cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Cost-effectiveness of Interventions That Affect Fertility and Childbearing: How Health Effects Are Measured Matters.

Background. Current guidelines for economic evaluations of health interventions define relevant outcomes as those accruing to individuals receiving interventions. Little consensus exists on counting health impacts on current and future fertility and childbearing. Our objective was to characterize current practices for counting such health outcomes. Methods. We developed a framework characterizing health interventions with direct and/or indirect effects on fertility and childbearing and how such outcomes are reported. We identified interventions spanning the framework and performed a targeted literature review for economic evaluations of these interventions. For each article, we characterized how the potential health outcomes from each intervention were considered, focusing on quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) associated with fertility and childbearing. Results. We reviewed 108 studies, identifying 7 themes: 1) Studies were heterogeneous in reporting outcomes. 2) Studies often selected outcomes for inclu...
Heuristic Opinion and Preference Evaluation Research for Assessing Technological Options—A User’s View

The decade of the 1970s—at least on the American scene as well as that of certain other nations—will no doubt be remembered by historians as the period when the environmentalist movement came to flower along with important citizenry initiatives on behalf of “participatory democracy.” one of Naisbitt’s 10 megatrends (1). The backlash against representative democracy was in no small measure a revolt against elitist groups in industry and government who lost the trust of important segments of the citizenry for a number of reasons. Included was their failure to consider and. hence, actively plan to mitigate the unwanted risks and other adverse by-product consequences to society and the environment of technological developments as well as inadequate attention by regulatory decisionmakers to equity issues where public interests come into conflict. Communications failures to properly receive public inputs to the decision process and to openly and correctly inform the public of the decision process also contributed to growing distrust. Numerous mid-course corrections in these failures are being made which, when carried to a more advanced level, will constitute the normal democratic response to alleviating the grass-roots pressures of a legitimate reform movement.
Human amyloid P component: a circulating lectin that modulates immunological responses

Amyloid P component (AP/SAP), a glycoprotein, precipitated with purified snail galactans from Helix pomatia and Ariania arbustorum in a dose-dependent manner. Radiolabelled AP hinds to human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), erythrocytes, and cells derived from human non-T, non-B acute lymphocytic leukaemia. The AP cell binding is specific in that it is dose-dependent and can be blocked both by excess cold AP and by Helix promatia galactan. although it cannot be blocked by an equal amount of the monosaccharide galactose. In vitro studies of human PBMC immune responses demonstrated that AP inhibits PBMC proliferation responses to mycobacterial purified protein derivative and to phytohaemagglutinin and the humoral, antibody response to pokeweed mitogen. The AP-induced suppression of non-specific antibody production by human PBMC was dependent on the time at which AP was added to the culture. AP was suppressive if added in the first 48 h of the 7-day culture, and the suppression could not be reversed by washing the cells after the exposure to AP. The mechanism of AP-induced immunosuppression is still unclear, but human SAP circulates as a pair of pentameric rings, having ten identical subunits that bind to galactose polymers, and our present data suggest that AP affects the immune response through its properties as a lectin.
The Mesoscale Structure of a Nocturnal Dryline and of a Frontal–Dryline Merger

Abstract A horizontal gradient in moisture, termed the dryline, is often detected at the surface over the southern Great Plains of the United States during the spring and early summer. The dryline exhibits distinct diurnal variations in both its movement and structure. Recent research has focused on dryline structure during the afternoon and evening, particularly showing how strong (∼1–5 m s−1) ascent frequently creates an environment favorable to the initiation of convection, quite close (within ∼10 km) to the dryline interface. To date, however, there have been very few detailed analyses of the dryline interface at night, so that the nocturnal behavior of the interface predicted by theory and numerical studies is relatively poorly evaluated. In this study, special observations taken by a Doppler lidar, serial rawinsonde ascents, and a dual-channel microwave radiometer are utilized to describe the behavior of a nocturnal dryline observed on 12–13 May 1985. The analysis presented here reveals that the mes...
Contrast Media Acute Renal Failure

Several observations point to the possibility that contrast-induced vascular alterations could be the common pathway for contrast-related cases of acute renal failure. Porter and Associates(1) noted that iothalamate, when injected into the left ventricle of the dog, resulted in an increase in cardiac output and caused a 25% decrease in renal blood flow. When isoosmolar quantities of mannitol were injected, however, the same increase in cardiac output occurred, but renal blood flow increased. Transient decreases in renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate occur after large-dose excretory urography.(2–4) In fact, noncontrast hypertonic solutions also produce this effect.(5) The response tends to be biphasic showing initially a transient increase in renal flood flow followed by a more prolonged (10–20%) decrease in renal blood flow which may persist for up to 1 hr.
Sonographic Findings in Acute Uterine Inversion

