cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Pathogenic Surveillance and Treatment Strategy to Neonatal Red Buttock

Objective:To study the major pathogen and proper nursing method to secondary infection of red buttock in new-born babies,and evaluate the effect of the local application of anti-bacteria drugs.Method:A Retrospective study on pathogenic surveillance of red buttock in neonates was conducted to 132 cases hospitalized in our hospital during Jan.2002-Dec.2004.All cases were divided into observation group and contyol group.Based on the traditiond nursing care,the observation group used mycostain hormonal ointment and chloramphenicol one for local application,and compared the heading-time between the 2 groups.Result:Out of 132 red-buttock neonates,a total of 137 bacteria strains were obtained,among which 19 was epiphyte.Pathogenic evidence of co-infection was found in 122 cases(92.4%).Klebsiella pneumoniae and Bacillus coli were major pathogens,respectively occupying 47.4% and 19.2%.In comparison with the duration needed for healing of wounds with traditional nursing method(6.2±3.5)d,86 cases who had been applied with integrated nursing by mycostatin hormonal ointment or chloramphenicol one had significant shortened duration(4.5±1.8)d(t=3.083,p0.01).Conclusion:Kinds of bacteria and epiphyte can de found in neonatal red buttock,and local application of anti-bacteria dyugs and approprait nursing care can increase the healing speed of the red buttock.
Blunt ocular trauma secondary to "war games".

"War games" are gaining popularity in the western United States. These recreational contests involve members of one team attempting to shoot their opponents with high-velocity dye or paint pellets fired from air guns. Unfortunately, serious eye injuries occur when participants do not use protective eye wear. We report a case of severe blunt ocular trauma resulting in a hyphema, choroidal rupture, and retinal and vitreal hemorrhage secondary to a paint pellet striking an unprotected eye. This injury resulted in a significant visual defect in this patient.
The use of ICT for open government in U.S. municipalities: Perceptions of chief administrative officers

The extent to which U. S. municipal governments have adopted open e-government initiatives is examined through a survey and interviews with chief administrative officers (CAOs) along the three dimensions of open government: transparency, participation, and collaboration. A very high share of CAOs reported satisfaction with implementing open government overall. A majority indicated achievement along each of the open government dimensions. Whereas the CAOs had a significantly positive view of collaboration, their view on challenges was negatively significant for achievement and satisfaction with open government. The interviews indicated that the CAOs do not view open government as a fad and place it high on their respective agendas.
New Therapeutic Options in Congestive Heart Failure

The second part of this review deals with newer, nonneurohumoral, pharmacological approaches to congestive heart failure (CHF) and nonpharmacological interventions in heart failure patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) as well as potential treatments for CHF with preserved LV systolic function. An algorithm summarizing current, evidence-based therapy is also provided. Cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor, are produced in increased amounts in a variety of tissues in patients with CHF.1 Higher plasma cytokine concentrations are associated with a worse prognosis.1 Experimentally, cytokines depress myocardial contractility, cause myocyte death, and induce heart failure.1 There is some evidence that anticytokine interventions improve ventricular function and clinical status in CHF.2,3⇓ Two parallel trials (Randomized Etanercept North American Strategy to Study Antagonism of Cytokines [RENAISSANCE] and Research into Etanercept Cytokine Antagonism in Ventricular Dysfunction Trial [RECOVER], pooled as the Randomized Etanercept Worldwide Evaluation [RENEWAL] program) examining the effect of the anti–tumor necrosis factor agent etanercept on morbidity and mortality in CHF, however, were recently discontinued because of futility (Table). Even more recently, a placebo-controlled phase II trial with an alternative anti–tumor necrosis factor chimeric monoclonal antibody, infliximab, was stopped early because of higher rates of mortality and hospitalization in the active-therapy group. Whether this means that the cytokine hypothesis is invalid, that etanercept and infliximab were the wrong drugs to use (or were used incorrectly), that inappropriate patients were chosen, or that the study designs were flawed is unknown. View this table: Table 1107874. Ongoing and Planned Trials of Pharmacological Agents in CHF The constitution of the cardiac extracellular matrix depends on the balance in activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases.4,5⇓ End-stage heart failure is associated with increased collagenase activity (increased expression of MMP-1 and MMP-9) and reduced expression of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases.5 Experimentally, …
A Survey of Freshwater Macroinvertebrates on Antigua, West Indies

