cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of Intravenous Immunoglobulin for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease with Contraindications or Who Are Unresponsive to Conventional Treatments.

BACKGROUND Managing patients with IBD who are refractory or have contraindications to standard therapies is challenging. Many will lose response, become intolerant to treatment, or develop infections with contraindication for immunosuppression. Therefore, alternative therapies, such as the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), could be used to manage patients in these difficult cases. METHODS Data were extracted retrospectively from the electronic medical records at Vanderbilt University on patients with IBD who received IVIg (February 2011-June 2013). Patients were treated with IVIg 0.4 g·kg·d for 3 consecutive days and then 0.4 g/kg once monthly. The dose was increased to 0.4 g/kg biweekly for loss of response or partial response. Clinical response was defined as decreasing the Harvey-Bradshaw Index ≥3 points or improvement in C-reactive protein >25%. Clinical remission was defined as Harvey-Bradshaw Index score <5, no hospitalizations or surgeries after IVIg, or symptom resolution. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS Twenty-four patients with IBD received IVIg. Seventeen patients received IVIg for failure of standard treatment. Six patients received IVIg during active infection. Two patients had histoplasmosis, 1 patient had tuberculosis, and 2 patients had pulmonary fungal infections. One patient with ulcerative colitis was given IVIg for recurrent Clostridium difficile. Nine patients required dose escalation after median 153 days (30-360). Ninteen patients (79%) had a response or remission. Sixteen (67%) had a response and 3 (12.5%) obtained remission with IVIg. C-reactive protein decreased significantly after treatment (19 mg/dL [0.1-77] to 7.5 [0.2-20]), P < 0.05. Harvey-Bradshaw Index scores improved (8 [0-19] to 6 [0-17]), P = not significant. Of note, 62.5% had endoscopic improvement after treatment. CONCLUSIONS IVIg is safe and effective in the short-term management of patients with IBD when standard therapies are contraindicated.
Foundations for health status metrology: the stability of MOS SF-36 PF-10 calibrations across samples.

Interest in applying probabilistic conjoint measurement (PCM) models, such as those devised by the late Georg Rasch, to health status and quality of life data has grown significantly in the last few years. Applications have yet, however, to fully realize the opportunities for scientific generalization and practical convenience PCM offers. This article fleshes out the substance of some of these opportunities by comparing eight separate PCM calibrations of the SF-36 ten-item physical functioning scale (PF-10). The initial average correlation across the 28 pairs of calibrations is .84; after taking advantage of the PCM model's capacity to account for missing data by omitting from the comparisons items that vary due to sample idiosyncracies, the average correlation is .90. Opportunities for, and limitations on, generalization from PF-10 measures are explored.
Die Macht der anderen – warum ein JobClub vielen Menschen den zusätzlichen Kick gibt

Es wird dargestellt, wie ein JobClub Stellensuchende stabilisieren und motivieren kann. Sie erfahren, was das Besondere an einem Jobjager ist und wie er sich bei seiner Jobjagd vom gewohnlichen Stellensuchenden unterscheidet. Anhand des Konzepts und der Entstehungsgeschichte der JobClubs wird aufgezeigt, nach welchem Prinzip diese funktionieren. Dem Austausch der Teilnehmenden im JobClub kommt eine zentrale Rolle zu. Sie erfahren, wie der JobClub zum Aufbau eines realistischen Selbstbildes beitragen und wie er die Chancen auf eine passende Stelle erhohen kann.
Complete polynomials using 3-term and reversible 3-term recurrence formulas (3TRF and R3TRF)

In the first series "Special functions and three term recurrence formula (3TRF)", I show how to obtain power series solutions of Heun, Grand Confluent Hypergeoemtric (GCH), Mathieu and Lame equations for an infinite series and a polynomial of type 1. The method of proof for an infinite series and a polynomial of type 1 in the 3-term recurrence relation is called as three term recurrence formula (3TRF). And integral forms and generating functions of the above 4 equations are constructed analytically. In the second series "Special functions and reversible three-term recurrence formula (R3TRF)", I show how to obtain (1) power series solutions, (2) integral solutions and (3) generating functions of 5 equations (Heun, GCH, Mathieu, Lame and Confluent Heun (CH) equations) for an infinite series and a polynomial of type 2. The method of proof for an infinite series and a polynomial of type 2 in the 3-term recurrence relation is called as reversible three term recurrence formula (R3TRF). In this series I show how to obtain the mathematical formula for a polynomial of type 3, designated as "complete polynomial." The complete polynomial has two different types which are (1) the first species complete polynomial and (2) the second species complete polynomial. The former is applicable if there are only one eigenvalue in B_n term and an eigenvalue in A_n term. And the latter is applicable if there are two eigenvalues in B_n term and an eigenvalue in A_n term. By applying 3TRF and R3TRF, I generalize the 3-term recurrence relation in 5 equations (Heun, GCH, Lame, CH and Double Confluent Heun equations) for complete polynomials of two types in the form of a power series expansion.
The role of the selective peripheral neurotomy in spasticity reduction

