cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Parentification Inventory: Development, Validation, and Cross-Validation

Despite the ubiquitous nature of parentification, few instruments allow for the empirical study of the roles, responsibilities, and processes that undergird this construct. To fill this need, the researchers developed and refined a new instrument, the Parentification Inventory (PI; Hooper, 2009). A sample of 847 college students was split into two random, non-overlapping samples. For these initial survey development and cross-validation studies, the factor structure and psychometric properties of the PI were examined. To assess the PI's reliability, the researchers conducted an exploratory factor analysis (Study 1) using the first sub-sample of 431 students (mean age = 20.86, SD = 3.55). The researchers used the results to refine the PI and conducted a subsequent confirmatory factor analysis (Study 2) using the second, non-overlapping sample of 416 students (mean age = 20.89, SD = 3.83). The best fitting and most parsimonious model resulted in 22 items that cohered into three unique, replicable factors th...
Action Research As an Ethics Praxis Method

Action research is combined research and practical action where the researcher joins with and acts with practitioners to help improve practice and theory building. Action research can be a form of Aristotelian critical, ethical praxis that developmentally changes the action researcher and the external world. Bernstein’s (Praxis and action, 1971) and Eikeland’s (The ways of Aristotle, 2008) interpretations of Aristotelian ethics praxis are considered. The Argyris et al. (Action science: concepts, methods, and skills for research and intervention, 1985) “action-science” and the van de Ven (Engaged scholarship: A guide for organizational and research knowledge, 2007) “engaged scholarship” forms of action research with their differently nuanced interpretations of Aristotelian philosophy as foundations for action research are considered and compared as examples of action research as an ethics praxis method with respect to (1) a key similarity with respect to joining of critical ethics and actionable knowledge; (2) another key similarity with respect to action research practice that can developmentally change the action researcher and the external world; and (3) a key difference with respect to academic literature versus practitioner-based theory building is also considered (Nielsen J Bus Ethics 93:401–406, 2010a). Examples in the cases of the political economist and action researcher, Hirschmann’s “Exit,Voice, Loyalty” approach and Greenleaf’s “Servant Leadership” approach to action research as forms of Aristotelian critical, ethical praxis are analyzed.
Relaxation kinetics of denaturation of DNA.

The one-dimensional Ising model, with nearest-neighbor correlations only, used earlier in equilibrium studies of melting of DNA is extended to study the relaxation kinetics of copolymeric synthetic DNA near the melting temperature. An exponential kinetics, in agreement with the observations, has been found.
Adaptive control for packet video

Describes a portable and robust software mechanism for adaptive frame rate control for real time packet video transfer and viewing in workstation environments. No special hardware or system support is assumed. It includes (1) a responsive feedback system for dynamic presentation layer rate control in response to network load, (2) a simple and effective transport layer flow control scheme built upon an unreliable network protocol, and (3) data structures and scheduling support for integrating the rate and flow control mechanisms. The authors demonstrate that excellent jitter control is achieved by gracefully trading image resolution, and loss rates can be drastically reduced by appropriate flow control. >
Creating temporally dynamic web search snippets

Content on the Internet is always changing. We explore the value of biasing search result snippets towards new webpage content. We present results from a user study comparing traditional query-focused snippets with snippets that emphasize new page content for two query types: general and trending. Our results indicate that searchers prefer the inclusion of temporal information for trending queries but not for general queries, and that this is particularly valuable for pages that have not been recently crawled.
Instability of the hip in patients with Down Syndrome: improved results with complete redirectional acetabular osteotomy.

Background: The treatment of hip instability in patients with Down syndrome is challenging, and the literature provides little data to guide treatment. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate our results with complete redirectional acetabular osteotomy and to compare these results with our experience with other procedures. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated all patients with Down syndrome who underwent surgery for the treatment of gross hip instability or symptomatic acetabular dysplasia with or without subluxation. Medical records were reviewed for symptoms and demographic information. On the basis of the primary procedure, the patients were separated into Group A (periacetabular or triple osteotomy) or Group B (varus femoral osteotomy with or without incomplete acetabuloplasty [e.g., Dega osteotomy or shelf acetabuloplasty]). Preoperative and latest postoperative radiographs were used to compare the extrusion index, the lateral center-edge angle, the Tonnis angle, and the continuity of the Shenton line. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were measured for acetabular version. Results: We identified thirty-five hips (twenty-three patients), including twenty-five hips in Group A and ten in Group B. The mean age was 11.8 years, and the mean duration of follow-up was 5.3 years. Preoperatively, the acetabula were retroverted in both groups. Patients in Group A had worse initial hip pathology than those in Group B, as indicated by a higher mean extrusion index (50% compared with 33%; p = 0.06), a smaller center-edge angle (1° compared with 15°; p = 0.003), a larger Tonnis angle (21° compared with 10°; p = 0.001), and a smaller percentage of patients with an intact Shenton line (20% compared with 40%; p = 0.39). Most recent radiographs, however, showed superior results for Group A, including a lower mean extrusion index (10% compared with 29%; p < 0.0001), a larger center-edge angle (33° compared with 14°; p < 0.001), a smaller Tonnis angle (−1° compared with 10°; p < 0.001), and a larger percentage of patients with an intact Shenton line (88% compared with 70%; p = 0.32). Preoperatively, eighteen hips demonstrated gross instability: twelve were treated with either periacetabular osteotomy or triple innominate osteotomy, and all but one (92%) remained stable at the time of the latest follow-up. In contrast, six hips were treated with femoral osteotomy with or without incomplete acetabuloplasty, with only three (50%) remaining stable. Conclusions: Complete redirectional acetabular osteotomies are successful for stabilizing the hip and for correcting acetabular dysplasia in patients with Down syndrome. Level of Evidence: Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The Sensitivity of Numerically Simulated Cyclic Mesocyclogenesis to Variations in Model Physical and Computational Parameters

