known functional groups and triggering umpolung reactions.
INTERNET RESOURCES: Crisis, disaster, and emergency management: Web sites for researchers

Dans le contexte des attaques subies par le World Trade Center et le Pentagone, l'article presente une selection de sites Web relatifs a la gestion des catastrophes et des situations d'urgence, a la securite sur le territoire, a la sante et la medecine, au terrorisme, a la poursuite des activites economiques et aux plans de reprise, ainsi qu'a l'evaluation et a la gestion des risques.
Effects of Oxide Precursor Preparation Parameters on the Electrochemical Reduction of Tantalum Pentoxide in Calcium Chloride Melt

Successful electrochemical reduction of a metal oxide to its constituent metal depends upon two broad unit operations: (i) preparation of the oxide precursor with ideal morphological features and (ii) electrochemical reduction under optimum process parameters. The critical parameters that affect mechanical strength and open porosity of the precursor are oxide particle size; green pellet preparation; and sintering time, temperature, and atmosphere. A judicious combination of these process parameters will produce an ideal precursor for achieving complete reduction. Uniaxial pressing was utilized to prepare 13 mm diameter cylindrical pellets, which were sintered in either oxidizing (air) or reducing atmospheres. Sintered pellets were characterized by XRD, SEM-EDS, and porosity measurement techniques. Electrochemical reduction experiments were performed with a molten calcium chloride electrolyte in a cell with a three electrode configuration. Transient electrochemical techniques were employed to assess the effects of the precursor parameters on the reducibility of the sintered oxide specimens.
Appropriate Integration of Children’s Drawings in the Acquisition of Science Concepts

I conducted a study (2011) and found that drawing could also make children’s learning educational and enjoyable. The study was intended to examine pre-service teachers’ perceptions of drawing included in science instruction. Seventy pre-service teachers participated in the study. They worked with 140 young children from ages 4 to 7 across four semesters (fall, 2004, to spring, 2006) from a Midwest comprehensive university.
Invited commentaries/commentaires sollicités the politics of the census: Lessons from abroad

In late June, Minister of Industry Tony Clement announced the government's decision to elimin ate the mandatory long form of the 2011 Census and replace it with a voluntary survey to be sent to one-third of Canadian households. The decision was reportedly made by Prime Minister Stephen Harper last December and has largely been framed by Conservative cabinet ministers as an import ant change to safeguard the privacy of Canadians. They maintain that the state has no business in the bedrooms of society, or, more specifically, that the state has no business asking Canadians how many bedrooms they have in their places of residence. The Prime Minister's Office has stated, "The government made this decision because we do not believe Canadians should be forced, under threat of fines, jail, or both, to disclose extensive private and personal information" (Valpy 2010). Clement, the minister responsible for Statistics Canada, argued before a parliamentary committee on 27 July that though the information gathered in the long form is "valuable," a "balance must be drawn" between collecting data and the privacy rights of Canadians.
Patient-Related Risk Factors for Postoperative Infection Following Shoulder Arthroscopy: An Analysis of Over 420,000 Patients

Objectives:Shoulder arthroscopy has been traditionally associated with low infection rates. A recent large study reported a 0.27% infection rate following shoulder arthroscopy. The yearly incidence...
How are warm and cool years in the California Current related to ENSO

The tropical El Nino – Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a dominant mode of interannual variability that impacts climate throughout the Pacific. The California Current System (CCS) in the northeast Pacific warms and cools from year to year, with or without a corresponding tropical El Nino or La Nina event. We update the record of warm and cool events in the CCS for 1950-2016 and use composite sea level pressure (SLP) and surface wind anomalies to explore the atmospheric forcing mechanisms associated with tropical and CCS warm and cold events. CCS warm events are associated with negative SLP anomalies in the NE Pacific – a strong and southeastward displacement of the wintertime Aleutian Low, a weak North Pacific High and a regional pattern of cyclonic wind anomalies that are poleward over the CCS. We use a first order auto-regressive model to show that regional North Pacific forcing is predominant in SST variations throughout most of the CCS, while remote tropical forcing is more important in the far southern portion of the CCS. In our analysis, cool events in the CCS tend to be more closely associated with tropical La Nina than are warm events in the CCS with tropical El Nino; the forcing of co-occurring cool events is analogous, but nearly opposite, to that of warm events.
Acute kidney injury following cardiopulmonary bypass surgery

