cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EXAMINING EVIDENCE IN U.S. PAYER COVERAGE POLICIES FOR MULTI-GENE PANELS AND SEQUENCING TESTS.

Author(s): Chambers, James D; Saret, Cayla J; Anderson, Jordan E; Deverka, Patricia A; Douglas, Michael P; Phillips, Kathryn A | Abstract: OBJECTIVES:The aim of this study was to examine the evidence payers cited in their coverage policies for multi-gene panels and sequencing tests (panels), and to compare these findings with the evidence payers cited in their coverage policies for other types of medical interventions. METHODS:We used the University of California at San Francisco TRANSPERS Payer Coverage Registry to identify coverage policies for panels issued by five of the largest US private payers. We reviewed each policy and categorized the evidence cited within as: clinical studies, systematic reviews, technology assessments, cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs), budget impact studies, and clinical guidelines. We compared the evidence cited in these coverage policies for panels with the evidence cited in policies for other intervention types (pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostic tests and imaging, and surgical interventions) as reported in a previous study. RESULTS:Fifty-five coverage policies for panels were included. On average, payers cited clinical guidelines in 84 percent of their coverage policies (range, 73-100 percent), clinical studies in 69 percent (50-87 percent), technology assessments 47 percent (33-86 percent), systematic reviews or meta-analyses 31 percent (7-71 percent), and CEAs 5 percent (0-7 percent). No payers cited budget impact studies in their policies. Payers less often cited clinical studies, systematic reviews, technology assessments, and CEAs in their coverage policies for panels than in their policies for other intervention types. Payers cited clinical guidelines in a comparable proportion of policies for panels and other technology types. CONCLUSIONS:Payers in our sample less often cited clinical studies and other evidence types in their coverage policies for panels than they did in their coverage policies for other types of medical interventions.
Control or re-treat? Model-based guidelines for managing established plant invasions

Established invasions have wide-ranging negative impacts but constraints relating to invader detectability, cost, and efficacy of control may hamper management efforts. One choice that managers face is whether to target control efforts at heavily invaded areas that are sources of invasive propagules or to re-treat previously controlled areas that may be cheaper to control and in which local elimination may be achieved. We developed a mathematical model for the dynamics and control of a plant invasion to determine whether prioritizing heavily invaded or recently controlled areas better achieves each of two management objectives: minimizing the total number of detectable invaded sites (eradication) or heavily invaded sites only (beautification). We provide general guidelines for management by considering how invader traits, budgetary and time constraints, and control efficacy influence prioritization of control efforts and discuss their applicability to long-established invasive plants. For a wide range of invaders and control types, we find that prioritizing heavily-invaded sites performs better for meeting the beautification objective, while re-treating previously controlled sites better achieves eradication. However, combinations of invader traits can lead to the alternate strategy being favored for each management objective, while the optimal choice of management strategy can switch depending on the time horizon of control and annual budget. We summarize model findings to provide general guidelines for invasion managers on how to efficiently allocate limited resources based on invader life history, control cost, and mode of action.
Memory Loss/Cognitive Impairment

As the number of persons aged 65 years and older continues to rise, the need for appropriate assessment and treatment of memory complaints will become ever more important. Early identification of cognitive impairment and competency in its differential diagnosis is a skill that providers will need in their daily practice as delay in diagnosis can have significant social and economic implications. Understanding the continuum as it relates to memory from the normal physiologic changes associated with aging to the debilitating dementing processes, this section provides a framework for the initial evaluation, differential diagnosis, and management of patients with memory loss.
Preparation and identification of a population of antibodies that recognize carbodiimide-modified heparin

Protein-heparin complexes, prepared by a water-soluble carbodiimide coupling technique, were used to produce anti-heparin antibodies in rabbits. Antiserums that recognized carbodiimide-treated heparin, but not untreated heparin, were obtained. Carbodiimide-treated heparan sulfate exhibited 10% to 20% cross-reactivity compared with a similarly treated heparin, whereas there was no cross-reactivity with five other carbodiimide-treated mucopolysaccharides. 3H-1-ethyl-3-(3- trimethylammoniumpropyl) carbodiimide iodide was used to demonstrate that carbodiimide forms a stable adduct with heparin and other mucopolysaccharides. Using an antibody fraction that eluted from 1- ethyl-3-(3-trimethylammoniumpropyl) carbodiimide iodide-treated heparin- Sepharose with 2 mol/L KI, it was demonstrated that, for the antibody population studied, the addition of one carbodiimide per heparin molecule resulted in complete epitope expression without loss of anticoagulant activity. The addition of up to eight additional carbodiimide molecules to heparin did not increase the extent of epitope formation, although anticoagulant activity was lost. Except for heparan sulfate, the addition of radiolabeled carbodiimide to other mucopolysaccharides did not result in epitope formation. These data demonstrate that antibodies to an epitope derived from heparin can be formed, that the epitope is fully expressed while anticoagulant activity is present, and that the antibody is specifically directed against an altered portion of the polysaccharide.
Identification of masked polycythemia vera from patients with idiopathic marked thrombocytosis by endogenous erythroid colony assay

