cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Primary spinal myxopapillary ependymoma in the pediatric population: a study from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.

Primary spinal myxopapillary ependymomas (MPE) in children are extremely rare. We examined the patient demographics, treatment modalities, and the associated outcomes of children with MPE using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) national cancer database to gain a better understanding of these tumors. The SEER database (1973-2012) was used to analyze patients 21 years of age and younger with histologically confirmed MPE localized to the spinal cord or cauda equina. We analyzed patient demographics, extent of surgical resection, and radiation treatment. Overall survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05, with all data analyzed in IBM SPSS Statistics 21. 122 pediatric patients met inclusion criteria. The median age was 16 years (range 0-21) with 63 % male and 87 % Caucasian. The mean follow-up time was 4.5 years (95 % CI 3.93-5.07). Overall survival at 5 and 10 years was 97 and 95 %, respectively. We found 37 % underwent gross-total resection (GTR), 36 % subtotal resection (STR), and 27 % biopsy only. Patients who received GTR alone (n = 37) had a statistically significant increase in overall survival compared to those who received STR plus adjuvant radiation (n = 20) (Χ2 = 5.9, p < 0.05). To our knowledge, this is the largest survival analysis of pediatric patients with MPE. Overall survival is excellent at the 5 and 10-year time points; however, GTR should be the goal of treatment when possible. For patients with MPE, future studies should focus on longer follow-up, the role of radiation, and the therapeutic approach at tumor recurrence.
The State of the World Economy: Global Imbalance, Exchange Rates and the World Debt

The subtitle indicates three major problems confronting the world economy that I address in this paper. The first is global imbalances, the persistent and large US budget and trade deficits (more precisely, current account deficits) and the equally persistent German and Japanese trade surpluses.
An overview of the RACHL Experiment

An experiment, specifically undertaken in order to measure terrestrial turbulence-induced photonic orbital angular momentum, was conducted at the RACHL site at the Starfire Optical Range. We present an overview of the experiment, to include methodology and calibration.
Optimal foraging models reveal barriers and stepping stones to the evolution of host-range generalism in bacteriophage

The nature and stability of coexistence of specialist species with more generalized competitors present theoretical questions that have been difficult to resolve. Recent surveys of bacteriophage host-ranges suggest that generalist phage often coexistent with specialists. However, previous theoretical work has explained this coexistence only in terms of strict genetic trade-offs, which are not consistently observed when phage are challenged to evolve to multiple hosts in laboratory environments. Here we use the framework of optimal foraging to identify conditions that might prevent generalists from outcompeting specialist relatives. Our analysis shows that heterogeneities in phage life-history properties make host-range specialist more viable, and that endogenous fluctuations in host density permit a narrow window of stable coexistence between specialists and generalists without the need for genetic trade-offs. These results are especially relevant for understanding the barriers to the evolution of broader host-ranges in bacteriophage and other pathogens with similar life-cycles.
Taming tail latency for erasure-coded, distributee storage systems

Distributed storage systems are known to be susceptible to long tails in response time. It has been shown that in modern online applications such as Bing, Facebook, and Amazon, the long tail of latency is of particular concern, with 99.9th percentile response times being orders of magnitude worse than the mean. As erasure codes emerge as a popular technique in distributed storage to achieve high data reliability while attaining space efficiency, taming tail latency remains an open problem due to the lack of mathematical models for analyzing such erasure-coded storage systems. In this paper, we quantify tail latency in distributed storage systems that employ erasure coding. In particular, we derive upper bounds on tail latency in closed-form for arbitrary service time distribution and heterogeneous files. Based on the model, we formulate an optimization problem to jointly minimize weighted latency tail probability of all files. The non-convex problem is solved using an efficient, alternating optimization algorithm. Simulation results show significant reduction of tail latency for erasure-coded storage systems with realistic workload.
Integrated community case management (iCCM) of childhood infection saves lives in hard-to-reach communities in Nicaragua

ABSTRACT Objective To describe Nicaragua’s integrated community case management (iCCM) program for hard-to-reach, rural communities and to evaluate its impact using monitoring data, including annual, census-based infant mortality data. Method This observational study measured the strength of iCCM implementation and estimated trends in infant mortality during 2007–2013 in 120 remote Nicaraguan communities where brigadistas (“health brigadiers”) offered iCCM services to children 2–59 months old. The study used program monitoring data from brigadistas’ registers and supervision checklists, and derived mortality data from annual censuses conducted by the Ministry of Health. The mortality ratio (infant deaths over number of children alive in the under-1-year age group) was calculated and point estimates and exact binomial confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. Results Monitoring data revealed strong implementation of iCCM over the study period, with medicine availability, completeness of recording, and correct classification always exceeding 80%. Treatments provided by brigadistas for pneumonia and diarrhea closely tracked expected cases and caregivers consistently sought treatment more frequently from brigadistas than from health facilities. The infant mortality ratio decreased more in iCCM areas compared to the non-iCCM areas. Statistically significant reduction ranged from 52% in 2010 (mortality rate ratio 0.48; 95% CI: 0.25–0.92) to 59% in 2013 (mortality rate ratio 0.41; 95% CI: 0.21–0.81). Conclusions The iCCM has been found to be an effective and feasible strategy to save infant lives in hard-to-reach communities in Nicaragua. The impact was likely mediated by increased use of curative interventions, made accessible and available at the community level, and delivered through high-quality services, by brigadistas.
Microhabitat Selection of the Virginia Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus fuscus Miller) in the Central Appalachians