Abstract In a previous paper, a three-dimensional numerical model was used to study the evolution of successive mesocyclones produced by a single supercell storm, that is, cyclic mesocyclogenesis. Not all supercells, simulated or observed, exhibit this behavior, and few previous papers in the literature mention it. As a first step toward identifying and understanding the conditions needed to produce cyclic redevelopments within supercell updrafts, this paper examines the effect on cyclic mesocyclogenesis of variations in model physical and computational parameters. Specified changes in grid spacing, numerical diffusion, microphysics options, and the coefficient of surface friction are found to alter, in some cases dramatically, the number and duration of simulated mesocyclone cycles. For example, a decrease from 2.0 to 0.5 km in horizontal grid spacing transforms a nearly perfectly steady, noncycling supercell into one that exhibits three distinct mesocyclone cycles during the same time period. Decreasing...
N=4 SYM on R x S**3 and PP wave

We consider the radial quantization of = 4 super Yang-Mills (SYM) in 4 dimensions, i.e., = 4 SYM on a cylinder R × S3. We construct the generators of superconformal symmetry in the case of U(N) gauge group, generalizing the earlier work by Nicolai et al. for U(1) gauge group. We study how these generators contract to the symmetry of pp-wave when they act on a state with large R-charge.
Making Meaning as a Way of Staying at the Table

Meaning making is at the heart of all learning; it is through our attempts to make sense of the world around us that we are able to navigate the challenges of life. Meaning making is also, I believ...
Child-Centered Play Therapy Parent Services: a Q-Methodological Investigation

Child-centered play therapy (CCPT) is an empirically supported and developmentally appropriate counseling intervention for young children. Despite the clinical effectiveness of CCPT with children, no known study has been conducted in which parents were surveyed or interviewed regarding the services they have received as a part of their children’s participation in CCPT. Therefore, this study was designed to gain a better understanding of parents’ reported needs and expectations in CCPT. This study utilized Q-methodology in which participants completed a Q-sort by actively sorting 40 items on a continuum of least important to most important. Items included services and processes regarded by CCPT scholars and child therapy practitioners as being important to working with parents. Data was collected from 19 parents of children receiving CCPT services in a community-based counseling clinic. Participants included 16 females and 3 males; 15 Caucasian and 4 Hispanic; and 14 biological parents, 2 adoptive parents, and 3 other biological caregivers. Data was analyzed using centroid factor analysis, and results revealed a one factor solution representing 18 of the 19 participants. Eighteen parents reported similar beliefs regarding the processes they consider most and least important to their experience in working with child-centered play therapists. In general, parents’ beliefs aligned with CCPT philosophy, particularly in regards to respecting children’s natural pace of development and healing. Furthermore, parents shared preferences for play therapists who demonstrate expert knowledge and training and who understand the individual needs of their children. Discussion includes implications for the practice of CCPT and training of future play therapists, limitations of the study, and implications for future research.
Engineering Properties of Sea Floor Sediments from La Jolla Canyon

Near surface sea floor sediments were obtained "by the tracked underwater •vehicle RUM from four locations on the floor of the La Jolla Canyon. The sediments were clayey silts of high plasticity. The engineering properties of the sediments, including grain size, index properties, strength and compressibility, were determined.
Aflatoxin toxicity in beef cattle.

