cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alanyl-glutamine prevents muscle atrophy and glutamine synthetase induction by glucocorticoids.

The aims of this work were to establish whether glutamine infusion via alanyl-glutamine dipeptide provides effective therapy against muscle atrophy from glucorticoids and whether the glucocorticoid induction of glutamine synthetase (GS) is downregulated by dipeptide supplementation. Rats were given hydrocortisone 21-acetate or the dosing vehicle and were infused with alanine (AA) or alanyl-glutamine (AG) at the same concentrations and rates (1.15 mumol.min-1.100 g body wt-1, 0.75 ml/h) for 7 days. Compared with AA infusion in hormone-treated animals, AG infusion prevented total body and fast-twitch muscle mass losses by over 70%. Glucocorticoid treatment did not reduce muscle glutamine levels. Higher serum glutamine was found in the AG-infused (1.72 +/- 0.28 mumol/ml) compared with the AA-infused group (1.32 +/- 0.06 mumol/ml), but muscle glutamine concentrations were not elevated by AG infusion. Following glucocorticoid injections, GS enzyme activity was increased by two- to threefold in plantaris, fast-twitch white (superficial quadriceps), and fast-twitch red (deep quadriceps) muscle/fiber types of the AA group. Similarly, GS mRNA was elevated by 3.3- to 4.1-fold in these same muscles of hormone-treated, AA-infused rats. AG infusion diminished glucocorticoid effects on GS enzyme activity to 52-65% and on GS mRNA to 31-37% of the values with AA infusion. These results provide firsthand evidence of atrophy prevention from a catabolic state using glutamine in dipeptide form. Despite higher serum and muscle alanine levels with AA infusion than with AG infusion, alanine alone is not a sufficient stimulus to counteract muscle atrophy. The AG-induced muscle sparing is accompanied by diminished expression of a glucocorticoid-inducible gene in skeletal muscle. However, glutamine regulation of GS appears complex and may involve more regulators than muscle glutamine concentration alone.
Understanding the Hard/Soft Distinction in International Law

A common characterization employed in contemporary international law is that between "hard" and "soft" law. A determination that an instrument falls into either category carries with it a series of implications, including that pertaining to the legal consequence of noncompliance with the rules contained in the text. What is at times overlooked is the relatively common phenomenon of the two types of law co- existing, where hard rules provide the context or the limits (boundaries, ceilings, and floors), and the details are “filled-out” by soft rules. A full appreciation of the resulting legal picture requires not only a familiarity with both types of rules but also an understanding of how they relate to each other. This is explored on two levels: the relative “authoritativeness-deficit” of the distinction under international law, and the reflection that the ambiguity inherent in the distinction reveals not two, but four, possible outcomes.
Terahertz saturable absorption in superconducting metamaterials

We present a superconducting metamaterial saturable absorber at terahertz frequencies. The metamaterial was designed to have a resonant absorption peak at 0.5 THz for T=10 K. The absorber consists of an array of split ring resonators (SRRs) etched from a 100 nm YBa2Cu3O7 film. A polyimide spacer layer and gold ground plane are placed above the SRRs using the metamaterial tape concept, creating a reflecting perfect absorber. Increasing either the temperature or incident electric field (E) decreases the superconducting condensate density and corresponding kinetic inductance of the SRRs. This alters the impedance matching in the metamaterial, broadening the resonance and reducing the peak absorption. At low electric fields, the experimental absorption was optimized near 80% at f=0.47 THz for T=10 K and decreased to 20% for T=70 K. For E=40 kV/cm and T=10 K, the peak absorption was 70%, decreasing to 40% at 200 kV/cm, corresponding to a modulation of 43%.
Reply to Mary Hesse

I am happy to see Dr. Hesse's clarification of her earlier discus sion1 of consilience. I shall not comment here on her interesting, if controversial, thesis that a confirmed theory confers no likelihood on its untested entailments, except insofar as the latter are analo gous to previously confirmed entailments of that theory. It would be premature to comment on the thesis until Hesse has spelled out in more detail her account of analogy. As for the substantive point (viz., that Hessean consilience is different from Whewellian consilience), I still believe that my claims are generally correct. The Whewellian problem (concerning the extent to which our confidence in a theory, T, is increased by its ability to explain different 'kinds' of laws) is manifestly different from (though perhaps related to) what I?following Reichenbach ?called the problem of 'cross-induction'. Put schematically, the Hessean and Whewellian problems can be conceived as attempts to specify the following:
A Field Study of the Use and Perceived Effects of Discipline in Controlling Work Performance

Data from two samples of supervisors in a large U.S. corporation show that (1) supervisors used discipline primarily as a response to certain behaviors and when the work context was supportive of i...
HRTEM analysis of dislocation cores and stacking faults in naturally deformed biotite crystals

HTREM images of naturally deformed, mylonitized biotite crystals were examined to determine where deformation-related defects occur in the structure. Dislocations were found to be associated with the plane of oxygen atoms that constitutes the base of the octahedral sheet and the apical plane of the tetrahedral sheet, rather than in the interlayer as has been generally assumed. Consistent with previous investigations, this region was also confirmed as the position at which stacking faults occur. The location of these defects was determined by comparing sub-unit-cell scale fringes in experimental images to simulated images with dislocation cores and stacking faults. Previous investigations have generally relied on indirect techniques and have yielded ambiguous results.
Regulation of fetal and adult hemoglobin formation in patients with sickle cell disease transfused to normal hematocrits.

