cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Significant increase of photoluminescence lifetime at 1.5 μm in erbium chloride silicate nanowires

Dramatic increase of photoluminescence lifetime in erbium chloride silicate nanowires is achieved by optimizing growth conditions. Lifetime of 540 μβ represents the best figure of merit in terms of product of erbium-density and lifetime.
Iron Deficiency during Pregnancy: Blessing or Curse?

Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency and the most common cause of anemia among pregnant women worldwide [1]. Pregnancy may require as much as 1000 mg of elemental iron to meet the demands for maternal red blood cell expansion and fetal erythropoiesis and to account for blood lost at delivery [2]. As part of its standards for maternal and neonatal care, the World Health Organization recommends routine iron supplementation of 60 mg daily for pregnant women living in areas where malnutrition is prevalent [3]. The rationale underlying this policy is the observed association of anemia with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Specifically, anemia has been linked with low birth weight, preterm birth, decreased infant iron stores, and consequent impaired cognition and growth of the child [4-7] . For the mother, severe anemia may increase the risks of cardiac failure or death from peripartum hemorrhage [7, 8]. In a recent review of 40 trials involving > 12,000 women, routine daily iron supplementation increased hemoglobin levels by -7.5 g/dL and was associated with a decreased risk for anemia at term (relative risk, 0.56; 95% con-
Radiologic diagnosis of pancreatic cancer

Modern radiology makes possible an accurate diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in about 95 percent of cases. Conventional upper gastrointestinal study, isotopic scanning, hypotonic duodenography, and ultrasonography are suitable as screening procedures. Special methods of high accuracy - pancreatic arteriography, endoscopic pancreatography, and transhepatic cholangiography are used as needed for definitive diagnosis.
Calmodulin concentrates at regions of cell growth in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Calmodulin was localized in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by indirect immunofluorescence using affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies. Calmodulin displays an asymmetric distribution that changes during the cell cycle. In unbudded cells, calmodulin concentrates at the presumptive site of bud formation approximately 10 min before bud emergence. In small budded cells, calmodulin accumulates throughout the bud. As the bud grows, calmodulin concentrates at the tip, then disperses, and finally concentrates in the neck region before cytokinesis. An identical staining pattern is observed when wild-type calmodulin is replaced with mutant forms of calmodulin impaired in binding Ca2+. Thus, the localization of calmodulin does not depend on its ability to bind Ca2+ with a high affinity. Double labeling of yeast cells with affinity-purified anti-calmodulin antibody and rhodamine-conjugated phalloidin indicates that calmodulin and actin concentrate in overlapping regions during the cell cycle. Furthermore, disrupting calmodulin function using a temperature-sensitive calmodulin mutant delocalizes actin, and act1-4 mutants contain a random calmodulin distribution. Thus, calmodulin and actin distributions are interdependent. Finally, calmodulin localizes to the shmoo tip in cells treated with alpha-factor. This distribution, at sites of cell growth, implicates calmodulin in polarized cell growth in yeast.
Comments on a letter by J.R. Wait on magnetic resistivity

In response to the arguments of J.R. Wait (ibid., vol.34, no.2, p.139, 1992), the commenter gives four different reasons for not neglecting magnetic sources. >
Study on Seven Maize(Zea mays L.) Hybrid Varieties in the Ecological Areas of the East Hebei Province

[Objective] The aim was to develop the high yield potential of summer maize in the Ecological Areas of the East Heber Province,select the good maize varieties suitable for the local climate.[Method] The comparative test of seven good quality hybrid maize varieties(Chunxi11,Tangyu-1,Xundan 20,Jifeng 58,Zhengdan 958,Sannong 201 and Jingyu 11) on adaptability,yielding ability and resistance was carried out.[Result] Under the same cultivation and management conditions,and 6.66×104 plants per ha,seven tested varieties' average yield was 9 000-10 500 kg/hm2,had a certain difference.Tangyu-1 and Jingyu 11 was the local main cultivation maize varieties several years ago,their resistance was better than that of the other varieties,while under the same plant protection management measures,their yield was lower than that of Zhengdan 958 and Xundan 20.[Conclusion] Comprehensively considering the performance of economic traits,Zhengdan 958,Xundan 20,Jingyu 11 are preferably adapt to grow and promote in the Ecological Areas of the East Hebei Province.
Relationship of p53, bcl-2, and tumor proliferation to clinical drug resistance in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

