cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of childhood psoriasis on parents of affected children.

Background Childhood diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, have a negative impact on quality of life (QoL) of parents. How pediatric psoriasis affects a parent's QoL is unknown. Objective To explore the impact of childhood psoriasis on the lives of the parents. Methods Semistructured interviews were conducted with 31 parents of children with psoriasis. Narrative data were analyzed and a conceptual framework of the effects of childhood psoriasis on parents was developed. Results All parents reported that their child's psoriasis caused a substantial, negative impact on their own QoL. A conceptual framework showed a negative impact on health and self-care, emotional well-being, family and social function, personal well-being, and life pursuits. Emotional well-being was the most affected domain. Limitations It was not possible to correlate psoriasis severity with parental QoL. Conclusion Childhood psoriasis alters the QoL of parents in multiple ways. Information from this study can be used to develop a QoL instrument to explore treatment and support strategies for families affected by pediatric psoriasis.
Postextubation management of patients at high risk for reintubation.

Extubation of patients with acute respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation requires careful clinical assessment with attention to the pros and cons related to early versus delayed extubation.
Exposing security risks for commercial mobile devices

Recent advances in the hardware capabilities of mobile hand-held devices have fostered the development of open source operating systems and a wealth of applications for mobile phones and tablet devices. This new generation of smart devices, including iPhone and Google Android, are powerful enough to accomplish most of the user tasks previously requiring a personal computer. Moreover, mobile devices have access to Personally Identifiable Information (PII) from a full suite of sensors such as GPS, camera, microphone and others. In this paper, we discuss the security threats that stem from these new smart device capabilities and the online application markets for mobile devices. These threats include malware, data exfiltration, exploitation through USB, and user and data tracking. We present our ongoing research efforts to defend or mitigate the impact of attacks against mobile devices. Our approaches involve analyzing the source code and binaries of mobile applications, kernel-level and data encryption, and controlling the communication mechanisms for synchronizing the user contents with computers and other phones including updates or new version of the operating system or applications over USB. We also explain the emerging challenges in dealing with these security issues when the end-goal is to deploy security-enhanced smart phones into military and tactical scenarios.
The impact of XBRL on information asymmetry: evidence from loan contracting

This paper examines whether and how the adoption of eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) reduces information asymmetry in loan contracting. We hypothesize that the adoption of XBRL can enhance information dissemination and mitigate the information asymmetry problem between borrowers and lenders. Using a sample of 554 US bank loan contracts, we find that borrowers who adopt XBRL enjoy more favourable price and non-price terms of bank loan contracts. Additional analyses indicate that the relations among XBRL adoption and bank loan price vary with loan structure. Overall, this research provides evidence that technology advancements such as XBRL reduce cost of bank loans by decreasing information asymmetry between borrowers and lenders.
Neural progenitor cells proliferate and differentiate when transplanted into ischemic brain or retina.

57 The adult mammalian brain contains neural stem and progenitor cells (NPCs) that can proliferate, self-renew, and generate all of the cellular elements of the mature brain, including neurons. The ability of NPCs to respond in vivo to injury-induced signals that can direct their differentiation towards multiple distinct neural lineages suggest that these undifferentiated progenitors offer a dynamic and versatile source of cells for neural regeneration following CNS injury. The purpose of this study was to determine if NPCs obtained from rat embryonic cortex would proliferate and differentiate into mature neurons and glia when transplanted in vivo into rat brain or retina subjected to ischemia. Primary undifferentiated progenitor cell clones from embryonic day 14.5 rat cortex were labeled with the cell membrane marker, PKH-26. Donor cells were transplanted into the cerebral cortex (CC), subventricular zone (SVZ) and vitreous cavity (VC) of the eye. In the ischemic animals as well as the control animals, some of the donor cells proliferated and differentiated into oligodendrocytes (CNPase) and astrocytes (GFAP) as early as 7 days following transplantation. By contrast, by 21 increasing to 45 days, most donor cells in CC and SVZ exhibited a neuronal phenotype (NeuN, MAP-2). However, transplantation into the SVZ was highly effective in generating new neurons in ischemic brain whereas direct transplantation into post-ischemic cortex was significantly less effective. Interestingly, donor cells transplanted in VC acquired a neuronal phenotype compatible with those seen in CC. Our data suggest the exogenous NPCs can differentiate into neurons and glia and that local environmental factors differentially regulate the profile of progenitor cell regenerative responses to CNS injury.
Initial Experiments Evolving Spiking Neural Networks with Supervised Learning Capability

Abstract There is currently much research activity aimed at synaptic plasticity methods for spiking neural networks. While many methods have been proposed, there are few that provide for supervised learning. A fundamental premise of the work reported here is that the network topology is key to defining the network’s capabilities: the topology IS the algorithm. Hence, learning at the level of the whole network is an emergent phenomenon of the learning mechanism operating on individual synapses and the topology. Therefore, the topology and the learning mechanism(s) must be designed together, and evolutionary computation (EC) is a suitable technology for this. We report on initial experiments on a relatively simple test problem, the tonic burster, using several types of learning including supervised. We see that EC can locate seemingly good solutions that actually do not solve the desired task; they “cheat” by simply exploiting the supervisory signals. A simple modification of the train-test protocol can solve this. We introduce an approach we call “artificial neurology” for systematically examining the behaviour of a SNN in order to understand how it achieves its performance. Experiments indicate that a combination of Hebbian and supervised learning works best for this task.
Association of Left Atrial Function Index with Atrial Fibrillation and Cardiovascular Disease: The Framingham Offspring Study.

