cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two New Species of Isospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Skinks, Emoia spp. (Sauria: Scincidae), from Fiji and Papua New Guinea

Abstract: Between September and October 1991 and again during September 1992, skinks (Emoia spp.) were collected from various localities on Fiji and Papua New Guinea (PNG) and examined for coccidians. One of 4 (25%) De Vis' emo skinks (Emoia pallidiceps) from PNG harbored an undescribed species of Isospora in its feces. Oocysts of Isospora grinbikpelapalai n. sp. were ellipsoidal to subspheroidal, 18.1 × 14.9 (17–20 × 14–16) μm, with a bilayered wall and a length/width index (L/W) of 1.2. Both micropyle and oocyst residuum were absent, but a prominent polar granule was present. Sporocysts were ovoidal, 10.7 × 7.6 (10–11 × 7–8) μm, with a L/W index of 1.4. Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies were present, but para-Stieda bodies were absent. The sporocyst residuum consisted of large scattered globules dispersed between sporozoites. Sporozoites were elongate with spheroidal anterior and posterior refractile bodies. Isospora grinbikpelapalai was also found in 1 of 2 (50%) Pope's emo skinks (Emoia popei) from PNG. O...
Probability density update for a distributed system based on unnormalized local densities in the continuous-discrete case

Results have been published that give the conditional probability density update for a distributed nonlinear stochastic system that is based on the conditional density updates for the local estimators. However, the local densities are required to be solutions to nonlinear equations, which are unsolvable in the general case. A formulation that uses unnormalized local densities, which are more tractable, and yet produces the same normalized density for the global system as the previous method is given. This new result is applicable to a much wider variety of problems than the former due to the larger body of problems for which unnormalized densities are available. >
A Citation Study of the Characteristics of the Linguistics Literature

By analyzing the citation patterns of the linguistics literature, the authors provide a bibliometric description of the discipline that will help librarians who have reference, instruction, or collection development responsibilities in this area understand it better. One important aspect of such an understanding is determining where linguistics classifies within the humanities, the social sciences, and the sciences. Based on several of the citation patterns discovered, namely the importance of recent publications to the field, and the prominence of journals as a primary vehicle of scholarly communication, this analysis concludes that linguistics more closely resembles the disciplines of the social sciences.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Val66Met) polymorphism and olfactory ability in young adults

Brain- derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is linked to neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease) which are often characterized by olfactory impairment. A specific single nucleotide polymorphism of the BDNF gene, the Val66Met, modulates intracellular trafficking and activity-dependent secretion of BDNF protein. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible association between brain- derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met polymorphism and olfactory function, a well-known biomarker for neurodegeneration, in healthy young adults. A total of 101 subjects (45 males, age 38.7 ± 9.4 years) were assessed using the Sniffin’ Sticks Extended Test, a highly reliable commercial olfactory test composed of three sub-parts, calculating olfactory threshold (sensitivity), odor discrimination and odor identification. The Val66Met polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction -restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. An impaired function in Met carriers was found, especially when compared to subjects with Val/Val genotype, in the threshold (5.5 ± 2.0 vs 6.5 ± 1.8, p = 0.009), discrimination (10.3± 2.5 vs 11.9 ± 2.2, p = 0.002), and identification task (13.3 ± 1.6 vs 14.1 ± 1.3, p = 0.007), as well as in the overall TDI Score (29.1 ± 4.5 vs 32.6 ± 3.9, p < 0.001). These findings appear to have implications for the evaluation of olfactory function and the relation of its impairment to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disease.
Sodium–calcium exchangers contribute to the regulation of cytosolic calcium levels in mouse taste cells

Taste cells use multiple signalling mechanisms to generate unique calcium responses to distinct taste stimuli. Some taste stimuli activate G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) that cause calcium release from intracellular stores while other stimuli depolarize taste cells to cause calcium influx through voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). We recently demonstrated that a constitutive calcium influx exists in taste cells that is regulated by mitochondrial calcium transport and that the magnitude of this calcium influx correlates with the signalling mechanisms used by the taste cells. In this study, we used calcium imaging to determine that sodium–calcium exchangers (NCXs) also routinely contribute to the regulation of basal cytosolic calcium and that their relative role correlates with the signalling mechanisms used by the taste cells. RT-PCR analysis revealed that multiple NCXs and sodium–calcium–potassium exchangers (NCKXs) are expressed in taste cells. Thus, a dynamic relationship exists between calcium leak channels and calcium regulatory mechanisms in taste cells that functions to keep cytosolic calcium levels in the appropriate range for cell function.
Motion analysis using the 3-D Gabor transform