In spite of recent advances in the techniques of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), both incidence and mortality rates associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) post CPB remain high. Perioperative risk factors for the AKI include advanced age, diabetes mellitus, underlying kidney disease, and poor cardiac function. Attempts should be made to avoid or modify risk factors such as anemia, preoperative contrast exposure, and excessive hemodilution. The benefits of off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery on AKI remain equivocal. Well-controlled randomized studies are needed to further clarify the role of various pharmacologic agents such as atrial natriuretic peptides and fenoldopam on the prevention of AKI post-CABG. Continuous renal replacement therapy is preferable to intermittent hemodialysis in patients needing dialysis.
Using intracellular markers to identify a novel set of surface markers for live cell purification from a heterogeneous hIPSC culture.

Human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can provide sources for midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neural progenitors (NPCs) for cell therapy to treat Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. However, the well-known line-to-cell line variability in the differentiation capacity of individual cell lines needs to be improved for the success of this therapy. To address this issue, we sought to identify mDA NPC specific cell surface markers for fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). Through RNA isolation after sorting for NPCs based on staining for cell-specific transcription factors followed by microarray, we identified two positive cell surface markers (CORIN and CD166) and one negative cell surface marker (CXCR4) for mDA NPC sorting. These three markers can enrich floor plate NPCs to 90% purity, and the sorted NPCs more efficiently differentiate to mature dopaminergic neurons compared to unsorted or CORIN+ alone mDA NPCs. This surface marker identification strategy can be used broadly to facilitate isolation of cell subtypes of interest from heterogeneous cultures.
Acuity card assessment of visual function in the cryotherapy for retinopathy of prematurity trial.

The primary outcome measure of the effectiveness of cryotherapy in the original design of the Multicenter Trial of Cryotherapy for Retinopathy of Prematurity (CRYO-ROP) was the anatomic status of the retina, as documented by fundus photography 3 months and 12 months after infants had received treatment. The authors describe the addition of a measurement of visual function, the Acuity Card procedure, to the CRYO-ROP study. After training, four visual-acuity testers attempted to measure monocular grating acuity in all randomized infants and approximately one fourth of the natural-history infants in the study, tested at 1 year postcryotherapy or 1 year postterm. In 95% of infants on whom testing was attempted, monocular acuity values from each eye were obtained. Interobserver test-retest results on 25 eyes of 13 randomized infants agreed to within one octave or better in all but one of the eyes. The high testability rate and good interobserver agreement suggest that the Acuity Card procedure has been a successful method of assessing visual function in the CRYO-ROP study. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 31:1702-1708, 1990 In the original design of the Multicenter Trial of Cryotherapy for Retinopathy of Prematurity (CRYO-ROP), the primary measure of the effectiveness of cryotherapy was the anatomic status of the retina, as documented by fundus photography, 3 months and 1 year after treatment. 1 A quantitative measure of visual function was not included because the quantitative measures available were laboratorybased techniques that were still in the developmental stage, were time consuming, and required technical expertise that precluded their incorporation into this multicenter trial. Subsequent to the initiation of the CRYO-ROP study, the Acuity Card procedure 2
An Econometric-Engineering Analysis of the Impacts of the National Energy Act on US Commercial Sector Energy Demand

The purpose of this paper is to describe the structure of an econometric-engineering model of the US commercial demand for energy and to present an analysis of the impacts of National Energy Act conservation policies undertaken for the US Department of Energy. Both econometric and engineering analyses are used to develop parameters for the simulation model which forecasts energy use by four fuels, five end uses, and ten building types. Traditional econometric approaches are used to forecast growth of capital stocks in the commercial sector and to represent fuel choices and short-run behavioral impacts of rising fuel prices. Engineering analysis is used as a basis for forecasting increases in equipment efficiency over time.
Evolution of neovascularization in mice with overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor in photoreceptors.