We present a case of acute uterine inversion in the third stage of labor in which critical management decisions were facilitated by ultrasound imaging in the operating room. Identification of the ovary and adnexa pulled into the indentation of the inversion allowed the successful diagnosis and guidance for uterine replacement. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 41:453–456, 2013
Retinal Prosthesis

Retinal prosthesis has been translated from the laboratory to the clinic over the past two decades. Currently, two devices have regulatory approval for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa. These devices provide partial sight restoration and patients use this improved vision in their everyday lives. Improved mobility and object detection are some of the more notable findings from the clinical trials. However, significant vision restoration will require both better technology and improved understanding of the interaction between electrical stimulation and the retina. This paper reviews the recent clinical trials and highlights technology breakthroughs that will contribute to next generation of retinal prostheses.
High resolution two-dimensional polyacrylamide electrophoresis of human serum proteins.

A two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic technic in which serum is first separated in a soft gel column followed by electrophoresis in a 2 to 30% linear gradient gel slab is described. An apparatus which is simple in design and offers ease of operation to assure reproducible protein patterns is described. More than 100 normal serum protein fractions could be demonstrated in normal as well as pathologic serum specimens, including several small molecules presumed to be serum peptides. The serum components identified to date include: immunoglobulins G, A, and M; β 2-lipoprotein; α 2-macroglobulin; haptoglobin; ceruloplasmin; transferrin; α 1-acid glycoprotein; albumin; and pre-albumin. Several post- and pre-albumin components were detected in sera from patients with myeloma, leukemia, and Hodgkin’s disease but were not detected in sera of normal subjects.
Member Awareness of Expertise, Information Sharing, Information Weighting, and Group Decision Making:

One of a group’s most valuable resources is the expertise of its members. How this expertise is (or is not) used has a major impact on group performance. However, determining expertise is often difficult. Thus the issue of how many group members need to be aware of expertise before the benefits of recognition accrue is of great importance. For example, do all members have to be aware of expertise prior to discussion for the group to benefit, or is a subset of members sufficient? If a subset is sufficient, how large must it be? To address these questions, we manipulated the number of group members possessing foreknowledge of member expertise. We then analyzed perceived expertise, information sharing, information weighting, and group decision making using a series of planned contrasts representing common social combination models. Discussion of unique information followed a majority wins model (i.e., a shift occurred when greater than half of members were made aware of expertise prior to discussion). For we...
A novel regulatory mechanism for trimeric GTP-binding proteins in the membrane and secretory granule fractions of human and rodent beta cells.

Recently we described roles for heterotrimeric and low-molecular-mass GTP-binding proteins in insulin release from normal rat islets. During these studies, we observed that a protein with an apparent molecular mass (37 kDa) similar to that of the beta subunit of trimeric GTP-binding proteins underwent phosphorylation in each of five classes of insulin-secreting cells. Incubation of the beta cell total membrane fraction or the isolated secretory granule fraction (but not the cytosolic fraction) with [gamma-32P]ATP or [gamma-32P]GTP resulted in the phosphorylation of this protein, which was selectively immunoprecipitated by an anti-serum directed against the common beta subunit of trimeric G-proteins. Disruption of the alpha beta gamma trimer (by pretreatment with either fluoroaluminate or guanosine 5'(-)[gamma-thio]triphosphate) prevented beta subunit phosphorylation. Based on differential sensitivities to pH, heat and the histidine-selective reagent diethyl pyrocarbonate (and reversal of the latter by hydroxylamine), the phosphorylated amino acid was presumptively identified as histidine. Incubation of pure beta subunit alone or in combination with the exogenous purified alpha subunit of transducin did not result in the phosphorylation of the beta subunit, but addition of the islet cell membrane fraction did support this event, suggesting that membrane localization (or a membrane-associated factor) is required for beta subunit phosphorylation. Incubation of phosphorylated beta subunit with G alpha.GDP accelerated the dephosphorylation of the beta subunit, accompanied by the formation of G alpha-GTP. Immunoblotting detected multiple alpha subunits (of Gi, G(o) and Gq) and at least one beta subunit in the secretory granule fraction of normal rat islets and insulinoma cells. These data describe a potential alternative mechanism for the activation of GTP-binding proteins in beta cells which contrasts with the classical receptor-agonist mechanism: G beta undergoes transient phosphorylation at a histidine residue by a GTP-specific protein kinase; this phosphate, in turn, may be transferred via a classical Ping-Pong mechanism to G alpha.GDP (inactive), yielding the active configuration G alpha.GTP in secretory granules (a strategic location to modulate exocytosis).
Relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms of CYP3A4 and drug resistant epilepsy in Han Chinese children