It has long been known that motion in a sequence of images has a characteristic signature in the spatiotemporal-frequency (Fourier) domain. For sequences which involve multiple objects in motion, however the global nature of the Fourier transform makes it unsuitable as a mechanism for motion analysis. In general, the signatures of the different motions cannot be resolved. Local frequency representations provide a means to address this difficulty. In the past, both the use of windowed Fourier analysis and the Wigner distribution have been proposed for this task. We consider the application of this 3-D Gabor (1946) transform to motion analysis.
The Impact of Financial Incentives on Quality of Health Care

Purchasers of health care could offer financial incentives to plans or providers in order to increase quality. Unfortunately, the current health care market, in which quality is rarely measured and there is no risk adjustment, actively discourages both plans and providers from maximizing quality, resulting in a poor overall level of quality, both in fee-for-service arrangements and health maintenance organizations. Health plans and providers will not focus on quality until mechanisms to correct for risk differences among enrollees can be developed. Although such risk adjustment will be the most important stimulus for quality, it should also be linked to improvements in information systems and agreement on a minimum benefits package, quality reporting standards, and financial solvency requirements.
Serotonin Receptors as Targets for Drugs Useful to Treat Psychosis and Cognitive Impairment in Schizophrenia

The concept that the efficacy of all antipsychotic drugs (APDs) can be explained by their action on dopamine (DA) D2 receptors is most challenged by drugs such as clozapine which target serotonin (5-HT)2A receptors as an essential component of their efficacy and tolerability. The 5-HT2A receptor, along with 5-HT1A, 5-HT 2C, 5-HT 6 or 5-HT 7 receptors, all of which are components of the mechanism of action of clozapine, represent important targets for treating multiple aspects of schizophrenia, especially psychosis and cognitive impairment. The class of atypical antipsychotic drugs (APDs), of which clozapine is the prototype, share in common more effective 5-HT 2A receptor inverse agonism and weaker interference with D2 receptor stimulation, either through D2 receptor blockade or partial D2 receptor agonism. This has led to development of a selective 5-HT2A antagonist, ACP-103 (pimavanserin), which has been found to be effective as monotherapy in L-DOPA psychosis and has promise as an add-on agent for sub-effective doses of atypical APDs. We review here the extensive preclinical evidence to support the importance of 5-HT2A receptor inverse agonism to the action of clozapine and related atypical APDs, and evidence supporting the potential of selective 5-HT2A, 5-HT 6 , and 5-HT 7, antagonists, 5-HT1A partial agonists and 5-HT2C agonists for development of drugs which ameliorate psychosis or cognitive impairment.
A continuous time markov decision process based on-chip buffer allocation methodology

We have presented an optimal on-chip buffer allocation and buffer insertion methodology which uses stochastic models of the architecture. This methodology uses finite buffer space and presents a method to distribute this finite space in an optimal fashion. Such a methodology is useful in managing the scarce buffer resources available on chip as compared to network based data communication which can have large buffer space. The methodology also uses Continuous Time Markov Decision Processes CTMDPs. The modeling of this problem in terms of a CTMDP framework lead to a nonlinear formulation due to usage of bridges in the bus architecture. We present a methodology to split the problem into several smaller, though linear systems and we then solve these subsystems.
A reconfigurable spiking neural network digital ASIC simulation and implementation

A reconfigurable spiking neural network is implemented in a 0.5µm CMOS digital tiny-chip. The connection weights are uploaded to registers on the ASIC. These weights are learned off-line, using combined simulated annealing and genetic algorithm. Large computational power and many simulations create small powerful networks that are adapted to interact with the environment. These configurations are swapped in and out of the ASIC to cope with varying situations and increase robustness. The network has been successfully tested with a simulated robot in a maze and can be extended for target recognition.
Assessment of pediatric pain: an overview.