ConclusionsUnder simulated practical conditions, graded levels of aflatoxin fortified cottonseed meal were fed to young beef cattle. The levels of aflatoxin B1 fed in the ration to groups of 10 steers for 133-196 days were 0, 100, 300, 700, and 1000 parts per billion (ppb). Significant growth inhibition, decreased feed efficiencies, and increased liver and kidney weights were observed in the steers fed 700 and 1000 ppb. Gross evidence of liver damage in these groups was also detected. No apparent abnormalities were seen in the groups fed 100 and 300 ppb aflatoxin.
Scheduled Anti-Windup Controllers for Application to Aircraft in Unstable Operating Conditions

Many of the existing schemes for anti-windup augmentation deal with open-loop stable plants. This requirement makes them unsuitable for application to unstable aircraft, which can be the case for many agile fighter aircraft operations. Recently a new anti-windup method is developed which works with unstable plants and can easily be extended to a scheduled form. In this paper, this new technique is used to design anti-windup augmentation for unstable F16 in tracking of flight path angle and attitude hold maneuvers. For this purpose, a nonlinear model of F16 is developed and then linear models are extracted for different trim conditions. A nominal controller is designed for each maneuver without considering the saturation bounds. Then, the maximum command/disturbance that the closed-loop system is guaranteed to tolerate without saturating is obtained. The proposed anti-windup scheme is used to deal with saturation due to larger than expected command/disturbance which leads to occasional saturated actuator(s). The results are presented through nonlinear simulations.
Section 9. The Emerging Picture

The [DePaolo and Wasserburg (1976a][1],[b][2]) model of a two-layered mantle consisting of a depleted upper layer overlying a lower primitive one, described in Section 3, seemed to be supported by mass balance calculations indicating that the incompatible element inventory of the continents could be
The production of human parvovirus capsid proteins in Escherichia coli and its serological test

Parovirus B19is associated with several diseases and blood test for antibody against B19show promise as markers of virus infection.B19-VP2was cloned into expression vector pQE31by the polymerase chain reaction,giv-ing the plasmid pQE31-VP2.A57kd protein was produced from pQE31-VP2in E.coli.Specificity of VP2was de-termined by Western-blot.The best way of expression was found.The protein was purified by HiTrap affinity columns,and from0.1mol/Limidizole was activity.Serum from healthy donors was examined for antibodies against the VP2by dot and ELISA.Both two analysis methods show same results.
Bismuth therapy in gastrointestinal diseases.

Abstract Bismuth therapy has shown efficacy against two major gastrointestinal disorders: peptic ulcer disease and diarrhea. In peptic ulcer disease it is as effective as the H 2 -receptor antagonists, costs considerably less, and offers a lower rate of relapse. When Helicobacter pylori is implicated, bismuth acts as an antimicrobial agent, suppressing the organism but not eliminating it. In recent studies, bismuth compounds have been used with conventional antibiotics, producing elimination of the organism, histological improvement, and amelioration of symptoms for periods longer than one year. Bismuth subsalicylate has shown modest efficacy in treating traveler's diarrhea and acute and chronic diarrhea in children, and it is effective prophylactically for traveler's diarrhea. An epidemic of neurological toxicity was reported in France in the 1970's with prolonged bismuth treatment, usually bismuth subgallate and subnitrate. Such toxicity has been rare with bismuth subsalicylate and colloidal bismuth subcitrate. However, recent studies have demonstrated intestinal absorption of bismuth (about 0.2% of the ingested dose) and sequestration of this heavy metal in multiple tissue sites, even occurring with conventional dosing over a 6-week period. These findings have inspired recommendations that treatment periods with any bismuthcontaining compound should last no longer than 6–8 weeks, followed by 8-week bismuth-free intervals.
Co-Culture of Ovine Ova with Oviductal Cells in Medium 199

Three experiments were conducted to test the suitability of medium 199 supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum (M199FCS) as a medium for co-culture of one-cell sheep ova with sheep oviductal cells. In Exp. 1, ova were co-cultured for 5 d in 5 ml of M199FCS or in Ham's F10 medium supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum (F10FCS). Co-culture did not increase the number of cleavages at the end of 5 d of culture, but M199FCS supported more cleavages than did F10FCS (P = .016). In Exp. 2, ova were cultured for 1 to 3 d in M199FCS alone or on oviductal, uterine or kidney cell monolayers from ewes 2 d postestrus and transferred to recipients from which they were recovered at 8 d postestrus. Co-culture with oviductal cells improved (P less than .001) the cleavage index of recovered embryos compared with culture in medium alone or co-culture with other cell types. In Exp. 3, monolayers of oviductal cells from ewes 2 d postestrus and from luteal-phase ewes were cultured as in Exp. 2. No difference was observed between the two sources of oviductal cells for their ability to support in vitro development of one-cell sheep eggs for 1 or 2 d. These studies suggest that M199FCS may be a good medium to use in an oviductal cell co-culture system for one-cell sheep ova. Results further suggest that specific secretions of oviductal cells may be important for early embryo development in vivo.
Chapter 59 – Brain Malignancies (Gliomas)