AIM To investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)of CYP3A4(CYP3A4*18A,CYP3A4*1G)and drug resistance epilepsy in Han Chinese children.METHODS Total 238 children were collected,83 children with drug-resistant epilepsy(resistance group),87 children with drug effective epilepsy(effective group)and 68 normal control children(control group).Two single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP)method.The distribution of genotypes and allele frequencies of two single nucleotide polymorphisms were compared.RESULTS The frequencies of homozygous wild genotypes of CYP3A4*1G polymorphism in resistant group,effective group and normal group were 47%,45%,50%,heterozygous variant genotypes were 46%,49%,43%,homozygous variant genotypes were 7%,6%,7%,wild-type allele were 70%,70%,71%,and variant allele were 30%,30%,29%,respectively.No statistically significant associations were observed in the distribution of geno-types and allele frequencies of CYP3A4*1G polymorphism among the three groups(P 0.05).The frequencies of homozygous wild genotypes and heterozygous variant genotypes of CYP3A4*18A in resistance group were 93% and 7%,wild-type allele and variant allele were 96% and 4%,respectively.The frequencies of homozygous wild genotypes of CYP3A4*18A in effective group and normal group were all 100%.The distribution of genotypes and allele frequencies of CYP3A4*18A polymorphism in drug resistance epilepsy showed significant difference from those drug effective epilepsy(P 0.05),but showed no significant difference from those in normal control children(P 0.05).CONCLUSION CYP3A4*18A polymorphism may be correlated with drug-resistant epilepsy in the region Han children,and CYP3A4*1G polymorphism may have not the correlation.Detecting CYP3A4*18A genotype may be one of effective treatment method to choose antiepileptic drugs.
Mechanical Interactions between Cells and Tissues

Biology is based on polymers, namely proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids such as DNA, both inside cells and outside cells. The physical nature of these soft and wet polymers has major implications for cell structures, properties, and functions. Indeed, within a multicellular organism, the organization of cells requires that each cell assess its relative location, taking in multiple cues from its polymeric microenvironment. Given that extracellular matrix (ECM) consists of the most abundant proteins in animals and contributes both structure and elasticity to tissues, ECM is likely to provide some key physical cues to cells. As a cell engages matrix and actively probes, it senses in deformation the local elastic resistance of ECM and nearby cells, and – like the proverbial princess who feels a pea placed many mattresses below – the cell seems to possess feedback and recognition mechanisms that even establish how far a cell can feel. Recent experimental findings and computational modeling of cell and matrix mechanics are summarized here and lend insight into the wide-ranging senstivities of cells to polymer mechanics.
International Workshop on Applicability of Relativistic Hydrodynamical Models in Heavy Ion Physics

An overview of theWorkshop on Applicability of Relativistic Hydrodynamical Models in Heavy Ion Physics and the accompanying proceedings is given. Some outstanding problems are mentioned.
Adhesion and Adhesives of Fungi and Oomycetes

Many fungi adhere strongly to an outer surface of a host or a substratum before penetration; the ability to adhere is a virulence factor for plant and animal pathogens. Because substrata such as the plant cuticle are largely inert hydrophobic surfaces, plant pathogenic fungi often adhere to plastics. Strong adhesion is generally mediated by a secreted glue. Fungal glues are typically formed in an aqueous environment, and as such they may provide models for commercial glues, including for biomedical applications. The best-characterized fungal glue is a galactosaminogalactan polymer that serves as an adhesive to plastic, fibronectin, and epithelial cells in the mammalian pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. However, most fungal glues are apparently mannoprotein(s). Despite our advances in fungal genomics, most fungal glues are uncharacterized, in contrast to the well-characterized fungal pathogen-mammalian host adhesins produced by Candida albicans; these adhesins, which bind to specific host receptors, are primarily large, glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored cell wall mannoproteins that are posttranslationally covalently cross-linked to the cell wall β1,6-glucans. Adhesins typically have tandem repeats; adhesins such as the C. albicans ALS family bind to both specific cell types and to plastic. We postulate that the mannoprotein glues from plant pathogenic fungi are secreted in a more water-soluble form, are transiently sticky, and are cross-linked extracellularly. Anti-adhesive strategies may enable new plant disease control methods that are environmentally compatible because anti-adhesive strategies do not necessarily require any uptake of compounds into the fungus or disruption of a eukaryotic metabolic pathway.
Notch Signaling Regulates Hematopoietic Stem Cell Homeostasis in the Fetal Liver through a Non-Cell-Autonomous Mechanism.

