cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effects on Reaction-Time of Various Orders and Distributions of Relevant Stimuli in the Word-Association Experiment

Resume LES EFFETS SUR LE TEMPS DE REACTION DE DIVERS ORDRES ET DISTRIBUTIONS DE STIMULI RELATIFS DANS L'EXPERIENCE D'ASSOCIATION DE MOTS L'experience a mesure les effets sur le temps de reaction de 5 ordres de distribution de 20 mots relatifs au sexe dans une liste de 80 mots non relatifs. Les 5 ordres ont ete: I, le groupe central, de 40 stimuli insignifiants, de 20 stimuli signifiants, et de 40 stimuli insignifiants; II, le groupe separe, de 20 mots non relatifs, de 10 mots relatifs, de 40 mots non relatifs, de 10 mots relatifs, et de 20 mots non relatifs; III, le groupe regulierement entreměle, de 4 mots non relatifs et le cinquieme stimulus un mot relatif, dans le test entier de 100 mots; IV, le groupe irregulier 9:11, d'une distribution irreguliere des 20 mots signifiants parmi les 80 mots insignifiants, ou deux des mots signifiants n'ont pas ete places ensemble et avec une division approxime de 50:50 des stimuli relatifs dans la moitie superieure et la moitie inferieure du test; et V, le groupe irre...
Microhardness of bi-antibiotic-eluting bone cement scaffolds

Bi-antibiotic-impregnated bone cements (BIBCs) are widely used in orthopaedics as a prophylactic agent (depot) to address post-surgical infections. Although hardness is widely considered a viable index to measure the integrity of the cement structure, there are few specific studies involving changes in hardness characteristics of BIBCs post elution of high doses of two widely used antibiotics: tobramycin and gentamicin. Increased doses of antibiotics and increased duration of elution may also decrease the hardness of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement, thus increasing the chances of shattering, scratching, and deformation. In this project, we have investigated the changes in surface hardness of five different antibiotic-loaded specimens: 0.5 g tobramycin and 0.5 g gentamicin together, 1 g tobramycin, 1 g gentamicin, 5 g tobramycin and 5 g gentamicin together, and 10 g tobramycin (each added to 40 g of PMMA), post elution for various time periods (1, 3, and 21 days). The effect of hydration on the hardness of bone cement was studied to replicate in vivo conditions. The micro-indentation tester (Buehler m5103) was utilized to determine if the increased antibiotic loads would compromise the integrity of the bone cement matrix. The results demonstrated that the amount of drug initially incorporated determined the hardness of the cement post elution. As compared to the control (no antibiotic), specimens containing 1 and 10 g of antibiotic exhibited over 50% and 73% decrease in hardness, respectively. The different treatment durations (post 1 day) as well as the hydration conditions had insignificant effect on the hardness of the cement.
Sex-specific roles of β-catenin in mouse gonadal development

Sexually dimorphic development of the gonads is controlled by positive and negative regulators produced by somatic cells. Many Wnt ligands, including ones that signal via the canonical β-catenin pathway, are expressed in fetal gonads. β-catenin, a key transcriptional regulator of the canonical Wnt pathway and an element of the cell adhesion complex, is essential for various aspects of embryogenesis. To study the involvement of β-catenin in sex determination, we ablated β-catenin specifically in the SF1-positive population of somatic cells. Although β-catenin was present in gonads of both sexes, it was necessary only for ovarian differentiation but dispensable for testis development. Loss of β-catenin in fetal testes did not affect Sertoli cell differentiation, testis morphogenesis or masculinization of the embryos. However, we observed molecular and morphological defects in ovaries lacking β-catenin, including formation of testis-specific coelomic vessel, appearance of androgen-producing adrenal-like cells and loss of female germ cells. These phenotypes were strikingly similar to those found in the R-spondin1 (Rspo1) and Wnt4 knockout ovaries. In the absence of β-catenin, expression of Wnt4 was down-regulated while that of Rspo1 was not affected, placing β-catenin as a component in between Rspo1 and Wnt4. Our results demonstrate that β-catenin is responsible for transducing sex-specific signals in the SF1-positive somatic cell population during mouse gonadal development.
AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION OF MOOD CHARACTERISTICS OF HIGHLY APPREHENSIVE PERSONS

Summy.-60 subjects identified as either high or low in communication apprehension completed mood state inventory scales. The high and low scorers differed significantly from one another across several mood dimensions. Highly apprehensive subjects' scores, however, all fell within the normal range for their peers, while low scorers fell outside the normal range on two dimensions. Apprehension about communication is defined as a "broadly based anxiety related to oral communication" ( McCroskey, 1982 ) . Over the past decade, numerous studies have investigated behavioral and cognitive aspects of persons who experience high levels of such anxiety. None of these investigations, however, have assessed high scoring subjects' mood states. The present research attempted to determine if highly apprehensive persons differed significantly in mood from persons characterized as low in apprehension. METHOD
Application of Diffraction Gratings to Measurement of Strain of Dental Materials

Strains occurring on application of loads to small specimens of dental materials were determined by measuring the changes in the angle of the beams of light diffracted from gratings ruled on the specimens. The method gives a rapid response to stress and is effective over very short gauge lengths.
Antibody caging of a nuclear-targeting signal.