We used the methylcellulose-culture technique to determine the utility of the erythroid progenitor growth in vitro from nonadherent T-depleted bone marrow and peripheral blood cells in distinguishing polycythemia vera (PV) from essential thrombocythemia. Thirty patients with PV (group A) and 30 patients who presented with idiopathic marked thrombocytosis with platelet count greater than 1,000 x 10(9)/L and a normal or reduced hemoglobin (Hb) level (group B) were studied at initial presentation. Endogenous (erythropoietin-independent) erythroid colonies (EEC) were found in all patients in group A and 13 in group B. The numbers of EEC were comparable between patients in group A and the 13 patients with EEC in group B, 11 of whom with initial Hb levels ranging between 6.4 g/dL and 12.6 g/dL were found to have PV 2 to 45 months after initial evaluation. The number of EEC did not correlate with the time to the progression of polycythemia, whereas myelosuppression delayed the subsequent development of PV. Of the two patients with EEC in group B who did not develop PV, both received chemotherapy soon after presentation, which might preclude the evidence of polycythemia evolution. None of the other patients in group B who did not form EEC developed PV with a median follow-up of 24 months. This study indicates that the assessment of EEC in bone marrow or blood is helpful in early identification of PV or prediction of polycythemia evolution in patients with marked thrombocytosis in whom polycythemia has been initially masked or anemia is present.
The consequences of religious strictness for political participation

Abstract Contemporary media portray highly religious Americans as active political conservatives. This article examines how church strictness influences political participation by churchgoers. We argue that church strictness influences aspects of a person's life that are known to influence political participation, so assessing the effect of religion on participation requires considering intermediate factors. To evaluate our theory, we analyze the 2006 Portraits of American Life Study, which focused on the role of religion in society. We develop a recursive model of political participation, using multiple imputation to address missingness in the survey. The results indicate that indirect effects of strictness—through civic involvement, income, and religious participation—mitigate the assumed direct effect of strictness upon political participation. We conclude that, although religious groups show political activism in some specific arenas, strict churches are not strong political mobilizers in general, as many media portrayals may lead one to believe.
Interactive Linked Micromap Plots for the Display of Geographically Referenced Statistical Data

Over the last decade, researchers have developed many improvements to make statistical graphics more accessible to the general public. These improvements include making statistical summaries more visual and providing more information at the same time. Research in this area involved converting statistical tables into plots (Carr, 1994; Carr and Nusser, 1995), new ways of displaying geographically referenced data (Carr et al., 1992), and, inparticular, the developmentof linkedmicromap(LM)plots, often simply called micromaps (Carr and Pierson, 1996; Carr et al., 1998, 2000a). LM plots, initially called map row plots as well as linked map-attribute graphics, were first presented in a poster session sponsored by the American Statistical Association (ASA) Section on Statistical Graphics at the 1996 Joint Statistical Meetings (Olsen et al., 1996).More details on the history of LMplots and their connection to other research can be found in these early references on micromaps. More recent references on LM plots (Carr et al., 2000b; Carr, 2001) focused on their use for communicating summary data from health and environmental studies.
Molecular Transformation of Bacteria at High P-T Conditions

Analysis of the solvent insoluble residue of a cyanobacterium (Oscillatoria sp.) subjected to simulated diagenesis under hydrothermal conditions (350 and 260 °C and hydrostatic pressure of 700 atmospheres) affords a macromolecule with significant aliphatic content that is similar to that found in hydrogen rich kerogen. The aliphatic component is primarily derived from incorporation of the original fatty acids into a solvent insoluble polymer, as demonstrated by performing similar experiments with model lipid compounds. Bacterial biomass can, therefore, contribute significantly to the insoluble organic inventory in ancient sediments.
Independent Component Analysis Techniques for Power System Load Estimation

This contribution presents the application of independent component analysis for active, reactive and harmonic load profile estimation. Assuming that the individual bus loads are statistically independent and not Gaussian distributed, independent component analysis uses the higher order statistics of the loads to estimate individual loads from a limited number of voltage, current or power measurements that present linear combinations of the unknown loads. In contrast to traditional load estimation techniques, ICA does not require any knowledge of the power system parameters or the power system topology. Future applications to general state estimation problems are proposed at the end of this chapter.
Web-Based Learning and Teaching Technologies: Opportunities and Challenges

During the past two decades, telecommunication technologies combined with Web-enabled technologies have created a new technology-based focus, Web-based learning and teaching. This new area has changed the concept of education around the world, creating new challenges and opportunities offered by this new technology-based concept.Web-Based Learning and Teaching Technologies: Opportunities and Challenges addresses many issues, trends, opportunities and problems facing colleges and universities in the effective utilization and management of Web-based learning and teaching technologies.
NCAR's Real-Time Convection-Allowing Ensemble Project

AbstractBeginning 7 April 2015, scientists at the U.S. National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) began producing daily, real-time, experimental, 10-member ensemble forecasts with 3-km horizon...
The Role of Native Speakers in LADO: Are We Missing a More Important Question?