Notch is essential for the generation of definitive hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) during fetal life, but its effects on subsequent HSC self-renewal are controversial. We have shown recently that canonical Notch signaling is dispensable for the maintenance of stem cell function in adult HSCs (Maillard et al., submitted). We now investigate whether Notch regulates HSC homeostasis during fetal development. For this purpose, we have developed a system to track individual Notch-deprived cells through expression of the GFP-tagged pan-Notch inhibitor DNMAML (Maillard et al., Blood 2004). We have used this system to conditionally inactivate Notch signaling at defined time points during development. Specifically, we crossed mice carrying an ubiquitously expressed Tamoxifen(TAM)-inducible Cre recombinase transgene (CAGG-Cre ERTm ) with mice harbouring a Cre-inducible DNMAML construct (DNMAML f ). We injected TAM i.p. at mid-gestation (E11.5), after generation of fetal HSCs. At E13.5, DNMAML-GFP protein expression was induced in 20–45% of hematopoietic progenitors in the Lin-Sca-1 hi c-Kit hi (LSK) fraction. As compared to control littermates, TAM-induced CAGG-Cre ERTm x DNMAML f (TICD) fetuses initially showed increased numbers and decreased quiescence of fetal liver LSK cells: at E13.5, TICD LSK progenitors had increased cell size, expressed elevated levels of Sca-1, and showed an increase in the fraction of cells in S-G2M phases of the cell cycle. Significantly, these abnormalities were observed both within the GFP- and GFP + TICD LSK fractions, indicating non-cell-autonomous disruption of their homeostasis. At subsequent time points (E15.5), TICD fetuses showed a marked decrease in the number of LSK progenitors, most prominently within the CD150 + CD48− subset highly enriched for long-term HSCs (LT-HSC), suggesting HSC exhaustion. Histological examination revealed multiple small areas of hemorrhage in TICD tissues consistent with underlying vascular defects. Fetal death was observed at E17.5–18.5. Altogether, our findings show that continuous Notch signaling is absolutely required for normal development during mid-gestation and suggest that Notch controls a key element of the fetal HSC niche that promotes LT-HSC self-renewal and quiescence. Because inactivation of Notch signaling causes phenotypic changes associated with vascular defects, we speculate that Notch regulates critical vascular elements of the stem cell niche in the fetal liver.
Canavanine Distribution in Jackbean Fruit During Fruit Growth

Canavanine is an arginine analogue found in the seeds of many common legumes and is known to inhibit protein synthesis and growth in a number of organisms. Yet canavanine may comprise as much as 4% of the seed dry weight of the jackbean (Canavalia ensiformis).
Historical Note: An Observation of Territoriality in Birds Which Predates Scientific Reports

Attention is called to a published observation of territorialism in the ostrich which preceded scientific development of the concept of territoriality by approximately 20 years.
Household Financial Capital and Food Security

ABSTRACTNearly 20% of all U.S. households were considered food insecure in 2013. Although income poverty is often associated with food insecurity, the relationship between household assets and food insecurity have not been fully explored. Using a randomized sample of 28,336 adults, the authors examined these relationships, independent of income. Findings suggest that homeowners are more likely to report food security than individuals still making mortgage payments and renters. In addition, individuals who own other financial assets are more likely to be food secure than individuals without these assets. Implications of this study include increasing financial education and opportunities for asset building.
Eclectic Styles and Improvisation in String Orchestra Performances

Despite instructional materials and workshops concerning eclectic styles and improvisation, it is unclear whether string teachers feature these styles and student improvisations on concerts in scho...
Decision-Making in Ventricular Assist Device Support in Pediatric Advanced Heart Failure Patients

Abstract Ventricular assist device (VAD) support for children has advanced tremendously in the last 5 years. This is attributable to the adoption of newer generation intracorporeal devices, originally intended for use in adults, but small enough for children. Having access to additional VAD options has opened the door to new indications of VAD use in children beyond just bridge to transplant. Today, bridge to decision, bridge to transplant candidacy, destination therapy, and potentially bridge to recovery are all established and viable therapeutic strategies. However, as the field grows, with ever more device options and support strategies, we are faced with more decisions to reconcile. Initially the looming question was “who needs a VAD” but now we also need to address a myriad of other considerations that are a direct result of the burgeoning growth in device options and applications. In this chapter, we will address the decisions that face the pediatric heart failure cardiologist in supporting the advanced heart failure patient from VAD evaluation to implantation and beyond.
Modular tripodal receptors for the hydrosulfide (HS−) anion

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenously-produced gasotransmitter and is predominantly speciated as HS- at physiological pH. Despite this importance, reversible binding of HS- to synthetic receptors remains rare and confined to highly-engineered receptor systems. Here we demonstrate the generality of reversible HS- binding in a family of tren-based receptors.
Researching Literacies and Textual Thinking in Collegiate Foreign Language Programs: Reflections and Recommendations.