Justin M. Brown, M.D. completed his neurosurgery training at Baylor college of Medicine in Houston Texas and went on to complete a fellowship in peripheral nerve reconstruction in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Washington University in St. Louis. Following training he became the Associate Director of the Center for Nerve injury and Paralysis at Washington University and most recently has been recruited to the University of California at San Diego Division of Neurosurgery to serve as the Director of Peripheral Nerve Surgery and Co-Director of the Center for Neurophysiology and Restoartive Neurology. He has published and travelled extensively giving lectures on the neurobiology and practical application of nerve transfers in the setting of neurotrauma. The role of the selective peripheral neurotomy in spasticity reduction
Academic productivity of faculty associated with microsurgery fellowships

Background The Hirsch index (h-index) is widely recognized as a reliable measure of academic productivity. While previous studies have applied the h-index to surgical disciplines, none have analyzed microsurgery faculty. This manuscript aims to examine the h-index of microsurgery fellowship faculty to categorize its applicability to microsurgeons as a determinant of academic output. Methods Faculty demographics and institution characteristics were obtained from the American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM) and official program websites. Faculty h-indices were calculated using the Scopus database (Elsevier, USA). Data was assessed using bivariate analysis and multiple linear regression models to determine the relationship between independent variables and total publications, career h-index and 5-year h-index (h5-index) of each faculty. Results A total of 139 faculties from 22 programs met inclusion criteria. The median faculty age was 44 (IQR 13) and 84.9% of faculty were male. Faculty size, number of years of fellowship existence, number of fellows, FACS memberships, number of free flaps annually, and academic appointment title were significantly associated with the total publications, h-index, and h5-index. Multivariable analysis based on the significant independent variables demonstrated that geographical region and faculty ranks were significantly associated with the h5-index. Conclusions Variables associated with seniority (age, years of practice after fellowship, and academic appointment) were positively correlated with the h-index. Given the increased use of bibliometrics in academic medicine, these results show that h-index is a viable tool that can be used to assess research productivity among academic microsurgeons.
Simple method for the isolation of the antilepidopteran toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki

A protein with a molecular mass of 66 kDa was isolated by a simple, rapid, and inexpensive method, using 3-N-morpholinopropanesulfonic acid, potassium thiocyanate, and dithiothreitol, from a mixture of spores, parasporal crystals, and cell debris of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki. The protein was active against the third instar larvae of Trichoplusia ni, was soluble in 19 mM Na2CO3, and was characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and confirmed as the insecticidal component of the 132-kDa protoxin of B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using antibodies prepared against the protoxin.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of gait mechanics in young and older adults.

Abstract Background Age-related gait changes may play a critical role in functional limitations of older adults. Despite sizable interest in determining how age alters walking mechanics, small sample sizes and varied outcome measures have precluded a comprehensive understanding of the impact of age on lower extremity joint kinematics and kinetics. Objective The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the aging gait mechanics literature. Methods The overall standardized effect of age on walking mechanics was computed for 29 studies (200 standardized effects). To account for variation in reported outcome variables, analyses were carried out for comparisons between young and older adult results using all discrete kinematic or kinetic variables reported for the ankle, knee, or hip. Different variables reported for a given joint were then analyzed as separate categorical moderators. Results The overall standardized effect of age was large for ground reaction forces, moderate for ankle and small for knee and hip kinematics and ankle and hip kinetics. When the analysis was restricted to studies with similar or matched walking speed, the standardized effects of age remained similar except for hip power generation and knee kinematic variables. Conclusions The results of this meta-analysis provide evidence to support moderate standardized effects, with and without consideration of walking speeds, for changes in lower extremity kinematics, joint moments and powers at the ankle, and ground reaction forces. The standardized effects of age for knee mechanics are less conclusive and would benefit from further research.
Population Level Causation and a Unified Theory of Natural Selection

Sober (1984) presents an account of selection motivated by the view that one property can causally explain the occurrence of another only if the first plays a unique role in the causal production of the second. Sober holds that a causal property will play such a unique role if it is a population level cause of its effect, and on this basis argues that there is selection for a trait T only if T is a population level cause of survival and reproductive success. Sterelny and Kitcher (1988) claim against Sober that some traits directly subject to selection will not satisfy the probabilistic condition on population level causation. In this paper I show that Sober has the resources to resist the Sterelny-Kitcher complaint, but I argue that not all traits that satisfy the probabilistic condition play the required unique role in the production of their effects.
Getting to Transplantation