The role of native speakers has been a topic of contention among scholars of LADO (Language Analysis for the Determination of Origin) for nearly a decade now (Cambier-Langeveld, International Journal of Speech, Language and the Law, 21(2):371–381, 2014; Patrick, Language analysis for determination of origin: objective evidence for refugee status determination. In: Tiersma PM, Solan LM (eds) The Oxford handbook of language and law. Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp 533–546, 2012; Patrick, What is the role of expertise in Language Analysis for Determination of Origin (LADO)? A rejoinder to Cambier-Langeveld. International Journal of Speech Language and the Law, 23(1):133–139, 2016a; Zwaan, Muysken and Verrips, Language and origin: the role of language in European asylum procedures: A linguistic and legal survey. Wolf Legal Publishers, Nijmegen, 2010), and has rightly been called ‘the most prominent debate in the field’ (Wilson and Foulkes, Borders, variation and identity: Language analysis for the determination of origin (LADO). In: Watt D, Llamas C (eds), Language, borders and identity. Edinburgh University Press, Edinburgh, pp 218–229, 2014). However, while individual contributions have been valuable in clarifying a range of important issues, it is fair to say the protracted debate has brought about little practical progress. The present chapter aims not to argue for one side or the other, but to consider the structure of the arguments. It seeks a path through the contention to more productive questions by taking further the suggestion of framing specific issues of debate within the broad, open-ended formulation: Under what conditions (if any) can LADO judgements be produced which are reliable enough for the human rights and national security issues at stake? (Fraser, The role of linguists and native speakers in language analysis for the determination of speaker origin: A response to Tina Cambier-Langeveld. International Journal of Speech, Language and the Law, 18(1):121–130, 2011).
A Decision Support System for Evaluating the Impacts of Routing Applications on Urban Mobility

The rise of congestion across the United States and the increasing adoption of mobile routing services have enabled drivers with the ability to find the fastest routes available in urban road networks. Arterial roads and side streets originally designed for local traffic are impacted by the influx of selfishly routed drivers, garnering much recent media attention and civic debate. Classic flow-based game theoretic models provide the framework for simulating the behavior of routed and non-routed drivers on a road network. We developed an interactive policy decision support system called the Routing Impact Detection, Evaluation, and Response Decision Support System (RIDER DSS) as a tool for policymakers and practitioners to hone in on areas most impacted by routing apps and assess potential policy actions to mitigate the effects of cut-through traffic on a local and regional scale. In a case study of Baxter Street in the Los Angeles Basin we demonstrate how the RIDER DSS can relate the percentage of app users in a network to the distribution of traffic flow on side streets.
Distributed Reverse DNS Geolocation

IP geolocation databases map IP addresses to their geographical locations. These databases are used in a variety of online services to serve local content to users. Here we present methods for extracting locations from the reverse DNS hostnames assigned to IP addresses. We summarize a machine learning based approach which, given a hostname, aims to extract and rank potential location candidates, which can then potentially be fused with other geolocation signals. We show that this approach significantly outperforms a state-of-the-art academic baseline, and it is competitive and complementary to commercial baselines. Since extracting locations from more than a billion reverse DNS hostnames at once poses a significant computational challenge, we develop a distributed version of our algorithm. We perform experiments on a cluster of 2,000 machines to demonstrate that our distributed implementation can scale. We show that compared to the single machine version, our distributed approach can achieve a speedup of more than 150×.
Black college students’ sense of belonging and racial identity

ABSTRACTBlack racial identity model and theory refinement has occurred in the absence of considerations of how Black college students experience and articulate their sense of belonging to the racia...
The retinoic acid hydroxylase Cyp26a1 has minor effects on postnatal vitamin A homeostasis, but is required for exogenous atRA clearance.