The only recognized cause of brain malignancies is ionizing radiation. Although children exposed to the atomic bomb went on to develop many more brain tumors than were expected, radiation otherwise accounts for a very small proportion of the total. Although no specific causes have been firmly established, workers in several occupations have been considered by some investigators, but not others, to be at higher risk. Among these are workers in the petrochemical, electrical, rubber, agricultural, and medical industries. However, no specific workplace exposures are known to lead to brain tumors. A very small proportion of brain malignancies appear in persons with a family history of brain tumors or genetic syndromes associated with multiple types of malignancy. Gliomas occur with roughly the same frequency in Los Angeles County as they do in other localities. They are prominent among childhood malignancies, although they may occur at any age, and are somewhat more common among males than among females. Whites are at especially high risk and Asian-Americans are at low risk in comparison with other racial/ethnic groups, and persons of upper social class are at slightly increased risk. No systematic pattern of occurrence is apparent, and therefore no local source of causation is proposed.
Field and material stresses predict observable surface forces in optical and electrostatic manipulation

The momentum of light in media has been one of the most debated topics in physics over the past one hundred years. Originally a theoretical debate over the electrodynamics of moving media, practical applications have emerged over the past few decades due to interest in optical manipulation and nanotechnology. Resolution of the debate identifies a kinetic momentum as the momentum of the fields responsible for center of mass translations and a canonical momentum related to the coupled field and material system. The optical momentum resolution has been considered incomplete because it did not uniquely identify the full stress-energy-momentum (SEM) tensor of the field-kinetic subsystem. A consequence of this partial resolution is that the field-kinetic momentum could be described by three of the leading formulations found in the literature. The Abraham, Einstein-Laub, and Chu SEM tensors share the field-kinetic momentum, but their SEM tensors differ resulting in competing force densities. We can show now that the Abraham and Einstein-Laub formulations are invalid since their SEM tensors are not frame invariant, whereas the Chu SEM tensor satisfies relativistic principles as the field-kinetic formulation. However, a number of reports indicate that the force distribution in matter may not accurately represent experimental observations. In this correspondence, we show that the field-kinetic SEM tensor can be used along with the corresponding material subsystem to accurately predict experimental force and stress distributions. We model experimental examples from optical and static manipulation of particles and fluids.
Observations on Nests of Ceratina in Costa Rica (Hymenoptera, Apoidea)

Ceratina ignara appears to be active and probably provisions nests throughout the year although all the nests studied were found in March. The principal features of the nest that differ from those of certain other species of Ceratina are as follows: no very long cells, empty cells or double partitions between cells; partitions concave below, not aboye; pollen mass firm, concave on outrer surface, with margins not amate; thickness of pollen mass rather uniform. The principal features of the nest of C. (Ceratinula) sp. that differ from those of certain other species are: very short cell series suggesting construction of two or more nests by each female; no very long cells, few empty cells or double partitions; partitions very thin and slightly concave on both surfaces; polien mass firm, scarcely longer than broad, margins rounded.
Quality of Life in Epilepsy

Not only are seizures physically stressful and potentially injurious, but they are also associated with psychological, cognitive, and other comorbidities. Thus, their effects on the individual’s quality of life can be catastrophic. Loss of independence is a major limitation that patients with epilepsy may face.
Testing a Portion of Sheth's Theory of Merchandise Buying Behavior with Small Apparel Retail Firms:

Buying decisions in a retail store are among the most important and the most often made. Yet we have little empirical work that has contributed to our understanding of buyer decision-making in a re...
Improving the use of risk matrices at NASA

A risk matrix, commonly a 5 × 5 scorecard with dimensions for likelihood of a problem and consequence if the problem occurs, is a popular tool for communicating project risks. The NASA version [1] is a frequently cited reference for risk managers from many application fields. Cells in the 5 × 5 scorecard are colored red, yellow, and green to help project managers quickly prioritize and track significant risks. In 2008, Cox wrote a highly cited journal article articulating flaws with many applications of risk matrices including inconsistencies in risk rankings based on the fundamental characteristics of the matrix such as which cells are colored red, yellow, and green. This paper will review shortcomings of risk matrices identified by the authors from the literature and from experience using the tool at NASA. We will conclude with recommendations for how NASA risk managers can improve their use of risk matrices to continue to realize the benefits and to minimize the shortcomings.
2D and 3D Visualizations of Creative Destruction for Entrepreneurship Education

Creative destruction–the creation of new industries and the destruction of old industries–is a very abstract concept. Those teaching entrepreneurship, where creative destruction is a central feature, often struggle to communicate the dynamism of industry evolution where industry disruption can yield innovation, entrepreneurial opportunities and new wealth. This paper examines the application of human-computer interaction (HCI) and specifically information visualization to entrepreneurship education, a specialized area of business education. We create and evaluate different 2-D and 3-D visualizations of industry evolution in the Popular Music Industry between 1951 and 2008 to determine which visualizations correspond to superior comprehension of creative destruction. Particularly, our challenge was to represent the emergence of 13 major markets and 193 submarkets in the context of six decades of music industry evolution and disruption. The results suggest information visualization is a resource for entrepreneurship education and that significant improvements can be made over current idiosyncratic methods of representing industry evolution.
Target-Date Fund Use in 401(k) Plans and the Persistence of Their Use, 2007-2009