Purpose To determine the earliest changes that occur in the retina after the onset of ectopic expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by photoreceptors in transgenic mice, to characterize the development of neovascularization (NV), and to determine the feasibility of using these mice to test the efficacy of antiangiogenic agents. Methods The time course of expression of VEGF transgene mRNA was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Histopathologic changes in the retina were investigated by light and electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry. Standard and confocal fluorescence microscopy and image analysis were used to evaluate NV in retinal whole mounts. Results VEGF transgene mRNA was first detected in the retina by RT-PCR on postnatal day 6 (P6) and increased over the next several days to reach a constant steady-state level between P14 and P21. Abnormal cells were seen in the outer nuclear layer on P10 and among photoreceptors on P14; by P18 there were cell aggregates in the subretinal space with evidence of lumen formation. The invading cells were demonstrated to be endothelial cells by staining with an endothelial cell-specific lectin. Whole mounts of retinas perfused with fluorescein-labeled dextran showed a similar sequence of events, with sprouts from retinal vessels in the deep capillary bed seen on P14 and vessels reaching the subretinal space by P18. Confocal and standard fluorescence microscopy and changes in the number and area of neovascular lesions in the subretinal space over time measured by image analysis suggest gradual enlargement and coalescence of vascular complexes. The subretinal NV was progressively engulfed by the retinal pigmented epithelium. Invasion of blood vessels from the choroid was not identified in any specimen. Conclusions These data support the feasibility of using rhodopsin-VEGF transgenic mice to study tissue-specific aspects of NV in the retina and to test antiangiogenic agents for inhibition of intraretinal and subretinal NV.
Metaphorically ‘Taking a Knee’: Pausing, Reflecting, Acting

Many of us want to engage in public application of our academic work, to not just understand the world, but to take part in addressing issues we investigate. Perhaps the metaphor of ‘taking a knee’ can be useful as we consider for ourselves, individually and collectively, how to do this work. Specifically, this paper considers the metaphorical meanings of ‘taking a knee’ to pause, reflect and consider ways to engage. The work of Ibram Kendi suggests that we look to how the economic, political and cultural self interest of powerful groups of people shape public life—including laws, policies and social norms to further their own self interests. In particular, this work considers the issue of the social construction of race in protests at sporting events during the national anthem and public responses to those events, finding as Kendi would predict, both progress toward racial equality and the advancement and evolution of racist ideas. Lastly, this investigation extends Kendi’s work by examining Title IX and...
Trends in Pediatric Head CT Use: Looking Beyond the Ivory Tower.

* Abbreviations: ciTBI — : clinically important traumatic brain injury CT — : computed tomography ED — : emergency department LOC — : loss of consciousness PECARN — : Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network TBI — : traumatic brain injury In this month’s Pediatrics , Burstein et al1 report disappointing statistics in their work entitled “Use of CT for Head Trauma: 2007–2015.” Using the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, a representative data set for emergency department (ED) visits,2 they found that 32% of pediatric patients presenting for head trauma had computed tomography (CT) imaging as part of their evaluation. This proportion was unchanged over the study period despite publication of algorithms3–5 and an international effort intended to safely decrease unnecessary radiation exposure from head CTs among infants and children with head injuries. Additionally, they reported that ∼90% of US children received their trauma care at general (nonteaching and nonchildren’s) hospitals, where CT use was higher.1 Some history regarding CT use for pediatric head injury is helpful. In 1999, the American Academy of Pediatrics reviewed treatment of minor head injury and divided recommended evaluation and treatment by whether there was brief loss of consciousness (LOC).6 Head CT imaging was recommended for patients with LOC. If the LOC was … Address correspondence to Susan L. Bratton, MD, MPH, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108. E-mail: susan.bratton{at}hsc.utah.edu
Field Evaluation of Potato N Needs Following Forage Legumes

In an attempt to quantify the nitrogen (N) contribution from forage legumes to succeeding potatoes, trials were conducted on 28 Wisconsin alfalfa or red clover fields. Potato total yield and crop value were determined following in-season fertilizer N applications of 0 to 280 kg ha−1. Only 2 of the 12 alfalfa sites and 6 of the 16 red clover sites responded to applied fertilizer N when total yield was considered. However, using crop value, responses were seen at 5 alfalfa and 7 red clover sites. Apparent fertilizer replacement value ranged from 0 to 224 kg N ha−1 for both alfalfa and red clover, and averaged 129 or 102 kg N ha−1 for the respective forages. Due to the wide variation, consideration of criteria in addition to preceding crop is necessary to accurately estimate potato N needs following legume forages. Use of the petiole nitrate-N test did not improve the predictive capability.
Atomic layer deposition (ALD) of subnanometer inorganic layers on natural cotton to enhance oil sorption performance in marine environments