Glaucomys sabrinus fuscus (Virginia Northern Flying Squirrel; VNFS) is a rare Sciurid that occurrs in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia and northwest Virginia. Previous work on this subspecies has confirmed close associations with Picea rubens (Red Spruce) at the landscape and stand levels in the region. However, ongoing Red Spruce restoration actions using canopy-gap creation to release single or small groups of trees requires a better understanding of within-stand habitat selection of VNFS to assess potential short- and medium-term impacts. To address these questions, we conducted a microhabitat study using radio-collared squirrels in montane conifer and mixed conifer—hardwood stands. We used points obtained from telemetry surveys and randomly generated points within each squirrel's home range to compare microhabitat variables for 13 individuals. We found that VNFS preferentially selected plots with conifer-dominant overstories and deep organic-soil horizons. VNFS avoided plots with dense Red Spruce regeneration in the understory in stands with hardwood-dominated overstories—the types of areas targeted for Red Spruce restoration. We also opportunistically searched for hypogeal fungi at telemetry points and found 3 species of Elaphomyces during our surveys. Our results indicate that microhabitat selection is associated with Red Spruce-dominant forests. Efforts to restore Red Spruce where hardwoods dominate in the central Appalachians may improve the connectivity and extent of habitat of VNFS.
Verification of Requirements: System of Systems Theory, Framework, Formalisms, Validity

Building on the success of systems verification, a new approach and method were developed to improve verification of requirements for system of systems. Following the formal logic (mereology) of Leśniewski, an integrative framework was structured on ontology-based artifacts built from objects and processes within the problem domain. Meta-structures of systems and system of systems artifacts were extracted to form a model of verification to a system of systems and its constituent systems.
Trends in Medicaid beneficiaries' receipt of breast reconstruction procedures following Pre-Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid expansion in New York State.

Abstract Background Expanding eligibility will increase the demand for surgical services within Medicaid but little is known of the response to such increase in demand. We examined how much of the increased demand for breast reconstruction was met after expansion of Medicaid eligibility. Methods We used New York state databases from 1998 to 2006 and a population of non-elderly adults (19–64) who underwent breast cancer treatment and reconstructive procedures. We used an Interrupted Time-Series design to examine the association between Medicaid expansion in 2001 and changes in the percentages of treatment and reconstructive procedures covered by Medicaid. Results After expansion, there was an increase of 9.6% in the percentage of treatment procedures covered by Medicaid (added demand for breast reconstruction). However, there was a 6.8% increase in the percentage of reconstructive procedures covered by Medicaid. Conclusions The smaller increase in Medicaid percentage of reconstructive procedures suggests that the added demand for reconstruction was not met.
The Development of Visual Prosthetic Devices to Restore Vision to the Blind

Abstract Aged related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP) are two degenerative diseases that affect mainly the photoreceptors layer, rendering the retina unable to translate light into biological signals and causing blindness in patients. In these conditions, inner retinal neurons (bipolar cells and ganglion cells) are less affected by disease, allowing the retina to be electrically stimulated to restore a sense of vision. Visual prostheses have been studied as a method to restore vision for decades, starting in 1929 when Foerster, a German neurosurgeon, exposed the occipital pole of one cerebral hemisphere and electrically stimulated the visual cortex in a sighted patient, reporting that his patient saw a small spot of light. In the years since Foerster's experiments, various attempts were made to develop visual cortex prostheses. Although stimulating the visual cortex showed promise, its organization is very complex and the surgical access is difficult, which why different locations for a visual prosthesis started to be explored. As retinal surgery begun to develop in the 1970s, it followed that retinal prostheses were investigated as an alternative to visual cortex prostheses. Other implant areas along the visual pathway that have been studied include the optic nerve and lateral geniculate nucleus, but this chapter will focus on retinal implants.
With Beating Hearts and Earnest Purpose: The Heritage of the Women Delegates’ Speeches to the World’s Parliament of Religions

This essay is an exposition of a selection of prominent speeches given by women at the World’s Parliament of Religions at the Columbian Exposition held in Chicago in 1893. Twenty-three women addressed audiences on a variety of topics that marked the emergence of women as both religious leaders and heralds of the growing religious pluralism of the United States at the turn of the century. The author identifies and analyzes the content of several women’s speeches that offer insights into the fledgling interreligious movement of the time, and which give witness to key theoretical principles for interreligious education for today.
The Second-Order Differential Equation \frac{{{{d}^{2}}x}}{{d{{t}^{2}}}} + h\left( x \right)\frac{{dx}}{{dt}} + g\left( x \right) = 0