Although the cause(s) of clinical drug resistance in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) is unknown, in vitro studies suggest that abnormalities of the p53 gene, bcl-2 overexpression, and low tumor proliferation rates may increase chemotherapy resistance. We analyzed tumor tissue from 75 patients with relapsed/refractory NHL (Working Formulation A through H) for p53 mutation/overexpression (abnormality), bcl-2 expression, and tumor proliferation and correlated them with multiple clinical characteristics, response to therapy, disease-free survival, and overall survival (OS). All tumor biopsy specimens were obtained within 6 weeks of treatment with EPOCH (infusional etoposide, vincristine, and doxorubicin and bolus prednisone and cyclophosphamide) chemotherapy. Overall, 16 (21%) tumors had a p53 abnormality. Of 13 tumors with overexpression, mutations were confirmed by sequence analysis in 11, and, in 44 tumors without overexpression, 3 showed mutations. A multivariate analysis showed that tumors with a p53 abnormality were more likely to be drug resistant than tumors with normal p53 (56% v 17%; P2 = .008) and to have a shorter median progression-free survival (PFS; 2.1 v 8.2 months; P2 = .008) and OS (11.7 v 21.5 months; P2 = .038), respectively. The presence of a p53 abnormality did not correlate with any clinical characteristic, bcl-2 expression, or tumor proliferation. A significant correlation was found between low tumor proliferation and drug resistance in a univariate (P2 < .006) but not multivariate analysis. Patients with tumor proliferation of less than 80% were significantly more likely to have no response to therapy (31% v 6%) or to fail to achieve a complete response (16% v 44%) and tended to have shorter PFS and OS than did patients with higher proliferation. No significant association was found between bcl-2 expression and drug resistance, PFS or OS, although patients with intermediate-grade histologies and high bcl-2 expression tended to be drug resistant as compared with low level expressors (P2 < .065). Of interest was the finding of a significant association between high bcl-2 and low tumor proliferation (P2 = .0045). In studies that have found an association between high bcl-2 expression and short PFS, bcl-2 may have been a surrogate for low tumor proliferation. Further studies are warranted to examine this question. These results suggest that p53 mutation and low tumor proliferation, but not bcl-2, may be important causes of clinical drug resistance in NHL.
Dysregulation of Nutrient Sensing and CLEARance in Presenilin Deficiency

Attenuated auto-lysosomal system has been associated with Alzheimer disease (AD), yet all underlying molecular mechanisms leading to this impairment are unknown. We show that the amino acid sensing of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is dysregulated in cells deficient in presenilin, a protein associated with AD. In these cells, mTORC1 is constitutively tethered to lysosomal membranes, unresponsive to starvation, and inhibitory to TFEB-mediated clearance due to a reduction in Sestrin2 expression. Normalization of Sestrin2 levels through overexpression or elevation of nuclear calcium rescued mTORC1 tethering and initiated clearance. While CLEAR network attenuation in vivo results in buildup of amyloid, phospho-Tau, and neurodegeneration, presenilin-knockout fibroblasts and iPSC-derived AD human neurons fail to effectively initiate autophagy. These results propose an altered mechanism for nutrient sensing in presenilin deficiency and underline an importance of clearance pathways in the onset of AD.
Effects of socio-demographic variables on birth intervals in Ghana.

The examination of sociodemographic factors in birth spacing in Ghana was accomplished through the use of proportional hazard models to estimate the duration of birth intervals 1-10. The determination of simultaneous effects of background factors contributed to the identification of the most important factors: infant/child mortality formal education involvement in a professional occupation being non-Catholic or non-Muslim being Akan or Mole-Dagbani polygyny and residence in the Greater Accra region. Young women are reducing durations of breast feeding and of postpartum sexual abstinence but are not increasing contraceptive use. Age at first marriage has limited effect on spacing of births. Ghana is slowly being modernized but the small effects of most of the independent variables mean that social change is slow and sustained decline in fertility is not apparent. In order to deemphasize the security function of bearing children non-familial opportunities such as improving womens political or socioeconomic status should be provided. Family planning for spacing and/or limiting childbearing could be better accomplished through establishment of grassroots womens organizations and national government support. Bivariate and multivariate techniques (Weibull regression model as a failure time model) were employed in the analysis of birth cohorts (1930-39 1940-49 1959-54 and 1955-64) age at first marriage infant mortality formal educational level present occupation type of marriage religion ethnicity and place and region of residence. Data were obtained on 4943 ever married women aged 15-49 years from Ghana Fertility Survey of 1979-80 which was a stratified cluster sample by region. The reproductive life course events in Ghana follow much the same pattern as in other countries in the developing world and are linked with economic social and cultural organization.
Examining the Gender Gap in Information Assurance: A Study of Psychological Factors

The increasing cyber attacks result in an emergent need for Information Assurance professionals in the government and private sector. Young adults’ psychological factors related to the career field of Information Assurance (IA) remain largely understudied despite Information Assurance Workforce (IAW) becoming a crucial issue. Gender disparity, in particular, is a concern for Information Assurance. The first of its kind, this study investigates the gender gap in the field of IA by examining psychological factors affecting young adults, including attitudes, interests, self-efficacy, and goals. Our findings on gender difference in IA from psychological perspectives provide insight for understanding gender disparity in the IA field and initiate studies to explore this issue further. The practical purpose of this study is to contribute information related to gender differences, understood with regard to psychological aspects, for IA recruitment strategies to inspire young adults, especially the underrepresented population of women, to join the IAW.
Horizontal Gene Transfer

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is the movement of genetic information between organisms, a process that includes the spread of antibiotic resistance genes among bacteria (except for those from parent to offspring), fueling pathogen evolution. Many resistance genes evolved long ago in natural environments with no anthropogenic influence but these genes are now rapidly spreading to and among human pathogens. HGT occurs by three well-understood genetic mechanisms (Fig. 1):
Effect of excess vitamin A on acid phosphatase content of guinea pig peritoneal leucocytes.

