cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Downregulation of KCNMB4 expression and changes in BK channel subtype in hippocampal granule neurons following seizure activity

A major challenge is to understand maladaptive changes in ion channels that sets neurons on a course towards epilepsy development. Voltage- and calcium-activated K+ (BK) channels contribute to early spike timing in neurons, and studies indicate that the BK channel plays a pathological role in increasing excitability early after a seizure. Here, we have investigated changes in BK channels and their accessory β4 subunit (KCNMB4) in dentate gyrus (DG) granule neurons of the hippocampus, key neurons that regulate excitability of the hippocampus circuit. Two days after pilocarpine-induced seizures, we found that the predominant effect is a downregulation of the β4 accessory subunit mRNA. Consistent with reduced expression, single channel recording and pharmacology indicate a switch in the subtype of channels expressed; from iberiotoxin-resistant, type II BK channels (BK α/β4) that have higher channel open probability and slow gating, to iberiotoxin-sensitive type I channels (BK α alone) with low open probability and faster gating. The switch to a majority of type I channel expression following seizure activity is correlated with a loss of BK channel function on spike threshold while maintaining the channel's contribution to increased early spike frequency. Using heterozygous β4 knockout mice, we find reduced expression is sufficient to increase seizure sensitivity. We conclude that seizure-induced downregulation of KCNMB4 is an activity dependent mechanism that increases the excitability of DG neurons. These novel findings indicate that BK channel subtypes are not only defined by cell-specific expression, but can also be plastic depending on the recent history of neuronal excitability.
Diurnal Chorusing in Nine Species of North American Frogs

A year-long survey of survey of diurnal frog calling behavior was conducted at the Red River Research and Education Park in Shreveport (Caddo Parish), Louisiana to investigate the prevalence of daytime breeding choruses in the species present at the park. We determined that 60% (9/15) of species known from the area participated in daytime breeding choruses. Four of these were new species reports for the behavior. One species was identified entirely based on a daytime chorus from outside the normal breeding season. Although we believe daytime chorusing is widespread in frogs, several species did not diurnally chorus during our study. Diurnal calling may be an important indicator of the peak breeding season for a species and it may also be a useful tool at times when night surveys are impossible.
17 – Treatment of uncertainty in performance assessments for the geological disposal of radioactive waste

: The treatment of uncertainty in performance assessments for the geological disposal of radioactive waste is discussed and illustrated. The following topics are considered: (1) the conceptual design and structure of a performance assessment including the separation of aleatory and epistemic uncertainty, (2) the numerical propagation of uncertainty, (3) the computational design of a performance assessment, and (4) sampling-based methods for sensitivity analysis. The presented concepts and techniques are illustrated with results from the 2008 performance assessment for the proposed repository for high-level radioactive waste at Yucca Mountain, Nevada.
Electrical power management and optimization with nonlinear energy harvesting structures

In recent years, great advances in understanding the opportunities for nonlinear vibration energy harvesting systems have been achieved giving attention to either the structural or electrical subsy...
The role of doxycycline in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

Abstract Introduction Many theories on the pathophysiology of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) exist. The most effective management of CRSwNP has not been elucidated. Doxycycline, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, has shown durable effects; however, its efficacy in combination with standard therapy has not been examined. We hypothesized that its addition to the standard anti-inflammatory regimen would improve patient outcomes. Methods We performed a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial at a tertiary level institution. Patients with moderate or severe CRSwNP were randomized into two groups, each receiving a 20-day course of oral corticosteroids and doxycycline or placebo. The 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), nasal polyp scores, and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were recorded at the initial, 3-, 8- and 12-week visits. Results 49 patients were enrolled, 24 in the experimental and 25 in the placebo group with 3 moderate disease patients in each group. There were 12 dropouts in the treatment group and 14 in the placebo group. The most common reasons for dropout were severe CRS and asthma exacerbations. There was no significant difference in SNOT-22 scores, nasal polyp scores, and VAS scores between the two arms. Conclusions Non-surgical management of patients with CRSwNP remains challenging. Our conclusions are limited given the high dropout rate and thus, limited sample size with inadequate power. This study is important, however, because a high dropout rate of mostly severe disease patients may illustrate that this patient population may not be optimally managed with medical therapy alone.
Radiology Support, Communication, and Alignment Network and Its Role to Promote Health Equity in the Delivery of Radiology Care.

Abstract Racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in radiological care have been well documented in both the emergency and outpatient setting. Health IT has the potential to facilitate equitable care across diverse populations. Ordering the appropriate study is the first step in the greater mission of improving access and equity for everyone. Radiology Support, Communication, and Alignment Network (R-SCAN) is an informatics-based solution using clinical decision support (CDS) to promote health equity through optimization in appropriate imaging utilization. R-SCAN and CDS may help combat the potential implicit bias of clinicians by providing evidence-based imaging guidelines at the point of care and ensure that patients will receive equitable and appropriate imaging regardless of ethnic and socioeconomic background. By fostering multidisciplinary collaboration between radiologists and referring clinicians, R-SCAN initiatives across the nation have demonstrated successful reductions in inappropriate imaging utilization, particularly in regions with vulnerable populations.
Adoption of Abiraterone and Enzalutamide by Urologists.