Background Left atrial (LA) size, a marker of atrial structural remodeling, is associated with increased risk for atrial fibrillation (AF) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). LA function may also relate to AF and CVD, irrespective of LA structure. We tested the hypothesis that LA function index (LAFI), an echocardiographic index of LA structure and function, may better characterize adverse LA remodeling and predict incident AF and CVD than existing measures. Methods and Results In 1786 Framingham Offspring Study eighth examination participants (mean age, 66±9 years; 53% women), we related LA diameter and LAFI (derived from the LA emptying fraction, left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral, and indexed maximal LA volume) to incidence of AF and CVD on follow‐up. Over a median follow‐up of 8.3 years (range, 7.5–9.1 years), 145 participants developed AF and 139 developed CVD. Mean LAFI was 34.5±12.7. In adjusted Cox regression models, lower LAFI was associated with higher risk of incident AF (hazard ratio=3.83, 95% confidence interval=2.23–6.59, lowest [Q1] compared with highest [Q4] LAFI quartile) and over 2‐fold higher risk of incident CVD (hazard ratio=2.20, 95% confidence interval=1.32–3.68, Q1 versus Q4). Addition of LAFI, indexed maximum LA volume, or LA diameter to prediction models for AF or CVD did not significantly improve model discrimination for either outcome. Conclusions In our prospective investigation of a moderate‐sized community‐based sample, LAFI, a composite measure of LA size and function, was associated with incident AF and CVD. Addition of LAFI to the risk prediction models for AF or CVD, however, did not significantly improve their performance.
Conclusions and Panel Discussion

he chapters included in this volume represent the bulk of the proceedings from “New Frontiers in the Biology of Stress, Maltreatment and Trauma: Opportunities for translation, resilience and reversibility,” held from September 30 to October 1, 2015.
Student Perceptions of the Purpose and Function of the Laboratory in Science: A Grounded Theory Study.

The laboratory has long been an important part of the undergraduate science experience. This paper reports on a qualitative, grounded theory study on students’ perceptions of the purpose of the laboratory. Thirteen undergraduate chemistry students were interviewed about their experiences in the science laboratory to provide data on students’ understanding of the purpose of the laboratory in science education. Results reveal that students had views that were polar opposites regarding the correlation between laboratory and lecture content material and the effectiveness of the laboratory at enhancing their learning in science. This paper also reveals the need for explicit instruction regarding the purpose of the laboratory to enhance student understanding. Interpretations of these and other findings are provided, along with a schema for approaching the undergraduate perception of the laboratory synthesizing current and past findings.
Self-Assessment Test Corneal Surgery

The cornea consists of three layers: the outer epithelium which provides protection against infection, injury, and desiccation; the central stroma which consists of fibers that provide strength; and the inner endothelium which contains cells that pump fluid out of the cornea to maintain transparency.
STATISTICAL METHODS | Data Analysis: Empirical Orthogonal Functions and Singular Vectors

This article is reproduced from the previous edition, volume 2, pp 617–620, © 2003, Elsevier Ltd.
Abstract 5327: DNA methylation loss in late-replicating domains is linked to mitotic cell division

DNA methylation loss occurs frequently in cancer genomes, primarily within lamina-associated, late-replicating regions termed Partially Methylated Domains (PMDs). We profiled 39 diverse primary tumors and 8 matched adjacent tissues using Whole-Genome Bisulfite Sequencing (WGBS), and analyzed them alongside 343 additional human and 206 mouse WGBS datasets. We identified a local CpG sequence context associated with preferential hypomethylation in PMDs. Analysis of CpGs in this context (“Solo-WCGWs”) revealed previously undetected PMD hypomethylation in almost all healthy tissue types. PMD hypomethylation increases with age in both fetal and postnatal tissues, appearing to track accumulation of cell divisions beginning early in life. In cancer, the degree of PMD hypomethylation correlates with somatic mutation density and expression of cell-cycle dependent genes, reinforcing its mitotic clock-like role. We propose that late replication leads to progressive methylation loss throughout an individual9s lifespan, potentially contributing to the onset of cancer and acting as a biomarker for cellular aging. Citation Format: Wanding Zhou, Huy Q. Dinh, Zachary Ramjan, Daniel J. Weisenberger, Charles M. Nicolet, Hui Shen, Peter W. Laird, Benjamin P. Berman. DNA methylation loss in late-replicating domains is linked to mitotic cell division [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5327.
Evaluating impacts of the municipal forestry institute leadership training on participants’ personal and professional lives