This article reflects on the literacy turn in collegiate foreign language (FL) programs, taking as its central argument that the focus in FL curriculum, instruction, and research should not be on the content we teach, be it language, literature, or culture, but rather on textual thinking and literacies development. After providing a snapshot of findings from previous research, the article focuses on the need for scholarly innovation to fully understand and realize the potential of a literacies and textual thinking orientation for unifying collegiate FL programs. Six future research areas are recommended and discussed: operationalizing key concepts; reconsidering the notion of text in collegiate FL programs; exploring the sociocultural dimension of literacy; building transferable skills and cross-disciplinary collaborations; investigating connections among literacies, textual thinking, and ACTFL guidelines and standards; and supporting instructors’ implementation of literacies-based pedagogies.
Occipital Artery and Its Segments in Vertebral Artery Revascularization Surgery: A Microsurgical Anatomic Study.

Objective To study the microsurgical anatomy of the occipital artery (OA) to determine the optimal segment for use as a conduit in revascularization bypass surgery. Methods Twelve sides of 6 cadaveric heads that had been injected with colored silicone were exposed using C-shaped postauricular incision. The OA was dissected from its point of origin to the proximal part of the distal segment. For each segment, the diameters and length were measured, and its branches and proximity to the recipient vessel (V3) were examined. Results The mean diameters were 2.6 mm at the digastric segment, 2.04 mm at the point where it exits the mastoid sulcus, 2.0 mm, at the point just before the last descending muscular branch, and 1.8 mm and 1.5 mm after the branch and attached to the superior nuchal line, respectively. The length of the OA from the point where it exits the mastoid sulcus to the point at which it revealed the last descending muscular branch was 53 mm, and the distance of this section to the V3 was 31 mm. Conclusions In pathologies necessitating vertebral artery revascularization surgery, it is possible to easily mobilize the OA with a C-shaped postauricular incision in the lateral suboccipital region. To reach a more appropriate segment in terms of diameter, length, and easy anastomosis, V3 sulcal and OA suboccipital segments are more suitable. Thus, if bypass surgery is indicated in cases of vertebrobasilar ischemia, the suboccipital segment of the OA may be an ideal choice and considered as an artery that can be used in “SOS” conditions.
Density-functional study of the La2Zr2O7 low-index surfaces

Abstract To explain the ability of lanthanum zirconate (La2Zr2O7, LZ) and various doped forms of LZ to function as catalysts, an understanding of LZ surface structures is needed. Accordingly, certain LZ surfaces that are expected to be prevalent in prepared samples of LZ, namely, the low-index (001), (011), and (111) surfaces, are examined at the level of density-functional theory. All possible surface terminations of these surfaces formed by cleaving a perfect LZ crystal, termed ideal surface terminations, are considered, as well as several defective surface terminations of a given surface. Surface energies and surface free energies are computed, and surface phase diagrams (SPDs) of the (001), (011), and (111) surfaces are obtained. From these SPDs, the thermodynamically preferred surface termination of the (001), (011), or (111) surface is concluded to be nonideal over a large range of temperature and oxygen gas partial pressure conditions. This finding is unchanged if the SPDs are determined more accurately by taking into account certain vibrational contributions obtained from computed phonon dispersions. In addition to this finding, a way to use results to characterize the surfaces of synthesized LZ crystallites is discussed, but the shapes or dimensions of the crystallites first need to be obtained.
THE HAVEN RATIO IN TERMS OF THE SELF-DIFFUSION OF CHARGE

The discrepancy between the measured electrical conductivity of ionic materials and that calculated from the Nernst-Einstein (N-E) equation has been known for a long time. In glasses the discrepancy was perhaps first documented by Fitzgerald1 and has been confirmed by many subsequent works.2 Le Claire suggested that the ratio of the ionic conductivity calculated from N-E and that actually determined be called the Haven Ratio, HR. This terminology is widely accepted in the discussion of glassy as well as crystalline materials. The appropriateness of the choice relates to Haven’s pioneering work in the understanding of the serial correlation of atomic jumps.3 For crystalline materials with well-specified diffusion mechanisms, it is now routine to calculate the Haven Ratio based on the difference between the serial correlation of the jumps of lattice atoms and that of ionic defects.4 Here the goal is to review the procedure and generalize it to apply to noncrystalline solids.
Ultrasound Elastography of the Bowel

Over the past decade, there has been increasing evidence that ultrasound elastography may aid in the imaging evaluation and management of pediatric and adult Crohn’s disease patients. Multiple studies have shown that ultrasound-derived intestinal stiffness measurements can suggest the presence of bowel wall fibrosis in areas of stricturing disease, even in the setting of superimposed inflammation. Such knowledge can help guide the appropriate medical and surgical management of these patients. Furthermore, semiquantitative and quantitative elastographic methods may predict response to medical therapy, show evidence of progressive bowel damage over time, and potentially predict ensuing complications, such as impending bowel obstruction or penetrating complications. This chapter will review the different ultrasound elastography techniques for assessing the bowel, published evidence supporting the use of these techniques in Crohn’s disease patients, potential roles in clinical practice, and likely challenges and obstacles to future clinical use.
Use of the new pediatric PROMIS measures of pain and physical experiences for children with sickle cell disease.