Progress in the assessment of pediatric pain has been limited by the subjective nature of pain as well as by the failure of many instruments to conform to standard psychometric criteria. An overview is presented of subjective, behavioral, and physiological procedures that are practical for use by the pediatric nurse. Included are assessment procedures that have been empirically tested, as well as those that are as yet untested but clearly could be useful. Attention is given to the importance of the child's developmental stage in pain assessment and guidelines are provided that bear on future progress in the area of pediatric pain assessment.
Technology education in New York State

In New York, a massive in-service program has trained thousands of industrial arts teachers to deliver technology education. by design, technology education complements mathematics and science education. It is an integrating discipline whose programs provide students a unique opportunity to synthesize much of their learning. Real-world problem-solving provides the context for conceptual learning to be applied, and for technological design activity to occur. >
Assessment of CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 activity in vivo in humans: a cocktail study with dextromethorphan and chloroguanide alone and in combination.

Objectives Dextromethorphan and chloroguanide (INN, proguanil) are used as prototypic phenotyping substrates of polymorphically expressed CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 in humans. We determined whether the dextromethorphan/dextrorphan and chloroguanide/cycloguanil metabolic ratios, obtained after administration of the parent drugs either alone or in combination, are equivalent. Methods Thirty-six healthy male volunteers received single oral doses of 80 mg dextromethorphan and 200 mg chloroguanide during a three-period, randomized crossover study. Plasma and urine were collected to calculate metabolic ratios and analyze the disposition kinetics of the probe drugs. Results All subjects were extensive metabolizers for both CYP2D6 and CYP2C19. Chloroguanide kinetics and urinary metabolic ratio were not altered after dextromethorphan administration. Dextromethorphan urinary metabolic ratio increased from −2.52 ± 0.67 to −2.03 ± 0.58 (P < .001) in the presence of chloroguanide. This was caused by an increase of dextromethorphan without a significant change of dextrorphan in both urine and plasma. Inhibition of CYP3A-dependent biotransformation of dextromethorphan to methoxymorphinan did not appear to be responsible for this change because the log(dextromethorphan/methoxymorphinan) urinary ratio, an index of CYP3A activity, did not significantly change during chloroguanide coadministration. The chloroguanide and dextromethorphan metabolic ratio determined from urine collection correlated with the corresponding metabolic ratio determined from plasma obtained 3 hours after oral administration. Conclusion When CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 activity are assessed, dextromethorphan and chloroguanide cannot be associated in a cocktail because chloroguanide increases the dextromethorphan metabolic ratio. CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 activity can be determined from a blood sample drawn 3 hours after oral administration of dextromethorphan and chloroguanide, respectively. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (1999) 66, 582–588; doi: 10.1053/cp.1999.v66.103401001
DOES MORE TRANSPARENCY GO ALONG WITH BETTER GOVERNANCE

This paper explores the link between information flows and governance. It develops a new indicator, the transparency index, which measures the frequency with which governments update economic data that they make available to the public. The paper also uses the existence of a Freedom of Information Act and the length of time for which it has been in existence as an indicator reflecting the overall legislative environment for transparency. Measures of the type developed in this paper have hitherto not been used in the cross-country literature on governance and growth. Cross-country regression estimation shows that countries with better information flows as measured by these indices also govern better.
Place elasticity: exploring a new conceptualization of mobility and place attachment in rural america

Migration and place attachment are often coupled within the migration decision‐making literature with the underlying assumption that individuals with strong place attachments are less likely to mig...
Seeding and grating phase in mutually pumped phase conjugators

We present theoretical and experimental studies of mutually pumped phase conjugation when a seed beam is injected that is the conjugate of one of the pumping beams. Good agreement exists between the theoretical and the experimental functional dependencies of the conjugate reflectivities on seed-beam intensity. However, the calculated gain is lower than that measured by two-beam coupling by nearly a factor of 2. We found that the seed-to-pump intensity ratio needs to exceed approximately 10−6, greater than 100 times the scattering, before the phase of the grating in the mutually pumped phase conjugator will follow the phase of the seed beam when it is varied by a moving mirror.
Reconstructing a High School Society After Court‐Ordered Desegregation