SummaryGuinea pigs were given daily intraperitoneal injections of 136,000 I.U. of vit A-alcohol dissolved in sterile mineral oil. Peritoneal leucocytes, harvested from these animals 24-48 hours after the third dose of vitamin, showed a highly significant depression of total acid phosphatase activity when compared with leucocytes obtained from control animals treated with oil alone. Smaller doses of the vitamin (68,000 I.U.) had a similar action. This effect of vit A was not prevented by simultaneous treatment of the animals with modest doses of cortisone or hydrocortisone. The observation that leucocytes of vit A treated animals show a marked loss of acid phosphatase supports the contention that this agent has a disruptive action on lysosomal membranes in vivo.Hydrocortisone, as the free alcohol, was kindly provided by Dr. H. J. Robinson, Merck Institute of Therapeutic Research. The technical assistance of Miss Nili Kratka is gratefully acknowledged.
Subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with metabolic syndrome and clomiphene citrate resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

AbstractBackground: To evaluate the possible relationship between subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and metabolic syndrome (MS) and the response to clomiphene citrate (CC) stimulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Methods: One hundred and ninety-six women with PCOS were divided into two groups: (1) the SCH group with 92 patients; (2) the euthyroid (EU) group with 104 patients. Physical characteristics and metabolic parameters as well as the reaction to CC stimulating test were compared between these two groups.Results: (1) In the SCH group, significantly higher body mass index, Ferriman–Gallwey score, serum triglyceride, insulin and glucose of oral glucose tolerance test, homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and significantly lower serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was observed in comparison with those in the EU group (p < 0.05). (2) The prevalence of CC resistance (30.4%), IR (43.5%) and MS (34.8%) in the SCH group was significantly higher than that in the EU...
Metallic intrauterine foreign body in term pregnancy: Case report

Abstract Intrauterine metallic foreign bodies compatible with full-term gestations have not been reported in the literature to our knowledge. Adair 1 alluded to the presence of a retained pessary (substance not stated) found embedded in the placenta at the time of a term delivery. Batmen 2 reported a case in which a rubber catheter had perforated a pregnant uterus, and after the catheter had been removed from the abdominal cavity the pregnancy went to term. Ellison 3 reported a case in which a rubber catheter was inserted into a pregnant uterus at 6 months' gestation. This was passed spontaneously 4 to 5 weeks prior to term delivery of a viable 6¾ pound infant. Veprovsky and Ostreich 4 reported 4 cases in which a rubber catheter used as an abortifacient had perforated the uterus in early pregnancy. Schockaert 5 presented a case in which a cotton tampon was found in a term uterus at the time of repeat cesarean section. Zakin 6 reviewed 7 cases of intra-abdominal foreign bodies (rubber catheters or pencils) which had perforated the uterus. The foreign body interrupted the pregnancy in each patient. Glavero Nunes 7 reported a case in which a primigravida had an obstructed labor due to a wooden spool embedded in the tissue of the cervical canal. After removal of the spool the patient was delivered uneventfully. Noreports have been found of metallic intrauterine foreign bodies compatible with full-term gestation. The following represents such a case.
Dysplastic Gangliocytoma and Partial Seizures

The clinical, radiologic and EEG features of three children with dysplastic gangliocytoma of the cerebral hemispheres and drug resistant partial seizures are described from the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center and Department of Neurology, Miami Children's Hospital, Miami, FL.
Evaluating the impacts of the clean cities program

The Department of Energy's Clean Cities program was created in 1993 to reduce petroleum usage in the transportation sector. The program promotes alternative fuels such as biofuels and fuel-saving strategies such as idle reduction and fleet management through coalitions of local government, non-profit, and private actors. Few studies have evaluated the impact of the program because of its complexity that include interrelated strategies of grants, education and training and diversity of participants. This paper uses a Difference-in-Differences (DiD) approach to evaluate the effectiveness of the program between 1990 and 2010. We quantify the effectiveness of the Clean Cities program by focusing on performance measures such as air quality, number of alternative fueling stations, private vehicle occupancy and transit ridership. We find that counties that participate in the program perform better on all these measures compared to counties that did not participate. Compared to the control group, counties in the Clean Cities program experienced a reduction in days with bad air quality (3.7%), a decrease in automobile commuters (2.9%), an overall increase in transit commuters (2.1%) and had greater numbers of new alternative fueling stations (12.9). The results suggest that the program is a qualified success.
Modification of Thalamic Evoked Activity by Dorsal Column Stimulation

Recordings were made in two patients who had basal thalamotomies for intractable pain in whom, coincidentally, dorsal column stimulators had previously been implanted in an unsuccessful attempt to control their pain.
Receipt of recommended surveillance with imaging in survivors of early stage non-small cell lung cancer.