Candidates for lung transplantation (LTX) are increasingly critically-ill at the time of transplantation, and as such more often require invasive support strategies to bridge to transplant (1). Traditionally, this required invasive Mechanical Ventilation (iMV), and today more frequently includes the use of Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) to achieve adequate gas exchange. While there has been concern regarding futility of transplantation in such critically-ill cohorts due to early experience, post-transplant survival has steadily improved in the highest LAS quartile candidates (2). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
1.34 – Neural Computation Theories of Learning

This chapter gives an overview of basic learning rules and examples of learning algorithms used in neural network models and describes specific problems that can be solved by these algorithms. Hebb’s hypothesis that connection strengths between neurons are modified based on neural activities in the presynaptic and postsynaptic cells has served as the starting point for these models as well as studies of synaptic plasticity in biological neural systems. Neural network models assume that the strengths of connections are adjusted according to a learning algorithm that specifies how and under what conditions a learning rule, or a combination of several different learning rules, should be applied to adjust the network connections. Although early modeling studies focused mainly on traditional mechanisms for synaptic plasticity, such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD), relatively new forms of neural plasticity have been discovered recently, such as homeostatic plasticity and plasticity of intrinsic neural excitability, that are being explored in network models. Models that combine several types of plasticity show promise in overcoming some of the limitations of earlier models.
Mobile Journalism as Lifestyle Journalism

Mobile journalism is one of the fastest areas of growth in the modern journalism industry. Yet mobile journalists find themselves in a place of tension, between print, broadcast, and digital journa...
What Does Moral Psychology Have to Say to the Teacher of Ethics

The psychological study of morality, like the teaching of ethics, has suffered fluctuating fortunes. Like ethics, the systematic study of moral development and behavior was largely neglected for much of this century. In recent times, however, both ethics teaching and moral psychology have made a comeback. Although it is safe to say that between the two disciplines there are ample opportunities for mutual learning, my assignment here is to look at half of that exchange. What does moral psychology have to say to the teacher of ethics?
Magnetic resonance imaging and characterization of normal and abnormal intracranial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces.

A retrospective review of twenty-five normal MRI brain studies performed with the spin-echo technique focused special attention on the ventricular and extraventricular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and revealed unique signal intensity characteristics in the two locations. In addition, MRI studies of ten patients with abnormal extraaxial fluid collections either missed with CT or indistinguishable from CSF on CT images were also analyzed. MRI is more sensitive when compared to CT in evaluating the composition of CSF. Unique signal intensity characterizes the two major CSF compartments and presumably reflects their known but subtle difference in protein concentration (10–15 mg%). Normal variant or abnormal developmental fluid collections can be better characterized with MRI than with CT. These preliminary observations are offered in view of their implications for patient management and suggest further investigation.
Osteoporosis: The early years

Periods of skeletal growth, especially during adolescence, are critical to acquiring maximal peak bone mass to reduce risk of osteoporosis later in life. Linear growth exceeds bone consolidation, creating a vulnerable period of low bone density that increases risk of fracture. Following dietary recommendations for dairy products or equivalent sources of calcium is prudent for meeting bone nutrient requirements. Vitamin D status of most adolescents is adequate for calcium utilization.
Perfusion lung scan patterns in 100 patients with bronchogenic carcinoma

The relationship between size of the perfusion defect as seen by perfusion lung scan (PLS) and size of the mass lesion as seen radiologically was correlated with the presence of regional adenopathy in 100 consecutive patients with bronchogenic carcinoma. All patients underwent scanning before open thoracotomy or mediastinotomy and had histologic documentation of the disease. Each perfusion lung scan was classified as follows: (1) perfusion defect larger than the mass lesion, (2) perfusion defect of the same size as the mass lesion, or (3) no focal defect seen. Among patients with a larger perfusion defect 84 per cent were found to have regional lymph node involvement, whereas among patients in whom a larger defect was not present only 23 per cent had such extension of the disease.
Dynamic Systems Analysis and Control Based on a Configuration Manifold Model

This paper presents a configuration manifold model for the analysis of dynamic systems and the development of control algorithms from both geometrical and topological points of view. The fundamental theory of surfaces and differential manifolds endowed with Riemannian metrics is overviewed. The concepts of configuration manifolds (C-manifolds) and their immersions and embeddings are then introduced and applied to dynamic systems modeling. An explicit form of the smooth embedding for a given dynamic system with its C-manifold is derived. In an open serial-chain robotic system, a topological equivalence, i.e. a homeomorphism, is found and shown to be useful for dynamic model reduction. With topology being viewed as the structure of geometry, we discover and prove that the kinematics of a dynamic system determines its topology so that the kinematics is virtually a structure of the system's dynamics. This key point of view is further extended to the development of an adaptive control strategy. A computer simulation study is finally performed to verify the proposed model and adaptive control scheme.
Assessment of Healthful Lifestyle Behaviors between Graduate Programs