Abstract Objective To investigate the adoption of abiraterone and enzalutamide by urologists. Abiraterone and enzalutamide are oral therapies approved for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, a disease most commonly treated by medical oncologists. Methods Using the Medicare Part D Public Use Files from 2013 to 2016, we identified total abiraterone and enzalutamide prescriptions 2013-2016 and urologists who prescribed moderate to high volumes of these drugs. We then characterized the urologist practices of those urologists according to practice context (eg, single-specialty group) using data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and the geographic distribution of those providers. Results We found abiraterone prescriptions increased from 71,423 in 2013 to a peak of 100,371 in 2015 and enzalutamide prescriptions continued to increase from 29,572 in 2013 to 100,980 in 2016. Prescriptions by urologists increased between 2013 and 2016 while prescriptions by other specialties plateaued. The number of moderate-high prescribing urologists increased from 98 (abiraterone) and 22 (enzalutamide) in 2013, to 301 (abiraterone) and 671 (enzalutamide) by 2016 with 1063 unique urologists prescribing moderate-high volumes of either drug between 2013 and 2016. Among urologists who prescribe androgen deprivation therapy, 5% were moderate-high prescribers of abiraterone and 12% of enzalutamide in 2016. The majority of moderate-high prescribing urologists were in single-specialty groups (70%). Conclusion Urologists are increasingly prescribing oral therapies for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Understanding the distribution of urologists specializing in castration-resistant prostate cancer therapeutics will help guide future interventions to optimize the care for this important patient population.
Learning the Complete Shape of Concentric Tube Robots

Concentric tube robots, composed of nested pre-curved tubes, have the potential to perform minimally invasive surgery at difficult-to-reach sites in the human body. In order to plan motions that safely perform surgeries in constrained spaces that require avoiding sensitive structures, the ability to accurately estimate the entire shape of the robot is needed. Many state-of-the-art physics-based shape models are unable to account for complex physical phenomena and subsequently are less accurate than is required for safe surgery. In this work, we present a learned model that can estimate the entire shape of a concentric tube robot. The learned model is based on a deep neural network that is trained using a mixture of simulated and physical data. We evaluate multiple network architectures and demonstrate the model’s ability to compute the full shape of a concentric tube robot with high accuracy.
People of Mexican Heritage

People of Mexican heritage are a very diverse group geographically, historically, and culturally and are difficult to adequately describe. Although no specific set of characteristics can fully describe people of Mexican heritage, some commonalities distinguish them as an ethnic group, with many regional variations that reflect subcultures in Mexico and in the US. A common term used to describe Spanish-speaking populations in the US, including people of Mexican heritage, is Hispanic. However, the term can be misleading and can encompass many different people clustered together owing to a common heritage and lineage from Spain. Many Hispanic people prefer to be identified by descriptors more specific to their cultural heritage, such as Mexican, Mexican American, Latin American, Spanish American, Chicano, Latino, or Latinx. This chapter follows the dominant values and beliefs according to the 12 domains of the Purnell Model of Cultural Competence: overview/heritage, communication, family roles and organization, workforce issues, biocultural ecology, high-risk behaviors, nutrition, pregnancy, death rituals, spirituality, health-care practices, and health-care practitioners.
Combining Geometric and Topological Information for Boundary Estimation

A fundamental problem in computer vision is boundary estimation, where the goal is to delineate the boundary of objects in an image. In this paper, we propose a method which jointly incorporates geometric and topological information within an image to simultaneously estimate boundaries for objects within images with more complex topologies. We use a topological clustering-based method to assist initialization of the Bayesian active contour model. This combines pixel clustering, boundary smoothness, and potential prior shape information to produce an estimated object boundary. Active contour methods are knownto be extremely sensitive to algorithm initialization, relying on the user to provide a reasonable starting curve to the algorithm. In the presence of images featuring objects with complex topological structures, such as objects with holes or multiple objects, the user must initialize separate curves for each boundary of interest. Our proposed topologically-guided method can provide an interpretable, smart initialization in these settings, freeing up the user from potential pitfalls associated with objects of complex topological structure. We provide a detailed simulation study comparing our initialization to boundary estimates obtained from standard segmentation algorithms. The method is demonstrated on artificial image datasets from computer vision, as well as real-world applications to skin lesion and neural cellular images, for which multiple topological features can be identified.
Abstract TP451: Intracerebral Hemorrhage Volume Predicts Neurological Pupil Index