Abstract We have developed a technique for reversibly masking a peptide-targeting signal. A fluoresceinated derivative of the simian virus 40 large tumor antigen nuclear-targeting signal was synthesized and cross-linked to bovine serum albumin. The conjugated protein was efficiently transported into rat liver nuclei unless the peptide-targeting signal was sterically hindered by binding of an anti-fluorescein antibody. Addition of free 5-aminofluorescein competed for antibody binding and rapidly restored nuclear accumulation of the derivatized bovine serum albumin. General use of hapten derivatization and anti-hapten antibodies for caging portions of macromolecular surfaces can be extended to a variety of proteins, including antibodies themselves.
The subjective experience of intimacy, passion, and commitment in heterosexual loving relationships.

Lovers’responses to open-ended questions concerning the experience and communication of intimacy, passion, and commitment were content- and factor-analyzed. These analyses resulted in six ways of experiencing intimacy (openness, sex, affection, supportiveness, togetherness, and quiet company); two ways of experiencing passion (romance and sexual intimacy); and five ways of experiencing commitment (supportiveness, expressions of love, fidelity, expressions of commitment, and consideration and devotion). These results suggest that love, intimacy, passion, and commitment are best conceived as related, overlapping gestalts in the subjective experiences of actual lovers.
Secure Context Switch for Private Computing on Public Platforms

Private computing on public platforms (PCPP) is a new technology designed to enable secure and private execution of applications on remote, potentially hostile, public platforms. PCPP uses a host assessment to validate a host's hardware and software configuration and then uses four active security building blocks which together allow an application to remain unaltered, unmonitored, and unrecorded before, during, and after execution on the public platform. In this paper we develop a key PCPP building block, secure context switch (SCS), which isolates an executing application's context, i.e. its executable code, data segments, heap, and stack, using encryption techniques. Additionally, we detail our implementation of SCS and offer experimental results showing the performance impact of protecting an application with SCS.
Imaging, Biodistribution, and Dosimetry of Radionuclide-Labeled PD-L1 Antibody in an Immunocompetent Mouse Model of Breast Cancer

The programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) participates in an immune checkpoint system involved in preventing autoimmunity. PD-L1 is expressed on tumor cells, tumor-associated macrophages, and other cells in the tumor microenvironment. Anti-PD-L1 antibodies are active against a variety of cancers, and combined anti-PD-L1 therapy with external beam radiotherapy has been shown to increase therapeutic efficacy. PD-L1 expression status is an important indicator of prognosis and therapy responsiveness, but methods to precisely capture the dynamics of PD-L1 expression in the tumor microenvironment are still limited. In this study, we developed a murine anti-PD-L1 antibody conjugated to the radionuclide Indium-111 ((111)In) for imaging and biodistribution studies in an immune-intact mouse model of breast cancer. The distribution of (111)In-DTPA-anti-PD-L1 in tumors as well as the spleen, liver, thymus, heart, and lungs peaked 72 hours after injection. Coinjection of labeled and 100-fold unlabeled antibody significantly reduced spleen uptake at 24 hours, indicating that an excess of unlabeled antibody effectively blocked PD-L1 sites in the spleen, thus shifting the concentration of (111)In-DTPA-anti-PD-L1 into the blood stream and potentially increasing tumor uptake. Clearance of (111)In-DTPA-anti-PD-L1 from all organs occurred at 144 hours. Moreover, dosimetry calculations revealed that radionuclide-labeled anti-PD-L1 antibody yielded tolerable projected marrow doses, further supporting its use for radiopharmaceutical therapy. Taken together, these studies demonstrate the feasibility of using anti-PD-L1 antibody for radionuclide imaging and radioimmunotherapy and highlight a new opportunity to optimize and monitor the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibition therapy.
Cognitive-linguistic effort in multidisciplinary stroke rehabilitation: Decreasing vs. increasing cues for word retrieval

Approximately 24% of stroke survivors experience co-occurring aphasia and hemiparesis. These individuals typically attend back-to-back therapy sessions. However, sequentially scheduled therapy may trigger physical and mental fatigue and have an adverse impact on treatment outcomes. The current study tested a hypothesis that exerting less effort during a therapy session would reduce overall fatigue and enhance functional recovery. Two stroke survivors chronically challenged by non-fluent aphasia and right hemiparesis sequentially completed verbal naming and upper-limb tasks on their home computers. The level of cognitive-linguistic effort in speech/language practice was manipulated by presenting verbal naming tasks in two conditions: Decreasing cues (i.e., most-to-least support for word retrieval), and Increasing cues (i.e., least-to-most support). The participants completed the same upper-limb exercises throughout the study periods. Both individuals showed a statistically significant advantage of decreasing cues over increasing cues in word retrieval during the practice period, but not at the end of the practice period or thereafter. The participant with moderate aphasia and hemiparesis achieved clinically meaningful gains in upper-limb functions following the decreasing cues condition, but not after the increasing cues condition. Preliminary findings from the current study suggest a positive impact of decreasing cues in the context of multidisciplinary stroke rehabilitation.
William Erwin Paul (1936-2015)

Legacy is defined as something handed down from the past, as from an ancestor or predecessor. The legacy of a great scientist includes not only their seminal work, but also the people they have mentored and inspired. Immunologist William Erwin Paul, who died on September 18 of this year, left just such a legacy.
Get out of the way! How a simulation changed how I think about teaching, turned on my students, and ruined my other classes.