The all-trans-retinoic acid (atRA) hydroxylase Cyp26a1 is essential for embryonic development and may play a key role in regulating atRA clearance also in adults. We hypothesized that loss of Cyp26a1 activity via inducible knockout in juvenile or adult mice would result in decreased atRA clearance and increased tissue atRA concentrations and atRA-related adverse effects. To test these hypotheses, Cyp26a1 was knocked out in juvenile and adult male and female Cyp26a1 floxed mice using standard Cre–Lox technology and tamoxifen injections. Biochemical and histological methods were used to study the effects of global Cyp26a1 knockout. The Cyp26a1 knockout did not result in consistent histopathological changes in any major organs. Cyp26a1−/− mice gained weight normally and exhibited no adverse phenotypes for up to 1 year after loss of Cyp26a1 expression. Similarly, atRA concentrations were not increased in the liver, testes, spleen, or serum of these mice, and the Cyp26a1 knockout did not cause compensatory induction of lecithin:retinol acetyltransferase (Lrat) or retinol dehydrogenase 11 (Rdh11) mRNA or a decrease in aldehyde dehydrogenase 1a1 (Aldh1a1) mRNA in the liver compared with tamoxifen-treated controls. However, the Cyp26a1−/− mice showed increased bone marrow cellularity and decreased frequency of erythroid progenitor cells in the bone marrow consistent with a retinoid-induced myeloid skewing of hematopoiesis. In addition, the Cyp26a1 knockout decreased clearance of exogenous atRA by 70% and increased atRA half-life 6-fold. These findings demonstrate that despite lacking a major impact on endogenous atRA signaling, Cyp26a1 critically contributes as a barrier for exogenous atRA exposure.
Effects of Baricity and Concentration of Tetracaine Solutions on Experimental Spinal Anesthesia in Sheep

A series of experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of hypobaric, isobaric, and hyperbaric solutions of 0.5% tetracaine administered intrathecally to sheep. In a second series of similar experiments, the effect of alterations in local anesthetic concentration was studied following the subarachnoid injection of 0.25%, 0.5% and 1.0% hyperbaric tetracaine. The results indicate no statistically significant difference in onset, duration or spread of anesthesia between the test solutions of different baricity. A significantly longer duration of anesthesia was observed with the 0.5 and 1.0% concentrations of tetracaine as compared to the 0.25% concentration. However, no difference in onset and spread of anesthesia was observed with the various concentrations of tetracaine.
Managing dermatology patients who prefer “all natural” treatments

Dermatology patients are expressing a growing interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and natural treatment options for management of dermatologic conditions. Counseling on the optimal integration of CAM with conventional therapeutic approaches can be daunting for practitioners who do not feel well-versed in these modalities. A productive conversation between the clinician and patient seeking natural treatments should address the appropriate role and scope of CAM in a therapeutic plan, which is best suited for use as maintenance therapy or to augment traditional pharmaceutical or procedural interventions. Understanding the patient's goals, discussing evidence-based conventional and complementary treatment options, and employing shared decision making can enhance the clinical encounter and strengthen the physician-patient relationship.
Mapping mechanisms and growth regimes of magnesium electrodeposition at high current densities

The utilization of metallic anodes holds promise for unlocking high gravimetric and volumetric energy densities and is pivotal to the adoption of ‘beyond Li’ battery chemistries. Much of the promise of magnesium batteries stems from claims regarding their lower predilection for dendrite growth. Whilst considerable effort has been invested in the design of novel electrolytes and cathodes, detailed studies of Mg plating are scarce. Using galvanostatic electrodeposition of metallic Mg from Grignard reagents in symmetric Mg–Mg cells, we establish a phase map characterized by disparate morphologies spanning the range from fractal aggregates of 2D nanoplatelets to highly anisotropic dendrites with singular growth fronts and nanowires entangled in the form of mats. The effects of electrolyte concentration, applied current density, and coordinating ligands have been explored. The study demonstrates a complex range of electrodeposited morphologies including canonical dendrites with shear moduli conducive to penetration through typical polymeric separators. We further demonstrate a strategy for mitigating Mg dendrite formation based on the addition of molecular Lewis bases that promote nanowire growth through selective surface coordination.
Myopathy reversion in mice after restauration of mitochondrial complex I.

Myopathies are common manifestations of mitochondrial diseases. To investigate whether gene replacement can be used as an effective strategy to treat or cure mitochondrial myopathies, we have generated a complex I conditional knockout mouse model lacking NDUFS3 subunit in skeletal muscle. NDUFS3 protein levels were undetectable in muscle of 15-day-old smKO mice, and myopathy symptoms could be detected by 2 months of age, worsening over time. rAAV9-Ndufs3 delivered systemically into 15- to 18-day-old mice effectively restored NDUFS3 levels in skeletal muscle, precluding the development of the myopathy. To test the ability of rAAV9-mediated gene replacement to revert muscle function after disease onset, we also treated post-symptomatic, 2-month-old mice. The injected mice showed a remarkable improvement of the mitochondrial myopathy and biochemical parameters, which remained for the duration of the study. Our results showed that muscle pathology could be reversed after restoring complex I, which was absent for more than 2 months. These findings have far-reaching implications for the ability of muscle to tolerate a mitochondrial defect and for the treatment of mitochondrial myopathies.
Charge collection in h-BN neutron detectors at elevated temperatures