In this chapter, we explain the basic results concerning the behavior of solutions of a system $$\frac{{{{d}^{2}}x}}{{d{{t}^{2}}}} + \epsilon \left( {{{x}^{2}} - 1} \right)\frac{{dx}}{{dt}} + x = 0$$ (E) \(t \to + \infty\) In §X-2, using results given in §IX-2, we show the boundedness of solutions and apply these results to the van der Pol equation $$\frac{{{{d}^{2}}x}}{{d{{t}^{2}}}} + \epsilon \left( {{{x}^{2}} - 1} \right)\frac{{dx}}{{dt}} + x = 0$$ (cf. Example X-2–5). The boundedness of solutions and the instability of the unique stationary point imply that the van der Pol equation has a nontrivial periodic solution. This is a consequence of the Poincare-Bendixson Theorem (cf. Theorem IX-4-1). In §X-3, we prove the uniqueness of periodic orbits in such a way that it can be applied to equation (E). In §X-4, we show that the absolute value of one of the two multipliers of the unique periodic solution of (E) is less than 1. The argument in §X-4 gives another proof of the uniqueness of periodic orbit of (E). In §X-5, we explain how to approximate the unique periodic solution of (E) in the case when e is positive and small. This is a typical problem of regular perturbations. In §X-6, we explain how to locate the unique periodic solution of (E) geometrically as \(\epsilon \to + \infty\). In §X-8, we explain how to find an approximation of the periodic solution of (E) analytically as \(\epsilon \to + \infty\). This is a typical problem of singular perturbations. Concerning singular perturbations, we also explain a basic result due to M. Nagumo [Na6] in §X-7. In §X-1, we look at a boundary-value problem $$ \frac{{{d^2}y}}{{d{t^2}}}{\text{ }}F(t,y,\frac{{dy}}{{dt}}){\text{ }}y(a) = a,{\text{ }}y(b) = \beta . $$
A Critical Appraisal of the Current State of Knowledge in Schizophrenia

Since a relationship between the cause and the outcome of schizophrenia has been always assumed, a summary review of the major theories of etiology of schizophrenia appears to be warranted as a starting point for our extensive study of factors involved in the prediction of this illness.
Dynamics of a Cryogenic Liquid in an Electric Field

During the coast phases of space flight, or under orbit conditions, there will be extended periods of time during which high energy liquid propellants and other liquids will be subjected to a state of virtual weightlessness. Liquid orientation is necessary for venting the propellant tank to keep the vapor pressure within allowable limits, for minimizing the boiloff of the cryogenic liquid, and for thermal conditioning of the propellant. Schemes for such liquid orientation also find application in the liquid-oxygen converters of life-support equipment. To restart a high-energy upper stage or a spacecraft from a prolonged coast phase, it is often necessary to guarantee that there will always be liquid propellant located at the tank outlet.
Whether, when, and to whom?: An investigation of comfort with disclosing alcohol and other drug histories in a nationally representative sample of recovering persons.

Abstract Background Due to shame and fear of discrimination, individuals in, or seeking, recovery from alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems often struggle with whether, when, and to whom to disclose information regarding their AOD histories and recovery status. This can serve as a barrier to obtaining needed recovery support. Consequently, disclosure may have important implications for recovery trajectories, yet is poorly understood. Design and sample Cross-sectional, U.S. nationally-representative survey conducted in 2016 among individuals with resolved AOD problems (N = 1987) investigated disclosure comfort and whether disclosure comfort differed by time since problem resolution, disclosure recipient (i.e., with interpersonal intimacy), or primary substance (i.e., alcohol [51%], cannabis [11%], opioids [5%], or “other” [33%]). Predictors of disclosure comfort were also examined. Data were analyzed using LOWESS analyses, analyses of variance, and regression. Results Overall, longer time since problem resolution was associated with greater disclosure comfort. In general, participants reported greater comfort with disclosure to family and friends, and less comfort with disclosure to co-workers, to first-time acquaintances, in public settings, and in the media, but these effects varied by primary drug with participants who had problems with alcohol and “other” drugs having significantly more disclosure comfort than those who had problems with opioids. Conclusion Dimensions of time since AOD problem resolution, interpersonal intimacy, and primary drug are significantly associated with disclosure comfort. Individuals seeking recovery may benefit from more formal coaching around disclosure, particularly those with primary opioid problems, but further research is needed to determine the desire for and effects of such coaching among those seeking recovery.
Management of Gustilo-Anderson Type II and IIIA Open Long Bone Fractures in Children: Which Wounds Require a Second Washout?