The paper reflects on over ten years of developing and using a web-based Congress simulation. LegSim is a server-based virtual legislature that instructors and students access via the internet (www.legsim.org). The instructor customizes their dedicated session based on considerations such as class size and available time. Students then populate and organize “their” legislature, before proposing attempting to advance legislation that reflects their personal priorities and the constituencies they represent. LegSim was originally built to be a capstone activity in a didactic, college-level political science course. It has now become the central activity. In this paper I describe the project’s evolution, pedagogy and how I use it in my upper division college course. I then present some anecdotal and systematic evidence about the learning benefits of project-based curricula such as LegSim. Finally, I conclude by asking (not answering!) how the lessons learned might be applied to other classes, and offer a cautionary tale to anyone interested in educational simulation development.
The Intertidal Sand and Salt Marsh Invertebrate Fauna Associated with the Bloodsucking Diptera of Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Over a period of several years, organisms inhabiting or breeding in the intertidal sand and salt marshes of Cape Cod were collected when these areas were sampled for bloodsucking Diptera. A taxonomic list of identified organisms, including insect larvae and adults, is given with limited ecological data on the collecting sites. Taxa with identified species from the intertidal sand areas include: Platyhelminthes (one family and one species): Mollusca (8 families, 8 genera, and 7 species); Annelida (7 families, 10 genera, and 10 species); Arthropoda (23 families, 23 genera, and 25 species). Taxa with identified species from the salt marsh areas include: Mollusca (4 families, 4 genera, and 3 species), Annelida (10 families, 15 genera, and 14 species), and Arthropoda (47 families, 74 genera, and 76 species).
Nucleophilic Trapping of Alkoxy-Stabilized Oxyallyl Systems Generated from Inosose 2-O-Mesylates

Protected inosose 2- O -mesylates generate oxyallyl systems by elimination of the mesylate group after enolization. The reaction is promoted by weak bases such as triethylamine and azide, and the oxyallyl systems are then trapped by nucleophilic alcohols or azide. Computations using DFT/B3LYP confirm that the singlet planar oxyallyl is stabilized by the exocyclic alkoxy group.
How many spinal cord injury patients can catheterize their own bladder? The epidemiology of upper extremity function as it affects bladder management.

Retrospective analysis. In patients with spinal cord injury, limitations in upper extremity (UE) motor function are cited as a reason for the lack of adherence to clean intermittent catheterization (CIC). By examining the UE function in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients, we aim to provide insight into why CIC 'dropout' occurs and determine a more appropriate target percentage for CIC in this patient population. United States centers participating in National Spinal Cord Injury Database (NSCID). We assessed discharge data from the 2006 to 2012 NSCID. Neurologic motor scores for C5 to C8 (involved in UE movement) were transformed into a binary variable consisting of the ability ('strong') or the inability ('weak') to achieve active motion against resistance. We generated an algorithm based on expert opinion and published literature to categorize a person’s ability to perform CIC by the UE function alone. Of the 4481 patients evaluated, 77.3% were unable to volitionally void. Of this subset, 58.8% were categorized as able to catheterize, 12.9% as possibly able, 4.3% as only able with surgical assistance and 23.3% as unable. Among patients discharged with an indwelling catheter, 33.4% had adequate UE function for CIC. Among patients performing CIC at discharge, 14.1% had inadequate UE function for self-catheterization. CIC dropout may occur at least, in part, because of inadequate UE motor function. In a 'best-case' scenario, ~76% of patients with SCI who cannot volitionally void could potentially perform CIC given appropriate assistance.
When Is It Effective to Offer Self-Sampling to Non-Attendees—Letter

Self-collection might be used to complement current and future cervical cancer screening programs that utilize human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, provided that specific programmatic and pragmatic issues are addressed ([1, 2][1]). However, as noted in ref. [1][1], “If the relative sensitivity
Basic science of HER-2/neu: a review.