Many of the neutron detector applications are in the environments with harsh conditions such as high temperatures. We report here the measurements of charge collection parameters of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) detectors at elevated temperatures, including the electron mobility-lifetime product (μτ) and surface recombination field (s/μ). It was found that μτ is increased, while s/μ is decreased as temperature increases. The temperature dependence of the surface recombination field (s/μ) revealed that electrons trapped in the surface states tend to thermally activate to the bulk region at higher temperatures with an activation energy of about 0.22 eV, leading to a reduction in the density of the charged surface states at elevated temperatures. Consequently, the charge collection efficiency is enhanced at elevated temperatures due to a reduced surface recombination field and increased electron mobility-lifetime product. The results suggested that h-BN neutron detectors are favorable for high temperature operation.
Vasculopathy and Vasculitis

Central nervous system vasculopathy is an umbrella term for any abnormality of the blood vessels of the brain and spine, including vasculitis. CNS vasculitis can either be primary or secondary which encompasses a wide range of diagnoses. This chapter covers the treatment and management of these various entities.
Relaxation of Implementation Plans under the 1977 Clean Air Act Amendments

Though the Clean Air Act gives the Environmental Protection Agency considerable powers to regulate both mobile and stationary air-pollution sources directly,' everyday control of most existing stationary sources remains subject to an awkward joint federal-state program based on ambient air-quality standards.2 The core of this program is section 109, under which the EPA promulgates primary air-quality standards "requisite to protect the public health" and secondary standards "requisite to protect the public welfare from any known or anticipated adverse effects."3 Under section 110, the states then submit plans to the EPA for "attainment and maintenance" of the primary standards within three years and of the secondary standards within "a reasonable time."4
Reversal of acid-induced and inflammatory pain by the selective ASIC3 inhibitor, APETx2

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Inflammatory pain is triggered by activation of pathways leading to the release of mediators such as bradykinin, prostaglandins, interleukins, ATP, growth factors and protons that sensitize peripheral nociceptors. The activation of acid-sensitive ion channels (ASICs) may have particular relevance in the development and maintenance of inflammatory pain. ASIC3 is of particular interest due to its restricted tissue distribution in the nociceptive primary afferent fibres and its high sensitivity to protons. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH To examine the contribution of ASIC3 to the development and maintenance of muscle pain and inflammatory pain, we studied the in vivo efficacy of a selective ASIC3 inhibitor, APETx2, in rats. KEY RESULTS Administration of APETx2 into the gastrocnemius muscle prior to the administration of low pH saline prevented the development of mechanical hypersensitivity, whereas APETx2 administration following low-pH saline was ineffective in reversing hypersensitivity. The prevention of mechanical hypersensitivity produced by acid administration was observed whether APETx2 was applied via i.m. or i.t. routes. In the complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) inflammatory pain model, local administration of APETx2 resulted in a potent and complete reversal of established mechanical hypersensitivity, whereas i.t. application of APETx2 was ineffective. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS ASIC3 contributed to the development of mechanical hypersensitivity in the acid-induced muscle pain model, whereas ASIC3 contributed to the maintenance of mechanical hypersensitivity in the CFA inflammatory pain model. The contribution of ASIC3 to established hypersensitivity associated with inflammation suggests that this channel may be an effective analgesic target for inflammatory pain states.
Visualizing discussion by the use of the conversation chain model

Identifying how students acquire an understanding of a particular subject in a classroom involves studying verbal interaction. In middle school science classrooms, we can analyze this interaction through videos and transcripts; however, it is still difficult to track and measure the development of students' scientific reasoning skills without visualizing this change. The conversation chain model offers this visualization by illustrating questions and responses elicited during poster sessions, portraying their interpretation and quality of the discussion.
Analysis of Data from TCS-08

Abstract : The long-term goals of this project are to understand better the mechanisms operative in tropical cyclogenesis and to transfer this knowledge to large-scale models in order to improve forecasts of tropical storm formation. Since convection constitutes the biggest uncertainty in this process, our focus is to understand how convection affects and is affected by cyclone-scale flows. Our objective in this segment of the program was to use our vorticity and thermodynamic analyses of developing and non-developing tropical cyclones to understand better the process of tropical cyclogenesis. In addition to results from TCS-08, we have added results from ITOP and the NSF-funded PREDICT project.
Keeping It In-House: Households Versus Population as Alternative Proxies for Local Government Output