Background: Heart disease is a condition with many etiologies, some of which include genetics, obesity, exercise, diet, smoking, and alcohol use. Studies show that increased years of education lead to better health outcomes, specifically lower rates of heart disease and obesity. Despite their high level of education, physicians have been shown to have a disproportionally higher rate of heart disease. Our objective was to determine whether there are particular lifestyle habits present among medical students that may lead to increased risk of heart disease as their academic and clinical futures progress. Methods: 201 Quinnipiac University medical, law, and education graduate students were recruited to this survey study. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data. Chi-squared test and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to test the significance and a p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Medical students were able to answer health-related questions correctly more than their law and education student counterparts (p-value <.001), felt able to explain the terms saturated fat (p-value <.001) and trans-fat (p-value <.001) and give an accurate estimate of personal BMI status better than their counterparts in the law and education programs, but did not significantly differ in meeting Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet recommendations or American Heart Association (AHA) recommendations for physical activity. Conclusion: Increased health-related knowledge has little bearing on individual dietary and physical activity habits of graduate students. We found no evidence to show that increased medical knowledge leads individuals to pursue lifestyle habits that lower the risk of heart disease.
Miniature gold nanorods for photoacoustic molecular imaging in the second near-infrared optical window.

In photoacoustic imaging, the second near-infrared (NIR-II) window is where tissue generates the least background signal. However, the large size of the few available contrast agents in this spectral range impedes their pharmacokinetics and decreases their thermal stability, leading to unreliable photoacoustic imaging. Here, we report the synthesis of miniaturized gold nanorods absorbing in the NIR-II that are 5–11 times smaller than regular-sized gold nanorods with a similar aspect ratio. Under nanosecond pulsed laser illumination, small nanorods are about 3 times more thermally stable and generate 3.5 times stronger photoacoustic signal than their absorption-matched larger counterparts. These unexpected findings are confirmed using theoretical and numerical analysis, showing that photoacoustic signal is not only proportional to the optical absorption of the nanoparticle solution but also to the surface-to-volume ratio of the nanoparticles. In living tumour-bearing mice, these small targeted nanorods display a 30% improvement in efficiency of agent delivery to tumours and generate 4.5 times greater photoacoustic contrast. Miniaturized gold nanorods are reliable NIR-II photoacoustic agents, showing higher photothermal stability, enhanced photoacoustic signal and more efficient agent-to-tumour delivery compared with their larger counterparts.
Past Discrimination, Race-Related Vigilance, and Depressive Symptoms: The Moderating Role of Mindfulness.

African Americans experience numerous adverse health consequences due to race-related stress. Yet, mindfulness may serve as a relevant and vital protective factor in the link between race-related stressors and depressive symptoms for this population. Data from 190 African American participants, ages 18–53, were used to investigate if past discrimination and race-related vigilance, two types of race-related stressors, interactively predicted greater depressive symptomatology among this sample. We also assessed if mindfulness moderated the association between race-related stressors, as indicated by past discrimination and race-related vigilance, and depressive symptomatology. Our results indicated that past discrimination and race-related vigilance did not interactively predict depressive symptomatology in our sample; however, these stressors were independently related to greater depressive symptoms. Additionally, we found that greater levels of mindfulness were associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms, and mindfulness significantly moderated the association between both race-related stressors and depressive symptoms. These findings support mindfulness’ ability to buffer the negative health consequences of past discrimination and race-related vigilance for African Americans. Additional conclusions and future research directions are discussed.
Immature neutrophils in young febrile infants.

Background To describe the diagnostic value of the absolute band count (ABC) and ratio of immature to total neutrophils (I:T) for invasive bacterial infections (IBIs; bacterial meningitis and bacteraemia) among young febrile infants. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study in a paediatric emergency department of febrile infants ≤60 days over 12 years to evaluate the accuracy of the ABC and I:T for IBI. Results Of 2930 included patients, 75 (2.6%) had IBIs. The area under the curve (AUC; 95% CI) for ABC was 0.69 (0.62 to 0.76) with sensitivity 0.27 (0.17 to 0.38) and specificity 0.94 (0.93 to 0.95) at cutoff ≥1500 cells/µL. The AUC for I:T was 0.65 (0.59 to 0.72) with sensitivity 0.29 (0.19 to 0.41) and specificity 0.88 (0.87 to 0.89) at cutoff ≥0.2. Only the ABC in infants 29–60 days was minimally accurate. Conclusion The ABC and I:T were generally inaccurate for detecting IBI in febrile infants. Guidelines without these parameters may be better for risk assessment.
Demand Forecasting for Strategic Decision Support

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of demand forecasting in the strategic decision making process of managers. It begins with a demand model for the workstation1 industry, which can also be adopted by any other industry, verified by an economic equilibrium model. This model can eventually be used in a demand forecasting system. This is then followed by a discussion of the various forecasting methods that are commonly used for this purpose. In particular, the pros and cons of quantitative vs judgmental forecasting are compared, since the demand model is a combination of both judgmental and quantitative forecasting techniques, using such methods as Analytic Hierarchy Process and Decision Calculus to capture experts’ knowledge about the various factors affecting the demand of the products of a company. Finally, as a prelude to further research, the paper examines how demand forecasting information fits best into a strategic mangement framework of an organization.
Applications in Clinical Psychology