A survey of macroinvertebrates inhabiting the freshwater habitats of Antigua was conducted during June 1996. Qualitative collections were made by sweeping a dip net through the water column and by hand examination of submerged aquatic plants and debris in freshwater environments across the island. In addition, water temperature was recorded at each site. These collections yielded at least 41 species, all of which are reported for the first time from Antigua. Dominant taxa collected included gastropods, odonates, hemipterans, and coleopterans. Generally this macroinvertebrate fauna is sparse, most likely due to the oceanic origin of Antigua, the lack of freshwater habitat diversity, and disturbances to freshwater environments across the island.
Documenting decline in U.S. economic mobility

Economists and other social scientists have long studied intergenerational income mobility, but consistent data linking adult incomes of children and their parents at similar ages over many generations have been unavailable, which thwarted attempts to study long-term trends. Chetty et al. 's study in this issue of Science ( 1 ) is therefore a tour de force for producing historically comparable estimates of absolute income mobility—the fraction of individuals in a birth cohort who earn, at age 30, more than their parents did at roughly the same age—over the post–World War II period. Their striking conclusion is that there has been a large decline in the rate of upward mobility across successive U.S. birth cohorts, from 92% of children born in 1940 earning more than their parents to only half of children born in 1984. Although Chetty et al. find that the slowdown in Gross Domestic Product growth has played a role, they conclude that faster economic growth is insufficient to restore mobility to its immediate postwar level in light of increased income inequality—a critical insight for policy and research.
Lung cancer recurrence epigenetic liquid biopsy.

Lung cancer is the third most prevalent cancer after prostate and breast cancer in the US, having over 400,000 people diagnosed with the disease (1,2). It is the fifth overall leading cause of death in the world [after ischemic heart disease, stroke, lower respiratory infections and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)] (3), and it is the primary cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Lung cancer accounts for almost 27% of all cancer-related deaths; and its 5-year survival does not reach 20% (1,2). Most of cases are diagnosed at late stages. Very recently, the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) demonstrated that mortality reduction of lung cancer can be achieved by performing screening with low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans (4).
Demonstration of a Rectangularly-Arranged Strongly-Coupled Multi-Core Fiber

We present a novel design of strongly-coupled multi-core fibers for MIMO-less transmission. The modal crosstalk between two propagating modes (LP 01 -like and LP 11a -like) of a fabricated fiber is less than −23 dB/km over the C+L band.
The radiocapitellar synovial fold: a lateral anatomic landmark for sizing radial head arthroplasty.

Background Successful radial head arthroplasty relies on reproduction of anatomy. We hypothesized that the radiocapitellar synovial fold could serve as a reference point in radial head prosthesis sizing. Our study aimed to define the relationship between the synovial fold and the radial head in elbows with and without lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) injury. Materials and methods We performed magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of 34 elbows to determine the normal relationship between the radiocapitellar synovial fold and the radial head. Next, we used cadaveric dissections to evaluate the anatomic relationships with the LUCL intact and disrupted, as well as in the setting of sizing with a radial head prosthesis. The fold–to–radial head distance (FRHD) was measured on all images and analyzed to determine the relationship of the synovial fold and radial head. Results The FRHD in cadavers with an intact LUCL and native radial head measured an average of 1.5 mm proximal to the radial head. With the LUCL disrupted and a native radial head, the FRHD measured an average of 1.2 mm proximal to the radial head. The mean difference between the groups was 0.5 mm (P = .031), suggesting that the fold migrated distally in the cadavers with a disrupted LUCL. Conclusion The radiocapitellar synovial fold may be a helpful landmark for radial head sizing. The synovial fold is always just proximal to the articular surface of the radial head. Using this information, the surgeon can prevent overlengthening as the implant should not be placed proximal to the fold.
New palladium-catalyzed approaches to heterocycles and carbocycles

A wide variety of 3,4-disubstituted isoquinolines containing an aryl, allylic, benzylic, alkynyl and vinylic group at the 4 position have been prepared via cross-coupling of 2-(1-alkynyl)benzaldimines with organic halides in the presence of a palladium catalyst. The best results are obtained by employing 5 mol % Pd(PPh3)4, 5 equiv of K2C03 in DMF at 100 °C. The electronic effect of the imine substrates and organic halides on the yields has been discussed. 3-Substituted 4-aroylisoquinolines have been prepared in high yields via carbonylative cross-coupling of 2-(1-alkynyl)benzaldimines with aromatic iodides or aroyl chlorides in the presence of a palladium catalyst under 1 atm of CO pressure. Imine substrates having an aryl, vinylic or alkyl substituent on the distal end of the triple bond all undergo this palladium-catalyzed carbonylative cross-coupling cyclization in high yields. The palladium(ll)-catalyzed oxidative carbonylation of 2-(1 -alkynyl)benzaldimines for synthesis of the corresponding isoquinoline-4-carboxylates has been studied and the optimal reaction conditions have been investigated. Although this methodology study has not provided an efficient route to synthesize methyl 3-substituted isoquinoline-4-carboxylates in synthetically useful yields, it provides an insight into the nature of the palladium-catalyzed cyclization reactions promoted by organopalladium intermediates. A novel intramolecular alkyl-to-aryl palladium rearrangement has been observed by trapping the arylpalladium intermediate with an olefin by a Heck
Pharmacological Treatments of Stress