More than 1 million tons of oil is inadvertently spilled each year. The economic and environmental costs of these spills are enormous and compel further development of environmentally friendly sorbent materials. Here, we demonstrate a vapor-phase modification approach to create a new class of oil sorbents composed of cellulosic materials (cotton) coated with a subnanometer layer of inorganic oxide. This new cellulosic sorbent remains buoyant in water indefinitely and achieves a selective oil sorption capacity (23 g/g or 1.05 g/cm3) that is at least 35 times better than untreated cellulose in aqueous environments. This new sorbent particularly excels under “realistic” conditions such as continuous agitation (e.g., simulated waves) and presoaking in water (e.g., rain or forced immersion). When sorption performance is compared on a per-volume basis—which better captures use conditions than a per-mass basis—this modified natural product becomes comparable to the best sorbents reported in the literature.
Nanoimprinted nanocomposite membrane-type metamaterials

We present methods to realize nanoimprinted nanocomposite membrane-type metamaterials with tuned refractive index. Here, the idea is separation of the cured UV-curable resist from top and bottom stamps to make freestanding patterned membranes with controlled thickness. Manipulating the refractive index of the resist material is implemented by changing the volume fraction of nanoparticles in the host polymer. These patterned membrane devices are applied in guided-mode resonance devices exhibiting effective spectral signatures in subwavelength periodic media. We present numerous simulated and fabricated nanomembranes with excellent resonance characteristics.
Underwriting and Primary Market Price Discovery of Syndicated Loans: Theory and Evidence

Syndicated loan offerings exhibit U-shaped underpricing. We develop a model of loan underwriting that incorporates the lead bank’s loan retention to explain this phenomenon. The bank partially adjusts the offer price for “hot” loans with strong demand, resulting in underpricing to induce investors to reveal positive information. The bank retains “cold” loans with weak demand and underprices them to compensate its retention cost. In equilibrium, the bank’s retention of cold loans mitigates investors’ false-reporting incentive and in turn reduces the need for hot loan underpricing, which leads to lower overall underpricing. Greater bank capital reduces retention costs and also alleviates underpricing. Empirical evidence supports the model.
The Fight Over the Juvenile Giant: Contesting Growth in the 1930s.

Adolphe Roome III (1916–1967) was not an average 14-year-old boy.1,2 Standing at 6 ft tall and weighing 235 lb, he caused great consternation to his father, Dr Adolphe Roome II. Dr Roome, a former Los Angeles police surgeon, believed that his son suffered from a posterior pituitary disorder.3,4 Thus, he prescribed a pituitary extract to curb his son’s growth. Unfortunately, the son responded adversely to the therapy, complaining that he was “unable to concentrate” and refusing additional treatment.5 What ensued was a legal melee that persisted in the national newspapers for months. Filing a lawsuit in the Los Angeles Superior Court in late March 1931, Dr Roome sought to wrest medical custody from his ex-wife and former nurse Helen Roome, who supported her son.5 The New York Times , Los Angeles Times , and Time all covered the “fight over the juvenile giant.”6,7 At first glance, Adolphe’s story seems old-fashioned to 21st-century eyes. However, it has eerie parallels for present-day medicine. Modern pediatricians rely on growth curves as well as laboratory tests to determine which children are tall versus too tall. Indeed, this practice is a mainstay of contemporary pediatric endocrinology.8 The Roome saga highlights the tension that early 20th century physicians faced in defining the boundaries between these 2 categories. Through reconstructing Adolphe’s odyssey, we gain insights into the historical difficulties of evaluating the possible pathologic nature of adolescent growth. Given Adolphe’s precocious growth, Dr Roome believed that his son’s tallness was pathologic, suspecting an … Address correspondence to Samuel V. Schotland, MA, Program in the History of Science and Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06511. E-mail: samuel.schotland{at}yale.edu
Deletions of distant regulatory sequences upstream of zebrafish pitx2 result in a range of ocular phenotypes.