10017Background: Lung cancer survivors have a high risk for recurrence and second cancers and a 5-year survival of only 50%. Imaging surveillance for early cancer detection in this group is recomme...
When is a Little Information a Dangerous Thing? Coping with Stressful Events by Monitoring Versus Blunting

Consider two individuals, both of whom must undergo an aversive dental procedure. When the first individual arrives, the dentist describes what is going to take place, including when and under what circumstances the person can expect to feel pain. The second individual receives no such preparation from the dentist. Exactly the same procedure is performed on both individuals. Will the person undergoing the predictable procedure experience more or less stress before, during, and after his dental visit than the person undergoing the identical, but unpredictable procedure?
On the Radio Detectability of Circumplanetary Discs

Discs around young planets, so-called circumplanetary discs (CPDs), are essential for planet growth, satellite formation, and planet detection. We study the millimetre and centimetre emission from accreting CPDs by using the simple $\alpha$ disc model. We find that it is easier to detect CPDs at shorter radio wavelengths (e.g. $\lambda\lesssim$ 1 mm). For example, if the system is 140 pc away from us, deep observations (e.g. 5 hours) at ALMA Band 7 (0.87 mm) are sensitive to as small as 0.03 lunar mass of dust in CPDs. If the CPD is around a Jupiter mass planet 20 AU away from the host star and has $\alpha\lesssim 0.001$, ALMA can detect this disc when it accretes faster than $10^{-10} M_{\odot}/yr$. ALMA can also detect the "minimum mass sub-nebulae" disc if such a disc exists around a young planet in YSOs. However, to distinguish the embedded compact CPD from the circumstellar disc material, we should observe circumstellar discs with large gaps/cavities using the highest resolution possible. We also calculate the CPD fluxes at VLA bands, and discuss the possibility of detecting radio emission from jets/winds launched in CPDs. Finally we argue that, if the radial drift of dust particles is considered, the drifting timescale for millimetre dust in CPDs can be extremely short. It only takes 10$^2$-10$^{3}$ years for CPDs to lose millimetre dust. Thus, for CPDs to be detectable at radio wavelengths, mm-sized dust in CPDs needs to be replenished continuously, or the disc has a significant fraction of micron-sized dust or a high gas surface density so that the particle drifting timescale is long, or the radial drift is prevented by other means (e.g. pressure traps).
Quality quandaries: Uses of simulation

Key PointThis article provides a number of examples that shows how useful simulation is in addressing many problems encountered in applied statistics.
Predictive modeling of crystal accumulation in high-level waste glass melters processing radioactive waste

Abstract The effectiveness of high-level waste vitrification at Hanford's Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant may be limited by precipitation/accumulation of spinel crystals [(Fe, Ni, Mn, Zn)(Fe, Cr)2O4] in the glass discharge riser of Joule-heated ceramic melters during idling. These crystals do not affect glass durability; however, if accumulated in thick layers, they can clog the melter and prevent discharge of molten glass into canisters. To address this problem, an empirical model was developed that can predict thicknesses of accumulated layers as a function of glass composition. This model predicts well the accumulation of single crystals and/or small-scale agglomerates, but excessive agglomeration observed in high-Ni-Fe glass resulted in an underprediction of accumulated layers, which gradually worsened over time as an increased number of agglomerates formed. The accumulation rate of ∼53.8 ± 3.7 μm/h determined for this glass will result in a ∼26 mm-thick layer after 20 days of melter idling.
Reasons for Distress Among Burn Survivors at 6, 12, and 24 Months Postdischarge: A Burn Injury Model System Investigation

Abstract Objective To identify important sources of distress among burn survivors at discharge and 6, 12, and 24 months postinjury, and to examine if the distress related to these sources changed over time. Design Exploratory. Setting Outpatient burn clinics in 4 sites across the country. Participants Participants who met preestablished criteria for having a major burn injury (N=1009) were enrolled in this multisite study. Interventions Participants were given a previously developed list of 12 sources of distress among burn survivors and asked to rate on a 10-point Likert-type scale (0=no distress to 10=high distress) how much distress each of the 12 issues was causing them at the time of each follow-up. Main Outcomes Measures The Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey was administered at each time point as a measure of health-related quality of life. The Satisfaction With Appearance Scale was used to understand the relation between sources of distress and body image. Finally, whether a person returned to work was used to determine the effect of sources of distress on returning to employment. Results It was encouraging that no symptoms were worsening at 2 years. However, financial concerns and long recovery time are 2 of the highest means at all time points. Pain and sleep disturbance had the biggest effect on ability to return to work. Conclusions These findings can be used to inform burn-specific interventions and to give survivors an understanding of the temporal trajectory for various causes of distress. In particular, it appears that interventions targeted at sleep disturbance and high pain levels can potentially effect distress over financial concerns by allowing a person to return to work more quickly.
Rufino dos Santos, Joel. A história do negro no teatro brasileiro. Novas Direções, 2015.