As pointed out in Sects. 1.5, 3.1, and 3.2 the pattern formation perspective is part of a broad perspective that addresses how system of the animate and inanimate worlds can form qualitatively new states and how transitions between qualitatively different states take place. In this context, aggregate phase transitions (e.g., transitions from ice to water), phase transitions in non-equilibrium systems of the inanimate world (e.g., emergence of roll patterns in fluids and gases heated from below), and transitions between qualitatively different movement patterns of humans and animals (e.g., walk to trot gait transitions in horses) have been considered on an equal footing. It has been pointed out that when an individual stands up from a chair and starts to walk, then the sit-to-stand and stand-to-walk transitions from a physics perspective are considered as counterparts to aggregate phase transitions such as ice-to-water and water-to-gas transitions.
Assessment of Temporal Fine Structure Processing Among Older Adults With Cochlear Implants.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine if older adults with cochlear implants are able to take advantage of coding schemes that preserve temporal fine structure (TFS) cues. DESIGN A total of 19 older adults with cochlear implants participated in a prospective, repeated measures, A to B design. Participants entered the study using TFS. The participants used strategy A (high definition continuous interleaved sampling [HDCIS]) for 3 months and strategy B (TFS) for 3 months. Endpoint testing was administered at the end of each 3-month period. Testing included consonant recognition, speech understanding in noise, temporal modulation thresholds, and self-perceived benefit. RESULTS Older adults were able to use TFS successfully. Speech perception performance was improved using TFS compared with HDCIS for voicing, but not manner or place of articulation. There were no differences between the two strategies for speech understanding in noise, temporal modulation detection, or self-perceived benefit. At the end of the study, 13 out of 19 (68%) of participants chose to continue using TFS processing. CONCLUSIONS Advanced age does not prevent adults with cochlear implants from using TFS coding strategies. Performance outcomes using TFS and HDCIS were similar, with the exception of voicing which was improved when using TFS. The data support the idea of using various sound processing strategies with older adults.
Obesity prevention in early care and education: a comparison of licensing regulations across Canadian provinces and territories

Background Early care and education (ECE) settings represent an important point of intervention for childhood obesity prevention efforts. The objective of this paper was to compare ECE licensing regulations for each Canadian province/territory to evidence-based, obesity prevention standards. Methods Two authors reviewed existing ECE regulations for each province/territory and examined whether the regulatory text supported standards for nutrition (n = 11), physical activity (n = 5) and screen time (n = 4). Provinces/territories were evaluated on the strength of regulatory language for each standard (i.e. fully, partially, or not addressed) and a total comprehensiveness score (maximum score of 20). ECE centres and homes were examined separately. Results The majority of provinces/territories required providers to follow Canada's Food Guide, but few had regulations for specific foods or beverages. Most provinces/territories included standards related to written menus and drinking water, but the strength of these standards was weak. Many provinces/territories required physical activity and outdoor opportunities to be provided daily, but few included a time requirement. Only two provinces included any screen time standards. Total comprehensiveness scores averaged 5.7 for centres and 5.4 for homes. Conclusions Canadian provinces/territories have insufficient obesity prevention regulations in ECE settings, highlighting a potential point of intervention to prevent obesity.
Lattice Green’s Function for Multiscale Modeling of Strain Field Due to a Vacancy or Other Point Defects in Graphene

A multiscale Green's function method, based upon a solution of the Dyson equation, is described for modeling the strain field due to a vacancy or any other point defect in graphene and other 2D materials. Numerical results are presented using a fourth-neighbor force-constant model for the purpose of illustration.
Carbonic anhydrases enhance activity of endogenous Na-H exchangers and not the electrogenic Na/HCO3 cotransporter NBCe1-A, expressed in Xenopus oocytes.