Two patients with sickle cell anemia and one patient with sickle thalassemia were acutely transfused to normal hemoglobin levels. The synthesis of fetal and adult (in this instance, Hb S) hemoglobins was assessed in cohorts of reticulocytes emerging during the period of erythroid suppression which followed. In two patients observations were also made during the period of recovery from the suppression. Hemoglobin synthesis in the reticulocytes was assessed by means of in vitro incorporation of C 14 -labeled leucine into the separate hemoglobins. The results in all three patients suggested that both fetal and adult hemoglobin synthesis are under similar physiologic control mechanisms during short-term alterations in the state of erythropoiesis; the formation of both was almost completely stopped soon after transfusion, and both were almost simultaneously reactivated as the patients returned to the anemic state.
Surveillance of norovirus infectious diarrhea in Meizhou city,2013-2014

Objective To monitor the epidemiological characteristic of norovirus infection diarrhea in Meizhou city.Methods The stool samples were collected from outpatients of acute diarrhea in sentinel hospital between 2013 and 2014. One step real-time RT-PCR was used for screening norovirus genogroups GI and GII. Results A total of 766 fecal specimens were included in this study; out of which, 92(12.01%) were positive for norovirus. Of 92 noroviruspositive specimens, 91(98.91%) were positive for genogroup GII and 4(1.09%) were positive for genogroup GI.Norovirus was prevalent throughout the year and an increased activity of norovirus infection was usually observed between September and Novermber. No statistically significant difference were observed in positive incidence of genders(χ2=1.51,P 0.05) and different age groups(χ2=2.30,P 0.05). Conclusion Norovirus is a common causative agent responsible for infectious diarrhea in Meizhou, and genogroup GII is the dominant strain. Norovirus infection diarrhea is epidemic year round with high activity in autumn and winter.People are generally susceptible to norovirus infection.
Optimization design of lawn mower muffler based on Fluent

Aiming at the purpose of the influence of the lawn mower muffler's velocity field,turbulence intensity field,pressure field and temperature field on its internal structure strength and exhaust effect,using the GAMBIT software which is for computational fluid dynamics(CFD) and other scientific applications to make the basic steps of building and meshing a model simple and intuitive,this study simulates and calculates its internal flow field by using Fluent for a typical muffler structure in the given boundary conditions.The result shows that the distribution of pressure field and temperature field is well-distributed,but is easy to appear mutations of pressure and temperature in the transition position.It is indicated that in the muffler design,reducing the pressure loss should be more smoother to improve the performance of muffler.And the as time,the length of the muffler cavity influence the spectrum movement,so design the muffler of cavity length reasonable is very important.Using computers simulation software available to muffler on the internal flow field,improving the muffler design cycle.
A Subjective and Objective Assessment Method for the Quality of Venture Capital Project Managers

According to the management characteristics of venture capital firms and the job nature of venture capital project managers, a subjective and objective assessment method for the quality of venture capital project managers is proposed. In the method,fuzzy subjective assessment based on subjective indexes and objective assessment based on testing are carried out,respectively,and then the subjective and objective assessment results are integrated to make the final assessment result reflect both subjective and objective information. Finally,an example is given to show the application of the proposed method.
Mode-Based Reconstruction of Chemical Distributions in Optical Fibers

By using few-mode fibers (FMFs), it is possible to simultaneously determine the values of multiple parameters such as temperature and strain. In this work, we extend this capability to the case of mode-based reconstruction of the distribution of a continuous variable function. As a specific example, we theoretically demonstrate that by measuring the mode-dependent losses of multiple guided modes in an FMF, it is possible to determine the spatial distributions of chemicals diffused within the fiber.
Advanced Material Structure to Facilitate Biofunctionality: Nano-Bio Biotic/Abiotic Hybrid Systems and Their Applications

i Acknowledgments iv List of Tables 4 List of Figures 5 Chapter 1. Background and Research Objectives 15 Introduction 15 Biology in the View of Engineering : Source of molecular machines 18 Interfacing Biology with Artificial Membrane Technology 20 Research Objectives and Strategy 24 Chapter 2. Synthesis and Characterization of Nanoscale Biomimetic Polymer Vesicles and Polymer Membranes for Bioelectronic Applications 28 Introduction 29 Materials and Methods 31 Results Preparation of Polymer Vesicles from PEtOz-PDMS-PEtOz 34 Membrane Preparation and Measurement Conditions 37 Impedance Spectroscopy of Free-standing Polymer Membranes 39 Discussion 46 Chapter 3. Toward Hybrid Proteo-polymeric Vesicles Generating a Photoinduced Proton Gradient for Biofuel Cells 47 Introduction 48 Materials and Methods Materials and Apparatus 52 TEM Sample Preparation 52 PM Preparation and Its Incorporation into Polymer Vesicles 53 Proton Pumping Activity Assays 54 Results Morphological Ternary Phase Diagram of PEtOz-PDMS-PEtOz Triblock Copolymer 55 Protein Incorporation into Polymer Vesicles & Generation of Photo-induced pH Gradient 63
OP 22 Abnormal mid-trimester cardiac strain in African American patients with chronic hypertension predates superimposed preeclampsia – Preeclampsia a possible cardiovascular disease