INTRODUCTION Timing of wound closure in pediatric Gustilo-Anderson grade II and IIIA open long bone fracture remain controversial. Our aims are (1) to determine the proportion of patients with these fractures whose wounds can be treated with early primary wound closure (EPWC); (2) to compare the complication rates between EPWC and delayed wound closure (DWC); and (3) to determine factors associated with higher likelihood of undergoing DWC. PATIENTS AND METHODS At a level-1 pediatric trauma center, 96 patients (younger than 18 y) who sustained Gustilo-Anderson grade II and IIIA open long bone fractures (humerus, radius, ulnar, femur, or tibia) within a 10-year period (2006-2016) were included for this study. Decision for EPWC versus DWC was at the discretion of the attending surgeon at time of initial surgery. Data collection was via retrospective review of charts and radiographs. Particular attention was paid to the incidence of return to operating room rate, nonunion, compartment syndrome, and infection. Median follow-up duration was 7.5 months (interquartile range: 3.6 to 25.3 mo). All patients were followed-up at least until bony union. RESULTS Overall, 81% of patients (78/96) underwent EPWC. Of the grade II fractures, 86% underwent EPWC. Four patients (5%) in the EPWC group and 1 patient (6%) in the DWC group had at least 1 complication. When controlling for mechanism of injury, Gustilo-Anderson fracture type and age, there was no difference in rate of complications between the EPWC and the DWC groups. Grade IIIA fractures and being involved in a motor vehicle accident were factors associated with a higher likelihood of undergoing DWC. CONCLUSION The majority of grade II and IIIA pediatric long bone fractures may be safely treatable with EPWC without additional washouts. Future prospective research is required to further define the subgroups that can benefit from DWC. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV-therapeutic, case cohort study.
Management of Patient with Motor Strip Gliomas (Awake Craniotomy)

Awake craniotomy is performed for resection of lesions in the eloquent areas of the brain. This operation is common to most academic medical centers. Key to the success of awake craniotomy is patient selection and preoperative preparation. The intraoperative management includes the choice of sedation throughout the procedure or general anesthesia at key times. Regional scalp blocks or local infiltration are used for analgesia. The advantage of the awake craniotomy is having the patient assist in mapping the language/motor or sensory centers to maximize resection yet protecting these areas. This is accomplished with intraoperative cortical stimulation while accomplishing speech or motor tasks. Patients have a high satisfaction with awake craniotomy although some identify pain and anxiety during the procedure. Awake craniotomy can decrease costs, hospital stay and even be managed as outpatient surgery.
Chronic stress, epigenetics, and adipose tissue metabolism in the obese state

In obesity, endocrine and metabolic perturbations, including those induced by chronic activation of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis, are associated with the accumulation of adipose tissue and inflammation. Such changes are attributable to a combination of genetic and epigenetic factors that are influenced by the environment and exacerbated by chronic activation of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis. Stress exposure at different life stages can alter adipose tissue metabolism directly through epigenetic modification or indirectly through the manipulation of hypothalamic appetite regulation, and thereby contribute to endocrine changes that further disrupt whole-body energy balance. This review synthesizes current knowledge, with an emphasis on human clinical trials, to describe metabolic changes in adipose tissue and associated endocrine, genetic and epigenetic changes in the obese state. In particular, we discuss epigenetic changes induced by stress exposure and their contribution to appetite and adipocyte dysfunction, which collectively promote the pathogenesis of obesity. Such knowledge is critical for providing future directions of metabolism research and targets for treating metabolic disorders.
An Urban District’s Struggle to Preserve School Turnaround Change:

Leading school turnaround has been conceptualized as a school-level issue focused on immediate change. There has been little consideration about how district leaders change systems to sustain schoo...
Cellular molecular and proteomic profiling deciphers the SIRT1 controlled cell death pathways in esophageal adenocarcinoma cells.

Worldwide prevalence of esophageal adenocarcinomas with high rates of mortality coupled with increased mutations in esophageal cells warrants investigation to understand deregulation of cell signaling pathways leading to cancer. To this end, the current study was undertaken to unravel the cell death signatures using the model human esophageal adenocarcinoma cell line-OE33. The strategy involved targeting the key epigenetic modulator SIRT1, a histone deacetylase by a small molecule inhibitor - sirtinol. Sirtinol induced a dose-dependent inhibition of cell viability under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions with long term impact on proliferation as shown by clonogenic assays. Signature apoptotic signaling pathways including caspase activation and decreased Bcl-2 were observed. Proteomic analysis highlighted an array of entities affected including molecules involved in replication, transcription, protein synthesis, cell division control, stress-related proteins, spliceosome components, protein processing and cell detoxification/degradation systems. Importantly, the stoichiometry of the fold changes of the affected proteins per se could govern the cell death phenotype by sirtinol. Sirtinol could also potentially curb resistant and recurrent tumors that reside in hypoxic environments. Overall, in addition to unraveling the cellular, molecular and proteomics basis of SIRT1 inhibition, the findings open up avenues for designing novel strategies against esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Resilience and adaptive capacity of Oregon’s fishing community: Cumulative impacts of climate change and the graying of the fleet