Stress can be defined as a complex set of organismic responses to environmental demands. The stress response sometimes is abnormal. This article reviews ways in which some psychopharmacological agents, especially antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and β-adrenergic blocking drugs, can be effective in treating these abnormal reactions.
Solidarity and connection: manifestations of social capital among consumers of supportive housing

Supportive housing provides free/reduced-rent and regular access to helping professionals for consumers experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness. While extant research has explored as...
Evaluating automated approaches to anaphylaxis case classification using unstructured data from the FDA Sentinel System.

Introduction In May 2008, the Food and Drug Administration launched the Sentinel Initiative, a multi-year program for the establishment of a national electronic monitoring system for medical product safety that led, in 2016, to the launch of the full Sentinel System. Under the Mini-Sentinel pilot, several algorithms for identifying health outcomes of interest, including one for anaphylaxis, were developed and evaluated using data available from the Sentinel common data model. Purpose To evaluate whether features extracted from unstructured narrative data using natural language processing (NLP) could be used to classify anaphylaxis cases. Methods Using previously developed methods, we extracted features from unstructured narrative data using NLP and applied rule-based and similarity-based algorithms to identify anaphylaxis among 62 potential cases previously classified by human experts as anaphylaxis (N = 33), not anaphylaxis (N = 27), and unknown (N = 2). Results The rule-based and similarity-based approaches demonstrated almost equal performance (recall 100% vs 100%, precision 60.3% vs 57.4%, F-measure: 0.753 vs 0.729). Reasons for misclassification included the inability of the algorithms to make the same clinical judgments as human experts about the timing, severity, or presence of alternative explanations; and the identification of terms consistent with anaphylaxis but present in conditions other than anaphylaxis. Conclusions Although precision needs to be improved before these algorithms could be used without human review, we demonstrated that applying rule-based and similarity-based algorithms to unstructured narrative information from clinical records can be used for classification of anaphylaxis in the Sentinel System. Further development and assessment of these methods in the Sentinel System are warranted.
CYP26 Inhibition Increases Retinoic Acid Concentrations in Target Tissues and Alters Retinoid Signaling

The active metabolite of vitamin A, all-trans-retinoic acid (atRA), regulates many physiological processes including lipid homeostasis, adiposity and spermatogenesis. Clinically atRA is used in the...
Abstract WP181: CNS Vasculitis in the United States: Demographics and Complications

Introduction: Primary and secondary CNS vasculitis encompass a range of disorders that are notoriously challenging to diagnose. While rare, their protean clinical presentations make them frequent c...
“Stream loss”: ConvNet learning for face verification using unlabeled videos in the wild

Abstract Face recognition tasks have seen a significantly improved performance due to ConvNets. However, less attention has been given to face verification from videos. This paper makes two contributions along these lines. First, we propose a method, called stream loss, for learning ConvNets using unlabeled videos in the wild. Second, we present an approach for generating a face verification dataset from videos in which the labeled streams can be created automatically without human annotation intervention. Using this approach, we have assembled a widely scalable dataset, FaceSequence, which includes 1.5M streams capturing ∼ 500K individuals. Using this dataset, we trained our network to minimize the stream loss. The network achieves accuracy comparable to the state-of-the-art on the LFW and YTF datasets with much smaller model complexity. We also fine-tuned the network using the IJB-A dataset. The validation results show competitive accuracy compared with the best previous video face verification results.
Comparison and Analysis of Instruments Measuring Plane of Array Irradiance for One-Axis Tracking PV Systems

A variety of sensors are studied on a one-axis tracking surface and a horizontal surface in Golden, Colorado and Eugene, Oregon. This is the first year of a long-term study that will look at not only a comparison between the instruments but will also the longer-term degradation in calibration and/or performance. Initially, results from each location will be analyzed, and then the results will be compared between the two locations. A quick comparison at Eugene indicates that reference solar cells yield irradiance values closer to a secondary standard thermopile pyranometer values on a one-axis tracker than photodiode-based pyranometers, especially at large solar zenith angles. More study is needed to characterize and specify this finding.
Blood Microbiome in CKD: Should We Care?