Background African-American (AA) women are at higher risk of cardiac dysfunction during pregnancy which is exacerbated by chronic hypertension (cHTN). The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence of cardiac dysfunction, as measured by cardiac strain, using highly sensitive speckle-tracking echocardiography in asymptomatic AA women with cHTN. We further wanted to explore the association between cardiac dysfunction in mid-trimester and perinatal outcomes. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of patients seen in a high-risk obstetrics clinic at the University of Chicago between January 2014 and December 2016. Asymptomatic patients with a singleton pregnancy, history of cHTN and who had an echocardiogram done were eligible. Clinical and demographic information was collected from medical records. Cardiac strain was calculated from stored images and global peak longitudinal strain (GLS) was measured using automated software. Results A total of 60 patients were included in this analysis, among which 48 (80.0%) were AA. The mean BMI was 41.1, median age was 34 years, and the gestational age (GA) at the time of the echo was 20.4 weeks with GA at delivery of 37.9 weeks. Patients were divided into normal and abnormal GLS based on their cardiac strain (GLS ⩽−19), with 56.7% (34 patients) expressing abnormal strain. Patients with abnormal strain were similar in age, BMI, and expressed similar blood pressures at the time of ECHO and at the last prenatal visit [AM1]. Compared to women with normal strain, those with abnormal strain had lower stroke volume (69.0 vs 81.5; p = 0.001) and ejection fraction (49.6 vs 57.5; p Conclusion The prevalence of asymptomatic cardiac dysfunction is high in this predominantly young AA pregnant population with cHTN and is associated with higher rates of superimposed preeclampsia and preterm delivery. Further studies need to validate these findings whether primary cardiac dysfunction can lead to development of preeclampsia and whether interventions to improve cardiac function can lead to improved perinatal outcomes.
Cross-Border Data Access Reform: A Primer on the Proposed U.S.-U.K. Agreement

Cross-border data access reform may be on the legislative agenda in late 2017, with recent House and Senate judiciary committee hearings revisiting the topic. In light of this increasing interest, we thought it would be helpful to provide a brief primer on how cross-border data access requests currently work, options for reform, and major challenges to reform ahead. This document presents a short, high-level background review of the debate as it currently stands, particularly focusing on the DOJ’s 2016 proposal for reform. Governments need evidence to investigate and prosecute crimes, but increasingly that evidence takes the form of data stored on the servers of U.S. tech companies. In July 2016, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released draft legislation that would address some of the challenges foreign governments face when seeking data related to criminal investigations from U.S. companies. Interest in making such changes continues to grow, with relevant laws, including the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), maybe seeing Congressional attention in late 2017, especially as the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) comes up for renewal. To access electronic content – including email, social media messages, and more – held by U.S. companies, a foreign country currently relies primarily on the processes set out in agreements called Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs), if that country has negotiated one with the U.S. MLATs with the U.S. require countries to meet U.S. legal standards when making requests for electronic content data, with less strict standards for metadata. Countries have grown frustrated with both the normative implications of the MLAT process and its typical lengthiness. After substantial debate, and with many proposed ideas from civil society, industry, and academia, the Department of Justice (DOJ) in July 2016 released draft legislation intended to address these concerns. The proposal moves away from the treaty-based system currently underpinning the mutual legal assistance process. Instead, the new legislation would require “lighter touch” bilateral agreements on this issue between the United States and participating countries. Once countries are approved for these bilateral agreements, the legislation would allow them to submit requests for data, made pursuant to the requesting countries’ laws and stipulations in the legislation, directly to U.S. electronic service providers, instead of first going through U.S. courts. The U.K. would likely be the first country approved to make requests under this new legislation, but the legislation would also pave the way for agreements with other qualifying countries. This legislation advances a legal solution for crossborder data access that proponents hope is sufficiently appealing to foreign governments to forestall more damaging alternative responses to data access concerns, including country-wide service bans, mandated data localization, or forcing companies to make decisions in the face of a conflict of laws.
Early Lifting and Transplanting of Flowering Dogwood Seedlings Increases Survival in the Southern United States