Abstract Although there has been an increase in the research of social-ecological systems, there are still many gaps to understand the effects of change within coastal communities and ecosystems. The drivers of change include climate change, management regulations, demographic shifts, and market trends, and their intersectionality and, ultimately, impacts on commercial fishing communities are poorly understood. The research presented here explores connections between climate change and the increase in the average age of commercial fishermen, referred to as “graying of the fleet”. Ultimately, these connections inform our overall objective: to understand how cumulative impacts from these two ongoing phenomena affect the resilience and adaptive capacity of the fishing community. Parsing out the connections may help managers or policy makers more accurately conceptualize future scenarios of community change and simultaneously enables the location of specific target areas for intervention or opportunity. Oral history semi-structured interviews with members of Oregon’s fishing community were analyzed and recent climate change projections from the literature were synthesized to parameterize a set of possible scenarios regarding impacts on the fishing community. Results indicate that climate change will likely intensify both the stressors contributing to and the impacts of the graying of the fleet in Oregon. Analysis of the cumulative impacts from climate change and graying of the fleet reveal a greater impact on resilient and adaptive capacities of Oregon’s fishing community than analysis of the drivers individually indicates. Therefore, an important implication from this research is the need to evaluate cumulative impacts within these coupled social-ecological systems. Relying on the responsive adaptability of fishing community members alone may not be sufficient, as their resilience and capacity to do so could be limited in the future.
Assembly of NFL and desmin intermediate filaments: Headed in the right direction.

Intermediate filaments (IFs), together with actin filaments and microtubules, form the cytoskeleton—a critical structural component of all cells. Humans express 73 unique IF proteins that associate as obligate homo- or heterodimers. IF dimers assemble into tetramers, which are the building blocks of the higher-order cytoskeletal and nucleoskeletal structures visualized in vitro and in cells (1). Cytoplasmic IFs are functionally suited to the needs of each cell and tissue type. For example, keratins provide mechanical resilience to the epidermis (2), whereas the light, medium, and heavy neurofilament proteins (NFL, NFM, and NFH) simultaneously provide axons with the stability and flexibility needed for proper neuronal function (3). In the past several decades, significant advancements have been made in the basic biology and disease involvement of IFs, but insights into the molecular structures are lacking for most IF proteins (4). In PNAS, Zhou et al. (5) address the hypothesis that interactions between N-terminal low complexity domains (LCDs) on IF proteins, shown previously to undergo phase separation (6), could provide structural insights into how mature filaments are formed. All IF proteins have three domains: N-terminal “head,” C-terminal “tail,” and central coiled-coil “rod” (Fig. 1) (1). The rod domains, which are highly conserved, form the dimer interface, while the head and tail are variable regions composed of few overrepresented amino acids (i.e., of low complexity) (5, 6). The present work builds upon previous observations that the aliphatic alcohol 1,6-hexanediol, which disrupts nonmembrane-bound structures and phase-separated liquid-like droplets, is able to rapidly disassemble vimentin and keratin IFs without affecting the organization of actin or microtubules in cells (6). This ultimately helped reveal that the head (but not the tail) domains of several human IFs, including vimentin, peripherin, α-internexin, and neurofilaments, form gel-like condensates composed of uniform polymers that are … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence may be addressed. Email: natasha_snider{at}med.unc.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Policing Practices and HIV Risk Among People Who Inject Drugs - A Systematic Literature Review

Background: Laws and their enforcement act as structural determinants of health. Among people who inject drugs (PWID) in numerous global settings, police encounters (e.g. syringe confiscation, physical assault) have been associated with health harms. However, these relationships have not yet been systematically assessed. We conducted a systematic literature review to quantify the contribution of policing to HIV risk among PWID. Methods: We screened MEDLINE, sociological databases and grey literature for studies conducted from 1981-November 2018 that included estimates of HIV infection/risk behaviors and policing practices adversely related to PWID health. Abstracts containing valid associations were selected for further review. We extracted and summarized quantitative findings from eligible studies. Findings: We screened 8,201 abstracts, reviewed 175 full-text articles and included 27 eligible analyses from nine countries (Russia, Mexico, USA, Canada, Ukraine, Thailand, Malaysia, China and India). Heterogeneity in variable and endpoint selection precluded meta-analyses. In 6 (22%)% studies, HIV infection among PWID was significantly associated with policing, including syringe confiscation, reluctance to buy or carry syringes for fear of police, rushed injection due to police presence, fear of arrest, being arrested for planted drugs, and physical abuse. Examining injection-related HIV risk behaviors as analytical endpoints, 16 (59)% studies identified policing practices to be independently associated with syringe sharing, shooting gallery utilization, and seeking informal injection assistance. In 9 (33%), policing was associated with PWID avoidance of harm reduction services, including syringe exchange, methadone maintenance, and safe consumption facilities. Most studies focused on high-income settings. Interpretation: Globally, evidence suggests that policing substantially shapes the HIV risk environment for PWID, but lower-income settings are underrepresented in research. Curbing injection-related HIV risk may necessitate additional structural interventions. Methodological harmonization could facilitate knowledge generation on the role of police as a determinant of population health. Funding: This work was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse [grant numbers R01DA039073, K01DA043421(JC)] and the UCSD Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) [International Pilot Grant NIAID 5P30AI036214]. Declaration of Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest. Ethics Approval Statement: The authors conducted a systematic literature review in accordance with PRISMA guidelines that has been registered with PROSPERO, the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO Registration #CRD42018105967).
Sexually Dimorphic Relationships Among Saa3 (Serum Amyloid A3), Inflammation, and Cholesterol Metabolism Modulate Atherosclerosis in Mice