Forced amalgamation has been used as a policy instrument in local government by numerous regulatory authorities across the world. A common presumption underlying municipal mergers holds that larger local councils will experience greater economies of scale. However, the empirical evidence on this question is mixed. Part of the reason for this could lie in the frequent use of population as a proxy for local government output in the empirical literature. This paper examines the use of alternative proxies, particularly the number of households but also the addition of business unit data. We demonstrate that household data represents a more accurate proxy of Australian local government output compared to population size. In addition, the paper employs experimental data, conceptual considerations on population, and household dynamics to establish that the number of households represents the most appropriate measure of local government size for both empirical and public policy purposes.
The Planet Debate Continues

The IAU decisions a year ago to define "planet" narrowly and to demote Pluto have not been universally accepted.
From the cradle to the grave: activities of GATA-3 throughout T-cell development and differentiation.

Summary: GATA family transcription factors play multiple vital roles in hematopoiesis in many cell lineages, and in particular, T cells require GATA-3 for execution of several developmental steps. Transcriptional activation of the Gata3 gene is observed throughout T-cell development and differentiation in a stage-specific fashion. GATA-3 has been described as a master regulator of T-helper 2 (Th2) cell differentiation in mature CD4+ T cells. During T-cell development in the thymus, its roles in the CD4 versus CD8 lineage choice and at the β-selection checkpoint are the best characterized. In contrast, its importance prior to β-selection has been obscured both by the developmental heterogeneity of double negative (DN) 1 thymocytes and the paucity of early T-lineage progenitors (ETPs), a subpopulation of DN1 cells that contains the most immature thymic progenitors that retain potent T-lineage developmental potential. By examining multiple lines of in vivo evidence procured through the analysis of Gata3 mutant mice, we have recently demonstrated that GATA-3 is additionally required at the earliest stage of thymopoiesis for the development of the ETP population. Here, we review the characterized functions of GATA-3 at each stage of T-cell development and discuss hypothetical molecular pathways that mediate these functions.
Services and supports for young children with Down syndrome: parent and provider perspectives

Background As individuals with Down syndrome are living longer and more socially connected lives, early access to supports and services for their parents will ensure an optimal start and improved outcomes. The family's journey begins at the child's diagnosis, and cumulative experiences throughout infancy and childhood set the tone for a lifetime of decisions made by the family regarding services, supports and activities. Methods This study utilized focus groups and interviews with seven nurses, five therapists, 25 service co-ordinators, and 10 English- and three Spanish-speaking parents to better understand family experiences and perceptions on accessing Down syndrome-related perinatal, infant and childhood services and supports. Results Parents and providers reflected on key early life issues for children with Down syndrome and their families in five areas: prenatal diagnosis; perinatal care; medical and developmental services; care co-ordination and services; and social and community support. Conclusions Systems of care are not consistently prepared to provide appropriate family-centred services to individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Individuals with disabilities require formal and informal supports from birth to achieve and maintain a high quality of life.
A Survey of the New River Aquatic Plant Community in Response to Recent Triploid Grass Carp Introductions into Claytor Lake, Virginia

Abstract Aquatic plant communities play critical roles in the form and function of stream ecosystems. In this study, we surveyed the aquatic-plant community along a 39-km reach of the New River, VA, in response to triploid Ctenopharyngodon idella (Grass Carp) stockings to control Hydrilla verticillata (Hydrilla) in Claytor Lake. We utilized drift-net sampling methods and visual observations to document the current plant community in this reach. Nine of 12 aquatic plant species identified in our survey have been documented as preferred forage for Grass Carp. These findings may indicate that migrating Grass Carp could alter the plant community in this reach. We recommend continued monitoring of this system to characterize any future effects of Grass Carp herbivory.
Retention in MOOCs: Understanding Users' Motivations, Perceptions and Activity Trajectories

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have experienced rapid development and achieved substantial attention from learners, educators and practitioners. Although MOOCs have been widely accepted, they have been plagued by tremendously high drop-out rate. However, while some studies have focused on students' retention and engagement issues, very little attention has been given to the population of students who do not finish the courses in which they register. I propose to understand retention in MOOCs by analyzing qualitative (interview) data and quantitative data (course-related information from completed MOOCs) to characterize the motivations and experiences, learning activities, and outcomes for all MOOC students, by focusing on the vast majority, those who do not finish MOOCs. I will use this richer understanding to identify instructional and platform design implications.
Incontinence Symptom Index-Pediatric: Development and Initial Validation of a Urinary Incontinence Instrument for the Older Pediatric Population