A diverse and complicated population of microbes lives in the human body ([1][1]). Accumulating evidence supports an important role for these microbes in health and disease ([1][1],[2][2]). The term “human microbiome” broadly refers to either the entire population of microbes inhabiting an
The Civic Data Deluge: Understanding the Challenges of Analyzing Large-Scale Community Input

Advancements in digital civics have enabled leaders to engage and gather input from a broader spectrum of the public. However, less is known about the analysis process around community input and the challenges faced by civic leaders as engagement practices scale up. To understand these challenges, we conducted 21 interviews with leaders on civic-oriented projects. We found that at a small-scale, civic leaders manage to facilitate sensemaking through collaborative or individual approaches. However, as civic leaders scale engagement practices to account for more diverse perspectives, making sense of the large quantity of qualitative data becomes a challenge. Civic leaders could benefit from training in qualitative data analysis and simple, scalable collaborative analysis tools that would help the community form a shared understanding. Drawing from these insights, we discuss opportunities for designing tools that could improve civic leaders' ability to utilize and reflect public input in decisions.
Identification of fungi associated with soybeans and effective seed disinfection treatments

Sprouts can be a vehicle for the transmission of several pathogens capable of causing human illness, and the potential source of contamination is seed used for sprouting. The limited information about seed-borne pathogens as well as their incidence on soybean seeds for soybean sprout industry led the objectives of this study that were to identify seed-borne pathogens on commercial sprout soybean seeds and to evaluate different decontamination treatments on disinfection effectiveness and sprout quality. Seeds of "MFS-561," a sprout soybean cultivar, from three production regions were used in this study. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS1 and ITS2) DNA sequences of the isolated fungi from MFS-561 seeds were used for species identification. Seven disinfection treatments were evaluated on their effectiveness on reducing fungal incidence and impact on sprout characteristics. Out of 55 fungal isolates obtained from the soybean seeds, seven species and six genera were identified. The most frequent genera across regions were Alternaria, Diaphorte, and Fusarium. The treatment of soaking seeds in 2% calcium hypochlorite for 10 min and 5% acetic acid for 2 min before sprouting were promising seed disinfection treatments as they significantly reduced fungi incidence without any negative effects on sprout quality.
Use of Impella Support in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement for a Patient With Severe Aortic Stenosis and Significantly Reduced Ejection Fraction.

Abstract Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may be complicated by hemodynamic instability or circulatory collapse, especially in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction. The Impella is a catheter-based ventricular assist device that is used in cardiogenic shock after myocardial infarction, high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention, and medically refractory heart failure. However, there is not a well-defined role for Impella in high-risk TAVR procedures. In this report, we describe the case of a patient with very low left ventricular ejection fraction undergoing TAVR with provisional Impella bailout use in the event of cardiovascular collapse during the procedure.
Evaluating the Impact of Climate Change on Water Quality and Quantity in an Urban Watershed Using an Ensemble Approach

Considerable efforts are underway to restore watersheds and estuaries downstream impacted by urban development; however, climate change (CC) may be undermining them. Current methods are limited in their ability to predict hydrology and water quality with CC and assess its effect on the efficiency of stormwater control measures (SCMs). We developed a method using downscaled global climate models (GCMs) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) to project precipitation and temperatures; these were used to force a Storm Water Management Model (SWMM). Three scenarios, a historical and two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP 4.5 and 8.5) with five GCMs, were used to produce ensemble results. All GCMs in both RCP scenarios projected increases in precipitation and temperature compared to historical conditions. Both RCPs exhibited their largest increases in precipitation, streamflow, total suspended solids (TSS), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorous (TP) loads in the winter, summer exhibited the largest increase in temperature. Median loads of TSS, TN, and TP increased 3.1%, 2.5%, and 9.9%, respectively, for RCP 4.5, and increased 3.8%, 3.1%, and 10.4%, respectively, for RCP 8.5. Median reductions in TSS, TN, and TP SCM efficiency for RCP 4.5 were projected to be 6%, 7%, and 11%, respectively; and 11%, 12%, and 17% for RCP 8.5, respectively. Thus, it is likely that additional efforts will be needed to meet water quality goals in the future. Methods such as these can help create climate resilient watershed improvement strategies and guide urban stormwater planning against likely future changes as a result of CC.
Validity of using cancer registry data for comparative effectiveness research