Objective Expression of the extrahepatic acute-phase protein Saa3 (serum amyloid A3) increases in response to acute and chronic inflammatory stimuli and is elevated in adipose tissue and macrophages in obese mice. A recent report suggested that Saa3 is proatherogenic in male ApoE-/- mice. Because of our previous observation that female but not male Saa3-deficient mice are protected from obesity, adipose inflammation, and hyperlipidemia, we sought to determine whether Saa3 differentially modulates atherosclerosis in mice of both sexes. Approach and Results: To promote atherosclerosis, Saa3+/+ and Saa3-/- male and female mice were crossed with Ldlr-/- mice. All mice consumed a diet high in saturated fat and sucrose with 0.15% added cholesterol for 16 weeks. Plasma lipids and atherosclerosis levels were assessed. Female Saa3-/-Ldlr-/- mice exhibited elevated cholesterol levels relative to Saa3+/+Ldlr-/- controls and exhibited increased atherosclerosis, while male Saa3-/-Ldlr-/- mice were protected from atherosclerosis. Data from the hybrid mouse diversity panel revealed that Saa3 associates strongly with inflammatory, Trem2-associated, and tissue remodeling genes and pathways in males but not females, an effect confirmed in liver tissue, atherosclerotic lesions, and cultured macrophages. Macrophages isolated from male and female mice showed differential inflammatory effects of Saa3 deficiency, an effect linked with sex steroid signaling. Cholesterol efflux capacity was increased in Saa3-/- males only. Conclusions Saa3 is proatherogenic in male but atheroprotective in female mice, effects that may be related to sex-specific relationships between Saa3, cholesterol metabolism, inflammatory genes, and Trem2 macrophages.
Proinsulin to C-Peptide Ratio in the First Year After Diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes.

Objective The proinsulin to C-peptide (PI:C) ratio is reputedly a biomarker of β-cell endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Objective This study examined the natural history of the PI:C ratio and its correlation with residual β-cell function in childhood new-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D). Over the first year of T1D, the temporal trend in fasting and nutrient-stimulated PI data is limited. Methods PI was a secondary pre-planned analysis of our 1-year, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) trial in new-onset T1D. Of the 99 participants in the primary study, aged 4 to 18 years, 30 were placebo. This study only involved the 30 placebo patients; all were enrolled within 5 weeks of T1D diagnosis. A liquid mixed meal tolerance test was administered at baseline and 5 and 12 months for determination of C-peptide, PI, glucose, and hemoglobin A1C. Results Both the fasting (P = 0.0003) and stimulated (P = 0.00008) PI:C ratios increased from baseline to 12 months, indicating escalating β-cell ER stress. The baseline fasting PI correlated with the fasting change in C-peptide at 12 months (P = 0.004) with a higher PI correlating with greater decline in C-peptide. Patients with an insulin-adjusted A1C >9% (hence, not in remission) had higher fasting PI:C ratios. Younger age at diagnosis correlated with a higher PI:C ratio (P = 0.04). Conclusion Children with new-onset T1D undergo progressive β-cell ER stress and aberrant proinsulin processing, as evidenced by increasing PI:C ratios. Moreover, the PI:C ratio reflects more aggressive β-cell onslaught with younger age, as well as diminished glycemic control.
Effect of Immune Checkpoint Blockade on Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Populations in Patients With Melanoma.

Introduction Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are a subset of immature myeloid cells that inhibit anti-tumor immunity and contribute to immune therapy resistance. MDSC populations were measured in melanoma patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Methods Patients with melanoma (n=128) provided blood samples at baseline (BL), and before cycles 2 and 3 (BC2, BC3). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were analyzed for MDSC (CD33+/CD11b+/HLA- DRlo/-) and MDSC subsets, monocytic (CD14+, M-MDSC), granulocytic (CD15+, PMN-MDSC), and early (CD14-/CD15-, E-MDSC) via flow cytometry. Statistical analysis employed unpaired and paired t-tests across and within patient cohorts. Results Levels of MDSC as a percentage of PBMC increased during ICI (BL: 9.2 ± 1.0% to BC3: 23.6 ± 1.9%, p<0.0001), and patients who developed progressive disease (PD) had higher baseline MDSC. In patients who had a complete or partial response (CR, PR), total MDSC levels rose dramatically and plateaued (BL: 6.4 ± 1.4%, BC2: 26.2 ± 4.2%, BC3: 27.5 ± 4.4%; p<0.0001), whereas MDSC rose less sharply in PD patients (BL: 11.7 ± 2.1%, BC2: 18.3 ± 3.1%, BC3: 19.0 ± 3.2%; p=0.1952). Subset analysis showed that within the expanding MDSC population, PMN-MDSC and E-MDSC levels decreased, while the proportion of M-MDSC remained constant during ICI. In PD patients, the proportion of PMN-MDSC (as a percentage of total MDSC) decreased (BL: 25.1 ± 4.7%, BC2: 16.1 ± 5.2%, BC3: 8.6 ± 1.8%; p=0.0105), whereas a heretofore under-characterized CD14+/CD15+ double positive MDSC subpopulation increased significantly (BL: 8.7 ± 1.4% to BC3: 26.9 ± 4.9%; p=0.0425). Conclusions MDSC levels initially increased significantly in responders. PMN-MDSC decreased and CD14+CD15+ MDSC increased significantly in PD patients. Changes in MDSC levels may have prognostic value in ICI.
Dual Frequency Multipactor on a Dielectric