KEY POINTS According to the HCO3- metabolon hypothesis, direct association of cytosolic carbonic anhydrases (CAs) with the electrogenic Na/HCO3 cotransporter NBCe1-A speeds transport by regenerating/consuming HCO3- . The present work addresses published discrepancies as to whether cytosolic CAs stimulate NBCe1-A, heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes. We confirm the essential elements of the previous experimental observations, taken as support for the HCO3- metabolon hypothesis. However, using our own experimental protocols or those of others, we find that NBCe1-A function is unaffected by cytosolic CAs. Previous conclusions that cytosolic CAs do stimulate NBCe1-A can be explained by an unanticipated stimulatory effect of the CAs on an endogenous Na-H exchanger. Theoretical analyses show that, although CAs could stimulate non- HCO3- transporters (e.g. Na-H exchangers) by accelerating CO2 / HCO3- -mediated buffering of acid-base equivalents, they could not appreciably affect transport rates of NBCe1 or other transporters carrying HCO3- , CO3= , or NaCO3- ion pairs. ABSTRACT The HCO3- metabolon hypothesis predicts that cytosolic carbonic anhydrase (CA) binds to NBCe1-A, promotes HCO3- replenishment/consumption, and enhances transport. Using a short step-duration current-voltage (I-V) protocol with Xenopus oocytes expressing eGFP-tagged NBCe1-A, our group reported that neither injecting human CA II (hCA II) nor fusing hCA II to the NBCe1-A carboxy terminus affects background-subtracted NBCe1 slope conductance (GNBC ), which is a direct measure of NBCe1-A activity. Others - using bovine CA (bCA), untagged NBCe1-A, and protocols keeping holding potential (Vh ) far from NBCe1-A's reversal potential (Erev ) for prolonged periods - found that bCA increases total membrane current (ΔIm ), which apparently supports the metabolon hypothesis. We systematically investigated differences in the two protocols. In oocytes expressing untagged NBCe1-A, injected with bCA and clamped to -40 mV, CO2 / HCO3- exposures markedly decrease Erev , producing large transient outward currents persisting for >10 min and rapid increases in [Na+ ]i . Although the CA inhibitor ethoxzolamide (EZA) reduces both ΔIm and d[Na+ ]i /dt, it does not reduce GNBC . In oocytes not expressing NBCe1-A, CO2 / HCO3- triggers rapid increases in [Na+ ]i that both hCA II and bCA enhance in concentration-dependent manners. These d[Na+ ]i /dt increases are inhibited by EZA and blocked by EIPA, a Na-H exchanger (NHE) inhibitor. In oocytes expressing untagged NBCe1-A and injected with bCA, EIPA abolishes the EZA-dependent decreases in ΔIm and d[Na+ ]i /dt. Thus, CAs/EZA produce their ΔIm and d[Na+ ]i /dt effects not through NBCe1-A, but endogenous NHEs. Theoretical considerations argue against a CA stimulation of HCO3- transport, supporting the conclusion that an NBCe1-A- HCO3- metabolon does not exist in oocytes.
Geometry of the quantum complex projective space CP q ( N)

The quantum deformationCP q (N) of complex projective space is discussed. Many of the features present in the case of the quantum sphere can be extended. The differential and integral calculus is studied andCP q (N) appears as a quantum Kahler manifold. The braiding of several copies ofCP q (N) is introduced and the anharmonic ratios of four collinear points are shown to be invariant under quantum projective transformations. They provide the building blocks of all projective invariants. The Poisson limit is also described.
Tracking the quality of scientific knowledge inputs in reports generated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

The purpose of this study is to track the quality and types of knowledge used over time when developing internationally sanctioned scientific reports such as those on climate change. We present a bibliometric analysis of the Global Assessment Reports on Climate Change written by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) between 1990 and 2014. Analysis is based on a proportional stratified random sampling of references from all the reports. Data analyzed includes the year of publication, availability in open access, authors, subject field and themes of referenced materials, quality of the journals, and the sources of references. Findings suggest that knowledge inputs from top publishing houses are trending upwards; most inputs are still derived from peer-reviewed journals but with marked increases in references from government for-profit and non-profit knowledge generators. There continues to be a predominance of inputs from the physical sciences and increased inputs from social studies but reduced inputs from the life sciences. Climate advocates point to the rigorous scientific and multidisciplinary knowledge in these assessment reports, but few studies have mapped how such knowledge might be finding its way into them even as they are scrutinized by skeptics. This study therefore contributes to the debate on the rigor of IPCC reports.
Assessing Machine Learning for LEO Satellite Orbit Determination in Simultaneous Tracking and Navigation

Machine learning for orbit determination of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites in a simultaneous tracking and navigation (STAN) framework is assessed. STAN is a navigation paradigm that aims to exploit LEO satellites, which are not intended for navigation purposes. Since these satellites are not intended as navigation sources, their states (position, velocity, clock bias, and clock drift) cannot be assumed to be transmitted to the navigator. STAN estimates the states of such satellites simultaneously with the states of the navigating vehicle, using Doppler and pseudorange measurements drawn from the LEO satellite signals. This paper proposes a machine learning algorithm for predicting LEO satellite orbits in the STAN framework. A time delay neural network (TDNN) is developed, which is shown to improve the LEO satellite tracking performance over an extended Kalman filter (EKF)-based satellite tracking approach. The proposed EKF-TDNN-STAN is validated experimentally on a ground vehicle, where the Doppler measurements extracted from two Orbcomm LEO satellite signals were used to aid an on-board inertial measurement unit. In the experiment, the vehicle navigated for a total of 258 seconds, the last 30 seconds of which were in the absence of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals. The vehicle traversed a distance of 1.1 km during the period of GNSS unavailability. An EKF-STAN achieved a ground vehicle three-dimensional (3-D) position root mean-squared error (RMSE) of 10.6 m, while the two LEO satellites were tracked with 3-D position RMSE of 71 m and 26 m, respectively. In contrast, the proposed EKF-TDNN-STAN framework achieved a ground vehicle 3-D position root RMSE of 6.6 m, while the two LEO satellites were tracked with 3-D position RMSE of 6 m and 26 m, respectively.
Comments on Hyper-Rayleigh Scattering