Abstract Purpose Researchers often analyze cancer registry data to assess for differences in survival among cancer treatments. However, the retrospective non-random design of these analyses raise questions about study validity. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which comparative effectiveness analyses using cancer registry data produces results concordant with randomized clinical trials. Methods We identified 141 randomized clinical trials referenced in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines for 8 common solid tumor types. For each trial we identified subjects from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) matching the eligibility criteria of the randomized trial. With each trial we used three Cox regression models to determine hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival including univariable, multivariable, and propensity score adjusted models. Multivariable and propensity score analyses controlled for potential confounders including demographic, comorbidity, clinical, treatment, and tumor-related variables. Each NCDB survival analysis was defined as discordant if the HR for the NCDB analysis fell outside the 95% confidence interval of the corresponding randomized trial. Results NCDB analyses produced HRs for survival discordant with randomized trials in 62 (44%) univariable analyses, 43 (30%) multivariable analyses, and 51 (36%) propensity score models. NCDB analyses produced p-values discordant with randomized trials in 83 (59%) univariable analyses, 76 (54%) multivariable analyses, and 78 (55%) propensity score models. We did not identify any clinical trial characteristic associated with discordance between NCDB analyses and randomized trials including disease site, type of clinical intervention, or severity of cancer. Conclusion Comparative effectiveness research with cancer registry data often produces survival outcomes discordant to randomized clinical data. These findings help provide context for providers interpreting observational comparative effectiveness research in oncology.
Structural And Computational Perspectives of Selectively Targeting Mutant Proteins.

Diseases are often caused by mutant proteins. Many drugs have limited effectiveness and/or toxic side effects because of a failure to selectively target the disease-causing mutant variant, rather than the functional wild type protein. Otherwise, the drugs may even target different proteins with similar structural features. Designing drugs that successfully target mutant proteins selectively represents a major challenge. Decades of cancer research have led to an abundance of potential therapeutic targets, often touted to be "master regulators". For many of these proteins, there are no FDA-approved drugs available; for others, off-target effects result in dose-limiting toxicity. Cancer-related proteins are an excellent medium to carry the story of mutant-specific targeting, as the disease is both initiated by and sustained by mutant proteins; furthermore, current chemotherapies generally fail at adequate selective distinction. This review discusses some of the challenges associated with selective targeting from a structural biology perspective, as well as some of the developments in algorithm approach and computational workflow that can be applied to address those issues. One of the most widely researched proteins in cancer biology is p53, a tumor suppressor. Here, p53 is discussed as a specific example of a challenging target, with contemporary drugs and methodologies used as examples of burgeoning successes. The oncogene KRAS, which has been described as "undruggable", is another extensively investigated protein in cancer biology. This review also examines KRAS to exemplify progress made towards selective targeting of disease-causing mutant proteins. Finally, possible future directions relevant to the topic are discussed.
Rules for rulers: Plato’s criticism of law in the Politicus

Plato’s Politicus argues for a striking normative claim about the law: the ideal expert ruler will not only change the laws of the city when he thinks it best, but will also contravene them. The El...
Malware Detection Techniques Based on Deep Learning

The rapid increase of Internet access and use of smart digital technologies create new attack techniques for cybercrime to ordinary users and organizations. Malware is one of the most dangerous security threats in Internet today. In order to deal with the malware attack, new techniques have been developed to detect malware from our computer systems. In this paper, we first present an overview of the different types of malware programs used by the hackers to penetrate into computer systems and mobile phones for destroying, changing or stealing personal information from ordinary users. We then present an in-depth analysis and comparison of most recently proposed malware detection techniques based on deep learning in order to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of users data.
Use of an Exposome Approach to Understand the Effects of Exposures From the Natural, Built, and Social Environments on Cardio-Vascular Disease Onset, Progression, and Outcomes

Obesity, diabetes, and hypertension have increased by epidemic proportions in recent years among African Americans in comparison to Whites resulting in significant adverse cardiovascular disease (CVD) disparities. Today, African Americans are 30% more likely to die of heart disease than Whites and twice as likely to have a stroke. The causes of these disparities are not yet well-understood. Improved methods for identifying underlying risk factors is a critical first step toward reducing Black:White CVD disparities. This article will focus on environmental exposures in the external environment and how they can lead to changes at the cellular, molecular, and organ level to increase the personal risk for CVD and lead to population level CVD racial disparities. The external environment is defined in three broad domains: natural (air, water, land), built (places you live, work, and play) and social (social, demographic, economic, and political). We will describe how environmental exposures in the natural, built, and social environments "get under the skin" to affect gene expression though epigenetic, pan-omics, and related mechanisms that lead to increased risk for adverse CVD health outcomes and population level disparities. We also will examine the important role of metabolomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, genomics, and epigenomics in understanding how exposures in the natural, built, and social environments lead to CVD disparities with implications for clinical, public health, and policy interventions. In this review, we apply an exposome approach to Black:White CVD racial disparities. The exposome is a measure of all the exposures of an individual across the life course and the relationship of those exposures to health effects. The exposome represents the totality of exogenous (external) and endogenous (internal) exposures from conception onwards, simultaneously distinguishing, characterizing, and quantifying etiologic, mediating, moderating, and co-occurring risk and protective factors and their relationship to disease. Specifically, it assesses the biological mechanisms and underlying pathways through which chemical and non-chemical environmental exposures are associated with CVD onset, progression and outcomes. The exposome is a promising approach for understanding the complex relationships among environment, behavior, biology, genetics, and disease phenotypes that underlie population level, Black: White CVD disparities.
A cross-sectional retrospective study of normal changes in the pharyngeal airway volume in white children with 3 different skeletal patterns from age 9 to 15 years: Part 1.