Multipactor1 is a nonlinear phenomenon in which an electron avalanche driven by a high frequency rf field sustains itself by an exponential charge growth through secondary electron emission from a metallic or dielectric surface. Multicarrier operation2 is a common feature in modern systems in which a number of carrier waves are transmitted simultaneously at different frequencies through the system. This work investigates multipactor discharge on a single dielectric surface with two carrier frequencies3 of an rf electric field. We use Monte Carlo simulations and analytical calculations to obtain susceptibility diagrams4,5 in terms of rf electric field and normal electric field resulting from dielectric charging.
Effects of Silicon Carbide Nanoparticles on Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of As-Cast Mg-12wt.% Al-0.2wt.% Mn Nanocomposites

Microstructure and tensile properties of as-cast Mg-12Al-0.2Mn alloys with SiC nanoparticles were studied. SiC nanoparticles were dispersed into Mg-12Al-0.2Mn melts through an ultrasonic based nanoparticle-dispersion method. The content of SiC nanoparticles varied from 0 to 2 wt.%. The microstructural analysis with optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the massive brittle intermetallic phase (β-Mg17Al12) as well as α-Mg grain was significantly refined, enhancing both strengths and ductility of as-cast Mg-12Al-0.2Mn alloys. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that there were SiC nanoparticles in both a-Mg and β-Mg17Al12 phases of the Mg-12Al-0.2Mn nanocomposites. It was found that there was a partial reaction between Mg/Al and SiC nanoparticles, producing Mg2Si intermetallic phases. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed also that the content of Mg2Si phases increased with increasing SiC content, limiting a further ductility enhancement for Mg-12Al-0.2Mn-SiC nanocomposite.
From test validity to construct validity … and back?

Medical Education 2012: 46: 366–371 Context Major changes in thinking about validity have occurred during the past century, shifting the focus in thinking from the validity of the test to the validity of test score interpretations. These changes have resulted from the ‘new’ thinking about validity in which construct validity has emerged as the central or unifying idea of validity today. Construct validity was introduced by Cronbach and Meehl in the mid-1950s in an attempt to address the validity of those many psychological concepts that have no clear referent in reality. To do this, construct validity theory required a nomological network – an elaborate theoretical network of constructs and observations connected by scientific laws – to validate the constructs. However, nomological networks are hard to come by and none that would do the job required by construct validity has been forthcoming to date. Thus, the current construct validity approach has retreated to one of simply ‘interpretation and argument’, but this seems to be too general to tie down the constructs in the way a nomological network would do to give credibility to the validity of the construct. As a result, the concept of validity seems to have been watered down and the credibility of validity claims weakened. Objectives The purpose of this paper is to encourage a discussion of the use of construct validity in medical education, and to suggest that test developers and users reconsider the use of abstract theoretical constructs that have no referent apart from theory. Methods We present a critical review of these concerns about construct validity and provide for contrast a brief overview of a recently proposed view of measurement based on scientific realism and causality analysis.
Localized microarchitecture-level voltage management

Diminishing voltage margins, coupled with power and temperature constraints, call for microarchitecture-level runtime mechanisms for voltage control. This paper describes a localized approach for dynamic voltage management within the domains of a globally asynchronous, locally synchronous (GALS) processor design. Dynamic voltage scaling at this fine grain level permits effective temperature management with less performance impact than global voltage control.
Experimental Characterization and Modeling of the Anisotropy and Tension-Compression Asymmetry of Polycrystalline Molybdenum for Strain Rates Ranging from Quasi-static to Impact

A systematic experimental investigation of the room-temperature quasi-static behavior and dynamic mechanical response of polycrystalline commercially pure molybdenum is presented. It was established that the material has ductility in tension at 10−5/s and that the failure strain is strongly dependent on the orientation. A specimen taken along the rolling direction (RD) sustains large axial strains (20%), while a specimen taken at an angle of 45° to the RD could only sustain 5% strain. It was observed that irrespective of the loading orientation the yield stress in uniaxial compression is larger than in uniaxial tension. While in tension, the material has a strong anisotropy in Lankford coefficients, while in uniaxial compression, it displays weak strain-anisotropy. Due to the material’s limited tensile ductility, successfully acquiring data for impact conditions is very challenging. For the first time, Taylor impact tests were successfully conducted on this material for impact velocities in the range 140–165 m/s. For impact velocities beyond this range, the very high tensile pressures generated in the specimen immediately after impact lead to failure. An elastic–plastic anisotropic model that accounts for all the specificities of the plastic deformation of the material was developed. Validation of the model was done through comparison with data on quasi-static notched specimens and Taylor impact specimens. Quantitative agreement with both global and local strain fields was obtained. In particular, the effect of loading orientation on the response was very well described for all strain rates.
Phase change materials as a viable thermal interface material for high-power electronic applications