Introduction: Hand-held automated pupillometry reliably evaluates the pupillary light reflex (PLR) at the bedside and there is growing interest in studying its ability to detect midline shift and m...
Biochemical and mechanical signals in the lymphatic vasculature

Lymphatic vasculature is an integral part of the cardiovascular system where it maintains interstitial fluid balance. Additionally, lymphatic vasculature regulates lipid assimilation and inflammatory response. Lymphatic vasculature is composed of lymphatic capillaries, collecting lymphatic vessels and valves that function in synergy to absorb and transport fluid against gravitational and pressure gradients. Defects in lymphatic vessels or valves leads to fluid accumulation in tissues (lymphedema), chylous ascites, chylothorax, metabolic disorders and inflammation. The past three decades of research has identified numerous molecules that are necessary for the stepwise development of lymphatic vasculature. However, approaches to treat lymphatic disorders are still limited to massages and compression bandages. Hence, better understanding of the mechanisms that regulate lymphatic vascular development and function is urgently needed to develop efficient therapies. Recent research has linked mechanical signals such as shear stress and matrix stiffness with biochemical pathways that regulate lymphatic vessel growth, patterning and maturation and valve formation. The goal of this review article is to highlight these innovative developments and speculate on unanswered questions.
BeeDNA: microfluidic environmental DNA metabarcoding as a tool for connecting plant and pollinator communities

Pollinators are imperiled by global declines that can impair plant reproduction, erode essential ecosystem services and resilience, and drive economic losses. Monitoring pollinator biodiversity trends is key for adaptive conservation and management, but conventional surveys are often costly, time consuming, and require taxonomic expertise. Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding surveys are booming due to their rapidity, non-invasiveness, and cost efficiency. Microfluidic technology allows multiple primer sets from different markers to be used in eDNA metabarcoding for more comprehensive species inventories whilst minimizing biases associated with individual primer sets. We evaluated microfluidic eDNA metabarcoding for pollinator community monitoring by introducing a bumblebee colony to a greenhouse flower assemblage and sampling natural flower plots. We collected nectar draws, flower swabs, or whole flower heads from four flowering species, including two occurring in both the greenhouse and field. Samples were processed using two eDNA isolation protocols before amplification with 15 primer sets for two markers (COI and 16S). Microfluidic eDNA metabarcoding detected the target bumblebee and greenhouse insects as well as common regional arthropods. Pollinator detection was maximized using whole flower heads preserved in ATL buffer and extracted with a modified Qiagen(R) DNeasy protocol for amplification with COI primers. eDNA surveillance could enhance pollinator assessment by detecting protected and endangered species and being more applicable to remote, inaccessible locations, whilst reducing survey time, effort, and expense. Microfluidic eDNA metabarcoding requires optimization but shows promise in revealing complex networks underpinning critical ecosystem functions and services, enabling more accurate assessments of ecosystem resilience.
A Relational Algebraic Approach to the Representation and Analysis of Discrete Event Systems

The analysis and control of discrete event systems modeled by finite-state machines require possibly complex manipulations of these finite-state machines. Algorithms that involve such manipulations must be described formally, uniformly, concisely, and must be easy to program. This paper shows that the relational algebra from relational database theory can be employed to achieve these goals. We consider representative operations on finite-state machines that arise in the analysis and control of discrete event systems and show how these operations can be formally specified as algebraic expressions in relational algebra and how they can be implemented as SQL queries on a relational database management system.
Whatever Happened to Class? : Reflections from South Asia

1. Introduction - Restoring Agency to Class: Puzzles from South Asia Ronald J. Herring and Rina Agarwala 2. On the Decline of Class Analysis in South Asian Studies Vivek Chibber 3. Was the Indian Labor Movement Ever Co-opted? Evaluating Standard Accounts Emmanuel Teitelbaum 4. From Work to Welfare: A New Class Movement in India Rina Agarwala 5. Middle-Class Activism and the Politics of the Informal Working Class: A Perspective on Class Relations and Civil Society in Indian Cities John Harriss 6. Why Did "Operation Cremate Monsanto" Fail? Science and Class in India's Great Terminator-Technology Hoax Ronald J. Herring 7. Hegemonic Aspirations: New Middle Class Politics and India's Democracy in Comparative Perspective Leela Fernandes and Patrick Heller 8. Workers' Organizations in Pakistan: Why No Role in Formal Politics? Christopher Candland
Engaging Diversity in Teaching Religion and Theology: An Intercultural, De-colonial Epistemic Perspective

This essay explores new ways of engaging diversity in the production of knowledge in the classroom using coloniality as an analytical lens. After briefly engaging some of the recent literature on coloniality, focusing on the epistemic dimension, the author uses the example of teaching a course on religion, culture, and theology, where he employs this analysis, to develop a new pedagogical approach as a step towards an intercultural, de-colonial theological education.
Solving mathematical programming problems with OWA operators as objective functions