This paper examines the use of target-date funds (TDFs) by a consistent group of 401(k) participants in plans that offered them in 2007 through 2009. The consistent group of participants were those who were in a plan that offered a TDF in 2007, were in plans that were still offering TDFs in 2008 and 2009, and were still in the data source in 2008 and 2009. This study uses the unique richness of the data in the EBRI/ICI Participant-Directed Retirement Plan Data Collection Project, which for each year from 2007-2009 had more than 20 million 401(k) plan participants from more than 50,000 plans across a spectrum of plan administrators. In this database in 2007, 67.3 percent of the plans offered target-date funds as an investment option. This study follows those 401(k) participants identified as being in plans that offered target-date funds in 2007 and remained in the database, if they continued to be in a plan offering target-date funds in 2008 and 2009. In 2007, of those participants in this database, 38.9 percent had at least some of their account balance in TDFs. By 2008, 42.6 percent had at least some of their account balance in TDFs, reaching 43.2 percent in 2009. Furthermore, 36.6 percent of this consistent group of 401(k) plan participants had some of their account balance allocated to TDFs in 2007 and 2008. Just over 35 percent of these participants had at least some assets allocated to TDFs in 2007, 2008, and 2009. Among participants who were identified as auto-enrollees in 2007, 97.2 percent were still using TDFs in 2008, and 95.7 percent used them in 2008 and 2009. While those not identified as auto-enrollees continued to invest in TDFs at a lower rate than those identified as auto-enrollees, there was a very high overall persistence rate in TDF use from 2007-2009: just over 90 percent. Of the consistent group of participants using TDFs in 2007, 36.9 percent had all of their account allocated to TDFs. The remaining 63.1 percent of those using a TDF had less than 100 percent of their allocation in TDFs. In 2009, slightly more participants (67.2 percent) had less than 100 percent of their allocation in TDFs. Among only those participants who had all of their account allocated to TDFs, a very high rate (83.0 percent) stayed at a 100 percent TDF allocation in 2009. Almost 13 percent of those who had a total allocation to TDFs in 2007 had an allocation lower than 100 percent (but not a zero) allocation in 2009. Only 4 percent of participants with a 100 percent TDF allocation in 2007 had stopped using them by 2009.
Pharmacokinetics of activated protein C in guinea pigs.

Protein C is a vitamin K-dependent zymogen of the serine protease, activated protein C (APC), an important regulatory enzyme in hemostasis. In view of the potential of human APC as an anticoagulant and profibrinolytic agent, the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of APC were studied in guinea pigs. The plasma elimination of a trace dose of 125I-APC was biphasic following an initial rapid elimination of approximately 15% of the injected dose within 1 to 2 minutes. This rapid removal of 125I-APC from the circulation was found to be a result of an association with the liver regardless of the route of injection. Essentially identical results were obtained with active site-blocked forms of APC generated with either diisopropylfluorophosphate or D- phenylalanyl-L-prolyl-L-arginine chloromethyl ketone, which indicates that the active site was not essential for the liver association. Accumulation of all three forms of APC in the liver peaked at 30 minutes and then declined as increasing amounts of degraded radiolabeled material appeared in the gastrointestinal tract and urine. Removal of the gamma-carboxyglutamic acid (gla) domain of diisopropylphosphoryl-APC resulted in a 50% reduction in the association with liver and an accumulation in the kidneys. Protein C and protein S were cleared from the circulation at rates approximately one-half and one-fourth, respectively, that of APC. Both in vitro and in vivo, APC was found to form complexes with protease inhibitors present in guinea pig plasma. Complex formation resulted in a more rapid disappearance of the enzymatic activity of APC than elimination of the protein moiety. These findings indicate two distinct mechanisms for the elimination of APC. One mechanism involves reaction with plasma protease inhibitors and subsequent elimination by specific hepatic receptors. The other mechanism involves the direct catabolism of APC by the liver via a pathway that is nonsaturable over a substantial dose range and independent of the active site. This pattern of elimination is distinctly different from that observed with the homologous coagulation enzymes thrombin, factor IXa, and factor Xa.
Decompression nerve surgery for diabetic neuropathy: a structured review of published clinical trials.