Purpose: Although urinary incontinence is common in children, no validated pediatric instruments exist for measuring urinary incontinence symptoms and bother. We developed and validated a patient reported pediatric survey for urinary incontinence measurement.Materials and Methods: The Incontinence Symptom Index-Pediatric is an 11-item instrument comprising 2 domains, that is 1) impairment and 2) symptom severity, including subdomains for stress urinary incontinence, urge urinary incontinence, insensate urinary incontinence, nocturnal urinary incontinence and pad use. The survey was self-administered twice, 2 weeks apart, to boys and girls ages 11 to 17 years. Children completed the survey independently. Cases consisted of patients presenting to pediatric urology clinic with the chief complaint of urinary incontinence. Controls consisted of healthy children presenting for evaluation up at a general pediatric practice. Formal validation analysis was performed.Results: A total of 19 subjects per arm complete...
Organocations in zeolite synthesis: fused bicyclo [l.m.0] cations and the discovery of zeolite SSZ-48.

A set of zeolite synthesis experiments is described where lattice substitution is varied in the context of the structure of particular structure-directing organocations (at times referred to as templates). In this particular series, the organocations are constructed as members of a fused bicyclo organonitrogen class of compounds, described as having ring construction [l.m.n], where n = 0. We show that these compounds can best be achieved from starting cyclic ketones that are converted to imines via a Beckman rearrangement reaction. A particular approach to the Beckmann reaction works best in our hands. In some instances isomeric organocations are made and separated. Often their use in zeolite synthesis led to different products. There is a high correlation for the space-filling details of the guest organocations and the type of crystalline host lattice developed in the synthesis. In one instance involving isomers of a decahydroquinoline derivative, a new zeolite, SSZ-48, is discovered and contains only one of the isomers. Characterization of the isomers and their use in the zeolites is followed by 13C MAS NMR analyses. Some details of the new zeolite are given and it is shown that a reasonable symmetry operation predicting a 14-ring zeolite could be generated under similar conditions to SSZ-48 (a 12-ring zeolite).
Studies on Insect Damage and Economic Thresholds in the Soviet Union

Studies on damage caused by insects in the USSR provide a basis for establishing economic threshold levels for pest populations. Consideration is given to the relationship existing between insects and their host-plants and to the efficacy of insecticide treatments. Economic thresholds depend to a large extent upon weather conditions and varietal characteristics of a crop. However, when considering different geographical zones it appears that there are no significant differences in economic thresholds. In the USSR, the wide use of economic thresholds yields excellent results and allows for a substantial economy in insecticide use on millions of hectares.
Early nonenhanced abdominal computed tomography can predict mortality in severe acute pancreatitis.

We wondered whether nonenhanced computed tomography (CT) within 48 hours of admission could identify individuals at risk for higher mortality from acute pancreatitis. Data from the international phase III study of the platelet-activating factor-inhibitor Lexipafant was used to analyze noncontrast CT versus acute pancreatitis mortality. Nonenhanced CT examinations of the abdomen from the trial were classified by disease severity (Balthazar grades A-E) and then correlated with patient survival. Among the 477 individuals who underwent CT within 48 hours of admission and 220 individuals who did so over the subsequent 6 days, higher CT grades were associated with increased mortality. Each unit increase in Balthazar grade during the initial 48 hours was associated with an estimated increase in the risk of mortality of 33%, and this trend increased to 50% if pancreatic enlargement and peripancreatic stranding (grades B and C) were combined (P < 0.05). CT grade correlated minimally with Ranson, Glasgow, or APACHE II score during the initial 48 hours; however, this correlation improved over 3–8 days. Early nonenhanced abdominal CT in patients with acute pancreatitis is a valuable prognostic indicator of mortality in acute pancreatitis, even among patients without clinical features of severe acute pancreatitis.
Pulmonary Cryptococcosis After Initiation of Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Therapy

Many patients with rheumatoid arthritis are being treated with immunosuppressive regimens that include an agent directed at blocking tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Although reportedly safe, tuberculous and fungal infections have emerged as significant complications of therapy. We report a case of pulmonary cryptococcosis soon after the initiation of therapy with the anti–TNF-α antibody, infliximab. A diagnosis was made early in the disease course, and the patient responded quickly to antifungal therapy. This case should alert clinicians to the increased incidence of pulmonary mycoses in patients receiving anti–TNF-α therapy.
Selection of Driver Systems for Large Compressors

With the large horsepowers required for centrifugal compressors in the process industry today, driver selection has an important effect on overall plant profitability. This paper discusses some general application considerations, then presents price and performance data for electric motors, gas turbines, and steam turbines. These data will assist the process plant designer in selecting economic alternatives to be considered in a driver system study. For instance, cost data included in the paper compare different motor enclosures, motor voltages, and types of motors. Curves that can be used to estimate voltage dip when starting different motors with a range of different electrical supply systems are provided. Gas turbine and steam turbine data indicate performance, low fuel cost by-product power available, fuel chargeable to power, and the availability of heat for process or other power uses.
Search and Seizure of Computer Equipment

Abstract It may be an executive's worst nightmare. He steps out of the office elevator one morning and finds a group of federal agents busy at work. They are unplugging computers, modems, and printers and hauling them away. The lead agent shows a properly executed search warrant, duly signed by a judge. Her associates are politely grilling employees about the computer system and the facts of a specific inquiry.
The electronic medical record: optimizing human not computer capabilities.