Abstract The Municipal Forestry Institute (MFI) is a continuing education course created by the Society of Municipal Arborists designed to train leaders in the urban forestry field. Offered annually, this leadership course has been attended by almost 500 participants during its first ten years of existence, however the program had never been subject to an extensive evaluation to measure its outcomes and impacts on attendees. A mixed methods approach with a focus group, interviews and an online survey was used to measure results and behavioral change using two levels of Kirkpatrick’s evaluation framework. Data revealed substantial impact in three areas: change of perspective, personal growth, and professional growth realized as a result of attending MFI. An increase in leadership knowledge, increased confidence, and an expanded professional network were the three most common outcomes of the MFI. This research unearthed observable and measurable evidence about what happened to participants as a result of attending MFI, and collected opinions and captured stories about how MFI impacted them and their careers.
Dietary Depletion of Milk Exosomes and Their MicroRNA Cargos Elicits a Depletion of miR-200a-3p and Elevated Intestinal Inflammation and Chemokine (C-X-C Motif) Ligand 9 Expression in Mdr1a-/- Mice.

Background Exosomes transfer regulatory microRNAs (miRs) from donor cells to recipient cells. Exosomes and miRs originate from both endogenous synthesis and dietary sources such as milk. miR-200a-3p is a negative regulator of the proinflammatory chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 9 (CXCL9). Male Mdr1a-/- mice spontaneously develop clinical signs of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Objectives We assessed whether dietary depletion of exosomes and miRs alters the severity of IBD in Mdr1a-/- mice owing to aberrant regulation of proinflammatory cytokines. Methods Starting at 5 wk of age, 16 male Mdr1a-/- mice were fed either milk exosome- and RNA-sufficient (ERS) or milk exosome- and RNA-depleted (ERD) diets. The ERD diet is characterized by a near-complete depletion of miRs and a 60% loss of exosome bioavailability compared with ERS. Mice were killed when their weight loss exceeded 15% of peak body weight. Severity of IBD was assessed by histopathological evaluation of cecum. Serum cytokine and chemokine concentrations and mRNA and miR tissue expression were analyzed by multiplex ELISAs, RNA-sequencing analysis, and qRT-PCR, respectively. Results Stromal collapse, gland hyperplasia, and additive microscopic disease scores were (mean ± SD) 56.7% ± 23.3%, 23.5% ± 11.8%, and 29.6% ± 8.2% lower, respectively, in ceca of ERS mice than of ERD mice (P < 0.05). The serum concentration of CXCL9 was 35.0% ± 31.0% lower in ERS mice than in ERD mice (P < 0.05). Eighty-seven mRNAs were differentially expressed in the ceca from ERS and ERD mice; 16 of these mRNAs are implicated in immune function. The concentrations of 4 and 1 out of 5 miRs assessed (including miR-200a-3p) were ≤63% lower in livers and ceca, respectively, from ERD mice than from ERS mice. Conclusions Milk exosome and miR depletion exacerbates cecal inflammation in Mdr1a-/- mice.
Indigenous Food Sovereignty in the United States: Restoring Cultural Knowledge, Protecting Environments, and Regaining Health (Devon A. Mihesuah and Elizabeth Hoover, eds)

This book review examines Devon A. Mihesuah's and Elizabeth Hoover's Indigenous Food Sovereignty in the United States: Restoring Cultural Knowledge, Protecting Environments, and Regaining Health. Mihesuah's and Hoover's book highlights movements in the US that combat the health decline colonial food practices have brought upon Indigenous communities. Similarly, the authors recognize the harmful ways that the food industry, as a part of the neoliberal economic system, is wasteful and harming the environment--both at a local and global level. This text sheds light on important issues and ways that Indigenous communities are challenging the food industry by aiming to restore Indigenous food practices and food sovereignty.
REM-related obstructive sleep apnea: when does it matter? Effect on motor memory consolidation versus emotional health.

Study Objectives:The clinical importance of obstructive sleep apnea, which can be prevalent during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, is unclear. The current study examines the effect of REM-related o...
Advocating for the Gender Nonconforming Child: The Obscurity of the “Trans” Parent

Strong parental support of transgender youth reduces their risk of self-harm and suicide, yet the challenges parents/caregivers face in advocating for a transgender child are immense. Until recently, parenting a gender nonconforming child has been culturally unintelligible, where children and their families were publicly invisible because they were subject to systemic processes of erasure. Professional support for these children reinforced heteronormative, binary gender expression and repressive signs of diversity, leading to the “non apparent” status of childhood gender nonconformity. Parents were viewed through the framework of parental psychopathology and mother blame. In this context, we discuss how parental advocacy for transgender children takes a special form: closer than allies, but never sharing the experiences of the children for whom we advocate.
Trace Metals Speciation in Nearshore Anoxic and Suboxic Pore Waters