Aim To assess lower extremity decompression nerve surgery (DNS) to treat the consequences of diabetic distal symmetric peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Research design and methods MEDLINE, PubMed, and related registries were searched through December 2017 to identify randomized, quasi-randomized or observational trials that evaluated the efficacy of lower extremity DNS on pain relief (primary outcome) or other secondary outcomes. Observational studies were included, given investigators' reluctance to use sham surgery controls. Outcome effect size was estimated, and a weighted average was calculated. Results Eight of 23 studies evaluated pain relief, including a double-blind randomized controlled trial (with a sham surgery leg), an unblinded trial with a nonsurgical control leg, and 6 observational studies. All reported substantial pain relief post-DNS with average effect sizes between two and five. Unexpectedly, the double-blind trial showed improvement in the sham leg comparable to the DNS leg and exceeding the improvement observed in the nonsurgical leg in the unblinded study. Sensory testing showed generally favorable results supporting DNS, and nerve conduction velocities increased post-DNS relative to deterioration in controls. Ultrasound revealed fusiform nerve swelling near compression sites. Morphological results of DNS were generally favorable but inconsistent, whereas hemodynamic measures showed a positive effect on arterial parameters, as did transcutaneous oximetry (improved microcirculation). The incidence of initial and recurrent neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers appeared reduced post-DNS relative to the contralateral foot (borderline significant). Conclusion The data remain insufficient to recommend DNS for painful DPN, given conflicting and unexpectedly positive results involving sham surgery relative to unblinded controls. The generally supportive sensory and nerve conduction results are compromised by methodological issues, whereas more favorable results support DNS to prevent new or recurrent neuropathic foot ulcers. Future studies need to clarify subject selection vis-a-vis DPN vs superimposed compressed nerves, utilize appropriate validated instruments, and readdress use of sham surgical controls in light of recent results.
Assessing the Cryptographic Strength of RSA Moduli Using Algorithmic Entropy Reduction in Bivariate Polynomials

We develop an innovative approach to factoring semiprimes, numbers that are the product of two large primes. These composite numbers form the foundation of the widely used RSA encryption method which protects vast amounts of digitally transmitted data. With the current rate of technological growth, experts believe that the best-known factoring algorithms would take thousands of years to break a single RSA composite. But with a more efficient method, government agencies could quickly decrypt big data sets to better confront national security concerns. Our technique, Algorithmic Entropy Reduction in Bivariate Polynomials, takes a different approach from traditional methods in that it addresses the binary expansion of the primes without relying on number theory. The method evaluates if a valid solution can exist for a given bivariate polynomial (BVP) representation of each prime at every bit position. In doing so, the method ascertains each binary digit from least significant bit on the right-hand side to most significant bit on the left-hand side (entropy reduction). We execute the algorithm by generating code in C++ and Python and reduce its computational work by a factor of two using multiprocessing.
Heparanase in health and disease: The neglected housekeeper of the cell?

The membrane of most cells in the body is surrounded by a dynamically regulated, highly-hydrated fibrous meshwork of carbohydrates, known as pericellular matrix or glycocalyx. Its main constituents are several glycoconjugates (see nomenclature and definitions in Box 1), including glycolipids, the polysaccharide heparan sulfate (HS) linked to proteoglycan core proteins (e.g. glypican, syndecan, betaglycan), the polysaccharide hyaluronan and proteins bound to these polysaccharides. Box 1 Nomenclature and definitions Glycoconjugates: Various types of compounds consisting of carbohydrates covalently linked with other types of chemical constituent. Glycolipids: lipids with a carbohydrate attached by a covalent glycosidic bond. The carbohydrate portion may be a single monosaccharide or a linear or branched chain. Glycoproteins: proteins containing oligosaccharide chains (glycans) covalently attached to amino acid side-chains; the carbohydrate portion consists of short chains, often branched. Proteoglycans: proteins that are heavily glycosylated; the protein portion of the molecule represents only a small portion of the total molecular weight; the carbohydrate portion consists of long unbranched repeating disaccharide units (glycosaminoglycans, a.k.a. mucopolysaccharides). The three major classes of proteoglycans, characterized by their side chains, are the heparan sulfate proteoglycans, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, and keratan sulfate proteoglycans. Polysaccharides: polymeric carbohydrate molecules composed of relatively long chains of monosaccharide units bound together by glycosidic linkages. Lipopolysaccharides: large molecules consisting of a lipid and a polysaccharide composed of O-antigen, outer core, and inner core joined by a covalent bond; they are typically found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative BACTERIA. They are also known as lipoglycans and endotoxins. Peptidoglycans: polymers consisting of a mino acids and specific sugars — alternating residues of β-(1,4) l inked N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) and N-acetylmuramic acid NAM) — that form a mesh-like layer outside the plasma membrane of most BACTERIA; they are also known as mureins.
Abstract 015: Better Neighborhood Characteristics Are Associated with Ideal Cardiovascular Health Among Blacks: Results From the Morehouse-Emory Cardiovascular (MECA) Center for Health Equity

Introduction: Intra-racial heterogeneity in cardiovascular health (CVH) among Blacks is understudied, and more research is needed to identify factors promoting CVH among Blacks. Neighborhood enviro...
Neural Control of Behavior in Gastropods