Abstract The HER-2/neu (also known as c-erbB-2) oncogene is the second member of the epidermal growth factor receptor family. It is overexpressed in many different types of human cancers, including breast, ovarian, lung, gastric, and oral cancers. Overexpression of HER-2/neu in breast cancer has been associated with poor overall survival and has been shown preclinically to enhance malignancy and the metastatic phenotypes. Although discrepancies exist between different studies, HER-2/ neu overexpression seems to induce chemoresistance in certain experimental conditions. Many studies have convincingly shown that repression of HER-2/neu suppresses the malignant phenotypes of HER-2/neu-overexpressing cancer cells. These findings strongly suggest that HER-2/neu may serve as an excellent target for developing anticancer agents specific for HER-2/neu-overexpressing cancer cells. HER-2/neu-encoded p185 protein is a receptor tyrosine kinase that can be associated with multiple signal transduction pathways. However, it is not yet clear how a specific signal pathway may correspond to a specific biological response. This report reviews basic information on signal transduction of HER-2/neu receptor tyrosine kinase and summarizes our approaches to targeting HER-2/neu-overexpressing cancer cells. The HER-2/neu promoter was targeted using cationic liposomes or an adenovirus vector to deliver the adenovirus-5 EIA gene products and a nontransformed mutant of the SV40 large T antigen into the tumor-bearing mice. This resulted in suppression of the tumor growth and prolongation of survival. For repressing the function of HER-2/neu we used emodin, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. This agent can inhibit the tyrosine kinase activity of HER-2/neu and preferentially block the growth of the HER-2/neu-overexpressing human breast cancer cells in tissue culture as well as in nude mice.
Note on vertex and total proper connection numbers

Abstract This note introduces the vertex proper connection number of a graph and provides a relationship to the chromatic number of minimally connected subgraphs. Also a notion of total proper connection is introduced and a question is asked about a possible relationship between the total proper connection number and the vertex and edge proper connection numbers.
Epilepsy and nonadherence Did you take your medicine

“I think so.” Sound familiar? In this issue of Neurology ®, Gollwitzer et al.1 report that even in Germany, many persons with epilepsy do not take their medications very regularly. So the equivalent call and response, “Hast du deine Medizin?” “Ich denke schon,” must be heard often. Failure to take one's medication as prescribed is termed nonadherence. The authors assessed demographic and medication-related factors predicting nonadherence using a representative national database of 31,317 adults treated for epilepsy (2010–2013). The disturbing result was that over one third of persons failed to take their prescribed antiepileptic drug (AED) at least 80% of the time. Their adherence measure was the medication possession ratio (MPR), a commonly used metric that is simply actual time between prescription refills divided by time prescribed for refills.2 Nonadherence to AED regimens is especially ominous since it has been associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality.3
Accurate 3D source localization of focal epileptic foci using interictal EEG spikes

The goal of any surgery is the patient's complete recovery with maximum relief and minimal adverse effects. This goal is less complicated when epilepsy is predicated on tumor location revealed through standard imaging studies, in which case noninvasive post surgical studies can relate the 3D source with the area of the tumor that was removed. Success is more difficult, however, in non-lesional cases, where the characteristics of the epilepsy event are more difficult to define. This challenge reinforces the need for accurate 3D source localization to guarantee success of the first surgical intervention. Through this major undertaking which integrates recording modalities in time and space, clinicians and surgeons become more confident at prescribing a resection, especially when markers for the epileptogenic area and related brain functional assessments are consistent with the area thought to be the cause of the diagnosed neurological problem. This study evaluates the utility of 3D localization of interictal spike activity on the electroencephalographs (EEG) superimposed on magnetic resonance imagery (MRI) in a pediatric population. The results show a 99% concordance between EEG source localization and the suggested epileptogenic zone
A Durability Classification of Clay-Bearing Rocks Based on Particle Size Distribution of Slaked Material

Clay-bearing rocks disintegrate at varying rates, due to slaking, when exposed to moisture. This research aims to develop a durability classification of clay-bearing rocks based on particle size distribution of slaked material, quantified in terms of disintegration ratio (D R ). D R is the ratio of the area under the particle size distribution curve of slaked material for a sample, upon completion of the standardized slake durability index test, to the total area encompassing all particle size distribution curves of the samples tested. Although second-cycle slake durability index (Id 2 ) is the most frequently used parameter for classifying the slaking behavior of clay-bearing rocks, it does not consider the range of particle sizes in the slaked material after the test. Compared to Id 2 , D R accounts for all particle sizes present in the slaked material and provides a better measure of the degree of slaking. The slake durability index test was used to investigate the slaking behavior of samples from 20 different clay-bearing rocks, and Id 2 and D R values were determined for all samples. Id 2 showed a nonlinear relationship with D R . The relationship was used to develop a durability classification, based on disintegration ratio, as follows: low durability: D R = 0 to 0.20; medium durability: D R = 0.20 to 0.65; medium-high durability: D R = 0.65 to 0.85; and high durability: D R = 0.85 to 1.00. In order to use this classification, one needs to perform a sieve analysis on material left after the slake durability test and determine D R .
The Biosynthesis of Cellulose and Other Plant Cell Wall Polysaccharides