The ordered weighted averaging (OWA) operators are introduced and some of their properties described. Attention is then focused on the problem of maximizing an objective function which is of the form of an OWA aggregation of a group of variables that are interrelated and constrained by a collection of linear inequalities. It is shown how this problem can be modeled as a integer linear programming problem. Use is made of this procedure to provide a solution to fuzzy linear programming problems in which some linguistically proscribed number of the goals must be satisfied. >
Sickle Hemoglobin Fiber Kinetics Revealed by Optical Pattern Generation

Sickle hemoglobin (HbS), a mutant of normal adult hemoglobin (HbA), will polymerize at concentrations above a well-defined solubility. HbS polymerization occurs by a double nucleation mechanism. A fundamental element of the mechanism is the growth of individual fibers, whose diameter (20 nm) precludes direct optical visualization. We have developed a photolytic method to measure the HbS fiber growth speed in HbS carbon monoxide derivative (COHbS) solutions. The idea of this method is that a single fiber entering a region of concentrated deoxyHbS will generate large numbers of additional fibers by heterogeneous nucleation, allowing the presence of the first fiber to be inferred even if it is not directly observed optically. We implement this method by projecting an optical pattern consisting of three parts: a large incubation circle, a small detection area, and a thin channel connecting the two. The connecting channel is turned on for just a short time; only if fiber growth is fast enough will the detection circle polymerize. Our fiber growth rates obtained from pure HbS, HbS/HbA mixtures, and partial photolysis of HbS validate a simple growth rate equation including any non-polymerizing species in the activity coefficient calculation. The monomer on-rate is determined to be 82±2 /mM/Sec. The monomer off-rate is 751±79 molecules/sec in agreement with earlier DIC observations of 850±170 molecules/sec. The method predicts a solubility of 16.0±1.1 g/dl in good agreement with 17.2 g/dl from sedimentation methods. The preceding values are for 25°C. Our measurements also rationalize the observed growth rate of the dense mass of fibers that grows more slowly along the channel and which can be visualized directly. Future uses of this method include HbS fiber bending and HbS solution fluctuations.
An unbiased prospective report of perioperative complications of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Objectives To analyze and classified our single-institution experience with the perioperative complications associated with robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALRP). Methods A total of 239 patients with a mean age of 60.6 years were evaluated (January 2007 to June 2008). Data were collected through an institutional review board–approved blinded prospective database by an independent third party committee. The data-points accrued were set forth by a 5-member panel including 3 robotic urological surgeons (J. R., G. H., G. P.), the chief of general surgery (H. S.), and a member of the hospital's outcomes committee. The Modified Clavien system was used to grade complications, with grade I and II representing minor and grade III, IV, and V major complications. Results Of our 239 patients, 198 (82.9%) had an uneventful postoperative course, defined as discharged home from the hospital within 2 days postoperatively with no unscheduled procedures/studies/hospital admissions or emergency room visits. On review of the remaining 41 patients, 55 complications were found. Of these, 24 were grade I, 17 grade II, 7 grade IIIa, 5 grade IIIb, 1 grade IVa, and 1 grade V complications. There was 1 perioperative mortality (0.4%) attributed to a pulmonary embolism on autopsy. Blood loss data revealed 1 (0.4%) intraoperative transfusion and 9 (3.8%) postoperative transfusions. Conclusions RALRP is associated with major and minor complication rates of 5.0% and 14.6%, respectively. Prospective and blinded data on complications associated with RALRP are lacking in the published data. Our prospective, unbiased data provide an important tool to help counsel patients on complications associated with robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.
Effect of a virtual origin correction on entrainment coefficients as determined from observations of plume rise

Abstract A virtual origin correction factor is introduced for bent-over jets and bent-over plumes by extrapolating the one-third law and the two-thirds law back to a point. This correction Was tested with four sets of data from model experiments and one set of pilot-scale field data. With this correction, it was found that the entrainment coefficient for jets is not a function of the speed ratio for speed ratios from three to twenty. The entrainment coefficient based on the visual centerline was found to be approximately 0.6 for both jets and plumes.
Dimensions of matrix chains in polymers filled with energetically neutral nanoparticles

Abstract Simulations of dense one-component melts of coarse-grained polyethylene (PE) and polyoxyethylene (POE) chains have been modified so that some of the parent chains are collapsed intramolecularly to become filler particles. All intermolecular pairs of beads (filler–filler, filler–matrix, matrix–matrix) interact via exactly the same Lennard–Jones (LJ) potential. Filler particles are obtained by an increase in the strength of the minimum in their intramolecular LJ potential. The response of the mean square radius of gyration, 〈s2〉matrix, of the free matrix chains to disordered arrangements of the filler particles is evaluated for differences in the compactness and mobility of the filler particles, and for various relationships between the mass of matrix chains and filler particles. Even with this simple model, where distinctive surface—matrix interactions are completely suppressed, the response of 〈s2〉matrix to the filler particles is complex. It depends on the completeness of the collapse of the chains that represent the filler particles, the mobility of these particles, their concentration, and the relationship between the number of beads in the matrix chains and filler particles. Expansion of the matrix chains is seen when the particles and matrix are both represented by a small number of beads, but contraction of matrix chains can be observed when both species contain a large number of beads. The mobility of the filler particles is likely to be an important issue when they are small, i.e. nanoparticles, and the matrix is not glassy.
Transnational transfer of environmental awareness: The role of private firms