Sedimentary pore waters were obtained seasonally from two nearshore areas in Long Island Sound, U.S.A. The pore waters were collected, separated from the sediments and analyzed utilizing an inert atmosphere and ultra-clean laboratory techniques in order to minimize any artifacts due to improper sampling and contamination. The pore fluids were analyzed for a variety of major and minor components as well as the trace metals Fe, Mn, Cu, Cd and Ag. The sediments from Branford Harbor were anoxic and bacterially mediated sulfate reduction was the major biogeochemical process taking place. As this process proceeds, SO 4 2− is consumed and HS−, PO 4 3− , NH 4 + , titration alkalinity and dissolved organic carbon are produced. Thermodynamic calculations indicate that metal-polysulfide and bisulfide complexes may control the concentrations of dissolved Cu, and Ag in these pore waters, while the concentrations of Fe, Mn and Cd are controlled by other inorganic species. Except for Cu, there is little evidence to suggest that complexation with dissolved organic matter plays a major role in controlling the solubility of these trace metals in the anoxic waters under investigation.
Towards Conducting Responsible Research with Teens and Parents regarding Online Risks

We conducted an exploratory interview study with 10 undergraduate college students (ages 18-21) to get their feedback on how to best design a research study that asks teens (ages 13-17) to share portions of their Instagram data with their parents and discuss their online risk experiences. These young adults felt that teens should have as much control as possible when sharing their data, including the way that it was used in discussions with their parents. Our findings highlight the need to ensure researchers preserve the privacy and confidentiality of teens' social media data.
Consumers’ perception of reduced calorie meals: How low is “Low-Calorie”?

With consumers becoming increasingly health conscious, the demand for reduced calorie food has significantly increased over the years. However, the definition of low-calorie food remains unclear. T...
Abstract IA14: mTOR as a central regulator of T-cell activation, differentiation, and function

While the exquisite specificity of the T-cell receptor (TCR) MHC + peptide interaction heralds recognition, it is ultimately the cues from the immune microenvironment that dictate the outcome of this recognition. Our lab has proposed that mTOR plays a critical role in integrating signals and thus determining the outcome of antigen recognition. Indeed, we have demonstrated that mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling can selectively guide CD4+ effector and regulatory T-cell differentiation and function as well as CD8+ effector and memory T-cell differentiation and function. Recent studies have revealed that mTOR performs this function in part by coordinating T-cell activation and function with metabolic reprogramming. Consequently, targeting downstream mTOR signaling and metabolism can promote T-cell effector function and persistence in order to enhance cancer immunotherapy. Likewise, targeting mTOR can inhibit T-effector function and promote the generation of regulatory T cells to treat autoimmune disease and prevent transplantation rejection. Citation Format: Jonathan Powell, Chirag Patel, Hong Sun, Michael Claiborne. mTOR as a central regulator of T-cell activation, differentiation, and function [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Targeting PI3K/mTOR Signaling; 2018 Nov 30-Dec 8; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2020;18(10_Suppl):Abstract nr IA14.
Early loss of cerebellar Purkinje cells in human and a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

Background: The cerebellum’s involvement in AD has been under-appreciated by historically labeling as a normal control in AD research. Methods: We determined the involvement of the cerebellum in AD...
Smartphone-Based VO2max Measurement With Heart Snapshot in Clinical and Real-world Settings With a Diverse Population: Validation Study.

Background: Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) is one of the most predictive biometrics for cardiovascular health and overall mortality. However, VO2max is rarely measured in large-scale research studies or routine clinical care because of the high cost, participant burden, and requirement for specialized equipment and staff. Objective: To overcome the limitations of clinical VO2max measurement, we aim to develop a digital VO2max estimation protocol that can be self-administered remotely using only the sensors within a smartphone. We also aim to validate this measure within a broadly representative population across a spectrum of smartphone devices. Methods: Two smartphone-based VO2max estimation protocols were developed: a 12-minute run test (12-MRT) based on distance measured by GPS and a 3-minute step test (3-MST) based on heart rate recovery measured by a camera. In a 101-person cohort, balanced across age deciles and sex, participants completed a gold standard treadmill-based VO2max measurement, two silver standard clinical protocols, and the smartphone-based 12-MRT and 3-MST protocols in the clinic and at home. In a separate 120-participant cohort, the video-based heart rate measurement underlying the 3-MST was measured for accuracy in individuals across the spectrum skin tones while using 8 different smartphones ranging in cost from US $99 to US $999. Results: When compared with gold standard VO2max testing, Lin concordance was pc=0.66 for 12-MRT and pc=0.61 for 3-MST. However, in remote settings, the 12-MRT was significantly less concordant with the gold standard (pc=0.25) compared with the 3-MST (pc=0.61), although both had high test-retest reliability (12-MRT intraclass correlation coefficient=0.88; 3-MST intraclass correlation coefficient=0.86). On the basis of the finding that 3-MST concordance was generalizable to remote settings whereas 12-MRT was not, the video-based heart rate measure within the 3-MST was selected for further investigation. Heart rate measurements in any of the combinations of the six Fitzpatrick skin tones and 8 smartphones resulted in a concordance of pc≥0.81. Performance did not correlate with device cost, with all phones selling under US $200 performing better than pc>0.92. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the importance of validating mobile health measures in the real world across a diverse cohort and spectrum of hardware. The 3-MST protocol, termed as heart snapshot, measured VO2max with similar accuracy to supervised in-clinic tests such as the Tecumseh (pc=0.94) protocol, while also generalizing to remote and unsupervised measurements. Heart snapshot measurements demonstrated fidelity across demographic variation in age and sex, across diverse skin pigmentation, and between various iOS and Android phone configurations. This software is freely available for all validation data and analysis code.
The Weight of the Past