Joel Rufino dos Santos here provides a much-anticipated contribution to the study of the presence of Afro-Brazilians in the national theater. The author investigates the ways in which Afro-Brazilians are authors, characters, objects, and types—both onstage and off. In addition to offering an overview of the role of race in the history of Afro-Brazilian theater and drama, the book also contains many invaluable images that serve to illustrate as well as add insight to the written pages, filling a much-needed gap in critical studies of Brazilian theater.
Which components of specialized early intervention for psychosis do senior providers see as most important

Aim Specialized early interventions improve outcomes in early psychosis (EP). Experts have proposed a number of essential treatment components. However, it is unclear whether these reflect the views of senior clinic staff charged with implementing this model in practice. Method Twenty-Five senior EP clinic staff across California completed a survey indicating which features of EP treatment they considered most important. Results Components related to the service structure and the need for a prompt, comprehensive assessment and care planning were considered most important, despite the limited evidence base evaluating these aspects of care. Administration of clozapine to treatment-refractory patients and weight gain interventions were considered the least important, despite the relatively strong evidence base supporting these treatment components. Conclusion The findings suggest a bi-directional dissemination gap, where components considered most important by senior providers receive limited research attention, while some areas with supporting evidence may be underappreciated in clinical practice.
THE ULTRASTRUCTURE OF PAPILLARY CYSTADENOMA LYMPHOMATOSUM OF THE PAROTID GLAND.

The ultrastructure of papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum (PCL), Warthin's tumor, of the parotid salivary gland has been described. The oncocytic cells are filled with mitochondria. Two morphologic forms of mitochondria are seen. The cells of the striate ducts in the normal parotid, have specializations associated with fluid transport and are structurally most nearly akin to the oxyphils. The subcellular hyperplasia of mitochondria may be a manifestation of aberrant function.
Atomic-scale imaging of ultrafast materials dynamics

The advent of short-pulse electron and x-ray sources has enabled pump-probe approaches for elucidating ultrafast materials dynamics. From such studies, a comprehensive picture of the time-dependent evolution of the initial steps of energy deposition, propagation, relaxation, and conversion in a wide range of materials can be generated. In this article, we provide an overview of the capabilities of femtosecond electron and x-ray scattering for resolving structural dynamics of materials. With such approaches, time resolutions are ultimately limited by the durations of the electron and x-ray pulses, and dynamics can be studied at length scales spanning atomic to mesoscale dimensions. The articles in this issue represent a cross section of the vigorous activity occurring in the study of light-induced ultrafast materials dynamics as it relates to charge carriers, surfaces and interfaces, lattice-coupling mechanisms, coherent structural motions, and next-generation instrument development. The approaches highlighted here are leading to new physical insights, new possibilities for engineering the properties of matter, and ultimately, a new understanding of materials functionality on ultrasmall and ultrashort spatiotemporal scales.
Tracking and Comparing Eye Movements Patterns While Watching Interactive and Non-interactive Videos

In this paper, we demonstrate how our eye moments differ when we are watching non-interactive videos (sports clips) versus interactive videos (video games clips). We obtained the eye tracking data from Collaborative Research in Computational Neuroscience’s (CRCNS) data sharing set; we analyzed the subsets of eye movement data which were tracked while the test subjects were watching sports clips (videos whose contents are non-interactive) and video game clips (videos whose contents are interactive). We then compare the variations of both x- and y-coordinate eye movements between watching real videos and watching animated videos to identify the difference in eye movement patterns between the cases. Moreover, we also conducted tests on to see if there exists any difference in the distribution of the eye status of fixation or saccade between the cases. Our results provide insights into the cognitive processes when people are watching videos. We also discuss the implications of our results to the various applications in IS field.
Epithelial-Stromal Interactions in Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is characterized by an extensive fibroinflammatory reaction that includes immune cells, fibroblasts, extracellular matrix, vascular and lymphatic vessels, and nerves. Overwhelming evidence indicates that the pancreatic cancer microenvironment regulates cancer initiation, progression, and maintenance. Pancreatic cancer treatment has progressed little over the past several decades, and the prognosis remains one of the worst for any cancer. The contribution of the microenvironment to carcinogenesis is a key area of research, offering new potential targets for treating the disease. Here, we explore the composition of the pancreatic cancer stroma, discuss the network of interactions between different components, and describe recent attempts to target the stroma therapeutically. We also discuss current areas of active research related to the tumor microenvironment.
Impulse-Response Analysis with Proxy Variables

This paper suggests an efficient and simple regression-based approach for consistent estimation of dynamic effects of structural shocks in vector autoregressions (VAR) with proxy variables for the shocks. First, we show that given a serially uncorrelated proxy variable correlated only with current structural shock of interest, the existing Proxy Structural VAR (Proxy-SVAR) approach using the proxy as an instrument variable yields an unbiased estimator of the shape of the impulse-response function (IRF) if and only if the proxy does not have any direct forecasting ability in the VAR. Second, we prove that in the linear model, the shape of the IRF can be consistently estimated by adding the current and past values of the proxy variable in the VAR regardless of its direct forecasting ability or measurement error. Third, we show both theoretically and empirically that the formulation in Gertler and Karadi (2015) misestimates the effect of a monetary policy shock. Applying our unrestricted approach to GK's specification results in a substantially different conclusion from the Proxy-SVAR. Our approach is more efficient than other regression-based methods because the IRF is computed from a regression employing all relevant information from data.
Recurrent Superior Mesenteric Artery Stent Fracture.