Abstract Effects of lift date and photoperiod on budbreak and survival of 1-0 flowering dogwood (Comus florida L.) seedlings were studied under greenhouse conditions while survival was evaluated on plants transplanted in field plots. Seedlings were lifted from field beds on October 3, 1990; October 31, 1990; November 28, 1990; December 18, 1990; and February 5, 1991 (0, 63, 192, 357, and 851 chill hours, respectively ( 90% for both October lift dates. Mean survival across lift dates for the greenhouse and field plants were 88% and 7...
431 kA/cm 2 peak tunneling current density in GaN/AlN resonant tunneling diodes

We report on the design and fabrication of high current density GaN/AlN double barrier resonant tunneling diodes grown via plasma assisted molecular-beam epitaxy on bulk GaN substrates. A quantum-transport solver was used to model and optimize designs with high levels of doping and ultra-thin AlN barriers. The devices displayed repeatable room temperature negative differential resistance with peak-to-valley current ratios ranging from 1.20 to 1.60. A maximum peak tunneling current density (Jp) of 431 kA/cm2 was observed. Cross-gap near-UV (370–385 nm) electroluminescence (EL) was observed above +6 V when holes, generated from a polarization induced Zener tunneling effect, recombine with electrons in the emitter region. Analysis of temperature dependent measurements, thermal resistance, and the measured EL spectra revealed the presence of severe self-heating effects.
New algorithm for toric intraocular lens power calculation considering the posterior corneal astigmatism.

Purpose To assess the accuracy of toric intraocular lens (IOL) power calculations of a new algorithm that incorporates the effect of posterior corneal astigmatism (PCA). Setting Abbott Medical Optics, Inc., Groningen, the Netherlands. Design Retrospective case report. Methods In eyes implanted with toric IOLs, the exact vergence formula of the Tecnis toric calculator was used to predict refractive astigmatism from preoperative biometry, surgeon-estimated surgically induced astigmatism (SIA), and implanted IOL power, with and without including the new PCA algorithm. For each calculation method, the error in predicted refractive astigmatism was calculated as the vector difference between the prediction and the actual refraction. Calculations were also made using postoperative keratometry (K) values to eliminate the potential effect of incorrect SIA estimates. Results The study comprised 274 eyes. The PCA algorithm significantly reduced the centroid error in predicted refractive astigmatism (P Conclusions The use of the new PCA algorithm decreased the error in the prediction of residual refractive astigmatism in eyes implanted with toric IOLs. Therefore, the new PCA algorithm, in combination with an exact vergence IOL power calculation formula, led to an increased predictability of toric IOL power.
Tetra-ethyl-ammonium tri-μ-phenolato-bis-[tricarbonyl-manganate(I)].

The title compound, (C8H20N)[Mn2(C6H5O)3(CO)6], was synthesized from [Mn(CO)3(CH3CN)3]BF4 and (C8H20N)(OC6H5). The binuclear anion exhibits a pseudo-threefold symmetry and contains two six-coordinate Mn atoms. Each metal atom is coordinated by three facially oriented CO ligands and three doubly-bridging phenolate ligands. The average O—Mn—O bond angle is 74.9 (7)° in the Mn2O3 metal–phenolate dimeric core, yielding a distorted octa­hedron for each metal.
The Family Environment

Considerable research has been conducted on families—how families create, experience, and respond to the world in which they live. The purpose of this chapter is to describe a conceptual framework for studying the family environment which (1) incorporates recent advances in understanding multiple social influences on behavior, (2) recognizes both common and idiosyncratic characteristics of families as social units, (3) identifies research strategies to assess families, and (4) generates hypotheses about the reasons families vary in their functioning. The framework derives from theories and research in psychology, ethology, sociology, anthropology, and demography. We rely most heavily on empirical work in social ecology and in decision making, incorporating elements from existing theories and combining them operationally in our formulation of the family environment.
Stability Theory for Strong and Mild Solutions

If Open image in new window is a finite-dimensional Hilbert space, then Lyapunov proved that the mild solution {u x (t)} of the Cauchy problem \(\dot{u} (t) = Au(t)\), with the initial condition Open image in new window satisfies the following condition (a) Open image in new window , with \(r,\;c_{0}>0\), for t>0, if and only if, there exists a positive definite matrix R satisfying two conditions: (i) Open image in new window , Open image in new window , \(c_{1}\; c_{2}>0\), and (ii) A ∗ R+RA=−I. The infinite dimensional analogue of this theorem is given by Datko. However, in this case the operator R does not satisfy the lower bound in condition (i). Lyapunov uses this lower bound crucially in going from linear to non-linear case. The solution in non-linear case will satisfy condition (a), termed exponential stability. When the operator A generates a pseudo-contraction semigroup, we produce an operator R satisfying both conditions (i) and (ii) in a deterministic equation. At this stage, we discuss stochastic equations and demonstrate how to study exponential stability for mild solutions of non-linear equations. We cannot use the Ito formula for mild solutions of stochastic differential equations, thus we have to approximate them using Yosida approximation, which produces a sequence of strong solutions. We use this approximation to obtain a sufficient condition for exponential stability in the mean square sense (m.s.s.) when the Lyapunov function Ψ exists. However, in order to use this approximation, we need to assume that Ψ is locally bounded. In the linear case we produce such a Lyapunov function obtaining necessary and sufficient conditions for the exponential stability in the m.s.s. of the solution. Then the first order approximation is used to study the exponential stability in the m.s.s. of mild solutions to non-linear equations following the ideas of Lyapunov. We provide the stochastic analogue of Datko’s theorem in the Appendix.
Heuristic-biased stochastic sampling