Introduction This study investigated correlations between airway size and age, sex, and skeletal patterns; identified airway change trends; and measured volumetric norms in children via cone-beam computed tomography. Methods Four hundred twenty nontreated white patients were stratified by age, sex, and anteroposterior skeletal pattern. The nasopharyngeal airway (NPA), oropharyngeal airway (OPA), and total pharyngeal airway (TPA) volumes were delineated on 3-dimensional digital cephalograms. SPSS (SPSS, Chicago, Ill) was used to run an analysis of variance and post-hoc analyses. Results The Class III group had significantly larger OPA volumes than Class I and II groups. Male subjects had considerably larger NPA volumes than female subjects. Age was significantly associated with all 3 airway volumes (P Conclusions An effect of skeletal classification on OPA and a sex effect on NPA were observed. The annual change in the mean of TPA volume decreased in subjects aged 10-12 years, then rebounded until 14 years. TPA change peaked in female subjects 1 year before male subjects.
Contributors to the black-white life expectancy gap in Washington D.C.

Although the black-white gap in life expectancy has been shrinking in the U.S., national improvement conceals ongoing disparities. Nowhere is this more evident than Washington D.C., where the black-white gap has persistently exceeded 10 years. Using 1999-2017 mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics, we employed demographic techniques to pursue three aims: first, we created period life tables to examine longevity trends in Washington D.C.; second, we decomposed black-white life expectancy differences into 23 causes of death in three time periods (2000, 2008, 2016); third, we assessed age-specific contributions for each cause of death. Findings revealed that heart disease (4.14 years), homicide (2.43 years), and cancer (2.30 years) contributed most to the 17.23-year gap among males in 2016. Heart disease and cancer contributed most at ages 55-69; homicide contributed most at ages 20-29. Among females in 2016, heart disease (3.24 years), cancer (2.36 years), and unintentional injuries (0.85 years) contributed most to the 12.06-year gap. Heart disease and cancer contributed most at ages 55-69, and unintentional injuries at ages 50-59. Our investigation provides detailed evidence about contributors to the black-white longevity gap in Washington D.C., which can aid in the development of targeted public health interventions.
Single-molecule Mechanical Analysis of Strand Invasion in Human Telomere DNA

Telomeres are essential chromosome end capping structures that safeguard the genome from dangerous DNA processing events. DNA strand invasion occurs during vital transactions at telomeres, including telomere length maintenance by the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway. During telomeric strand invasion, a single stranded guanine-rich (G-rich) DNA invades at a complimentary duplex telomere repeat sequence forming a displacement loop (D-loop) in which the displaced DNA consists of the same G-rich sequence as the invading single stranded DNA. Single stranded G-rich telomeric DNA readily folds into stable, compact, structures called G-quadruplexes (GQ) in vitro, and is anticipated to form within the context of a D-loop; however, evidence supporting this hypothesis is lacking. Here we report a magnetic tweezers assay that permits the controlled formation of telomeric D-loops (TDLs) within uninterrupted duplex human telomere DNA molecules of physiologically relevant lengths. Our results are consistent with a model wherein the displaced single stranded DNA of a TDL folds into a GQ. This study provides new insight into telomere structure and establishes a framework for development of novel therapeutics designed to target GQs at telomeres in cancer cells.
Data Science for Assembly Engineering