Development of the anterior segment of the vertebrate eye is a highly coordinated process. Genetic mutations in factors guiding this process result in Anterior Segment Dysgenesis (ASD), a spectrum of disorders affecting the iris, cornea, trabecular meshwork and/or other iridocorneal angle structures and associated with glaucoma. One of the first factors linked to ASD in humans was PITX2, a homeodomain containing transcription factor with a role in Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome (ARS). In addition to pathogenic alleles within the coding region of PITX2, deletions affecting the distant upstream region, but not PITX2 itself, have also been reported in ARS. Consistent with this, the distant upstream region was shown to contain multiple conserved elements (CE) with pitx2-related enhancer activity identified through studies in zebrafish. The two smallest human deletions reported to date encompass conserved elements 5-11 ({Delta}CE5-11) or 5-7 ({Delta}CE5-7). We previously reported the generation of{Delta} CE5-11 in zebrafish and we have now replicated the smallest deletion,{Delta} CE5-7, in the same model and studied the associated phenotype, expression, and DNA methylation profiles; we also performed further phenotypic examinations of the pitx2{Delta}CE5-11 fish. We show that the expression changes and phenotypes observed in the two lines are variable but that the severity generally correlates with the size of the deletion and the number of affected CEs; pitx2 promoter and a nearby region were hypermethylated in the pitx2{Delta}CE5-7 embryonic eyes. In addition, a subset of pitx2{Delta}CE5-11 animals were found to have a severe retinal phenotype suggesting that additional factors may modify the effects of this allele. These data provide further insight into functional sequences in the PITX2/pitx2 genomic region that coordinate PITX2/pitx2 expression during eye development and provide the basis for future studies into PITX2/pitx2 upstream regulators and modifiers.
How Temporal Focus Shapes the Influence of Executive Compensation on Risk Taking

The behavioral agency model (BAM) posits that executives endow current wealth, but do not endow prospective wealth. As a result of this endowment effect, executives are risk averse with current wea...
Predictive learning with structured (grouped) data

Many applications of machine learning involve sparse and heterogeneous data. For example, estimation of diagnostic models using patients' data from clinical studies requires effective integration of genetic, clinical and demographic data. Typically all heterogeneous inputs are properly encoded and mapped onto a single feature vector, used for estimating a classifier. This approach, known as standard inductive learning, is used in most application studies. Recently, several new learning methodologies have emerged. For instance, when training data can be naturally separated into several groups (or structured), we can view model estimation for each group as a separate task, leading to a Multi-Task Learning framework. Similarly, a setting where the training data are structured, but the objective is to estimate a single predictive model (for all groups), leads to the Learning with Structured Data and SVM+ methodology recently proposed by Vapnik [(2006). Empirical inference science afterword of 2006. Springer]. This paper describes a biomedical application of these new data modeling approaches for modeling heterogeneous data using several medical data sets. The characteristics of group variables are analyzed. Our comparisons demonstrate the advantages and limitations of these new approaches, relative to standard inductive SVM classifiers.
Microstructure evolution in U-10Zr alloy irradiated by swift Xe ions at 700 ∘ C

Abstract The post-irradiation examination (PIE) results of U-10Zr binary metallic fuel that was irradiated by 84 MeV Xe ions at 700 ∘C are reported. The U-10Zr specimen was synthesized by homogenizing elemental U and Zr powders through arc-melting. The as-fabricated U-10Zr was dominated by the sub-micron acicular α + δ phase. After being irradiated by 84 MeV Xe ions at 700 ∘C up to 2.19 × 1017 ions/cm2 fluence, the U-10Zr was speculated to evolve into micro-scale γ 1 + γ 2 phases as predicted by the U-Zr phase diagram. During post-irradiation cooling, the U-rich γ1 phase was mainly transformed to the α phase, while the Zr-rich γ2 phase was partially retained along with formation of hexagonal structure phase (δ or ω). Xe bubbles formed in the γ1 and γ2 phases have salient different morphologies, implying faster Xe diffusion in the γ1 phase than the γ2 phase. The quantitative bubble morphology data collected in this study can provide valuable references for the development and validation of fuel performance models for this fuel.
ClassifyTE: A stacking based prediction of hierarchical classification of transposable elements.