This paper presents a search technique for scheduling problems, called Heuristic-Biased Stochastic Sampling (HBSS). The underlying assumption behind the HBSS approach is that strictly adhering to a search heuristic often does not yield the best solution and, therefore, exploration off the heuristic path can prove fruitful. Within the HBSS approach, the balance between heuristic adherence and exploration can be controlled according to the confidence one has in the heuristic. By varying this balance, encoded as a bias function, the HBSS approach encompasses a family of search algorithms of which greedy search and completely random search are extreme members. We present empirical results from an application of HBSS to the real-world problem of observation scheduling. These results show that with the proper bias function, it can be easy to outperform greedy search.
The subunit fine structure of isolated, purified Na+, K+-adenosine triphosphatase. Freeze-fracture study.

The ultrastructural features of a purified fraction of Na+,K+-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) isolated from dog kidney medulla were compared with those of the initial crude microsomal fraction in the purification sequence. Although both fractions consist of vesicular structures, the purified fraction is more homogeneous with respect to overall size and intramembrane protein particle size and distribution. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis profiles of both fractions reveal multiple proteins in the microsomal fraction but only two in the final purified fraction. The membranes of the pure fraction comprised one class of particles roughly 95–120 A in diameter which represent the in vitro configuration of Na+,K+-ATPase.
Delay in initiation of DMARD or anti-inflammatory therapy in patients newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis: An analysis of United States Military Health System TRICARE beneficiaries.

Abstract Objective To investigate factors associated with delay in initiation of initial disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) in patients newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods We performed a retrospective cohort descriptive study using administrative data from the US military's TRICARE program (2007–2012). We identified incident RA cases using billing codes and initial DMARD receipt using prescription fill date. We quantified the time between RA presentation and initial DMARD receipt, evaluated temporal changes in delay over the study period, and investigated predictors of treatment delay (> 90 days) using logistic regression. Results We identified 16,680 patients with incident RA that were prescribed DMARDs and mean age was 47.2 (SD 13.5) years. The mean time from initial RA presentation to first DMARD prescription receipt was 125.3days (SD 175.4). Over one-third (35.6%) of incident RA patients initiated DMARD > 90days after presentation. There was less treatment delay in later years of the study (mean days to DMARD of 144.7days in 2007; 109.7days in 2012). Patients prescribed opioids had mean time to DMARD of 212.8days (SD 207.4) compared to mean of 77.3days (SD 132.3) for those who did not use opioids (p Conclusion In this large US nationwide study, delays in initial DMARD receipt for incident RA were common but time to treatment improved in recent years. While further analysis using clinical data is warranted, these findings suggest that limiting opioid use in patients newly presenting with RA may decrease delay in initiating DMARDs.
Game of Queens: The Women Who Made Sixteenth-Century Europe. By Sarah Gristwood. (New York, NY: Basic Books, 2016. Pp. xxxi, 332. $28.99.)

With a title that makes readers think of Game of Thrones, the author, who has produced a number of fine books about the history of women, artfully weaves together narratives of over fifteen women a...
Family Instability in Childhood and Criminal Offending During the Transition Into Adulthood

The structure and stability of families have long stood as key predictors of juvenile delinquency. Boys from “broken homes” experience a higher prevalence of juvenile delinquency than those from in...
Synthesis of Colchicinoids and Allocolchicinoids through Rh(I)-Catalyzed [2+2+2+1] and [2+2+2] Cycloadditions of o-Phenylenetriynes with and without CO

The nonbenzenoid aromatics, tropones and tropolones, are found in various natural products such as colchicine and hinokitol, which possess significant biological activities. The traditional methods to construct the tropone skeletons include oxidation of cycloheptatriene and [4+3] cycloadditions. In addition, the total synthesis of colchicine and its analogues requires laborious organic transformations in the formations of 6–7–7 fused-ring systems. Transition metal-catalyzed carbocyclization and cycloaddition reactions have proven to be among the most efficient methods for constructing complex polycyclic systems. On the basis of our recent discovery of the Rh-catalyzed carbonylative [2+2+2+1] cycloaddition of triynes to the formation of a fused tropone system, we report here the application of this methodology to the one-step formation of the 6–7–7–5 fused tetracyclic scaffold of colchicinoids based on the [2+2+2+1] cycloaddition of o-phenylenetriynes with CO. In addition, the one-step formation of allocol...
An Ecosystem for Comprehensive Cervical Cancer Prevention in India: Formative Study in India