Ostial stenosis of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is usually a benign finding due to the significant collateralization inherent with visceral vessels. There is a subset of patients, however, with significant atherosclerotic disease leading to in situ thrombosis and subsequent mesenteric ischemia requiring intervention. Over the last 20 years, management of mesenteric ischemia—acute or chronic—has transitioned from an open embolectomy or bypass to an endovascular-first approach involving angioplasty and stenting. We are reporting a unique case of recurrent SMA stent fracture with imaging demonstrating diaphragmatic compression of the SMA during the respiratory cycle, subsequent management, and recommendations for future intervention.
A General Strategy for Engineering Noncanonical Amino Acid Dependent Bacterial Growth

Synthetic auxotrophy in which bacterial viability depends on the presence of a synthetic amino acid provides a robust strategy for the containment of genetically modified organisms and the development of safe, live vaccines. However, a simple, general strategy to evolve essential proteins to be dependent on synthetic amino acids is lacking. Using a temperature-sensitive selection system, we evolved an Escherichia coli (E. coli) sliding clamp variant with an orthogonal protein-protein interface, which contains a Leu273 to p-benzoylphenyl alanine (pBzF) mutation. The E. coli strain with this variant DNA clamp has a very low escape frequency (<10-10), and its growth is strictly dependent on the presence of pBzF. This selection strategy can be generally applied to create ncAA dependence of other organisms with DNA clamp homologues.
Analysis of epidemic situation of malaria in Wuxi City from 2005 to 2014

OBJECTIVE To understand the epidemiological characteristics of malaria in Wuxi City, and explore effective strategies and measures for malaria elimination. METHODS The data on malaria cases in Wuxi from 2005 to 2014 were collected and analyzed. RESULTS In Wuxi City, from 2005 to 2014, 201 malaria cases were reported, of which, there were 52 local cases and 149 imported cases. Totally 156 malaria cases were reported from 2005 to 2009, of which 6 cases were infected with Plasmodium falciparum, and 45 malaria cases were reported from 2010 to 2014, of which 23 cases were infected with P. falciparum. From 2005 to 2009, the ratio of male to female was 2.39:1. Migrant workers, farmers and workers were the major infected populations, with a proportion of 41.03%, 17.95% and 9.62%, respectively. From 2010 to 2014, the ratio of male to female was 10.25:1. Workers, farmers and migrant workers were the major infected populations, with a proportion of 37.78%, 11.11% and 6.67%, respectively. The peak of malaria incidence was observed from May to October. From 2005 to 2009, most cases were reported by CDCs, and from 2010 to 2014, most cases were reported by medical institution. There was an increase in proportion of P. falciparum. CONCLUSIONS The control and prevention of malaria should focus on imported cases in the future in Wuxi. The doctors should improve the capacity of malaria diagnosis and treatment.
Work-family conflict in a comparative context: immigrant and native workers in the U.S.

An increasing number of immigrants from the diverse cultural background are residing and working in the United States. Job demands-resources and socio-demographic characteristics have been associat...
The fantastical lives of fungi

Now more than ever, it is useful to step outside at night and remember the grandeur of the Universe. You can do so while taking out the trash or while wandering the neighborhood wondering what will come over the next months. If you are lucky, you will pause long enough, looking up, to be humbled and awed by the sublimity and scale of what surrounds us. With his new book, Entangled Life, Merlin Sheldrake reminds the reader that one can have a similarly transcendent experience by pausing and looking down.
Functional Morphology of Leaping Behaviors in Galagids: Associations Between Landing Limb use and Diaphyseal Geometry

An animals’ limb long bones must support its weight during postural and locomotor behaviors. Locomotor behaviors have been shown to result in bending and compressive loads of relatively large magnitude on the long bones. Of the several different types of locomotion so far studied with force plates and/or strain gauges (such as slow and fast quadrupedalism, leaping, suspension), leaping has been shown to result in the largest forces (e.g. Biewener et al., 1983; Biewener, 1990). Of the two phases of the leap where an animal is in contact with a support, take-off and landing, it is landing that results in the largest reaction forces: forces up to 10–15 times body weight have been shown to act on the limb skeleton at landing (Gunther, 1985; Gunther et al., 1991; Preuschoft, 1985). Bending is the most common and dangerous type of loading experienced by the limb skeleton (Biewener et al., 1983; Biewener and Taylor, 1986; Bertram and Biewener, 1988); bone is stronger in compression than it is in bending. The shape of long bone diaphyses dictate the behavior of the bone under load (Lanyon and Rubin, 1985; see also Cowin et al., 1984). The amount (area) and distribution (second moment of area) of diaphyseal cortical bone determine its compressive and bending strength, respectively (e.g. Wainwright et al., 1979). Recent research into the functional morphology of primate locomotion has demonstrated associations between diaphyseal cross-sectional geometry and locomotor patterns in galagids (Burr et al., 1982), lorises (Demes and Jungers, 1989), indriids (Jungers and Minns, 1979; Demes et al., 1991), macaques and other anthropoids (Ruff, 1987, 1988; Burr et al., 1989; see the review of Ruff and Runestad, 1992).
Highly Ionized High-Velocity Clouds toward PKS 2155-304 and Markarian 509