Background There are new pediatric domains to measure patients' pain and physical experiences in the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). The objective of this study was to establish the psychometric properties of these domains for children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Procedure We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of PROMIS assessments of children with SCD recruited from a pediatric tertiary care clinic. Validity of the new PROMIS domains was determined by comparing scores between known groups and describing their correlations with previously validated PROMIS measures. Cronbach's alpha and item response theory (IRT) reliability were used to assess internal consistency reliability. Agreement between parent-proxy and child self-report was determined for all domains. Results Our study included 164 subjects, of whom 117 were eligible to self-report. The mean T-scores for physical stress experience, strength impact, pain behavior, and pain quality sensory scores were significantly different between children who used pain medications in the prior week and those who did not. There were also differences in T-scores across children reporting mild, moderate, and severe pain on the pain intensity scale. All measures had Cronbach's alpha and IRT reliability > 0.80. The percentage of agreement between child and parent-proxy PROMIS domains ranged from 36% to 60% depending on the domain. Conclusions The new PROMIS domains of physical stress experience, strength impact, pain behavior, and pain quality sensory domains are valid and reliable for children with SCD. The low-moderate agreement between parent-proxy and child self-report scores support the complementary information provided by the two perspectives.
Complaints of police misconduct: Examining the timeliness and outcomes of internal affairs investigations

Abstract This study examined how characteristics of patrol officers and complaint cases influenced the timeliness of completing police misconduct investigations. Further, it analyzed how the timeliness of the investigation influenced the disposition and discipline of complaint investigations while controlling for relevant variables. Data were collected from a Midwestern municipal police agency for all formal complaints filed against patrol officers from 2006 to 2017. The analyses demonstrated that the nature of the complaint and number of police officers present on scene were two predictors of the timeliness of complaint investigations. This study also found that police officer and complaint characteristics were relevant predictors of the disposition and discipline outcomes of complaint investigations. Limitations and policy implications are discussed. This study contributes to the existing body of literature on complaints of police misconduct by introducing a new variable: timeliness of investigations.
Quinine enhances the apoptotic and antiproliferative effects of Seocalcitol in breast cancer cell lines

4028 Objectives: Vitamin D3 and quinine have been considered modulators of cell differentiation and proliferation, as well as inducers of apoptosis. In vivo studies investigating Vitamin D3 and its analogues for breast cancer treatment have been faced with the side effect of hypercalcemia. The purpose of this study was to examine the growth inhibitory and cellular differentiation effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and Seocalcitol (a Vitamin D3 analog) alone and in combination with quinine on four breast cancer cell lines (MCF7, T-47D, SKBR3 and BT474), as well as in nude mice model. Methods: Growth inhibition was determined using the colorimetric MTT assay after 4 and 7 days of drug treatment. Lipid visualization using the Oil Red O stain was used to assess cellular differentiation. Two ER positive cell lines(MCF-7,T-47D), ER negative SKBR3 and weak ER positive BT474 were treated with Vitamin D3, Seocalcitol alone or in combination with quinine. Cells were decanted using MTT reagent and absorbance was measured using Bio-Tek microplate reader. In Vivo: mammary cell lines were tested for vitamin D3 receptor expression, and then transplanted under the axillae of nude mice. 40 mice divided into four groups (control, Seocalcitol, quinine and combination) will be treated for 6 weeks, then tumors were harvested for expression of vitamin D3 receptor, ER, PR, apoptosis and differentiation. Mice were monitored for hypercalcemia on a every three days. Results: Both time and dose dependent effects were demonstrated. The IC50’s for MCF7, T-47D and SKBR3 were: 3 - 5 x 10-8 M and 14 - 29μMfor 1,25-D3 and quinine, respectively.Seocalcitol was significantly more potent with an IC50 of 2 - 3 x 10-9 M. The BT474 cell line was relatively resistant to all drugs tested. The combination of drugs showed a significant decrease in growth (p
Generative and multi-phase learning for computer systems optimization