In recent years we have observed very rapid progress toward achieving an understanding of the structure of plant cell walls. In large part, this seems to be due to wise application by researchers of many newly-developed techniques for analysis of complex carbohydrates. Unfortunately, the area of cell wall biosynthesis cannot yet claim comparable progress. It is difficult to study the biosynthesis of polymers whose structures and interconnections have been poorly understood until quite recently. However, new knowledge concerning cell wall structure, availability of many new radioactive precursors, and recent advances in the isolation of plant organelles, all indicate that the subject of plant cell wall biosynthesis will be an exciting field of research in the years ahead.
Dimethyl fumarate induces changes in B- and T-lymphocyte function independent of the effects on absolute lymphocyte count:

Background:Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis and causes lymphopenia in a subpopulation of treated individuals. Much remains to be learned about how the drug affe...
Abstract P187: The Salt Sensitivity of Human GRK4 Transgenic Mice Is Associated With Renal Oxidative Stress

Variants of hGRK4 gamma are associated with human essential hypertension. hGRK4gamma 142V transgenic mice are hypertensive without oxidative stress on normal salt intake. hGRK4 gamma 486V transgenic mice have salt-sensitive hypertension. Because renal oxidative stress is increased in some rodent models of salt-sensitive hypertension, we quantified the renal expression of reactive oxygen species related proteins in hGRK4 gamma 486V transgenic mice and non-transgenic (NT) littermates, on normal (NS, 0 . 8% ) and high (HS, 4%) NaCl diets . Systolic blood pressure (measured under anesthesia) was similar in hGRK4 gamma 486V (89.83±2.7, mm Hg, n=9) and NT (94.7±2.5) mice on NS diet and elevated in hGRK4 gamma 486V (114±6.1) but not in NT mice (94.1±2.8) on HS diet. The renal expressions of NOX1, 2, and 4 were similar in both strains on NS diet but NOX2 was decreased by HS in NT (28±7, % of NT on NS diet, n=5-6/group). On NS diet, CuZnSOD and ECSOD were similar in the two mouse strains while MnSOD (66±3%) was lower in GRK4 gamma 486V than NT mice. However, on HS diet, CuZnSOD (87±7%), MnSOD (70±3%), and ECSOD (55±7%) were decreased in GRK4 gamma 486V mice but not altered in NT mice. HO-2, not HO-1, was slightly greater in GRK4 gamma 486V than NT mice on NS diet (117±7%) but this difference was abolished by HS diet. Urinary 8-isoprostane was lower in GRK4 gamma 486V than NT mice (57±2.5 vs 70±0.1, ng/mg of Cr) on NS diet but increased to a greater extent in GRK4 gamma 486V than NT mice (197±18 vs128±6) on HS diet. Renal SOD activity and superoxide production were similar in both mouse strains on NS diet. HS diet decreased SOD activity (81.6±2.7%) and increased superoxide (138.9±6.6%) production in GRK4 gamma 486V mice but not in NT mice. The renal tubular immunofluorescence of ECSOD was reduced to a greater extent in hGRK4 gamma 486V than NT by HS diet. HS diet also decreased the renal expression of NOS3, not NOS 1 and 2, in GRK4 gamma 486V mice (49±2%) but not in NT mice. These changes were not observed in the mice with hGRK4 gamma wildtype and hGRK4 gamma 142V transgenic mice, suggesting that the salt-sensitive hypertension of GRK4 gamma 486V mice is related to renal oxidative stress.
Predicting RNA hyper-editing with a novel tool when unambiguous alignment is impossible.

Repetitive elements are now known to have relevant cellular functions, including self-complementary sequences that form double stranded (ds) RNA. There are numerous pathways that determine the fate of endogenous dsRNA, and misregulation of endogenous dsRNA is a driver of autoimmune disease, particularly in the brain. Unfortunately, the alignment of high-throughput, short-read sequences to repeat elements poses a dilemma: Such sequences may align equally well to multiple genomic locations. In order to differentiate repeat elements, current alignment methods depend on sequence variation in the reference genome. Reads are discarded when no such variations are present. However, RNA hyper-editing, a possible fate for dsRNA, introduces enough variation to distinguish between repeats that are otherwise identical. To take advantage of this variation, we developed a new algorithm, RepProfile, that simultaneously aligns reads and predicts novel variations. RepProfile accurately aligns hyper-edited reads that other methods discard. In particular we predict hyper-editing of Drosophila melanogaster repeat elements in vivo at levels previously described only in vitro, and provide validation by Sanger sequencing sixty-two individual cloned sequences. We find that hyper-editing is concentrated in genes involved in cell-cell communication at the synapse, including some that are associated with neurodegeneration. We also find that hyper-editing tends to occur in short runs. Previous studies of RNA hyper-editing discarded ambiguously aligned reads, ignoring hyper-editing in long, perfect dsRNA – the perfect substrate for hyper-editing. We provide a method that simulation and Sanger validation show accurately predicts such RNA editing, yielding a superior picture of hyper-editing.
Dictionaries and Functions as Arguments

In Python it is possible to have a container of data that is accessed via unique strings called keys. This container is called a dictionary and gives the programmer the ability to make powerful data structures. The values inside a dictionary can be a variety of data types; indeed, a dictionary can contain other dictionaries, as we will show. The ability to pass the name of a function as a parameter to another function is demonstrated via a numerical integration example. Finally, lambda functions are introduced as a flexible method to define functions in a single line of code. The scope of lambda functions is also discussed.
Cortical Morphometry in the Psychosis Risk Period: A Comprehensive Perspective of Surface Features.