Abstract Several actors contribute to the spreading of environmental awareness in a society. In the Western industrialized world, all these actors have contributed to growing opposition to the destructive tendencies of technological progress, backed up by government regulations. Although this opposition is not yet powerful enough to stop or reverse continuing degradation of the environment, it has had some success in curtailing many direct threats to human life and health. In those countries where development and establishment of a market system are now on the daily agenda, awareness of environmental impacts is not sufficiently widespread to have had significant influence on industrial and political decisions. The prevailing attitude is a loosely conceived determination to “grow now and clean later.” Little in the way of thorough analysis has gone into this attitude, which relies mostly on “common sense” and wishful thinking. However, different actors in these countries can have considerable impact on the development of effective environmental awareness. As I argue in the first part of this essay, sustainable development, in fact, depends on the cooperation of all these players. Measures aiming at the improvement of the environmental situation should include the establishment of an equilibrium among the actors. In the second section, I will analyze the role of firms, and emphasize their potential positive impact on the environmental situation.
Introduction to the special issue: Sociology and feminist scholarship

Feminist writers in the seventies angrily criticized the work of male academicians, arguing that what scholarship presented as the norm was in fact white male experience. That critique generated a body of interdisciplinary theory and scholarship. This introduction examines what feminist sociologists mean when they talk about feminist theory—how they use the interdisciplinary theories, and how they apply a feminist methodological stance to generate feminist theory within sociology. It provides a context for understanding the articles that follow in this special issue as examples of feminist research in sociology and as statements of some of the current issues and as problems of concern to feminists in sociology.
Control of adiabatic two-phase dielectric fluid flow distribution with EHD conduction pumping

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) conduction pumping is associated with the heterocharge layers of finite thickness in the vicinity of the electrodes, which are based on the process of dissociation of the neutral electrolytic species and recombination of the generated ions. This paper presents the successful control of dielectric liquid/vapor flow distribution between two parallel branch lines utilizing an EHD conduction pump at a select mass flux level under adiabatic condition.
Teaching the cloud - experiences in designing and teaching an undergraduate-level course in cloud computing at the Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar

Cloud computing is a disruptive technology, one that embodies a major conceptual shift and is rapidly changing the way users, developers, and organizations work with computing infrastructure. Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar offered a one-semester undergraduate course to introduce students to cloud computing. In this paper we describe our approach and experiences in designing the course. We describe course elements (lectures, assignments, case study, and projects) in detail and recount course delivery during the 2010 spring semester. Finally, we analyze our efforts and make recommendations for others who are planning to offer similar courses in cloud computing.
C6F6 and sym-C6F3H3: Ab initio and DFT studies of structure, vibrations, and inelastic neutron scattering spectra

The inelastic neutron scattering spectra of crystalline hexafluorobenzene (HFB) and 1,3,5-trifluorobenzene (TFB) are reported and compared to the results of calculations of the full spectral intensity based on density functional calculations (DFT). It is shown that several of the previous assignments of optically inactive fundamentals are incorrect, bringing the experimental picture into much better agreement with the calculated frequencies. For HFB the scattering is predominantly coherent, in contrast to the TFB case where hydrogen atom scattering predominates. There is generally good agreement between the calculated scattering intensities and the observed spectra. For TFB a comparison of the calculated and observed neutron spectra shows some significant differences attributed at least in part to hydrogen bonding in the crystal. The structures of these two molecules are discussed with reference to the reliability of the density functional methods and the effect of hydrogen bonding on the structure of TFB...
Right and left ventricular stroke volume measurements with velocity-encoded cine MR imaging: In vitro and in vivo validation

The accuracy of measurements of flow velocity determined by using cine MR phase velocity mapping--velocity-encoded cine (VEC) MR--was assessed by comparing VEC MR data with independent measurements in a flow phantom and in human subjects. Constant flow velocities generated in a phantom (range, 20-408 cm/sec) were determined correctly by VEC MR (r = .997, standard error of the estimate [SEE] = 7.9 cm/sec). Peak systolic velocities in the main pulmonary artery determined by VEC MR correlated well with the measurements obtained by using continuous-wave Doppler echocardiography (r = .91). Stroke volumes measured at the aorta by VEC MR and continuous-wave Doppler imaging also correlated well with each other (r = .80). VEC MR measurements of aortic and pulmonary flow provided left and right ventricular stroke volumes that correlated well with left ventricular stroke volumes determined by short-axis cine MR images (r = .98, SEE = 3.7 ml, and r = .95, SEE = 4.8 ml, respectively). Intra- and interobserver variabil...
Characteristics of a group of adolescents undergoing loop electrical excision procedure (LEEP).