To gain insight into four highly ionized high-velocity clouds (HVCs) discovered by Sembach et al. (1999), we have analyzed data from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) for the PKS 2155-304 and Mrk 509 sight lines. We measure strong absorption in OVI and column densities of multiple ionization stages of silicon (SiII/III/IV) and carbon (CII/III/IV). We interpret this ionization pattern as a multiphase medium that contains both collisionally ionized and photoionized gas. Toward PKS 2155-304, for HVCs at -140 and -270 km/s, respectively, we measure logN(OVI)=13.80+/-0.03 and log N(OVI)=13.56+/-0.06; from Lyman series absorption, we find log N(HI)=16.37^(+0.22)_(-0.14) and 15.23^(+0.38)_(-0.22). The presence of high-velocity OVI spread over a broad (100 km/s) profile, together with large amounts of low-ionization species, is difficult to reconcile with the low densities, n=5x10^(-6) cm^(-3), in the collisional/photoionization models of Nicastro et al. (2002), although the HVCs show a similar relation in N(SiIV)/N(CIV) versus N(CII)/N(CIV) as high-z intergalactic clouds. Our results suggest that the high-velocity OVI in these absorbers do not necessarily trace the WHIM, but instead may trace HVCs with low total hydrogen column density. We propose that the broad high-velocity OVI absorption arises from shock ionization, at bowshock interfaces produced from infalling clumps of gas with velocity shear. The similar ratios of high ions for HVC Complex C and these highly ionized HVCs suggest a common production mechanism in the Galactic halo.
Patient descriptions of loss of control and eating episode size interact to influence expert diagnosis of ICD-11 binge-eating disorder.

Although data suggest that the sense of “loss of control” (LOC) is the most salient aspect of binge eating, the definition of LOC varies widely across eating disorder assessments. The WHO ICD-11 diagnostic guidelines for binge eating do not require an objectively large amount of food, which makes accurate LOC diagnosis even more critical. However, it can be especially challenging to assess LOC in the context of elevated weight status and in the absence of compensatory behaviors. This ICD-11 field sub-study examined how descriptions of subjective experience during distressing eating episodes, in combination with different eating episode sizes, influence diagnoses of binge-eating disorder (BED). Mental health professionals with eating disorder expertise from WHO’s Global Clinical Practice Network (N = 192) participated in English, Japanese, and Spanish. Participants were asked to select the correct diagnosis for two randomly assigned case vignettes and to rate the clinical importance and ease of use of each BED diagnostic guideline. The presence of LOC interacted with episode size to predict whether a correct diagnostic conclusion was reached. If the amount consumed during a typical distressing eating episode was only subjectively large compared to objectively large, clinicians were 23.1 times more likely to miss BED than to correctly diagnose it, and they were 9.7 times more likely to incorrectly diagnose something else than to correctly diagnose BED. In addition, clinicians were 10.8 times more likely to make a false positive diagnosis of BED when no LOC was described if the episode was objectively large. Descriptions of LOC that were reliably associated with correct diagnoses across episodes sizes included two that are similar to those already included in proposed ICD-11 guidelines and a third that is not. This third description of LOC focuses on giving up attempts to control eating because perceived overeating feels inevitable. Results highlight the importance of detailed clarification of the LOC construct in future guidelines. Explicitly distinguishing LOC from distressing and mindless overeating could help promote consistent and accurate diagnosis of BED versus another or no eating disorder.
Human platelet lysate delivered via an ocular wound chamber for the treatment of corneal epithelial injuries.

Abstract Current strategies to address corneal surface defects are insufficient to successfully resolve damage caused by injury and/or disease. To address this issue, we have developed an ocular wound chamber (OWC) that creates a fluid-filled environment by encompassing damaged ocular and periocular tissues allowing for the continuous delivery of therapeutics. This study tested human platelet lysate (hPL) as a treatment for corneal epithelial defects when used with the OWC. Corneal epithelial injuries were created in anesthetized guinea pigs by debridement of the central cornea. An OWC was placed over the injured eye and animals randomly grouped followed by injection of either 20% hPL, 100% hPL, or vehicle (balanced salt solution, BSS) into the chamber. Eyes were assessed at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h using intraocular pressure (IOP), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fluorescein imaging. Whole globes were histologically processed, and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained. No differences in IOP were recorded as a result of corneal wounding, chamber placement, and/or therapeutic application. OCT images demonstrated increased corneal swelling at 48 h and 72 h in the vehicle group compared to 20% hPL. Fluorescein staining showed increased corneal re-epithelialization in the 20% and 100% hPL groups at 48 h compared to vehicle only. H&E staining revealed increased stromal cellular infiltrate in the BSS group. This study demonstrates the delivery of hPL via the OWC improves corneal re-epithelialization and supports the expanded usage of the chamber in combination with hPL to manage a variety of corneal surface injuries, diseases and/or periocular conditions.
33-200Mbps, 3pJ/Bit True Random Number Generator Based on CT Delta-Sigma Modulator