This paper examines a student subsystem in an urban high school in the deep South that is undergoing adjustment to recent court-ordered desegregation. Although the school's administration and academic subsystems have remained relatively un-changed, the student subsystem reflects a new order wherein traditional segmenta-tion is crosscut by new ethnic lines. A model for desegregation similar to that of Barth's is presented where ethnic groups attempt to manipulate rewards and resources yet protect boundaries.
Modeling Current-Field Instabilities in High Performance ${\rm Nb}_{3}{\rm Sn}$ Strands in Moderate Field

High Performance internal-Sn-type Nb3Sn strands are only marginally stable. This has significant consequences for strand measurement at higher fields (12 T), and leads to magnetic flux jumping at lower fields (0-1 T). However, the most troublesome regimes of instability from a magnet maker's point of view are moderate fields where current transport and external magnetic fields interact to create an instability not evident from magnetization at current levels well below that predicted by higher field results. These effects can be described in terms of adiabatic and dynamic stability, using a model first developed by Wilson. Modifications are presented for a multifilamentary strand, with HEP-relevant values of deff, RRR, strand diameter, Jc, and local thermal environment. Model predictions are compared to experimental strand results to bring out the relative functional dependence of stability on RRR and deff.
Sigma Point Transformation for Gaussian Mixture Distributions

This paper describes the development of an approximate method for propagating uncertainty through stochastic dynamical systems using a quadrature rule integration based method. The development of quadrature rules for Gaussian mixture distributions is discussed. A numerical solution to this problem is considered that uses a Gram-Schmidt process. Simulation results are presented where the quadrature points are calculated in two different ways, one using an unscented transformation and the other using the method discussed in this work. The proposed method outperforms the unscented transformation and provides signs of optimism for improving nonlinear filtering.
Viral protein synthesis in plants infected with broadbean mottle virus

Abstract The development of virus protein in Vicia faba plants following inoculation with broadbean mottle virus (BBMV) was studied by means of immunoradioautography. Antigen was found in the nucleus and the cytoplasm on the first day of infection. It then accumulated rapidly in the cytoplasm as infection progressed, and high concentrations of antigen were present in the cytoplasm by the fourth day after infection. Chloroplasts were not labeled. Viral antigen was always associated with viral inclusion bodies. The results with BBMV antigen are compared with those in earlier reports on the appearance of tobacco mosaic virus and clover yellow mosaic virus antigen.
Studies on the Gymnantheminae (Vernonieae: Asteraceae): restoration of the genus Monosis

ABSTRACT The South Asian genus Monosis D.C. is resurrected from synonymy of Vernonia and Gymnanthemum. It is distinguished by a unique lophate pollen type and leaves with thick petioles, cuneate leaf bases, and spreading secondary veins. Taxa included are the type species, M. wightiana D.C. and six other species newly transferred here: M. aplinii, M. parishii, M. shevaroyensis, M. talaumifolia, M. travancorica, and M. volkameriifolia.
On the Robustness of Theoretical Asset Pricing Models

We derive a parsimonious returns-based stochastic discount factor that is robust to model misspecification. We consider a general equilibrium model with heterogeneous agents who can invest their wealth in many assets. As long as (i) agents have (individual-, time-, and state-dependent) recursive preferences that are homothetic in current consumption and continuation value with a common relative risk aversion coefficient "gamma" and (ii) asset returns and individual state variables are conditionally independent (e.g., GARCH processes), we prove that the (minus "gamma")-th power of market return is a valid stochastic discount factor. Within this class of models, asset prices are determined by relative risk aversion and technology alone, and "returns-based asset pricing" is robust to model misspecification as opposed to the consumption-based approach. We recast the equity premium puzzle as a consumption/saving puzzle, not as an asset pricing puzzle.
A single institution experience with neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) with irinotecan (I) and cisplatin (C) in locally advanced esophageal carcinoma (LAEC)

e15619 Background: Multimodal therapy is considered standard for LAEC with cisplatin and 5FU-based CRT being commonly used, though with significant toxicity. Novel agents are needed to improve path...
Measuring Industry Contributions to Labour Productivity Change: A New Formula in a Chained Fisher Index Framework