Abstract Study Objective: To describe the sociodemographic characteristics of a cohort of adolescents undergoing loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) of the cervix, and to determine if LEEP is a safe and effective procedure for evaluation and treatment of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) of the cervix in adolescents. Setting: Case series of all adolescents who underwent LEEP between 1995 and 1997 at Children's Hospital, Boston, MA. Design: Medical and laboratory records were reviewed to assess baseline characteristics and the following outcomes: (1) LEEP pathology results, (2) postoperative complications, (3) pregnancy outcomes, (4) compliance with follow-up appointments, and (5) recurrence of disease over a 12- to 37-month period. Participants: Thirty-five adolescents underwent LEEP. The mean age of the adolescents at the time of LEEP was 17.9 ± 1.5 yrs. Results: The mean interval between coitarche and LEEP was 3.69 ± 2.09 yrs. On preoperative colposcopy, 28 (80%) had HSIL on biopsy, 3 (8.6%) had HSIL on Pap smear with a discordant biopsy demonstrating low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), 1 (2.9%) had a persistent LSIL, 2 (5.6%) had diffuse LSIL with an unsatisfactory colposcopy, and 1 (2.9%) had a HSIL Pap smear with a normal biopsy. LEEP specimen histopathology results were: HSIL in 19 (54%), LSIL in 10 (29%), SIL difficult to grade in 3 (9%), and no residual disease in 3 (9.0%). Postoperative complications were bleeding in 2 (5.7%), pain in 1 (2.9%), vaginal discharge in 1 (2.9%), cervicitis in 3 (8.6%), and endometritis in 2 (5.7%). Fourteen pregnancies were diagnosed after LEEP; no spontaneous abortions occurred. Mean follow-up period was 21.1 ± 9.4 months. Compliance with follow-up appointments was 51% in the first 12 months post-LEEP and 26% in the second 12 months post-LEEP. Of the 28 patients followed for 12 months or more, there was one recurrence of HSIL confirmed by colposcopy and biopsy. Conclusions: Outcome and complications of LEEP in adolescent females are similar to those reported in larger series of adult women. LEEP appears to be a safe and effective procedure for the evaluation and treatment of HSIL of the cervix in adolescents, but additional long-term data are needed.
Evaluation of methods for estimating soil carbon dioxide efflux across a gradient of forest disturbance

Better understanding of variation in soil carbon dioxide (CO2) efflux caused by measurement techniques is needed, especially over gradients of site disturbance, to accurately estimate the global carbon cycle. We present soil CO2 efflux data from a gradient of disturbance to ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa C. Lawson var. scopulorum Engelm.) forests in northern Arizona, USA that were obtained using four different techniques: vented static chambers, a Licor 6400-09, and soil CO2 diffusion profiles using two different models (Moldrup, Millington–Quirk) to estimate soil gas diffusivity. We also compared soil CO2 efflux measured by the Moldrup and Millington–Quirk diffusion profile methods to nighttime total ecosystem respiration (TER) data from an eddy covariance tower. We addressed four questions: (1) Does the use of a given method to measure soil CO2 efflux bias results across a disturbance gradient? (2) Does the magnitude of difference between observed and modeled estimates of soil CO2 differ between methods and across sites? (3) What is the spatial variability of each method at each site? (4) Which method is closest to the estimate of TER measured by the eddy covariance tower? Although soil CO2 efflux varied significantly among methods the differences were consistent among sites. Measured and modeled total growing season fluxes were generally higher for the Licor 6400-09 and Millington–Quirk diffusion gradient methods compared with static chamber and the Moldrup diffusion gradient methods. A power analysis showed that the larger static chamber was the most efficient method at sampling spatial variation in soil CO2 efflux. Nighttime measurements of soil CO2 efflux from the Moldrup diffusion gradient method were most strongly related to nighttime TER assessed with eddy covariance. The use of a single, well-implemented method to measure soil CO2 efflux is unlikely to create bias in comparisons across a gradient of forest disturbance.
A photoacoustic spectrometer for measuring heat dissipation and oxygen quantum yield at the microscopic level within leaf tissues

Abstract A photoacoustic instrument has been developed to measure photothermal signals and oxygen evolution at the microscopic level within leaves and leaf cross sections. The device utilizes lines of light, obtained from laser diodes, that are focussed on the sample and permit measurements with a spatial resolution of 40 μm. In cross sections of spinach leaves (700 μm thick) the profile for the photothermal signals is bell shaped and coincides closely with the chlorophyll content of the tissues. By contrast, the profile for oxygen evolution is relatively flat, suggesting uniform capacity for oxygen evolution in the mesophyll. Maximum values for relative quantum yield for oxygen evolution are found in palisade tissues near the adaxial leaf surface. The photoacoustic device shows that it is possible to collect thermal and oxygen signals from microscopic leaf samples and opens a new avenue for studies of leaf structure—function.
Clinical Psychology Students' Subjective Stress Ratings during Their Doctoral Training:

The Bandura-Rosenthal Metrics for Assessing Stress was used to measure perceived stress among 25 first and 28 second- and third-year clinical Ph.D. students. Analysis gave no significant differences in reported stress across time.
Termination of distressed residential mortgages: An empirical analysis

A sample of 209 distressed mortgages is used to analyze the terminations of distressed mortgages. An option-based model is compared to a traditional default model. Results show that the traditional model is statistically superior. However, the model's ability to identify a default is similar to that of the simpler option-based model. Alternative measures of borrower's equity are compared. Measuring borrower's equity using total debt more accurately explains default than using either the mortgage balance or the mortgage value.
Changes in protein conformation and dynamics upon complex formation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its receptor: investigation by isotope-edited Fourier transform IR spectroscopy.

The interactions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) with the extracellular domain of its receptor (trkB) are investigated by employing isotope-edited Fourier transform IR (FTIR) spectroscopy. The protein secondary structures of individual BDNF and trkB in solutions are compared with those in their complex. The temperature dependence of the secondary structures of BDNF, trkB, and their complex is also investigated. Consistent with the crystal structure, we observe by FTIR spectroscopy that BDNF in solution contains predominantly beta strands (approximately 53%) and relatively low contents of other secondary structures including beta turns (approximately 16%), disordered structures (approximately 12%), and loops (approximately 18%) and is deficient in alpha helix. We also observe that trkB in solution contains mostly beta strands (52%) and little alpha helix. Conformational changes in both BDNF and trkB are observed upon complex formation. Specifically, upon binding of BDNF, the conformational changes in trkB appear to involve mostly beta turns and disordered structures while the majority of the beta-strand conformation remains unchanged. The IR data indicate that some of the disordered structures in the loop regions are likely converted to beta strands upon complex formation. The FTIR spectral data of BDNF, trkB, and their complex indicate that more amide NH groups of trkB undergo H-D exchange within the complex than those of the ligand-free receptor and that the thermal stability of trkB is decreased slightly upon binding of BDNF. The FT-Raman spectra of BDNF, trkB, and their complex show that the six intramolecular disulfide bonds of trkB undergo significant conformational changes upon binding of BDNF as a result of changes in the tertiary structure of trkB. Taken together, the FTIR and Raman data are consistent with the loosening of the tertiary structure of trkB upon binding of BDNF, which leads to more solvent exposure of the amide NH group and decreased thermal stability of trkB. This finding reveals an intriguing structural property of the neurotrophin ligand-receptor complex that is in contrast to other ligand-receptor complexes such as a cytokine-receptor complex that usually shows protection of the amide NH group and increased thermal stability upon complex formation.
Temperature Difference Error Determination for Heat Meter Validation

A method to calculate the maximum value of temperature difference error in heat meters is presented. It is designed for heat meters used for measuring the volume of heat provided to buildings by heating systems using hot water. Validation offices generally use computer-based numerical methods for the calculation of the error over the full temperature range and temperature difference range. Use of these methods is time-consuming due to taking in succession the temperature and temperature difference with a constant gradient as well as selecting the maximum value of error. The author has developed a method that allows the practicing engineer to calculate the maximum error in a short time with his or her own program. This method can also be used for heat meters not conforming to any standard or pairs of temperature sensors not dedicated for heat meters.
Direct optimization of ranking measures for learning to rank models

We present a novel learning algorithm, DirectRank, which directly and exactly optimizes ranking measures without resorting to any upper bounds or approximations. Our approach is essentially an iterative coordinate ascent method. In each iteration, we choose one coordinate and only update the corresponding parameter, with all others remaining fixed. Since the ranking measure is a stepwise function of a single parameter, we propose a novel line search algorithm that can locate the interval with the best ranking measure along this coordinate quite efficiently. In order to stabilize our system in small datasets, we construct a probabilistic framework for document-query pairs to maximize the likelihood of the objective permutation of top-$\tau$ documents. This iterative procedure ensures convergence. Furthermore, we integrate regression trees as our weak learners in order to consider the correlation between the different features. Experiments on LETOR datasets and two large datasets, Yahoo challenge data and Microsoft 30K web data, show an improvement over state-of-the-art systems.
Differential roles of Met10, Thr11, and Lys60 in structural dynamics of human copper chaperone Atox1.