Background: Despite being preventable, cervical cancer is the third most common cancer in India, accounting for the highest number of cancer deaths. India has made limited progress toward introduci...
Chlamydia pneumoniae: An Etiologic Agent for Late-Onset Dementia

Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition now recognized as the single most common, severe form of dementia in the elderly. The condition is sporadic and has been attributed to neuronal damage and loss, both of which have been linked to the accumulation of protein deposits in the brain. Significant progress has been made over the past two decades regarding our overall understanding of the apparently pathogenic entities that arise in the affected brain, both for early-onset disease, which constitutes approximately 5% of all cases, as well as late-onset disease, which constitutes the remainder of cases. Observable neuropathology includes: neurofibrillary tangles, neuropil threads, neuritic senile plaques, and often deposits of amyloid around the cerebrovasculature. Although many studies have provided a relatively detailed knowledge of these putatively pathogenic entities, understanding of the events that initiate and support the biological processes generating them and the subsequent observable neuropathology and neurodegeneration remain limited. This is especially true in the case of late-onset disease. Although early-onset Alzheimer’s disease has been shown conclusively to have genetic roots, the detailed etiologic initiation of late-onset disease without such genetic origins has remained elusive. Several studies over the last 15 years, including both current and ongoing work, have implicated infection in the etiology and pathogenesis of late-onset dementia. Infectious agents reported to be associated with disease initiation are various, including several viruses and pathogenic bacterial species. We have reported extensively regarding an association between late-onset disease and infection with the obligate intracellular bacterial pathogen Chlamydia pneumoniae. In this article, we review previously published data and recent results that support involvement of this unusual respiratory pathogen in disease induction and development. We further suggest several areas for future research that should elucidate details relating to those processes, and we argue for a change in the designation of the disease based on increased understanding of its clinical attributes.
Spatial Structure Change Analysis of Cultivated Soil Nutrients in Urban Fringe of North China

Spatial structure analysis is beneficial to guide soil nutrients management. This paper developed a method for spatial structure of soil nutrients and analyzed these change characteristics from 2000 to 2007 using geographic information system (GIS) technology for Daxing district of Beijing, China. The results of spatial structure were obtained and occupied space proportions of total kjeldahl nitrogen (TN), alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen (AN), organic matter (OM), available phosphorus (AP) and available potassium (AK) were 0.33, 0.22, 0.25, 0.03, 0.16 for 2000 and 0.32, 0.25, 0.23, 0.03, 0.17 for 2007, respectively. The change characteristics and influence factors for spatial structure of soil nutrients were systematically analyzed. Increased soil nutrients were exhibited three belts on the whole, whereas decreased soil nutrients were located in other regions. Natural factors and human activities drove these changes of soil nutrients. This study provides a reference for future related research.
Applying Auctions to Bank Holding Company Software Project Portfolio Selection

Large banks in the United States are often organized as bank holding companies controlling one or more subsidiaries. Their inorganic growth has led to duplicated capacity. In pursuit of cost savings, many holding companies provide shared services, including software development. Demand for development resources generally exceeds supply, leading to the need for a centralized project selection process. The selection methodology chosen is sometimes based on a resource constraint problem, using projected financials provided by the subsidiaries. This solution architecture is susceptible to misaligned incentives. We propose the use of a combinatorial auction to assist in project selection and more closely align the incentives of executives to those of the bank. We discuss appropriate auction formats for the contest based on the economic characteristics of the problem and explore impediments to implementation.
Opinions of Speech-Language Pathologists Regarding Speech Management for Children With Cleft Lip and Palate.

Objective:The purpose of the present study was to examine practice patterns and opinions that speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have about speech-language intervention for children with cleft lip...
Timing of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome - Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Literature.

Abstract Background Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the standard procedure of care for most patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). However, the timing of PCI remains unclear. We performed this meta-analysis with available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare early versus late coronary intervention in patients with NSTE-ACS. Method A total of 13 RCTs were selected through PubMed/MEDLINE via OVID, EMBASE via OVID and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (inception to October 2018) search. Outcomes were analyzed using the relative risk (RR) and 95% CI. Pooled RRs were determined using M-H random-effects model, which can account for between study heterogeneity. Results We included 13 RCTs with 11,972 patients were included. There were 7101 patients were randomized into early invasive group and 4871 in late invasive group. There was a significant decrease in myocardial infarction with long-term follow up in early invasive group compared to the delayed invasive group (RR 0.847 [95% CI 0.74–0.95], p = 0.009) with no difference in mortality between early and late invasive group (5.41% vs 6.49%, RR 0.882 [95% CI, 0.76–1.02]). On subgroup analysis, data was available from 6 RCTs for GRACE (Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events) score and 8 RCTs for elevated troponin. Early intervention led to decrease in adverse events in patients with elevated GRACE score > 140 (Mantel-Haenszel pooled RR 0.88 [95% CI 0.82–0.95], p-value 0.002) but no difference was seen in patients with elevated troponin. Conclusion It can be postulated from these results that early invasive strategy leads to decrease in myocardial infarction but without significant decrease in mortality. In patients with elevated GRACE score (>140), early intervention did show a trend towards decrease in major adverse cardiac events, whereas in patients with elevated troponin alone, similar association was not observed. However, adequately powered randomized controlled trial is necessary to validate these findings.
Location of Surface Wave Poles in Sommerfeld type Integrals: A Mittag-Leffler Expansion Approach