Abstract Background Gyrification features reflect brain development in the early prenatal environment. Clarifying the nature of these features in psychosis can help shed light on the role of early developmental insult. However, the literature is currently widely discrepant, which may reflect confounds related to formally psychotic patient populations or overreliance on a single feature of cortical surface morphometry (CSM). Methods This study compares CSM features of gyrification in clinical high-risk (n = 43) youths during the prodromal risk period to typically developing control subjects over two time points across three metrics: local gyrification index, mean curvature index, and sulcal depth (improving resolution and examination of change over 1 year). Results Gyrification was stable over time, supporting the idea that gyrification reflects early insult rather than abnormal development or reorganization associated with the disease state. Each of the indices highlighted unique, aberrant features in the clinical high-risk group with respect to control subjects. Specifically, the local gyrification index reflected hypogyrification in the lateral orbitofrontal cortex, superior bank of the superior temporal sulcus, anterior isthmus of the cingulate gyrus, and temporal poles; the mean curvature index indicated sharper gyral and flatter or wider sulcal peaks in the cingulate, postcentral, and lingual gyrus; sulcal depth identified shallow features in the parietal, superior temporal sulcus, and cingulate regions. Further, both the mean curvature index and sulcal depth converged on abnormal features in the parietal cortex. Conclusions Gyrification metrics suggest early developmental insult and provide support for neurodevelopmental hypotheses. Observations of stable CSM features across time provide context for interpreting extant studies and speak to CSM as a promising stable marker and/or endophenotype. Collectively, findings support the importance of considering multiple CSM features.
Adolescent decision making : A broadly based theory and its application to the prevention of early pregnancy

The purpose of this paper is to present a broadly based theory of adolescent decision making including all the necessary components of the subject: cognitive development, social and psychological factors, and, perhaps most importantly, cultural and societal influences. Previous theories and applications have often focused on only one or two aspects. This theory is then applied to the problem of prevention of early pregnancy at an inner-city high school. Use of this theory, combined with an open-ended data-gathering format made possible some of the unexpected findings of this study: most of the young women at this school desire their pregnancies; many of them prefer single parenthood to traditional family structure; and low academic skills and poverty often result in pregnancy, rather than pregnancy causing high school dropouts and a life of poverty. Prevention programs will necessarily differ for sexually active adolescents who do and do not want pregnancy and for younger versus older adolescents. In designing such programs, we need to focus on pregnancy as the problem rather than on adolescent sexuality.
The Course of Arterial Intimal Fibroplasia in Aging Arteries

Arterial intimai fibroplasia, measured by nonatheromatous intimai thickness, increases with age in keeping with a simple formula. The formula applies well to a broad variety of arterial segments and demographic groups of subjects. For each arterial segment, a single variable parameter governs population differences in rates of aging changes. The SMC behavior that propels the aging effect is unknown, but may be a narrow spectrum acting solely upon the formation of collagenous matrix.
The Market and Individual Pricing Kernels Under No Arbitrage Asset Pricing Models

This chapter discusses how to use the No Arbitrage Asset Pricing Model (NAAPM) to determine the pricing kernel for both the financial markets and an individual with a given degree of constant risk aversion over her terminal wealth. The existence of the market and individual pricing kernel allows us to value any financial contract whose payoff is dependent on the prices from the NAAPM. Consequently, an individual would raise her lifetime utility by buying the assets which she prices higher than the financial market.
No difference found in safety or efficacy of balloon atrial septostomy performed at the bedside versus the catheterisation laboratory

Background Balloon atrial septostomy is performed in infants with dextro-transposition of the great arteries to improve oxygenation before surgery. It is performed in the catheterisation laboratory with fluoroscopy or at the bedside using echocardiography. It is unclear whether procedural safety and efficacy is superior in one location versus the other, although the bedside procedure may improve resource utilisation and present an opportunity for reducing cost. This study compares safety and efficacy of atrial septostomy performed at the patient's bedside versus the catheterisation laboratory. Methods Neonates with dextro-transposition of the great arteries who underwent balloon atrial septostomy from October, 2000 to January, 2014 were included. Medical and procedural records, echocardiograms, and catheterisation data were reviewed. Comparisons between the two procedural locations included patient demographics, pre- and post-procedure oxygen saturations, and outcomes. Complications reviewed included bleeding, arrhythmia, cardiac trauma, stroke, and death. Coronary artery evaluations were recorded. T-tests were used for continuous variables, and Fisher's exact tests were used for all categorical variables. Wilcoxon rank sum and analysis of covariance modelling were used for time variables and oxygen saturation, respectively. Results A total of 88 infants met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 53 underwent septostomy at the bedside and 35 underwent septostomy in the catheterisation laboratory. No safety or outcome benefit was identified between the two procedural locations. Conclusion Septostomy performed at the bedside and in the catheterisation laboratory had similar outcomes and efficacy. Further, bedside septostomy has the advantage of no radiation exposure, and obviating risks with patient transfer from the ICU to the catheterisation laboratory.
Transforming Case Study Methodology with Interactive Multimedia Software