Machine learning and artificial intelligence are invaluable for computer systems optimization: as computer systems expose more resources for management, ML/AI is necessary for modeling these resources' complex interactions. The standard way to incorporate ML/AI into a computer system is to first train a learner to accurately predict the system's behavior as a function of resource usage---e.g., to predict energy efficiency as a function of core usage---and then deploy the learned model as part of a system---e.g., a scheduler. In this paper, we show that (1) continued improvement of learning accuracy may not improve the systems result, but (2) incorporating knowledge of the systems problem into the learning process improves the systems results even though it may not improve overall accuracy. Specifically, we learn application performance and power as a function of resource usage with the systems goal of meeting latency constraints with minimal energy. We propose a novel generative model which improves learning accuracy given scarce data, and we propose a multi-phase sampling technique, which incorporates knowledge of the systems problem. Our results are both positive and negative. The generative model improves accuracy, even for state-of-the-art learning systems, but negatively impacts energy. Multi-phase sampling reduces energy consumption compared to the state-of-the-art, but does not improve accuracy. These results imply that learning for systems optimization may have reached a point of diminishing returns where accuracy improvements have little effect on the systems outcome. Thus we advocate that future work on learning for systems should de-emphasize accuracy and instead incorporate the system problem's structure into the learner.
A probabilistic perspective on thermodynamic parameter uncertainties: Understanding aqueous speciation of mercury

Abstract Speciation plays an important role in determining the fate and transport of metals in terrestrial surface and subsurface systems. Equilibrium speciation modeling in aqueous systems relies on thermodynamic constants (log K values) of complexes, which are subject to uncertainties. Here, using Monte Carlo (MC) simulations with Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) we systematically analyze the propagation of thermodynamic constant uncertainty through speciation modeling of an inorganic mercury-sulfide-chloride-water system. We find that seemingly small variances of the input log K normal distributions can lead to output species concentrations spanning multiple orders of magnitude, with highly skewed probability distributions. When equilibrium with mineral metacinnabar (β-HgS(s)) is neglected, the relative uncertainty of each output species is strongly positively correlated with the skewness of its concentration probability distribution, i.e., the lowest uncertainty occurs when the species concentration probability distribution is the most negatively skewed as its concentration approaches the total element concentration limit. The highest uncertainty in the identity of dominant species is located around species equivalence points. For cases where the mineral equilibrium is included, we derive analytical probability density functions for the log concentrations of all major species in the system. The mineral log K uncertainty is found to be an important contributor to all output concentration uncertainties. The analysis of combined effects of both pH and total sulfide concentration on output concentration uncertainties shows that high concentration uncertainties occur under highly sulfidic alkaline conditions and low uncertainties at low pH and sulfide concentrations. An analysis as presented here can distinguish between conditions that require a full uncertainty analysis and those for which the classical deterministic speciation modeling suffices.
Developmental regulation of fear memories by an obesogenic high-saturated fat/high-sugar diet

ABSTRACT Background Anxiety and stress-related disorders are strongly linked with obesity and the consumption of obesogenic diets. Paralleling clinical findings, we showed that the consumption of an obesogenic diet during adolescence disrupts the structural integrity of amygdalar and prefrontal cortex circuits underlying emotional responses to stress. These abnormalities were associated with a PTSD-like phenotype, including heightened stress reactivity to predator odor trauma, anxiety-like behaviors, and profound learning deficits. The present follow-up study investigates how an obesogenic diet alters aversion-related associative memories across adolescence. Methods Adolescent Lewis rats were fed for eight weeks with an experimental Western-like high-saturated fat/high-sugar diet (WD, 41% kcal from fat) or a matched control diet (CD, 13% kcal from fat). Acoustic fear-potentiated startle (FPS) responses were assessed longitudinally at weeks 1, 4, and 8 after commencing the diets to determine the effects of the WD on cued fear conditioning, fear extinction learning, and fear extinction retention. Results We found that the rats that consumed the WD exhibited substantial attenuation of fear extinction and fear extinction retention when remote memory was tested. One-week WD consumption was sufficient to induce impairments in fear extinction learning. This phenotype was associated with reduced dopamine receptor 1 mRNA levels in the prefrontal cortex. Interestingly, our reconditioning paradigm revealed that early-acquired fear memories were resistant to the disruptive effects of chronic WD consumption on cued fear learning. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that consumption of an obesogenic WD during adolescence heightens behavioral vulnerabilities associated with risk for anxiety and stress-related disorders. Given that fear extinction promotes resilience and that fear extinction principles are the foundation of psychological treatments for PTSD, understanding how obesity and obesogenic diets affect the acquisition and expression of fear extinction memories is of tremendous clinical relevance. HIGHLIGHTS Acute WD consumption impairs cued fear extinction learning in a fear-potentiated startle paradigm. WD consumption attenuates fear extinction memory retention WD consumption during adolescence increases acoustic startle responsivity over time Chronic WD consumption decreases dopamine receptor D1 mRNA levels in the prefrontal cortex.
A Production System Monitor for Parallel Computers.