Phase change materials (PCMs) are an attractive alternative to thermal greases/pads. While their thermal conductivity is not as good as greases, they are more manufacturable. This paper reports on evaluation of PCMs for high power electronic applications. Conductivity measurements were carried out for several OEM PCMs. In addition experiments were carried out to determine process parameters (to attain target thermal impedance). A few candidates were then evaluated in a single chip module, under different environmental stresses and the results are presented here. The design concept was then extended to an MCM test vehicle and two candidate PCMs were evaluated. Differences in the reliability performance between SCM and MCM form factor are explained.
Nectar resource use by Colias butterflies

Nectar foraging preferences of Colias butterflies in two different mountain ecosystems are examined with respect to plant distribution, nectar quantity, carbohydrate (and amino acid) content of nectar, and visual pattern of the plants utilized and avoided. Colias, and apparently numerous other small, ectothermic, low-energy-demand pollinators, “patronize” plants producing relatively dilute nectars containing a high proportion of monosaccharide sugars and significant amounts of polar, nitrogen-rich amino acids. These plants also converge on a common “target” flower pattern in ultraviolet and human-visible light. High-energy demand, endothermic pollinators, by contrast, appear to require higher concentration nectars and/or higher proportions of di- and oligosaccharide sugars. These results are discussed in the light of water balance and energy budget demands of different pollinator classes. Questions are also raised concerning behavioral aspects of pollinator search for resources and the pertinence of these data to the concept of floral mimicry.
Mechanical relaxation processes in polyacrylonitrile polymers and copolymers

The dynamic mechanical properties of molded and cast polyacrylonitrile and copolymers have been measured by an automatic Rheovibron. The transitions are described for the amorphous, “paracrystalline,” and crystalline phases. Based upon a number of polymer theories of multiple phases in polymeric systems, the transitions have been assigned to specific polymer motions. Three transitions are defined for the alpha transition region. The mechanical response is compared to x-ray diffraction and infrared to ascertain the transition assignments in decreasing order beginning with the highest temperature transition as (1) the main transition for the amorphous phase (T1), (2) dipole–dipole interaction which is related to the “paracrystalline phase” (T2), and (3) secondary transition for the amorphous phase (T3).
Quantifying vertical angle kappa after macular translocation surgery: a new use for the synoptophore.

Purpose: To report the measurement of vertical angle kappa and its application in patients after full macular translocation (MT360) and extraocular muscle surgery (to correct the resultant large angle torsion), in a prospective study. Methods: A custom slide was designed to quantify vertical angle kappa using the synoptophore. The measurement of the vertical angle kappa was performed in the eye that had the MT360, after the macular translocation surgery, extraocular muscle surgery (to correct torsion), and silicone oil removal, all in the same translocated eye. Information gathered included demographic, visual acuity, ocular motility, torsion, past ocular history, and synoptophore examination. Results: Fifty-three subjects met the inclusion criteria (patients who underwent upward MT360, with silicone oil tamponade and extraocular muscle surgery from 3/1999 to 6/2003, and who had visual acuity better than 20/200). Twenty-nine of these subjects were able to complete angle kappa measurement. The mean vertica...
Examining the Effect of Salesperson Service Behavior in a Competitive Context

While few scholars debate the importance of doing things to improve the quality of the buyer-seller relationship, little is known about what salespeople can do after the point of the initial sale to enhance customer satisfaction and trust. On the basis of extensive exploratory interviews across professional selling domains, this research develops a set of behaviors, referred to here as “salesperson service behaviors.” Using data gathered from 358 customers, the authors empirically demonstrate the effect of these behaviors on customer satisfaction and trust and, ultimately, on an objective measure of customer share of market. The authors develop a competitive model that uniquely features customer evaluations of competing sales representatives. The results indicate that these salesperson service behaviors are important in building trust and customer satisfaction, which in turn lead to increases in customer share of market.
A stochastic model for solid particle dispersion in a nonhomogeneous turbulent field

Abstract Dispersion of solid particles in three dimensions in a fully developed nonhomogeneous turbulent flow in a channel was studied. A particle point source at a distance of 40 wall units from the bottom wall was considered. Data were obtained by carrying out experiments in a direct numerical simulation. The relative roles of gravity and of turbulence in dispersing the particles are examined. The results are used to test the accuracy of a stochastic Lagrangian model which utilizes a modified Langevin equation to represent the fluid fluctuations seen by a solid particle. All of the parameters, with the exception of the time scales, are obtained from Eulerian statistics. Good agreement is obtained by assuming the spatial variation of the time scales is the same as would be obtained by examining the dispersion of fluid particles. The Langevin equation is further tested by considering the settling of particles that are uniformly distributed in the flow field at time zero. There is some evidence to support the suggestion that the gravitational settling velocity at the wall is greater than the free-fall velocity.