(1997). Transforming Case Study Methodology with Interactive Multimedia Software. Journal of Public Administration Education: Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 287-292.
Visible and Infrared Imaging Based Inspection of Power Installation

The inspection of power lines is the crucial task for the safe operation of power transmission: its components require regular checking to detect damages and faults that are caused by corrosion or any other environmental agents and mechanical stress. During recent years, the use of Unmanned Autonomous Vehicle (UAV) for environmental and industrial monitoring is constantly growing and the demand for fast and robust algorithms for the analysis of the data acquired by drones during the inspections has increased. In this work, we use UAV to acquire power transmission lines data and apply image processing to highlight expected faults. Our method is based on a fusion algorithm for the infrared and visible power lines images, which is invariant to large scale changes and illumination changes in the real operating environment. Hence, different algorithms from image processing are applied to visible and infrared thermal data, to track the power lines and to detect faults and anomalies. The method significantly identifies edges and hot spots from the set of frames with good accuracy. At the final stage we identify hot spots using thermal images. The paper concludes with the description of the current work, which has been carried out in a research project, namely SCIADRO.
Miscarriage information available on the internet: a content analysis of leading consumer websites.

Abstract Objective The objective of this content analysis was to explore the accuracy and completeness of information provided about miscarriage on consumer-facing websites. Study design We identified the most popular consumer websites for health information and the leading medical and nursing professional association websites. We reviewed each website for content on miscarriage aimed at consumers and compared the website content to the information contained in the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Practice Bulletin on Early Pregnancy Loss. We used a simple scoring method to compare the accuracy and completeness of the content on each website with the ACOG Practice Bulletin. Results Sixty percent (n = 9) of the top 15 consumer websites for health information had dedicated webpages on miscarriage. Of the nine leading professional association websites, two had dedicated pages on miscarriage. On average, each site provided information on 64% of the key messages from the ACOG Practice Bulletin. Sites commonly emphasized and provided overall accurate and complete information on risk factors of miscarriage. The key messages with the most limited or inaccurate information pertained to diagnosis of miscarriage; treatment, including medical management with mifepristone and misoprostol; instructions postmiscarriage and prevention of miscarriage. Conclusions The majority of popular health websites include consumer-facing content on miscarriage, and the information presented is a mostly complete and accurate representation of the ACOG Practice Bulletin. The lack of information on treatment options may affect patients' ability to make informed choices about their care. The missing information points to areas that patients may feel underprepared to discuss with healthcare providers. Implications More effort is needed to ensure that internet-based consumer information about miscarriage reflects the best scientific evidence.
Effect of Self- and Cross-Pollination Treatments and Microhabitat on Seed Germination of Prosthechea cochleata and Encyclia tampensis (Orchidaceae) in Southern Florida

In south Florida, over 100 species of native orchids occur, many of which need conservation efforts. Two of these species, Prosthechea cochleata (Clamshell Orchid) and Encyclia tampensis (Tampa Butterfly Orchid), are listed on Florida's Regulated Plant Index as endangered and commercially exploited, respectively. In this study, we covered flowers with fine-mesh exclusion bags and counting the number of resulting seed capsules to examine the capability of Clamshell Orchids to spontaneously self-pollinate in the field. We also examined capsule formation on flowers of this species that we cross-pollinated by hand in a greenhouse at the University of Florida. Additionally, we collected Tampa Butterfly Orchid seed capsules from various microhabitats at the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. The seeds from all of these seed capsules were surface-sterilized and placed on a nutrient medium made for orchid seeds. We examined the percentage of successful germination of seeds from those seed capsules, either uncovered, bagged (and presumably self-pollinating), or hand cross-pollinated for the Clamshell Orchids, and from different microhabitats in south Florida for the Tampa Butterfly Orchid. We found that Clamshell Orchids are likely to be self-pollinating in the field, with over 90% germination of seed from covered flowers. Additionally, there was no significant difference between germination from uncovered, bagged, or hand cross-pollinated Clamshell Orchid flowers, or between areas of the FPNWR where capsules were collected. The Tampa Butterfly Orchid capsules collected also showed no significant difference in germination between locations collected. The information from this study will be useful in efforts toward germination and out-planting of orchid species.
Therapy for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Current Options and Future Directions