Motivation Transposable Elements (TEs) or jumping genes are DNA sequences that have an intrinsic capability to move within a host genome from one genomic location to another. Studies show that the presence of a TE within or adjacent to a functional gene may alter its expression. TEs can also cause an increase in the rate of mutation and can even mediate duplications and large insertions and deletions in the genome, promoting gross genetic rearrangements. The proper classification of identified jumping genes is important for analyzing their genetic and evolutionary effects. An effective classifier, which can explain the role of TEs in germline and somatic evolution more accurately, is needed. In this study, we examine the performance of a variety of machine learning (ML) techniques and propose a robust method, ClassifyTE, for the hierarchical classification of TEs with high accuracy, using a stacking-based ML method. Results We propose a stacking-based approach for the hierarchical classification of TEs. When trained on three different benchmark datasets, our proposed system achieved 4%, 10.68%, and 10.13% average percentage improvement (using the hF measure) compared to several state-of-the-art methods. We developed an end-to-end automated hierarchical classification tool based on the proposed approach, ClassifyTE, to classify TEs up to the super-family level. We further evaluated our method on a new TE library generated by a homology-based classification method and found relatively high concordance at higher taxonomic levels. Thus, ClassifyTE paves the way for a more accurate analysis of the role of TEs. Availability The source code and data are available at https://github.com/manisa/ClassifyTE. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Hidden in plain sight: museum educators’ role in teacher professional development

This article reports on Year 2 of a three-year project to assess historic site-based teacher professional development programs. The intended focus was assessing pre–post Q-sorts and interviews of 2...
Disparities in Premature Deaths Attributable to Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Exposure between Immigrants to and those born in the United States

Background: Immigrants to the United States (US) experience different health risks compared to those born in the US. It is unknown if different levels of environmental exposures such as ambient fin...
Can Immigration Explain Why Ethnic Diversity Is Negatively Associated With Common Property Management

A persistent question in the political economy literature is the extent to which societal levels of ethnic diversity, and rates of immigration, make collective action difficult to achieve (or maintain). Here I examine whether immigration can sometimes explain why ethnic diversity is negatively associated with collective action. This question is studied in the context of common property management in rural Uganda; with a focus on voluntary contributions to toilet construction and voluntary compliance with rules for managing forest reserves among communities whose levels of ethnic diversity and rates of immigration vary. I find that communities with lower rates of immigration are more supportive of common property management, irrespective of their levels of ethnic diversity. By implication, the socio-political impediments to collective action have less to do with the stock of demographic diversity than the flow rate of demographic change.
La estética andina (alteña) actual y el conflicto entre figuración y representación

How to read the novel “neo-Andean” architecture without reproducing the familiar explanation that El Alto would be building an “emerging architecture” that abandons the criollo/mestizo past and the attachment to modernity? Contrary to these and other “endogenous” explanations of the current Andean aesthetics, linked to the updated representation of pre-Columbian ancestors, this essay focuses on the analysis of the European figuration that would not have abandoned this architecture and that would remain hidden within its structuring. For this purpose, the study postulates the presence of unknown figures of the past which continue to inhabit these buildings and which, shaped by money, were, in their historical moment, the most important agents of modernity. Beyond partially disagreeing with what has already been written about alteno aesthetics, the essay seeks to incorporate the figurative into the analysis of the imaginary that builds the city’s space.
Treatment of intermediate-risk prostate cancer with Cs-131: Long-term results from a single institution.

Abstract PURPOSE To evaluate our institutional outcomes utilizing Cs-131 prostate brachytherapy (PB) for the intermediate-risk (IR) group of prostate cancer patients. METHODS AND MATERIALS We reviewed a prospectively collected database of men treated with Cs-131 PB between 2006 and 2019. Patients with less than 24-months follow-up were excluded. Patients were classified as IR if they had one of the following factors: Gleason Score 7, prostate specific antigen >10 but 1 IR factors, or ≥50% positive core biopsies. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate actuarial event-time probabilities for biochemical freedom from disease (BFD). RESULTS A total of 335 patients with a median follow-up of 70.1 months (IQR 48.3–106.3 months) were identified. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) was used in 7.2% of patients. Favorable-IR (FIR) patients were commonly treated with PB alone (91.8%). FIR patients who underwent PB alone had a 5-year BFD of 98.1%. UIR patients were commonly treated with external beam radiotherapy plus PB (61.2%). These patients had 5-year BFD of 91.1%. The 5-year BFD for UIR patients treated without ADT was 90.9%, whereas it was 95.0% among UIR patients treated with ADT (log-rank p = 0.83). CONCLUSIONS FIR patients have excellent outcomes when treated with PB alone. External beam radiotherapy plus PB is a reasonable treatment approach for UIR patients. Future studies may elucidate which IR patients would benefit from treatment intensification.
Cryogenic liquid resettlement activated by impulsive thrust in space-based propulsion system