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the neuronal control of behavior in gastropods. The typical gastropod nervous system contains several tens of thousands of nerve cells grouped together in ganglia. Each ganglion can contain only a few thousand neurons, ranging in size from several micrometers up to a millimeter in diameter. The neurons are usually located in stereotyped positions within each ganglion and are commonly pigmented. These features allow specific neurons to be recognized or identified as distinct individuals by physiological and anatomical criteria. The integrative properties of a neuron depend on a broad variety of parameters, such as cell geometry, location of synapses on the cell structure, and the nature of the intrinsic membrane currents. The nervous system of gastropods possesses both a central component, which consists of a series of distributed ganglia, and an extensive network of peripheral neurons. The peripheral nervous system mediates local responses confined to a region immediately surrounding the site of stimulation, while the central nervous system controls coordinated movements that extend beyond the site of stimulation.
A Fragment of Apolipoprotein E4 Leads to the Downregulation of a CXorf56 Homologue, a Novel ER-Associated Protein, and Activation of BV2 Microglial Cells

Despite the fact that harboring the apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) allele represents the single greatest risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the exact mechanism by which apoE4 contributes to disease progression remains unknown. Recently, we demonstrated that a 151 amino-terminal fragment of apoE4 (nApoE41-151) localizes within the nucleus of microglia in the human AD brain, suggesting a potential role in gene expression. In the present study, we investigated this possibility utilizing BV2 microglia cells treated exogenously with nApoE41-151. The results indicated that nApoE41-151 leads to morphological activation of microglia cells through, at least in part, the downregulation of a novel ER-associated protein, CXorf56. Moreover, treatment of BV2 cells with nApoE41-151 resulted in a 68-fold increase in the expression of the inflammatory cytokine, TNFα, a key trigger of microglia activation. In this regard, we also observed a specific binding interaction of nApoE41-151 with the TNFα promoter region. Collectively, these data identify a novel gene-regulatory pathway involving CXorf56 that may link apoE4 to microglia activation and inflammation associated with AD.
Mechanical properties of the optic nerve head

Abstract Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, is characterized by gradual and progressive damage to the optic nerve. The portion of the optic nerve clinically visible on examination is referred to as the optic nerve head (ONH), which is exposed to both intraocular pressure and intracranial pressure. The biomechanical environment of the ONH has been correlated with the development of glaucoma. This review summarizes the material characterizations of major components in ONH and elucidates the role of aging, treatment, and testing approaches on the mechanical behaviors.
OMIP‐060–30‐Parameter Flow Cytometry Panel to Assess T Cell Effector Functions and Regulatory T Cells

We developed this comprehensive 28-color flow cytometry panel with the aim to measure a variety of T cell effector functions in combination with T cell differentiation markers (CCR7, CD27, CD28, CD45RO, CD95) in γδ T cells and CD4+ and CD8+ αβ T cells (Table 1). The effector functions measured in this panel include activation and co-stimulatory molecules (CD69, CD137, and CD154), cytokines (IL-2, IL-13, IL-17A, IL-21, IL-22, TNF, and IFNγ), the chemokine IL-8, cytotoxic molecules (perforin and granzyme B), and the degranulation marker CD107a. In addition, Ki67 enables the identification and analysis of recently activated T cells. To characterize regulatory T cells (Tregs ), we included CD25, CD39, and the canonical Tregs transcription factor FoxP3. We developed and optimized this panel for cryopreserved human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and stimulation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and ionomycin. However, we successfully tested other types of stimulation such as staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB) or a mix of immunodominant peptides (CEF peptide pool) from cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and influenza. Published 2019. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Applications of the Marcus cross relation to inner sphere reduction of O2: implications in small-molecule activation

Application of the Marcus cross relation (MCR) to determine electron transfer rate constants is well documented. In addition to outer sphere reduction/oxidation of O2/O2˙−, the MCR is also applicable for proton transfer (PT), proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET), and hydride transfer rate constants. A question this report aims to address is whether or not the MCR can predict rate constants for inner sphere electron transfer (ISET) reactions between iron complexes and O2. By including the iron–superoxide bond dissociation energy (BDFEFe–O2) into the MCR equilibrium constant, close values to experimental inner sphere O2 reductions are estimated. This insight of including the iron–superoxide binding energy as a design element for the development of synthetic oxygenases is considered.
Point-of-Care Ultrasound Screening and Diagnosis of Imperforate Hymen in Pediatric Abdominal Pain

Introduction Imperforate hymen is a rare congenital anomaly, seen in about 1 in 2,000 newborn females. The most common symptoms in pubescent females include cyclical abdominal pain, amenorrhea, urinary retention, constipation, and back pain. Most symptoms are preceded by the buildup of vaginal fluids in the vagina and/or the uterus. Hematocolpometra can lead to a substantial abdominal mass that can apply obstructive pressure to both the urinary tract, as well as lower intestinal tract. Case Report A 12-year-old girl with chronic abdominal pain and constipation returns to the Emergency Department with diffuse abdominal pain. The first time the patient was evaluated she underwent an abdominal x-ray, which noted …
Murder-Suicides Perpetrated by Adolescents: Findings from the National Violent Death Reporting System.