We mention briefly a subject, which although germane to this book, was not included in the Workshop because there had been no recent progress in the area.
Current Issues in the Evaluation of Early childhood programs

In this paper, I wish to comment on some recent trends in the evaluation of early childhood programs. My interest in evaluation is based on two considerations. First, and obviously, there has to be accountability in educational programs. We have a responsibility to develop a technology for gauging the effectiveness of educational programs. We may criticize existing modes of educational evaluation because they fail to achieve adequate levels of validity, but our criticism needs to be aimed at improving, not eliminating efforts to evaluate.
The impact of rheumatoid arthritis and treatment on patients' lives

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, debilitating disease that significantly impacts patients' quality of life and socioeconomic productivity. On a personal level, RA has a significant socioeconomic impact on patients' lives, being ranked among the highest of all chronic diseases for its effect on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and limitations in physical function as well as increased pain and fatigue affect patients' attendance at paid work, their work performance within and outside the home, and their participation in family, social, and leisure activities. Additional paid or unpaid support, as well as increased flexibility and job modifications from employers, are often required so that patients can meet their role obligations. Disease-related reductions in work and household productivity are not just due to the physical limitations posed by RA; mental/emotional limitations also play a key role in reducing patients' HRQoL and productivity. Newer, effective treatments, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, improve the signs and symptoms of disease, inhibit progression of joint damage, and improve physical function and HRQoL. A recently available TNF inhibitor for RA, certolizumab pegol, has been shown to increase productivity outside and within the home and participation in family, social, and leisure activities as well as rapidly improve physical function, fatigue, and pain. Due to the importance of these parameters to patients, new therapies are increasingly assessed based on their ability to improve HRQoL, productivity, and participation. These extend the more traditional measures of efficacy into outcomes that are more central to patients' daily lives.
Fragility analysis of wind-excited traffic signal structures

Abstract Traffic signal structures are prone to fatigue failure due to wind-induced excitation that is often difficult to characterize due to the variable response arising from a combinations of along- and across-wind effects and the uncertainties associated with the fatigue and fracture phenomena. A probabilistic framework is proposed to predict structure component fatigue life. To solve the problem of wind-induced fatigue, the model is introduced to inter-relate wind hazard to structural response and hence fatigue damage. Stress range demand variabilities are considered separately from the randomness associated with the fatigue capacity. To characterize the natural wind response of a representative structure, full-scale structural monitoring is conducted, and the data were incorporated into an example application of the framework. To successfully demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed framework, resulting wind-induced fatigue life distributions are compared against compiled inspection records for a large traffic signal structure population in Wyoming.
Advertising Regulations in Sub-Saharan Africa: Trends and Outlook

Abstract This paper examines the status and outlook of advertising regulations in sub-Saharan Africa. It begins with a synoptic overview of the region's advertising industry, which is used as a backdrop. Advertising regulations pertaining to tobacco, alcohol, pharmaceuticals, children, and politics are examined, and seven regulatory forces (consumer protection; growth of service industry; fairness and vulnerable groups; new media technologies; civil rights and privacy; religion, morality, and taste; and nationalism) likely to stimulate advertising regulations in the region are also presented. The paper concludes with implications and directions for future research.
Noncontrast-enhanced peripheral venography using velocity-selective magnetization preparation and transient balanced SSFP

Purpose To develop a three-dimensional (3D) noncontrast-enhanced (NCE) peripheral magnetic resonance venography (MRV) method and demonstrate its feasibility in vivo. Methods The proposed MRV pulse sequence consisted of a velocity-selective (VS) inversion preparation module, inversion delay time (TI), fat inversion pulse, and 3D balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) dummy excitations and readout. The VS preparation module inverted arterial blood, which recovered close to zero magnetization during TI. The TI and the number of dummy excitations (Nnum) were numerically optimized for maximizing vein-to-background contrast and tested in a healthy subject. The proposed MRV of the entire peripheral system, using four-station acquisition, was performed in six healthy subjects and three peripheral artery patients. Results The numerical optimization yielded TI = 350 ms and Ndum = 40, which was supported by the largest vein contrast among the parameters chosen around the optima on in vivo venograms. Four-station peripheral MRV using the optimized parameters well visualized all major deep veins with high vein-to-background contrast. The relative vein contrast ratios were 0.80 ± 0.08, 0.75 ± 0.07, and 0.84 ± 0.06 against the arteries, muscle, and fat, respectively. Conclusion The proposed NCE MRV using VS preparation and transient bSSFP can generate high-contrast peripheral venograms directly with a single acquisition. Magn Reson Med, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The hemoglobin of Ascaris perienteric fluid. 3. Equilibria with oxygen and carbon monoxide.