Atox1 is a human copper (Cu) chaperone with the ferredoxin-like fold that binds Cu(I) via two Cys residues in a M10X11C12X13X14C15 motif located in a solvent-exposed loop. Here, we report molecular ...
Next-generation sequencing and protein mass spectrometry for the comprehensive analysis of human cellular and serum antibody repertoires

Recent developments of high-throughput technologies are enabling the molecular-level analysis and bioinformatic mining of antibody-mediated (humoral) immunity in humans at an unprecedented level. These approaches explore either the sequence space of B-cell receptor repertoires using next-generation deep sequencing (BCR-seq), or the amino acid identities of antibody in blood using protein mass spectrometry (Ig-seq), or both. Generalizable principles about the molecular composition of the protective humoral immune response are being defined, and as such, the field could supersede traditional methods for the development of diagnostics, vaccines, and antibody therapeutics. Three key challenges remain and have driven recent advances: (1) incorporation of innovative techniques for paired BCR-seq to ascertain the complete antibody variable-domain VH:VL clonotype, (2) integration of proteomic Ig-seq with BCR-seq to reveal how the serum antibody repertoire compares with the antibody repertoire encoded by circulating B cells, and (3) a demand to link antibody sequence data to functional meaning (binding and protection).
On the Trail of the Bush King: A Dahomean Lesson in the Use of Evidence

Twentieth-century historians of the Fon kingdom of Dahomey have been blessed with an unusually rich and accessible body of primary source material. Published in English and French by a succession of visitors to the kingdom, this literature includes references to Dahomean affairs beginning as early as the seventeenth century and continuing with regularity through its conquest in 1892/93 by the French. The accounts, however, are fullest in number of writers and in detail of observation for the period of the reigns of kings Gezo (1818-58) and Glele (1858-89).European observers of the Dahomean polity approached the state for a variety of commercial, religious, and political reasons, but typically they were permitted to visit the capital, Abomey, only in conjunction with the major cycle of annual ceremonies, Xwetanu. Because Xwetanu -- or Customs, as the ceremonies were dubbed by the Europeans -- ranged in duration from several weeks to several months, travelers drew their information about the kingdom from the advantageous point of a relatively long period of time spent in close observation of the court at what was unquestionably the most important period of the year. Fascinated and sometimes repelled by the sights they witnessed, they set down their own observations, describing land forms and economic activities, court life and ceremonial, and officers and institutions of the state.
Differential Effect of State Legislation in Altering the Lengths of Hospitalization on Normal Newborns in a Single Geographic Region † 651

Differential Effect of State Legislation in Altering the Lengths of Hospitalization on Normal Newborns in a Single Geographic Region † 651
Women and Peace

DEDICATED TO THE GREAT WOMAN PEACE BUILDER: WANGARI MAATHAI, KENYA, NOBEL PEACE PRIZE, 2004 Three points are made in this paper: (1) Both peace and war are gendered; (2) The participation of women in building peace and in military processes in society is often evidence of women's commitment to societal peace and justice; and (3) Women's involvement in other societal processes refutes essentialism.
The latissimus dorsi bladder myoplasty to assist detrusor function

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether an innervated skeletal muscle might augment detrusor function. In four dogs we performed the latissimus dorsi myoplasty, a transfer of the latissimus muscle as an innervated free flap wrapped around the bladder. Stimulation of the latissimus dorsi free flap initially achieved an average bladder pressure of 45.8 ± 8.41 cm H2O, sufficient for partial evacuation. After 4 months the muscle generated a maximal pressure of 82 cm H2O, resulting in an evacuation of 27.7%. For selected patients, the latissimus dorsi bladder myoplasty may provide an alternative to intermittent catheterization in the future.
Elucidating empowerment in El Proyecto Bienestar (the Well-Being Project).

Title. Elucidating empowerment in El Proyecto Bienestar (the Well-Being Project). Aim. This paper describes differences in how socioculturally diverse participants in one community-based participatory research project negotiated ‘empowerment’, and the implications of those differences for nurses involved in farmworker health and safety efforts. Background. Internationally, empowerment and community participation are increasingly being used as strategies to reduce health disparities. Theories of empowerment vary in the academic literature and their connotations vary across cultures. Method. Study participants were part of El Proyecto Bienestar, a community-based participatory research (CBPR) project whose aim was to identify and respond to occupational and environmental health threats in one Mexican-American farmworker community in the United States of America. Participant observation was used to audiorecord 18 participants in the third year (2006) of this 4-year project discussing future project activities. Discourse analysis was used to analyse the transcripts. Results. While participants agreed that ‘empowerment’ was central to the project, they had different perspectives on what the term meant and the role that the project should play in empowering the farmworker community. Empowerment discourses positioned the project in three ways: (1) as an instrument used to strengthen farmworkers’ collective political voice, (2) as an instrument used to represent multiple community interests and (3) as an instrument used to advocate on behalf of farmworkers. Individuals used multiple discourses signifying the complexity in participants’ roles and obligations. Conclusions. Balancing power and developing knowledge collaboratively requires understanding multiple approaches to empowerment. Community empowerment as an outcome should not come at the expense of individual empowerment as part of the CBPR process.