The question that this paper seeks to answer is that of whether the resistance to change that characterizes the conservative temperament has any rational basis. More precisely, my question is wheth...
Universal lifelong fungal prophylaxis and risk of coccidioidomycosis in lung transplant recipients living in an endemic area.

Background Lung transplant recipients residing in the endemic region are vulnerable to severe morbidity and mortality from Coccidioides. As infection risk persists beyond the first post-transplant year, investigations evaluating extended prophylaxis durations are needed. The purpose of this study is to assess the incidence of coccidioidomycosis among lung transplant recipients receiving universal lifelong azole antifungal prophylaxis. Methods Recipients transplanted 2013-2018 and initiated on azole antifungal prophylaxis at a lung transplantation center in Arizona were included and followed through 2019 or until death, second transplant, or loss to follow-up. Recipients who died or received treatment for coccidioidomycosis during the transplant admission, or who had received a previous transplant were excluded. The primary outcome was proven or probable coccidioidomycosis with new asymptomatic seropositivity assessed secondarily. Results A total of 493 lung transplant recipients were included, with 82% initiated on itraconazole prophylaxis, 9.3% on voriconazole, and 8.5% on posaconazole. Mean age at transplant was 62 years, 77% were diabetic, and 8% were seropositive for Coccidioides pre-transplant. After a median follow-up of 31 months, one proven infection and one case of new asymptomatic seropositivity (1/493 each, 0.2% incidence) occurred during the study period. The single coccidioidomycosis case occurred 5 years post-transplant in a patient who had azole prophylaxis stopped several months prior. Although within-class switches were common throughout the study period, permanent discontinuation of azole prophylaxis was rare (1.4% at end of follow-up). Conclusions Universal lifelong azole prophylaxis was associated with a low rate of coccidioidomycosis among lung transplant recipients residing in endemic regions.
Conceptus interferon gamma is essential for establishment of pregnancy in the pig.

Establishment and maintenance of pregnancy in the pig is a complex process that relies on conceptus regulation of the maternal proinflammatory response to endometrial attachment. Following elongation, pig conceptuses secrete interferon gamma (IFNG) during attachment to the endometrial luminal epithelium. The objective here was to determine if conceptus production of IFNG is important for early development and establishment of pregnancy. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and somatic cell nuclear transfer technologies were used to create an IFNG loss-of-function study in pigs. Wild-type (IFNG+/+) and null (IFNG-/-) fibroblast cells were used to create embryos through somatic cell nuclear transfer. IFNG expression was not detected in IFNG-/- conceptuses on either day 15 or day 17 of pregnancy. Ablation of conceptus IFNG production resulted in the reduction of stromal CD3+ and mast cells which localized to the site of conceptus attachment on day 15. The uteri of recipients with IFNG-/- conceptuses were inflamed, hyperemic and there was an abundance of erythrocytes in the uterine lumen associated with the degenerating conceptuses. The endometrial stromal extracellular matrix was altered in the IFNG-/- embryo pregnancies and there was an increased endometrial mRNA levels for collagen XVII (COL17A1), matrilin 1 (MATN1), secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) and cysteine-rich secretory protein 3 (CRISP3), which are involved with repair and remodeling of the extracellular matrix. These results indicate conceptus IFNG production is essential in modulating the endometrial proinflammatory response for conceptus attachment and survival in pigs.
The Rhetoric ­of­ Medicine: Lessons­ of­ Professionalism from ­Ancient Greece by Nigel Nicholson and Nathan R. Selden

This is not a book about formal or classical rhetoric in medical writing. The authors’ approach to “rhetoric” has more to do with examining the ethical elements found in the sociocultural conceptualizations and self-presentations of physicians, particularly in respect to ancient Greek physicians of the sixth and fifth centuries bc and modern physicians. Reviewed by: Todd A. Curtis, Published Online (2021-08-31)Copyright © 2021 by Todd A. CurtisThis open access publication is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License (CC BY-NC-ND) Article PDF Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/aestimatio/article/view/37725/28727 Corresponding Author: Todd A. Curtis,University of Texas at AustinE-Mail: todd.curtis@utexas.edu
Algebraic Techniques for Rectification of Finite Field Circuits