Abstract 1. 1. Ascari perienteric fluid hemoglobin has been deoxygenated by substitution of carbon monoxide for bound oxygen followed by photodissociation of the carbon monoxide hemoglobin. 2. 2. The hemoglobin is half-saturated with oxyen at 0.001–0.0038 mm Hg at pH 7.0 and 20°. 3. 3. The hemoglobin is half-saturated with carbon monoxide at 0.1 mm Hg at pH 7.0 and 20°. 4. 4. The partition coefficient describing the equilibrium between the hemoglobin, oxygen and carbon monoxide was found to be M = 0.036, which agrees with the value calculated as the ratio of the affinities for carbon monoxide and oxygen.
Family functioning in paediatric obsessive compulsive and related disorders.

Objective Research among youths with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) has shown a significant relationship between illness severity, treatment outcome, and the family environment yet little work has been undertaken among the broader class of obsessive compulsive and related disorders (OCRDs) – Trichotillomania, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), skin picking disorder (SPD), and hoarding. The aim of this study was to (1) review the family functioning literature among paediatric OCRDs, (2) address limitations to previous studies, and (3) highlight areas in need of further research. Methods A review of the literature was conducted using several databases (i.e., Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect) and employing key search terms (e.g., ‘family functioning’, ‘paediatric OCD’). The resultant articles examined several domains subsumed under the broader heading of family environment including parental mental health, parenting practices, family dynamics, family involvement with symptoms, and family emotional climate. Results The literature reviewed demonstrated a strong relationship between paediatric OCD and adverse family functioning (e.g., parental symptoms of anxiety and depression, family accommodation, family strain and stress, parental guilt and fear) in all identified domains. While family functioning research in paediatric HPD was relatively scant, research suggested similar familial dysfunction (e.g., limited independence, low family cohesion, family violence). Collectively, only 1 article, examining BDD, assessed family functioning within other OCRDs. Conclusions This review supports the need for further research in the OCRDs. Limitations to the available literature and targeted suggestions for future research are discussed. Practitioner points The domains of family environment in this study indicate specific family functioning deficits that may serve as aetiological and/or maintenance factors in paediatric OCRDs, possibly contributing to the understanding of these complex disorders. The recognition of family deficits in paediatric OCRDs may prove beneficial in developing or bolstering preventative and/or therapeutic interventions. Insufficient number of articles pertaining to family functioning in some paediatric OCRDs (i.e., hoarding, skin picking) inhibits formal conclusions. Magnitudes of family functioning effects were not calculated; therefore, future research should consider meta-analytic analyses.
Abstract 16199: Mutation of the SERCA-Reactive Cysteine-674 to Serine Attenuates Myocyte Apoptosis and Heart Failure in Mice With Chronic Pressure Overload

Introduction: Irreversible oxidation of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium ATPase (SERCA2) at cysteine 674 (C674) prevents redox regulation of enzyme activity. In mice with pressure overload due to aortic constriction, we previously showed that SERCA2 C674 is oxidized and that its oxidation as well as myocyte apoptosis and left ventricular (LV) failure are prevented by transgenic expression of catalase. Therefore, SERCA2 oxidation may contribute to impaired SR filling leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. Hypothesis: We tested whether oxidation of SERCA2 C674 is necessary for pressure overload-induced LV apoptosis and failure. Methods and Results: Heterozygote SERCA2 knock-in mice (SKI) in which 50% C674 is mutated to serine and wild-type mice (WT) 10 weeks of age were subjected to ascending aortic constriction (AAC) or sham operation (n=7-12 per group). Echocardiography and immunohistochemistry were performed 12 weeks after AAC. In WT, AAC caused LV failure with increased LV end diastolic ...
Active, resistive, nonlinear, uniform, infinite ladder networks

A strictly passive, resistive, nonlinear, uniform, infinite ladder network has a characteristic immittance (v,i) to W(vi) with exactly one fixed point in the voltage-current plane, that fixed point is a saddle point of the first kind and occurs at the origin. However, if 'strictly passive' is replaced by 'active', the number of fixed points can be many. If the series resistances and shunt conductances are continuous functions whose zeros are all distinct and changes-of-sign as well, then the fixed points of W appear in a rectangular pattern in the (v,i) plane. Moreover, if v/sub 0/ is a zero of g and i/sub 0/ is a zero of r and if G and R are the derivatives of g and r at v/sub 0/ and i/sub 0/, respectively, and are both positive or both negative, then (v/sub 0/,i/sub 0/) is a saddle point of the first kind. On the other hand, if G and R are of opposite sign, then (v/sub 0/,i/sub 0/) is a center when -4 >