Canada and the United States use Fisher indexes in their input-output accounts. Existing methods for decomposing aggregate labour productivity growth into industry contributions in a Fisher index framework either leave some productivity growth unaccounted for or are poorly suited for answering relevant questions about the industry sources of productivity growth. This article derives formulas for analyzing industry contributions to productivity change that add up exactly to the aggregate change in productivity and that have useful economic interpretations. These formulas show that the manufacturing sector made a positive contribution to productivity growth in the Canada in 2000-2010 and in the United States in 1998-2012, whereas the widely used GEAD formula implies that manufacturing made a negative contribution. Methods that can be used to decompose chained Laspeyres measures of productivity growth are also developed. These methods would be applicable in countries other than Canada and the United States.
The Modified, Multi-patient Observed Simulated Handoff Experience (M-OSHE): Assessment and Feedback for Entering Residents on Handoff Performance

Despite the identification of transfer of patient responsibility as a Core Entrustable Professional Activity for Entering Residency, rigorous methods to evaluate incoming residents’ ability to give a verbal handoff of multiple patients are lacking. Our purpose was to implement a multi-patient, simulation-based curriculum to assess verbal handoff performance. Graduate Medical Education (GME) orientation at an urban, academic medical center. Eighty-four incoming residents from four residency programs participated in the study. The curriculum featured an online training module and a multi-patient observed simulated handoff experience (M-OSHE). Participants verbally “handed off” three mock patients of varying acuity and were evaluated by a trained “receiver” using an expert-informed, five-item checklist. Prior handoff experience in medical school was associated with higher checklist scores (23 % none vs. 33 % either third OR fourth year vs. 58 % third AND fourth year, p = 0.021). Prior training was associated with prioritization of patients based on acuity (12 % no training vs. 38 % prior training, p = 0.014). All participants agreed that the M-OSHE realistically portrayed a clinical setting. The M-OSHE is a promising strategy for teaching and evaluating entering residents’ ability to give verbal handoffs of multiple patients. Prior training and more handoff experience was associated with higher performance, which suggests that additional handoff training in medical school may be of benefit.
Lithium Protects Against Anaesthesia Neurotoxicity In The Infant Primate Brain

Exposure of infant animals, including non-human primates (NHPs), to anaesthetic drugs causes apoptotic death of neurons and oligodendrocytes (oligos) and results in long-term neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI). Moreover, retrospective clinical studies document an association between anaesthesia exposure of human infants and significant increase in NDI. These findings pose a potentially serious dilemma because millions of human infants are exposed to anaesthetic drugs every year as part of routine medical care. Lithium (Li) at clinically established doses is neuroprotective in various cerebral injury models. We therefore investigated whether Li also protects against anaesthesia neurotoxicity in infant NHPs. On postnatal day 6 NHPs were anaesthetized with the widely used anaesthetic isoflurane (ISO) for 5 h employing the same standards as in a human pediatric surgery setting. Co-administration of Li completely prevented the acute ISO-induced neuroapoptosis and significantly reduced ISO-induced apoptosis of oligodendroglia. Our findings are highly encouraging as they suggest that a relatively simple pharmacological manipulation might protect the developing primate brain against the neurotoxic action of anaesthetic drugs while not interfering with the beneficial actions of these drugs. Further research is needed to determine Li's potential to prevent long-term NDI resulting from ISO anaesthesia, and to establish its safety in human infants.
Comovement, Passive Investing and Price Informativeness

From 1992 to 2011, average R2 increased from 0.17 to 0.47. During this period, passive financial institutions also grew their ownership from 30 to 50% of the market. Passive investors do not perform fundamental research nor trade around firm-specific news, thus reducing the firm-specific component of total volatility. As a result, prices comove more strongly with each other and reveal less information. Consistent with this conjecture, we find that comovement’s rise since the early 1990s is largely driven by the growth in passive institutional ownership as prices of stocks predominantly owned by passive institutions contain less information about future earnings.
Effect of high-intensity ultrasound and cooling rate on the crystallization behavior of beeswax in edible oils.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of wax concentration (0.5 and 1%), cooling rate (0.1, 1, and 10 °C/min), and high-intensity ultrasound (HIU) on the crystallization behavior of beeswax (BW) in six different edible oils. Samples were crystallized at 25 °C with and without HIU. Crystal sizes and morphologies and melting profiles were measured by microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively, after 7 days of incubation. Higher wax concentrations resulted in faster crystallization and more turbidity. Phase separation was observed due to crystals’ sedimentation when samples were crystallized at slow cooling rates. Results showed that HIU induced the crystallization of 0.5% BW samples and delayed phase separation in sunflower, olive, soybean, and corn oils. Similar effects were observed in 1% samples where HIU delayed phase separation in canola, soybean, olive, and safflower oils.
A Seventeenth Century Attempt to Purify the Anglican Church