In this paper, the Mittag-Leffler (ML) expansion method is introduced to find surface and leaky wave poles. The ML expansion method replaces the trigonometric functions present in Sommerfeld type integrals with equivalent expansion functions. One of the many applications is to solve for multilayered media Green’s functions that are needed to calculate currents on microstrip patch antennas and interconnects. The ML expansion method has been applied and tested on microstrip problems with various dielectric per-mittivities, for electrically thick and thin substrates and for lossless and lossy cases.
Classifying and analyzing small-angle scattering data using weighted k nearest neighbors machine learning techniques

A consistent challenge for both new and expert practitioners of small-angle scattering (SAS) lies in determining how to analyze the data, given the limited information content of said data and the large number of models that can be employed. Machine learning (ML) methods are powerful tools for classifying data that have found diverse applications in many fields of science. Here, ML methods are applied to the problem of classifying SAS data for the most appropriate model to use for data analysis. The approach employed is built around the method of weighted k nearest neighbors (wKNN), and utilizes a subset of the models implemented in the SasView package (https://www.sasview.org/) for generating a well defined set of training and testing data. The prediction rate of the wKNN method implemented here using a subset of SasView models is reasonably good for many of the models, but has difficulty with others, notably those based on spherical structures. A novel expansion of the wKNN method was also developed, which uses Gaussian processes to produce local surrogate models for the classification, and this significantly improves the classification accuracy. Further, by integrating a stochastic gradient descent method during post-processing, it is possible to leverage the local surrogate model both to classify the SAS data with high accuracy and to predict the structural parameters that best describe the data. The linking of data classification and model fitting has the potential to facilitate the translation of measured data into results for both novice and expert practitioners of SAS.
Evaluation of Organically Acceptable Methods to Control Periodical Cicada (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) Oviposition Injury on Nonbearing Apple Trees

Abstract Broad-spectrum insecticides are the standard control method used in tree fruit orchards to control periodical cicadas (Magicicada spp.) and to reduce associated oviposition injury to woody...
Internalized model minority myth among Asian Americans: Links to anti-Black attitudes and opposition to affirmative action.

Objectives The current study contributes to the field's limited knowledge about the sociopolitical consequences of internalized Model Minority Myth (MMM) among Asian Americans. In particular, we examine how the MMM serves as a legitimizing ideology, in which the perpetuation of beliefs about society as fair ultimately maintain racial inequality. Methods Using path analysis with 251 Asian American college students, we tested a model linking internalized MMM (i.e., attitudes towards Asian Americans as achievement oriented and as having unrestricted mobility, compared to other racial minorities) to anti-Black attitudes and opposition to affirmative action for Black Americans. We examined direct effects of internalized MMM on such outcomes, as well as indirect effects through other legitimizing ideologies, including just world beliefs and racial colorblindness. Results Findings demonstrated that greater levels of internalized MMM among Asian American college students predicted greater anti-Black attitudes and opposition to affirmative action. Greater internalized MMM achievement orientation and unrestricted mobility also directly predicted greater just world beliefs and colorblindness. Results from our test of indirect effects showed that internalized MMM achievement orientation and unrestricted mobility both indirectly predicted opposition to affirmative action through colorblindness, and unrestricted mobility also indirectly predicted anti-Black attitudes through colorblindness. Also, achievement orientation and unrestricted mobility indirectly predicted anti-Black attitudes through just world beliefs. Conclusions Our findings have implications for research and practice that promotes awareness of and seeks to challenge the MMM, anti-Blackness, and beliefs about affirmative action among Asian Americans. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Historical Origins of the Personal Belief Exemption to Vaccination Mandates: The View from California

A number of states, starting with California, have recently removed all non-medical exemptions from their laws requiring vaccinations for schoolchildren. California was also one of the earliest states to include a broad non-medical, or personal, belief exemption in its modern immunization law, which it did with a 1961 law mandating polio vaccination for school enrollment, Assembly Bill 1940 (AB 1940). This paper examines the history of AB 1940's exemption clause as a case study for shedding light on the little-examined history of the personal belief exemption to vaccination in the United States. This history shows that secular belief exemptions date back further than scholars have allowed. It demonstrates that such exemptions resulted from political negotiation critical to ensuring compulsory vaccination's political success. It challenges a historiography in which antivaccination groups and their allies led late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century opposition to vaccination mandates while religious groups drove mid-twentieth century opposition. It also complicates the historiographic idea of a return to compulsion in the late 1960s, instead dating this return a decade earlier, to a time when belief exemptions in polio vaccination mandates helped reconcile the goal of a widely vaccinated population with the sacrosanct idea of health as a personal responsibility.
Plan quality effects of maximum monitor unit constraints in pencil beam scanning proton therapy for central nervous system and skull base tumors.