Abstract : Production systems cannot compete on an equal basis with conventional programming languages until the efficiency of their monitors is improved. The process that finds the true productions on every cycle is most in need of improvement; even in today's small systems this process is often expensive and it is likely to become more expensive if productions systems become larger. There are a number of possible ways to achieve the greater efficiency, including taking advantage of the slow rate of change of the data base, taking advantage of similarities in structure of the antecedent conditions of productions, expending a minimum of effort on false antecedent conditions, avoiding whenever possible the operations that are likely to be most time consuming, and making efficient use of hardware. Since computer power is achieved most economically today through parallelism, no algorithm can be truly efficient in its use of hardware unless it can be executed in parallel. A production system monitor has been implemented that responds in a reasonable manner to both the peculiar nature of the task and the realities of current hardware technology. (Author)
A Service-Learning Partnership Between Cal State LA and the Los Angeles County Probation Department: Making the Case for Civic Professionalism

This article provides an overview of the structure and implementation of the Probation Service Learning Program at Cal State LA. We use post-term evaluation reflections completed by students and probation directors to offer insight into the broader application of service-learning programs in criminal justice–related agencies. The findings presented demonstrate that the Probation Service Learning Program at Cal State LA was partially successful. Students showed evidence of connecting civic and personal outcomes as well as personal and academic outcomes; however, the connection was less substantial for academic and civic outcomes. This study underscores the importance of fostering partnerships between academic departments and professional practitioners to build strong curricula, facilitate student transitions into the workplace, and contribute to the broader public good. Additionally, it offers “lessons learned” and recommendations for improving the use of service-learning to achieve a fuller appreciation of civic professionalism for students as they choose their career paths.
Bored and online: Reasons for using social media, problematic social networking site use, and behavioral outcomes across the transition from adolescence to emerging adulthood.

Abstract Introduction The current study examined motivations for social networking site use across three years during the transition from late adolescence to emerging adulthood. While research has been conducted examining reasons for social networking site usage and behavior, the clear majority have focused on samples of undergraduate college students and are cross-sectional. Methods Changes in motivations for using social networking sites were examined in relation to problematic social networking site use and several behavioral and mental health outcomes in a sample of adolescents over three years. Results Using social networking sites to connect with others was relatively stable over a three-year period. However, using social networking sites to seek information increased from late adolescence to emerging adulthood and was not related to any negative outcomes across three years. Using social networking sites to alleviate boredom also increased over time. Initial levels of social media use to alleviate boredom were associated with problematic social networking site use, financial stress, anxiety, and empathy at year three. Increases in using social networking sites to socially connect over time was related to problematic social networking site use, anxiety, delinquency, and empathy at year three. Using social networking sites for any reason was not related to depressive symptoms over three years. Conclusions The current study supports the growing body of literature suggesting that using social networking sites to alleviate boredom and socially connect, may place individuals at increased risk for developing pathological tendencies and patterns of behavior towards social networking sites.
Three Ways of Looking at Law and Popular Culture

In 1989 the Stanford University Law School professor Lawrence Friedman offered a definition of “popular legal culture.” In an often-cited article, he wrote that, “In the first place, legal culture acts as an intervening variable, a mechanism for transforming norms of popular culture into legal dress and shape. In the second place, legal and popular culture, as images of each other, help explicate and illuminate their respective contents”. He notes that law and culture interact in two ways. Law is outward-looking; it depends on and interacts with the society from which it springs. At the same time it shapes that society. We can and do also talk about at least two current and differing uses of law and popular culture in legal education. We can use law and popular culture to teach legal principles. This use makes legal doctrine entertaining and accessible. We can also dig for the messages it gives us about the interaction of law and society. This second method requires us to interact with the texts of both law and popular culture. Currently in legal education we can and do examine at law and popular culture in both of the ways Friedman identifies. I suggest that we can identify and should examine a third intersection of law and popular culture that scholars have begun to study, that I suggest we should formally acknowledge as a part of law and popular culture studies. This third intersection is the actual trans-formative effect or trans-formative turn that popular culture and law have on each other. I would suggest both that certain types of intellectual property studies and certain types of activity fall into this category. One example is law’s response to the creation of fan fiction and of fan use of copyrighted and trademarked materials that force a response from the rights holders, or force fans to cease a particular activity because the rights holders refuse permission to proceed. We have many examples of the legal responses and changes in norms that illustrate these interactions. What we don’t yet seem to have in the general theory of law and pop culture is a definition for this third intersection. It may be that this third intersection is now most obvious in intellectual property law, perhaps because of the accessibility and spread of technology as well as the overwhelming importance of social media in our lives today. It exists in other areas of law as well, for example in family law, in criminal law, in privacy law, and has for some time. I would suggest that this intersection creates the possibility for the working out of the tensions between law and culture, as the public through pop culture identifies how the law works, what the law is, and then reacts to the law, makes demands on the law, and in some cases, forces changes in the law.