This work presents a true random number generator (TRNG) that uses noise and jitter in a continuous-time, deltasigma modulator (CTDSM) as entropy source. A multi-bit non-return-to-zero (NRZ) feedback digital-to-analog converter (DAC) ensures that input swing seen by the front-end integrators is small and dominated by CTDSM noise and jitter, thus allowing the proposed circuit to simultaneously operate as both CTDSM and TRNG which is a key differentiation of this work compared to state-of-the-art TRNGs. Voltage controlled ring oscillators are used to implement integrators in the proposed CTDSM. Fabricated in 65nm CMOS, the TRNG has an energy efficiency of 3pJ/bit at throughput of 33Mbps and 3.5pJ/bit at 200Mbps, and passes all NIST tests with a minimum pass rate> 0.96. The measured minimum entropy of the TRNG bits is > 0.9995 across multiple chips and voltage/temperature corners without any calibration.
Patient-Reported Quality of Life Outcomes After Integrating Exclusive Liquid Meal Replacement in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Undergoing Chemoradiation: Results From a Phase II Study

Purpose/Objective(s) Preventing malnutrition during chemoradiation (CRT) for head and neck cancer (HNC) is crucial for treatment adherence, minimizing treatment-related complications, and maximizing quality of life (QOL). We sought to assess patient-reported QOL outcomes after integrating exclusive liquid meal replacement with Soylent, a novel meal replacement agent, in patients with HNC undergoing CRT. Materials/Methods Patients undergoing definitive or adjuvant concurrent CRT for locally advanced HNC enrolled on our single-institution, prospective phase II protocol evaluating nutritional replacement with Soylent. Patients who reached 5% body weight loss during CRT were transitioned to Soylent meal replacement for all nutritional needs. Patients who reached 10% body weight loss were recommended for gastrostomy tube placement. The University of Washington QOL (UW-QOL) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Head and Neck (FACT-H&N) questionnaires were used to assess patient-reported QOL prior to the receipt of CRT (baseline), as well as at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months following conclusion of CRT. Higher scores indicated better QOL for both assessments. Paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied to assess whether differences between scores at each time point and baseline exist. Multiple testing was addressed via Benjamini-Hochberg procedure with a false discovery rate threshold of 0.2. Results Of the 41 patients who completed evaluable QOL surveys, 33/41 (80%) reached the 5% weight loss threshold and 32/33 (97%) were transitioned to Soylent. Subsequently, 11/33 (33%) on Soylent reached the 10% weight loss threshold, but only 1/11 (9%) received a gastrostomy tube. The nadirs for overall and health-related UW-QOL were reached at 1 month and rebounded to exceed baseline by 6 months. The mean overall UW-QOL score was 71 at baseline compared with 62, 69, 77, 73, and 80 at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months, respectively. Comparing individual UW-QOL domains from baseline to 18 months, significant differences were found in only two domains. Saliva scores decreased from 91 to 73 (adjusted P = 0.02) whereas anxiety scores increased from 51 to 81 (adjusted P = 0.11). FACT-H&N survey scores were reduced from 32 at baseline to 20 at 1 month (adjusted P 0.57 for all). Conclusion This study's results reveal encouraging QOL outcomes from exclusive liquid meal replacement with Soylent, which appear potentially comparable with QOL outcomes from contemporary de-escalation trials in HNC pending further direct comparison. Soylent liquid meal replacement with aggressive dietary monitoring appears to be a promising approach for maximizing patient-reported QOL after conventional, concurrent CRT.
Cryogenic Vacuum Pumping

Cryogenically cooled baffles are now considered an integral part of space-simulation systems, and often serve as an important part of the pumping system. The design of such baffles requires a knowledge of their ability to cool and capture gas molecules colliding with the cold surface. This ability, in turn, depends upon the forces between the gas molecule and the bound surface molecule with which it collides, upon the rate of collisions with the surface, and upon the velocity energy difference between the two molecules. Surface coatings with interstices in the matrix structure may be used to cause a number of collisions to occur while the gas molecule is on the cooled surface, thus materially increasing the cooling and sticking probability.
Risk Aversion and Utility Function of Health: Experimental Determinations

This paper examines the utility values assigned by individuals to different states of health involving risk-taking behaviors in seeking medical treatment. Findings are based on surveys of various socio-economic-cultural groups in New York City: Chinatown residents, college students, and graduate public health students. Two scales of value measurement, category scaling, and standard gamble were used to compare respondents’ values. Scores from the two scales were found to have a monotonic relationship. The difference in values between the two scales was used as a measure of risk aversion.