Abstract Purpose/objective(s) With reports of CNS toxicity in patients treated with proton therapy at doses lower than would be expected based on photon data, it has been proposed that heavy monitor unit (MU) weighting of pencil beam scanning (PBS) proton therapy spots may potentially increase the risk of toxicity. We evaluated the impact of maximum MU weighting per spot (maxMU/spot) restrictions on PBS plan quality, prior to implementing clinic-wide maxMU/spot restrictions. Materials/methods PBS plans of 11 patients, of which 3 plans included boosts, for a total of 14 PBS sample cases were included. Per sample case, a single dosimetrist created 4 test plans, gradually reducing the maxMU/spot in the plan. Test Plan 1, unrestricted in maxMU/spot, was the reference for all restricted plan comparisons (comparison sets 2 vs. 1; 3 vs. 1; and 4 vs. 1). The impact of MU/spot restrictions on plan quality metrics were analyzed with Wilcoxon signed rank test analyses. Treatment delivery time was modeled for a representative case. Results A total of 14 PBS sample cases, 7 (50%) single-field optimized, 7 (50%) multi-field optimized, 9 (64%) delivering > 3500 cGy, 9 (64%) with 3 beams, and 7 (50%) without a range shifter were included. There were no differences in plan quality metrics of target coverage (V95% and V100% prescription), conformality and gradient indices, hot spot volume (V105% prescription), and dose to normal brain (V10%/30%/50%/70%/90%/100% prescription) with reductions of allowable maxMU/spot across all comparison sets (p > 0.05). Max MU/spot restrictions did not increase treatment delivery time when analyzed for a representative case. Conclusion MaxMU/spot restrictions within the thresholds evaluated in this study did not degrade overall plan quality metrics. Future studies should evaluate spot weighting with linear energy transfer/relative biologic effectiveness-informed planning to determine if spot weighting manipulation impacts clinical outcomes and mitigates toxicity.
Are shared electric scooters competing with buses? a case study in Indianapolis

Abstract Shared e-scooter systems have been growing rapidly in many cities as a potential sustainable transportation mode. However, whether shared e-scooters compete with or complement existing public transportation is still unclear. This study proposes a modeling framework to identify the potential impacts of e-scooter trips on the existing bus system, considering the spatiotemporal availability of bus service. The impact of the potentially competing trips on transit ridership can then be verified using Difference-in-Differences models. The framework is applied to Indianapolis, Indiana as a case study. Our results show that about 27% of e-scooter trips could potentially compete with bus system and they are concentrated in downtown. The potential competing relationship can also lead to a bus ridership reduction. The complementary trips (29%) are mainly located outside of downtown where the bus coverage is low. Repositioning e-scooters to areas with limited bus service can better promote synergistic relationship between the two systems.
Early motor development in infants with moderate or severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

BACKGROUND Timely development of early motor skills is essential for later skill development in multiple domains. Infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) have significant risk for developmental delays. Early motor skill development in this population has not been described. The aim of the present study was to characterize motor skill acquisition at 3 and 6 months corrected age (CA) and assess trajectories of skill development over this time period in infants with severe BPD. METHODS We performed a single-center, retrospective descriptive study. Motor skills were categorized as present and normal, present but atypical, or absent at 3 and 6 months CA. Logistic regression was used to identify clinical characteristics associated with negative trajectories of skill acquisition. RESULTS Data were available for 232 infants and 187 infants at 3 and 6 months CA, respectively. Ten motor skills were present and normal in 5-44%(range) of subjects at 3 months. Nineteen motor skills were present and normal in 1-63%(range) of subjects at 6 months. Significant postural asymmetry was noted throughout the study period. Loss of skills and worsening asymmetries over time were common. Exposure to sedating medications was significantly associated with poor development. CONCLUSION We report delays in motor skill acquisition and postural asymmetries in infants with severe BPD at both 3 and 6 months CA. The association between sedating medications and poor development suggests that efforts to limit these exposures may lead to improved development. Targeted interventions to facilitate early motor development may improve outcomes of this high-risk population.
Preparing for Your First Day

This chapter provides an overview of orientation processes, and a comprehensive review of highly effective and practical preparation techniques that are easily implemented to help create a fulfilling career path.
Ferrocenium complex aided O-glycosylation of glycosyl halides

A new strategy for the activation of glycosyl halide donors to be utilized in glycosylation reactions is presented, utilizing the ferrocenium (Fc) complexes [FcB(OH)2]SbF6 and FcBF4 as promoters. The scope of the new system has been investigated using glycosyl chloride and glycosyl fluoride donors in combination with common glycosyl acceptors, such as protected glucose. The corresponding glycosylation products were formed in 95 to 10% isolated yields with α/β ratios ranging from 1/1 to β only (2 to 14 h reaction time at room temperature, 40 to 100% ferrocenium promoter load).