This paper addresses the rectification of faulty finite field arithmetic circuits by computing patch functions at internal nets using techniques from polynomial algebra. Contemporary approaches that utilize SAT solving and Craig interpolation are infeasible in rectifying arithmetic circuits. Given candidate nets, prior algebra-based techniques can ascertain whether the circuit admits multi-fix rectification at these nets but cannot compute patch functions. We show how the algebraic computing model facilitates the exploration of admissible rectification functions, collectively, for the nets. This model also enables the exploitation of don’t care conditions for the synthesis and realization of the patches. Experimental results on large operand width finite field benchmarks, as used in cryptography, substantiate our approach.
Clarifying nipple confusion

Nipple confusion, an infant's difficulty with or preference for one feeding mechanism over another after exposure to artificial nipple(s), has been widely debated. This is in part due to conflicting statements, one by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2005 suggesting that infants should be given a pacifier to protect against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and the other by the World Health Organization in 2009 stating that breastfeeding infants should never be given artificial nipples. Despite the limited and inconsistent evidence, nipple confusion is widely believed by practitioners. Therefore, there is a unique opportunity to examine the evidence surrounding nipple confusion by assessing the research that supports/refutes that bottle feeding/pacifier use impedes breastfeeding efficacy/success/duration. This review examined 14 articles supporting and refuting nipple confusion. These articles were reviewed using the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Rating Scale. Based on our review, we have found emerging evidence to suggest the presence of nipple confusion only as it relates to bottle usage and found very little evidence to support nipple confusion with regards to pacifier use. The primary difficulty in conclusively studying nipple confusion is establishing causality, namely determining whether bottles'/pacifiers' nipples are causing infants to refuse the breast or whether they are simply markers of other maternal/infant characteristics. Future research should focus on prospectively examining the causality of nipple confusion.
Respectable and professional? A review of financial and economic misconduct in diplomatic relations

Abstract This article seeks to encourage a more thorough reflections on the involvement of diplomatic agents and international civil servants in white-collar crime. How have diplomatic agents and international civil servants been involved in financial and economic crime? How have diplomatic privileges and immunities been abused? What barriers to investigation and prosecution do special diplomatic entitlements create? Driven by these questions, the theoretical part of the article delves into the study of diplomatic privileges and immunities based on a review of academic literature on the topic and relevant international law, primarily the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The empirical part presents a qualitative analysis of several case studies of offences committed by diplomatic agents and international civil servants in the course of their official duties. The findings of the article shed light on the risks of and possible responses to crimes committed by persons with diplomatic immunities and privileges, a breach of which is difficult to identify and prosecute.
BANACH SPACES FAILING THE ALMOST ISOMETRIC UNIVERSAL EXTENSION PROPERTY

If X is an infinite dimensional, separable, uniformly smooth Banach space, then there is an c > 0, a Banach space Y containing X as a closed subspace and a norm one map T from X to a C(K) space which does not extend to an operator T from Y to C(K) with l1THl C(K) of T such that 11Thl 0, a fact which was generalized to (E, co(F)) by Johnson and Zippin [JZ]. Since c0 is separably injective, it follows that any subspace E of c0 has the (2 +?E)-UEP for all E > 0. (It is not hard to show that, in fact, if (E, X) has the M-EP and X has the N-UEP, then E has the NM-UEP; see below.) Turning now to spaces which have the 1-UEP, we see that the situation is completely solved. A result of Kalman's implies (cf. [K],[L]) that if the dual ball of a finite dimensional Banach space E has only finitely many extreme points, then E has the 1-UEP. In [L], Lindenstrauss proved the converse; namely, if a Banach space has the 1-UEP, then the dual ball of E can have only finitely many extreme points. However, the almost isometric case is still open. It is easy to see from Kalman's result that all finite dimensional spaces have the (1 + E)-UEP for alle > 0, which is the only positive result in this direction to date. In this paper we investigate whether finite dimensional spaces are the only spaces which have the (1 +,E)-UEP for all E > 0, which we refer to as the almost isometric universal extension property (AIUEP). Using a technique similar to one in [L], we Received by the editors December 23, 1996 and, in revised form, April 25, 1997. 1991 Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary 46B20. The author was supported in part by the NSF through the Workshop in Linear Analysis and Probability at Texas A&M. ( 1998 American Mathematical Society
Abstract 13946: Sleep Problems on Simvastatin Differentially Predict Weight Change in Men

Background and Goal: Sleep problems were significantly increased on simvastatin (simva) (but not pravastatin) vs placebo in the UCSD Statin Study. Sleep problems on simva predicted glucose rise. Weight gain has also been reported as a statin side effect. We sought to capitalize on existing data to assess whether sleep problems on simva related to weight gain in men. Method: 442 men without known diabetes or CVD were randomized to simva 20mg or placebo for 6 mon. One hundred eighty and 186 completed single-item self-rating of change in sleep problems vs baseline (Δslpprob). Weight (lb) was measured at baseline and 6 mon. Missing 6 mon values were imputed. Analyses: A. Regressions stratified by treatment assessed prediction of weight change by Δslpprob, adjusted for baseline weight. B. Regressions assessed prediction of weight change by the interaction term of simva (vs placebo) x Δslpprob, adjusted for the components of the interaction and baseline weight. Since age-related muscle loss may complicate weigh...
On Relative Orbital Rotation in Relativity Theory