Objective Murder-suicide is a rare and especially tragic form of violence. Nascent literature has characterized murder-suicide perpetrated by adults, but no study has focused on adolescents who perpetrated murder-suicide. Method This study evaluated all cases of murder-suicide perpetrated by persons under age 21 who were included in the National Violent Death Reporting System, and categorized each incident using Joiner's perversion of virtue framework of murder-suicide. Results Forty-seven incidents of murder-suicide perpetrated by adolescents were identified, representing 56 victims. Most cases did not have sufficient information to be categorized within a particular perversion of virtue. Among the 20 cases who did have sufficient detail to be categorized, incidents were identified as perversions of self-control (n = 11), justice (n = 8), and mercy (n = 1). Most perpetrators were male, and the majority of victims were female. Additional victim, perpetrator, and incident characteristics are described. Conclusions Our findings extend previous work by employing a coding system based on a theoretically derived framework for categorizing "genuine" murder-suicide and related behavior among adolescents. This study also characterized the nature of this complex and tragic sequence of behavior among adolescents, who are at elevated risk of suicide, and who may benefit from prevention efforts that effectively address means safety, suicidality, and intimate partner violence.
Longitudinal associations between marijuana and cigar use in young adults.

Abstract Background We assess the longitudinal associations between marijuana and cigar (little cigars and cigarillos [LCCs] and large cigars) use on subsequent initiation of marijuana and cigar use. Methods Data are from a cohort study of 2189 young adults recruited in fall 2010 from 11 colleges in the Southeast. We used discrete-time survival analysis to examine whether ever use of marijuana at baseline (spring 2011, freshman year) predicted initiation of LCCs and large cigars and whether ever use of these cigar products predicted initiation of marijuana use across 10 waves of data collection (2011–2018). Results The sample was 65.3 % female, 83.6 % White, 5.9 % Hispanic, and 61.8 % had college-educated mothers. At baseline, 70 % reported never using LCCs, 71 % reported never using large cigars, and 74 % reported never using marijuana. Ever use of marijuana at baseline was associated with an increased risk of LCC initiation (Incident rate ratio [IRR] = 1.6, 95 %CI = 1.0, 2.5) but not large cigar initiation. Ever use of LCCs (IRR = 1.4, 95 %CI = 1.1, 1.8) and ever use of large cigars (IRR = 1.3, 95 %CI = 1.1, 1.8) at baseline both predicted initiation of marijuana use. Conclusions Our findings support growing evidence that marijuana and LCCs are strongly associated and use of one substance predicts use of the other. In contrast to studies of adults, we also found that young adults who have tried large cigars may be at increased risk for subsequent marijuana use. These findings highlight the need to consider each product as a potential gateway of the other when developing interventions for young adults.
Immune Response in Bladder Cancer

The interaction between the host and cancer can be evaluated in terms of peripheral or local cellular response and the presence of delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity. Most investigations in immunobiology have focused on peripheral cells because of the ease with which they can be obtained.
The Design of a Randomized Clinical Trial to Evaluate a Pragmatic and Scalable eHealth Intervention for the Management of Gestational Weight Gain in Low-Income Women: Protocol for the SmartMoms in WIC Trial.

Background: Less than one-third of women gain an appropriate amount of weight during pregnancy, which can influence the long-term health of both the mother and the child. Economically disadvantaged women are the most vulnerable to maternal obesity, excessive weight gain during pregnancy, and poor birth outcomes. Effective and scalable health care strategies to promote healthy weight gain during pregnancy specifically tailored for these women are lacking. Objective: This paper presents the design and protocol of a biphasic, community-based eHealth trial, SmartMoms in WIC, to increase the adherence to healthy gestational weight gain (GWG) recommendations in low-income mothers receiving women, infant, and children (WIC) benefits. Methods: Phase 1 of the trial included using feedback from WIC mothers and staff and participants from 2 community peer advisory groups to adapt an existing eHealth gestational weight management intervention to meet the needs of women receiving WIC benefits. The health curriculum, the format of delivery, and incentive strategies were adapted to be culturally relevant and at an appropriate level of health literacy. Phase 2 included a pragmatic randomized controlled trial across the 9 health care regions in Louisiana with the goal of enrolling 432 women. The SmartMoms in WIC intervention is an intensive 24-week behavioral intervention, which includes nutrition education and exercise strategies, and provides the technology to assist with weight management, delivered through a professionally produced website application. Results: Phase 1 of this trial was completed in July 2019, and recruitment for phase 2 began immediately thereafter. All data are anticipated to be collected by Spring 2023. Conclusions: The SmartMoms in WIC curriculum was methodically developed using feedback from community-based peer advisory groups to create a culturally relevant, mobile behavioral intervention for mothers receiving WIC benefits. The randomized clinical trial is underway to test the effectiveness of a sustainable eHealth program on the incidence rates of appropriate GWG. SmartMoms in WIC may be able to offer an innovative, cost-effective, and scalable solution for GWG management in women served by WIC. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04028843; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04028843