The widespread adoption of computerized medical records provides medical administrators and payers the means to promote more standardized and thorough medical records by insuring clinicians complete mandatory screens, history and physical templates, and formatted treatment plans. But there is a dearth of evidence that such measures, whether computerized or not, improve clinical outcomes and reason to suspect that they may impede care. While these measures maximize the computer’s capabilities they are insensitive to human capabilities. A series of ‘check-offs’, ‘fill-ins’ and ‘drop-downs’ might facilitate quality assurance activities, but such standardized measures can interfere with the clinicians’ processing of information into narrative structures that are necessary for memory and decision making. Computerization does not necessitate this standardization. The adoption of an electronic medical record could provide the opportunity to move beyond standardized measures that were developed to oversee written records and instead harness the computers’ capabilities to promote the unique, specific, and narrative quality of the clinical encounter.
Zebrafish--the Canonical Vertebrate

The modest zebrafish is a vertebrate with a future. As Fishman explains in his Perspective, the amenability of zebrafish to genetic screens and the transparency of their embryos has made them a valuable model of vertebrate development.
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a neurotrophic factor for sensory neurons: Comparison with the effects of the neurotrophins

We compared the effects of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) on dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons to that of nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and neurotrophin 3 (NT-3). All of these factors were retrogradely transported to sub-populations of sensory neuron cell bodies in the L4/L5 DRG of neonatal rats. The size distribution of 125I-GDNF-labeled neurons was variable and consisted of both small and large DRG neurons (mean of 506.60 μm2). 125I-NGF was preferentially taken up by small neurons with a mean cross-sectional area of 383.03 μm2. Iodinated BDNF and NT-3 were transported by medium to large neurons with mean sizes of 501.48 and 529.27 μm2, respectively. A neonatal, sciatic nerve axotomy-induced cell death model was used to determine whether any of these factors could influence DRG neuron survival in vivo. GDNF and NGF rescued nearly 100% of the sensory neurons. BDNF and NT-3 did not promote any detectable level of neuronal survival despite the fact that they underwent retrograde transport. We examined the in vitro survival-promoting ability of these factors on neonatal DRG neuronal cultures derived from neonatal rats. GDNF, NGF, and NT-3 were effective in vitro, while BDNF was not. The range of effects seen in the models described here underscores the importance of testing neuronal responsiveness in more than one model. The biological responsiveness of DRG neurons to GDNF in multiple models suggests that this factor may play a role in the development and maintenance of sensory neurons. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 32: 22–32, 1997.
Asexuals looking for sex: conflict between species and mate-quality recognition in sailfin mollies (Poecilia latipinna)

When two closely related species are sympatric the process of species recognition (identifying conspecifics) and mate-quality recognition (increased fitness benefits) can yield a conflict when heterospecifics resemble high-quality conspecifics. Conflict in species versus mate-quality recognition may serve as a possible mechanism for the persistence of unisexual, gynogenetic Amazon mollies (Poecilia formosa). Amazon mollies require sperm from closely related species (e.g., sailfin mollies, P. latipinna) to start embryogenesis but inheritance is strictly maternal. When choosing mates, male sailfin mollies from populations sympatric with Amazon mollies may rely on traits indicating species identity rather than those indicating mate quality. Conversely, males from allopatric populations may rely more on traits indicating mate quality. Previous work has found that male sailfin mollies in sympatry exhibit a significantly greater mating preference for female sailfin mollies over Amazon mollies compared to males in allopatry. In addition, male sailfin mollies prefer to associate with and produce more sperm in the presence of larger conspecific females, which are more fecund. We hypothesized that male sailfin mollies experience a conflict in species recognition and mate-quality recognition in the presence of Amazon mollies that are relatively larger than female sailfin mollies. To test this hypothesis, we paired males from sympatric and allopatric populations with a larger Amazon molly and a smaller female sailfin molly. We scored the number of mating attempts that males directed to conspecific and heterospecific females. Males in most sympatric and allopatric populations demonstrate no clear preference for conspecifics. In addition, we found some evidence for a difference in mating preference between allopatric and sympatric populations with males from allopatry showing a greater heterospecific mate preference. These results indicate a conflict between species and mate-quality recognition. In sympatry this conflict may contribute to the persistence of gynogenetic Amazon mollies.