The purpose of present study is to investigate most efficient technique for propellant resettling through the minimization of propellant usage and weight penalties. Comparison between the constant reverse gravity acceleration and impulsive reverse gravity acceleration to be used for the activation of propellant resettlement, it shows that impulsive reverse gravity thrust is superior to constant reverse gravity thrust for liquid reorientation in a reduced gravity environment. Comparison among impulsive reverse gravity thrust with 0.1 (low), 1.0 (medium) and 10 (high) Hz frequencies for liquid filled level in the range between 30 to 80%, it shows that the selection of a medium frequency of 1.0 Hz impulsive thrust over the other frequency ranges of impulsive thrust is most proper based on the present study.
Effects of Shore Protection and Dredging Projects on Beach Configuration Unjettied near Tidal Inlets in New Jersey

Analysis of shoreline changes at four unjettied inlets on the developed New Jersey shoreline reveals that shorelines have been less mobile under conditions of development than they were prior to development. Bulkheads reduce the amount of shoreline change by preventing breaches in the barrier islands updrift of inlets and by restricting the amount of shoreline retreat that occurs during natural cycles of erosion and accretion. Groins reduce the rate of transport into downdrift shorelines which dampens the accretion phase of the cycles. Maintenance dredging can suppress the cycles by keeping the ebb channel position from fluctuating as widely as it would under natural conditions. The projection of future shoreline change at these four tidal inlets reflects either unidirectional change or stability at locations that formerly were characterized by cyclic change.
Third‐Country Effects of Regional Trade Agreements

Does regionalism negatively impact non-members? To answer this question, we examine the effect of regional trade agreements (RTAs) on imports from non-members and the tariffs that they face. Using data from six RTAs in Latin America and Europe, we do not find evidence that implementation of the regional agreements is associated with trade diversion from third countries to regional members. Using detailed industry data on preference margins and most-favoured nation (MFN) tariffs for three trade agreements in Latin America over 12 years, we find that greater preference margins do not significantly reduce imports from third countries. We also look at the effect of preferences on external tariffs. We find evidence that preferential tariff reduction tends to precede the reduction of external MFN tariffs in a given sector, offering evidence of tariff complementarity. Overall, the results suggest that regionalism does not significantly harm non-members.
Positivity of trigonometric polynomials

The paper introduces a modification of the well-known sum-of-squares relaxation scheme for semi-algebraic programming by Shor based on replacing the ordinary polynomials by their trigonometric counterparts. It is shown that the new scheme has certain theoretical advantages over the classical one: in particular, a trigonometric polynomial is positive if and only if it can be represented as a sum of squares of a finite number of trigonometric polynomials. A dual version of the SOS relaxation is also introduced and discussed. An example of a quantized finite horizon optimal control application with state constraints, typical for model predictive control, is discussed.
Abortions: ten years' experience at Kansas University Medical Center.

Abstract Nine hundred twenty-seven abortions occurring in 890 patients treated at the Kansas University Medical Center from Jan. 1, 1948, through Dec. 31, 1957, have been reviewed. During the same period of time, 14,630 deliverics occurred. This gave an incidence of one abortion for each 15.8 deliveries, or 6.3 per cent. The predominant number of the abortions in this series occurred in the 21 to 30 age group. Sixty-two per cent of the patients had had no previous abortions, 25 per cent had had one previous abortions, 8 per cent had had two previous abortions, and 5 per cent had had three or more previous abortions. Seventy-one per cent of the abortions occurred during the first 3 months of gestation. In 70 per cent of the cases no cause of abortion was given. In all but 65 cases tissue was studied. The over-all average number of days in hospital was 5.5. In the group with complete abortion the average number of hospital days was 4.6, and in the group with incomplete abortion, 6 days. There were 376 complete abortions and 551 incomplete abortions; 24.5 per cent of the complete group and 20.3 per cent of the incomplete group were morbid; 27.9 per cent of the patients required transfusions. No correlation could be made between previous gynecologic surgical procedures and the incidence of abortions.