I want to consider this question within the framework of relativity theory: given two point particles X and Y, if Y is rotating relative to X, does it follow that X is rotating relative to 7? To keep the discussion as simple as possible, I’ll allow X and Y to be test particles.
Self-Motion Representation and Global Path Planning Optimization for Redundant Manipulators through Topology-Based Discretization

This paper addresses manipulator redundancy from a global perspective, aiming at kinematic control through the exploration of self-motion topology. The methodology is based on collecting information about the structure of the kinematic map with the use of topological tools, providing an overall view of the configuration space and its relationship to the work space – a suitable framework for the efficient implementation of global approaches. A space discretization method has been developed to benefit from the topological structure, embedding kinematics in its representation. This method enables an efficient exploration of global redundancy resolution and path planning, offering the means to avoid local minima and deadlocks with minimum effort. The discretization was implemented for a planar manipulator, demonstrating significant improvement in the search for globally optimum solutions of path planning when compared to traditional approaches.
Abstract 49: Knockout of ADAMTS7, a Novel Human CAD Locus, Reduces Atherosclerosis in Both LDLR and APOE Hyperlipidemic Mouse Models

Multiple genome-wide association studies demonstrate that the genomic locus containing the gene ADAMTS7 is associated with coronary artery disease in humans. ADAMTS7 was not linked to cardiovascular disease prior to those genetic studies, and to date this association has not been validated in experimental models of atherosclerosis. An Adamts7 (Ats7) knockout mouse, with knock-in of a β-galactosidase reporter gene, was bred onto both the LDLR and APOE KO hyperlipidemic mouse models. Atherosclerosis studies were performed on the resultant Ats7/LDLR and Ats7/APOE double KO (dKO) mice and control littermates. Mice were fed western diet for 16 weeks (LDLR) or 10 weeks (APOE), and aortas and aortic roots were harvested for lesion area quantification. In addition, brachiocephalic arteries were dissected for immunohistochemical analysis of lesion composition. No differences in plasma lipids were observed between experimental groups in either study. Ats7/LDLR dKO males (N=7) and females (N=13) displayed significan...
Decentralized voting protocols

Decentralized voting protocols, in which all nodes execute the same protocol and reach the same result in a decentralized and autonomous way, are proposed. When a decentralized voting protocol is implemented by using one-round message exchange, it requires n(n-1) messages, where n is the number of nodes. The number of messages can be reduced by using multiple-round message exchange. The computation in each node is described in terms of a finite-state automaton, and communication structures for it are given. It is shown that kn(n/sup 1/k/ - 1) messages are sufficient when messages are exchanged in k rounds. >
Transactional Analysis: Conceptualizing a Framework for Illuminating Human Experience

Myriad methods exist for analyzing qualitative data. It is, however, imperative for qualitative researchers to employ data analysis tools that are congruent with the theoretical frameworks underpinning their inquiries. In this paper, I have constructed a framework for analyzing data that could be useful for researchers interested in focusing on the transactional nature of language as they engage in Social Science research. Transactional Analysis (TA) is an inductive approach to data analysis that transcends constant comparative methods of exploring data. Drawing on elements of narrative and thematic analysis, TA uses the theories of Bakhtin and Rosenblatt to attend to the dynamic processes researchers identify as they generate themes in their data and seek to understand how their participants’ worldviews are being shaped. This paper highlights the processes researchers can utilize to study the mutual shaping that occurs as participants read and enter into dialogue with the world around them.
SP-100/Brayton power system concepts

Use of closed Brayton cycle (CBC) power conversion technology has been investigated for use with SP-100 reactors for space power systems. The CBC power conversion technology is being developed to provide highly efficient power conversion with radioisotope and solar collector heat sources. Characteristics including mass, radiator area, thermal power, and operating temperatures for systems utilizing SP-100 reactor and CBC power conversion technology were determined for systems in the 10 to 100 kWe power range. Possible SP-100 reactor/CBC power system configurations are presented. Advantages of CBC power conversion technology with regard to reactor thermal power, operating temperature, and development status are discussed. >
Investigation of thyroid, head, and neck cancers with PET

PET with [(18)F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) has been accepted as a useful imaging modality for the diagnosis of a variety of malignancies. This article discusses the use of FDG-PET in the management of patients with thyroid and head or neck cancers.
Where do we stand on the autoimmunity hypothesis of Chagas disease

The question posed in the title elicits as much controversy today as it did when I wrote about this subject in the first issue of Parasitology Today 20 years ago. A consensus is now emerging that Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, bears primary responsibility for producing chagasic pathology. Whether one or more of the autoimmune events described in human and experimental Chagas disease can contribute to, or aggravate, this pathology is the current question.
Erectile Dysfunction and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Secondary to BPH