Abstract Purpose Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a highly prevalent chronic liver disease that is driven by the metabolic syndrome. NAFLD encompasses nonalcoholic fatty liver, >5% fat in the liver without inflammation of fibrosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fat plus varying degrees of inflammation and fibrosis, and cirrhosis of the liver from NASH. As facets of the metabolic syndrome, particularly diabetes and obesity, become more common worldwide, the incidence of new NAFLD is increasing. Methods A qualitative systematic review was performed via searches of PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov for therapeutic interventions for NAFLD. Findings Current therapies rely on metabolic syndrome risk factor control and lifestyle changes to achieve weight loss. Because sustained weight loss is difficult for many patients, there is a critical unmet need for pharmacotherapy to treat NAFLD, especially the progressive form, NASH, to prevent cirrhosis of the liver. New therapies for NAFLD focus on the subset of patients with NASH and some degree of fibrosis. Novel mechanisms of action, including farnesoid X nuclear receptor agonism, C–C motif chemokine receptor 2 and receptor 5 antagonism, stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1, and thyroid hormone receptor β agonism, are currently under investigation as monotherapy. The products also hold potential for use in combination with and without insulin sensitizers and other established drugs in the future. Implications This review of NASH treatments details the interventions that are currently available as well as those in late-stage clinical trials that may represent the future of NASH therapy.
A Rotman Lens Inspired Antenna for Unlicensed 60 GHz Millimeter-Wave Communications

A monopole antenna inspired from Rotman Lens is presented in this paper. It is designed to operate in the unlicensed 60 GHz millimeter-wave band from 54.318-64.477 GHz. It also has a high gain of 5.25 dBi, suitable for millimeter-wave communication. It has more than 90% of radiation efficiency due to the use of Rogers 5880 low loss substrate. It has dual beam radiation pattern in azimuth plan and back radiations are less than −10 dB. The antennas overall dimensions are $5\times 4.5\ \text{mm}^{4}$ , ensuring small form factor. It has a planar structure and along with its other attractive features such as high gain, large bandwidth and dual beam, is deemed quite suitable for future 5G, millimeter-wave communication in the unlicensed 60 GHz band as well as indoor communications.
Support to scale antibiotic stewardship in long-term care homes: how much is enough?

As evidence demonstrating the positive impact of antibiotic stewardship interventions grows, there is an urgent need to understand how these efforts can be replicated in other settings (‘spread’) and how infrastructure can be developed to support broader implementation across large systems of care (‘scale’).1 2 In addition to ensuring that individual patients are protected from adverse effects of unnecessary antibiotics, there is a societal imperative to spread and scale stewardship such that it reaches large numbers of people, as misuse of antibiotics has a ripple effect across populations through the emergence of resistant infections. Identifying strategies to move stewardship beyond the controlled, well-resourced world of research to the real world will ensure that the benefit of investment in research is maximised while population harms from antibiotic overuse are minimised.3 In this issue of BMJ Quality and Safety , Chambers and colleagues report the results of a controlled before-and-after study, accompanied by a process evaluation, assessing the impact of virtual learning collaboratives to scale an antibiotic stewardship programme that had previously been demonstrated to be effective in long-term care homes (LTCHs) across Ontario.4 Public Health Ontario (PHO), an arm’s length governmental body that provides scientific expertise to support healthcare in the province, previously developed the Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Program to reduce inappropriate urine culturing and unnecessary antibiotic prescribing for asymptomatic bacteriuria in non-catheterised residents of LTCHs. The multimodal UTI Program consists of written guidance for LTCHs about how to adopt best practices through a list of specific implementation strategies (eg, readiness strategies, education, monitoring) and a suite of tools to support these efforts (eg, fact sheets, posters, communication material for patients and families, process surveillance forms, assessment algorithm for UTIs).5 After demonstrating effectiveness at reducing urine culturing and antibiotic use in a small pilot of 10 …
Relationships Among Forearc Structure, Fault Slip, and Earthquake Magnitude: Numerical Simulations With Applications to the Central Chilean Margin

Two adjacent segments of the Chile margin exhibit significant differences in earthquake magnitude and rupture extents during the 1960 Valdivia and 2010 Maule earthquakes. We use the Discrete Elemen...
Perspectives on scaling production of adipose tissue for food applications

Abstract With rising global demand for food proteins and significant environmental impact associated with conventional animal agriculture, it is important to develop sustainable alternatives to supplement existing meat production. Since fat is an important contributor to meat flavor, recapitulating this component in meat alternatives such as plant based and cell cultured meats is important. Here, we discuss the topic of cell cultured or tissue engineered fat, growing adipocytes in vitro that could imbue meat alternatives with the complex flavor and aromas of animal meat. We outline potential paths for the large scale production of in vitro cultured fat, including adipogenic precursors during cell proliferation, methods to adipogenically differentiate cells at scale, as well as strategies for converting differentiated adipocytes into 3D cultured fat tissues. We showcase the maturation of knowledge and technology behind cell sourcing and scaled proliferation, while also highlighting that adipogenic differentiation and 3D adipose tissue formation at scale need further research. We also provide some potential solutions for achieving adipose cell differentiation and tissue formation at scale based on contemporary research and the state of the field.