Discovery and design of new materials able to self assemble from nanoscale building blocks are becoming increasingly enabled by large-scale molecular simulation. Aided by fast simulation codes leveraging powerful computer architectures, an unprecedented amount of data can be generated in the blink of an eye, shifting the effort and focus of the computational scientist from the simulation to the data. How do we manage so much data, and what do we do with it when we have it? In this talk, we discuss the applications of data science and data-driven thinking to molecular and materials simulation. Although we do so in the context of assembly engineering of soft matter, the tools and techniques discussed are general and applicable to a wide range of problems. We present applications of machine learning to automated, structure identification of complex colloidal crystals, high-throughput mapping of phase diagrams, the study of kinetic pathways between fluid and solid phases, and the discovery of previously elusive design rules and structure-property relationships. Biography: Sharon C. Glotzer is the John W. Cahn Distinguished University Professor at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, the Stuart W. Churchill Collegiate Professor of Chemical Engineering, and the Anthony C. Lembke Department Chair of Chemical Engineering. She is also Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, and Macromolecular Science and Engineering. Her research on computational assembly science and engineering aims toward predictive materials design of colloidal and soft matter: using computation, geometrical concepts, and statistical mechanics, her research group seeks to understand complex behavior emerging from simple rules and forces, and use that knowledge to design new classes of materials. Glotzer's group also develops and disseminates powerful open-source software including the particle simulation toolkit, HOOMD-blue, which allows for fast molecular simulation of materials on graphics processors, the signac framework for data and workflow management, and several analysis and visualization tools. Glotzer received her B.S. in Physics from UCLA and her PhD in Physics from Boston University. She is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Examining Additive and Synergistic Relations Between Preschool Self-Regulation and Executive Function Skills: Predictions to Academic Outcomes.

In the present study, we examined the extent to which teacher-rated self-regulation and directly assessed executive function skills were independently, additively, or synergistically related to academic achievement during the transition to kindergarten. The sample included 126 children (42% female; Mage = 4.73 years) from families with low incomes who participated in a larger evaluation of state-funded preschool. Regression models with children nested in their respective preschool classrooms investigated main effects and moderated effects of teacher-rated self-regulation skills manifested in preschool classroom behaviors and cognitive executive function skills assessed through direct assessments on math, literacy, and vocabulary in the spring of preschool and in the fall of kindergarten. Results revealed independent but not additive relations between executive function and math in the spring of preschool and self-regulation and literacy in the fall of kindergarten. One significant interaction emerged providing evidence for synergistic relations between teacher-rated self-regulation and directly assessed executive function for literacy at both timepoints across the transition to kindergarten. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.
Teaching Practices for Students with Advanced Repertoires of Verbal Behavior (Reader to Editor of Own Written Work)

This chapter describes the pedagogical repertoires needed to teach students the instructional content consistent with the outcomes described above. The pedagogical repertoires presume that the teacher's students have some, most, or all of the repertoires. The increases in verbal capabilities correspond with increases in independence and allow for corresponding increases in the number of students per teacher. It is described in the chapter that when increases in class size occur as a result of learner independence, there will be no lapse in instructional effectiveness, provided the classroom is managed according to the operations. Personalized system of instruction (PSI) is further explained in the chapter. The PSI approach includes individual pacing, communication between students and teachers in written form, and mastery of each short-term objective before proceeding to the next objective in the hierarchy of the curriculum. In the PSI approach, students receive folders, electronic or paper folders that prescribe their individually appropriate tasks and the learning materials for performing those tasks. Instruction for new concepts or objectives of the curriculum and the related vocabularies in science, literature, or social studies are presented in written form followed by written responses from the student.
Hispanic Geriatric Residents in a Long-Term Care Setting:

While admission to long-term care facilities is often a stressful and disruptive experience for elders and their families, it can be particularly traumatic for Hispanics. In addition to common losses experienced in the process of institutionalization (e.g., loss of home, social network, and autonomy). Hispanic older adults lose the social context for the expression and reinforcement of cultural values such as “ respeto,” “ personalismo,” and “ confianza.” Because of cultural and language differences, some Hispanics face unique obstacles in adjusting to institutional living. We propose that the special circumstances aged Hispanics face in long-term care adversely affect quality of life and place them at risk for psychological disturbances (e.g., anxiety, depression, acting-out behaviors). After a discussion of issues in the context of the relevant literature, we propose some preventive and interventive strategies, discuss case studies that illustrate salient issues to adjustment, and generate a series of t...
Reliability of Protocol Reviews for Animal Research

A random sample of 50 Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) participated in a study of the protocol review process. Each committee submitted three animal behavior protocols it had recently reviewed, and these protocols were reviewed a second time by another participating committee. The results reported in this Policy Forum showed low levels of reliability in protocol judgments within and between committees. In addition, a majority of approved research protocols were disapproved or deferred by the second committee.
The R-Matrix Theory of Electron-Molecule Scattering

The R-matrix theory of electron scattering from diatomic molecules is extended to include the effects of nuclear excitation. The theory is derived in a very general form and used to establish the connection between the R-matrix method, the Kapur-Peierls states, the Siegert resonances and the Feshbach projection method. The power of this approach as an analytic and computational tool is demonstrated by considering the vibrational excitation of a homonuclear diatomic molecule dominated by an isolated electronic resonance state.
Status of the AMS Experiment

Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-02) is a general purpose high energy particle detector which will be deployed on the International Space Station (ISS) at the end of 2010 - beginning of 2011 to conduct a unique 10 to 18 year mission of fundamental physics research in space. Among the physics objectives of AMS are a search for an understanding of Dark Matter, Antimatter, the origin of cosmic rays and the exploration of new physics phenomena not possible to study from ground based experiments. This article reviews the status of the AMS-02 detector construction, detector calibration results as well as AMS physics potential for new phenomena searches.
Input current shaper using Cuk converter

The Cuk converter with integrated magnetics when used for input current shaping exhibits advantages over other topologies. When the 'ripple steering' mechanism is employed, essentially zero input and output current ripples are obtained for all operating conditions, and the size of the magnetics can be significantly reduced. The discontinuous inductor current mode (DICM) with no current feedback loop is analyzed. Current shaping takes place automatically by keeping the duty cycle and switching frequency constant when the converter operates in DICM. The high input power factor and high overall conversion efficiency suggest operation in DICM for low-power applications. Experimental results obtained on a 200-W prototype are presented. >
Mapping and nucleotide sequence of the vaccinia virus gene that encodes a 14-kilodalton fusion protein.

Abstract A library of rabbit poxvirus DNA fragments contained in the expression cloning vector lambda gt11 was screened with monoclonal antibodies that react specifically against a 14-kilodalton envelope protein of vaccinia virus and rabbit poxvirus. The 14-kilodalton protein appears to play an important role in virus penetration at the level of cell fusion; it also elicits neutralizing antibodies, and it forms covalently linked trimers on the surface of virions and in infected cells (Rodriguez et al., J. Virol. 56:482-488, 1985; Rodriguez et al., J. Virol. 61:395-404, 1987). Two recombinant bacteriophages expressing beta-galactosidase fusion proteins were isolated. Restriction enzyme analysis and hybridization studies mapped the 14-kilodalton encoding sequences in the middle of vaccinia virus HindIII A DNA fragment. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed an open reading frame (ATG) preceded by a characteristic TAA sequence of late genes. The sequence spans 330 nucleotides and codes for a protein with a molecular weight of 12,500 and an isoelectric point of 6.3. There are two small hydrophobic regions, one at the C terminus (11 amino acids) and the other at the N terminus (5 amino acids). The protein contains two cysteines for oligomer formation and one glycosylation site. Inspection of the deduced amino acid sequence of the 14-kilodalton protein revealed consensus sites with the hemagglutinin precursor of influenza A virus and with adenylate kinase and cytochrome c of various species.
Physiologic Benefits of Pulsatile Perfusion During Mechanical Circulatory Support for the Treatment of Acute and Chronic Heart Failure in Adults

A growing population experiencing heart failure (100 000 patients/year), combined with a shortage of donor organs (less than 2200 hearts/year), has led to increased and expanded use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices. MCS devices have successfully improved clinical outcomes, which are comparable with heart transplantation and result in better 1-year survival than optimal medical management therapies. The quality of perfusion provided during MCS therapy may play an important role in patient outcomes. Despite demonstrated physiologic benefits of pulsatile perfusion, continued use or development of pulsatile MCS devices has been widely abandoned in favor of continuous flow pumps owing to the large size and adverse risks events in the former class, which pose issues of thrombogenic surfaces, percutaneous lead infection, and durability. Next-generation MCS device development should ideally implement designs that offer the benefits of rotary pump technology while providing the physiologic benefits of pulsatile end-organ perfusion.
A new guidance system figure-of-merit

Guidance system figure of merit determining relative effectiveness of launch vehicle in delivering spacecraft onto interplanetary trajectory
10. Physical Mechanisms Governing the Ablation of Biological Tissue

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the physical mechanisms governing the ablation of biological tissue. The application of lasers to medicine and dentistry is an active area of experimental research where past efforts have led to successful, laser-based clinical protocols that are now the standard of care. The chapter discusses the ablation of soft tissue; hard tissue refers to bone or teeth. The discussion emphasizes the recent results from the investigations of infrared tissue ablation; however, ultraviolet and visible laser ablation is also summarized. The principle components of soft tissue are water, proteins, lipids, sugars, nucleic acids, and their complexes. The free-electron laser (FEL) has emerged as a potential medical laser. The chapter outlines mechanisms for laser-tissue interactions and addresses infrared laser ablation. It also presents a brief discussion on the clinical acceptance of the ablation of biological tissues. The chapter provides some basic knowledge of tissue properties to provide context for subsequent discussions and presents several Gedanken.
A Review of “Innovation Corrupted: The Origins and Legacy of Enron’s Collapse”

In 2001, Enron, an energy-trading company in Houston, Texas, became the largest corporate bankruptcy in U.S. business history. Until the company's collapse, Enron appeared to be a rapidly growing a...