Abstract Introduction: The relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED) have received increased attention recently because both diseases are highly prevalent, frequently co-associate in the same aging male group, and contribute significantly to the overall quality of life. The association between these two diseases has also garnered attention as investigators have hypothesized a common pathophysiology to explain the assertion that they are causally linked. Methods: A causal association between LUTS and ED cannot be established on the basis of the ever-increasing number of epidemiological studies. Attempting to explain a causal relationship between ED and LUTS needs to be examined using Hill's criterion, which is used by many epidemiologists to separate causal from non-causal explanations. Results: Given the epidemiological components of the Hill's Causality method, it is clear that there is a strong strength of association, internal consistency, and dose response effects between ED and LUTS. Because of the strong cross-sectional flavor to the epidemiological studies, the temporal relationships between ED and LUTS remain unknown. The issue of an "alternate explanation" to describe the LUTS-ED association appears to be accounted for in that several large studies have provided convincing multiple regression analyses in which the ED-LUTS relationship remains significant. The link between ED and LUTS has biologic plausibility given the four leading theories of how these diseases interrelate. These explanations fall into four theories each with a variable amount of supporting data. These include: (1) NOS/NO levels decreased or altered in the prostate and penile smooth muscle, (2) Autonomic hyperactivity effects on LUTS, prostate growth and ED., (3) increased Rho-kinase activation/endothelin activity, and (4) prostate and penile ischemia. Conclusions: LUTS and sexual dysfunction are highly prevalent in aging men. Both conditions are also significant contributors to overall quality of life. New data has emerged to indicate potential links in epidemiological, physiologic, pathophysiologic and treatment aspects of these two entities.
Bringing the church to its knees: evangelical Christianity, feminism, and domestic violence discourse

In evangelical Christian communities, there is a small but significant movement to address the issue of domestic violence through the integration of ‘biblical feminism’ and traditional interpretations of scripture. This paper explores the multiple uses of domestic violence discourse in evangelical churches, including how categories such as domestic violence and family abuse may be used as a discursive strategy in resisting less readily articulated female grievances. Based primarily on participant observation of the Christians Addressing Family Abuse (CAFA) conference, the authors describe key conflicts that emerged between feminist and evangelical Christian frameworks, and the role of counseling principles in mediating conflicting understandings of domestic violence. The analysis explains how domestic violence has emerged as a focal point for women in both resisting and accommodating to church doctrine. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Redes y negocios globales en el mundo ibérico, siglos XVI–XVIII

Redes y negocios globales en el mundo iberico, siglos XVI–XVIII Coords. Nikolaus Bottcher, Bernd Hausberger, Antonio Ibarra Iberoamericana/Vervuert, 2011 312 pp. (ISBN 9788484895565) The editors of...
Dietary supplementation with fish oil in ulcerative colitis.

Abstract ▪Objective:To determine the efficacy of fish oil supplementation in patients with active ulcerative colitis. ▪Design:Multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover tr...
The effect of mono- and divalent salts on the rise and decay kinetics of EPR signal II in Photosystem II preparations from spinach.

Abstract The rise and decay kinetics of EPR signal II have been used to probe the organization of the donor side of Photosystem II (PS II) before and after extraction of PS II preparations with high concentrations of salt. 800 mM NaCl or 500–800 mM NaBr substantially depletes the preparations of the 16 and 24 kDa proteins and decreases the steady-state rate of O 2 -evolution by 70–80% from control rates. These treatments do not largely alter the decay kinetics of Signal II; the rise kinetics remain in the instrument limited time range (2 μs or less) during the first 8–12 flashes. Treating PS II preparations with 800 mM CaCl 2 removes the 16, 24 and 33 kDa proteins with at least 95% inhibition of the steady-state rates of O 2 evolution. The additional removal of the 33 kDa polypeptide decreases the rates of oxidation and rereduction of Z, the species responsible for Signal II. Preparations treated with either mono- or divalent salts show a steady-state light-induced increase in Signal II similar to that seen in Tris-washed samples. Such a steady-state increase indicates that the rate of electron transport from water to Z is greatly decreased or blocked. The data are interpreted within a model in which there is an intermediate electron carrier between the O 2 evolving complex and Z.
Two-dimensional gauge theories with diagonal SU(N) color

Abstract Two-dimensional gauge theories with diagonal SU ( N ) color symmetry are analyzed in the limit of strong coupling using bosonization techniques. A spectrum of heavy mesons is found in addition to a spectrum of light baryon and baryonium states. Exotic behavior is also found for various values of the { Θ i } parameters.
Design of the mechanical housing for the LCI energetic particle instrumentation package in a Medium Earth Orbit

A mechanical housing design is developed to ensure the survival of electronics and optimize the performance of solid state detectors orbiting through the Van Allen radiation belts. This design is part of the Loss Cone Imager on board the AFRL's DSX satellite and consists of three mechanically separate units: Fixed Sensor Head; High Sensitivity Telescope; and Central Electronics Unit. These units need to withstand the vibrations and shocks associated with launch as well as provide shielding to highly energetic radiation and micrometeorite impacts. To obtain optimal performance from the detectors and high reliability from the electronics thermal restrictions are incorporated into the mechanical designs.