IN the early seventeenth century the English Puritans engaged in manifold activities to bring church and state into harmony with their conception of the word of God. Their efforts to increase their representation in the House of Commons and to gain outlets in the New World, notably in New England and Old Providence Island, are well understood. The attempt of a group of influential London Puritans to mold the Church of England more to their liking has received but scant attention. Before the Reformation much ecclesiastical revenue had been detached from particular churches and bestowed upon religious houses and secular clergy other than the incumbents of the livings to which the revenue pertained. With the Reformation and the dissolution of the monasteries, a great deal of this revenue had found its way into lay hands. If these impropriations -as ecclesiastical revenue in lay hands was called-could be acquired by the Puritans, retained in their possession, and doled out to ministers and schoolmasters who had their approval, in time the Puritan faction would have great influence in the Anglican Church. The purpose of this essay is to trace this clever plan for the infiltration of the church from its inception until William Laud, bishop of London, realized the threat and checked it. The voluminous records kept by this Puritan group have disappeared, but the story can be reconstructed from the evidence presented when these Puritans were questioned in the Court of Exchequer in I632-I633.1 The failure of this Puritan enterprise, for fail it did, is part of the story of the apparent failure of the Puritans to gain Dower in Darliament and the church in Engliand. This and
A FEASIBILITY STUDY OF GAS INJECTION FOR OIL RESERVOIRS AFTER WATERFLOODING

Water injection is a commonly used method for the development of oil field. However, oil recovery by waterflooding is usually low. As such, how to enhance oil recovery after waterflooding has been a challenge facing petroleum engineers. Gas injection flooding has long been considered as a viable EOR method in the petroleum industry, but the potential of gas injection after waterflooding is still unclear. In this paper, the schemes of gas injection after waterflooding in China and abroad are analyzed, and some of the Chinese case studies are reviewed.
Fractures of the Osteoporotic Spine

Prior to fracture, the osteoporotic spine can be analyzed in several ways. After fracture occurs, however, a simple plain roentgenogram usually suffices to make the diagnosis of compression fracture. If severe deformity threatens, or if there is a neurologic lesion, the surgeon now has options not previously available. Open reduction, decompression, and internal fixation with polymethylmethacrylate can be carried out safely by surgeons with expertise in spinal instrumentation. Generally, symptomatic treatment is all that is required, and if this includes an orthosis, it is an individual decision which can probably be made without fear of harming the patient further. With treatment of the acute fracture undertaken, one proceeds to employ whatever pharmacologic treatment is appropriate. Last, the patient should be allowed only the briefest period of rest.
Leveraging cultural values and ways of knowing to increase diversity in maker activities

Though the "maker movement" has become an international phenomenon in recent years it has been mostly embraced by highly educated and wealthy men. As the makerspaces and fabrication labs become a more mainstream method used by schools to motivate students to explore STEM domains, lack of engagement among women and other underrepresented groups is a major concern. Building upon literature from the feminist tradition, the Bots for Tots project explores the affordances of activity framings and structures that tap into learners' cultural values and alternate mental dispositions to broaden participation and interest in maker activities. In this paper I describe a workshop where 9-10-year-old children were tasked with constructing "dream toys" for 4-year old students in their school. Data collected from interviews, observations, and student-built project suggest that when making is framed as being a set of practices, skills, and technologies to connect with one's community, young girls are likely to be initially motivated to engage in the maker activity, persist through construction challenges, and to show interest in further exploring making and technology.
Beneficially Active Structural Entities in Endotoxin Preparations

The effects of endotoxin preparations can be divided into two large groups. One consists of reactions which are harmful and may lead to irreversible vascular collapse, shock and death. The other covers those which are beneficial, such as enhanced immune responsiveness, elevated non-specific resistance to microbial infections including fungi and viruses, increased leukopoiesis, activation of lymphocytes and of the functions of macrophages as well as of the entire reticuloendothelial system. Finally, one should mention the anti-tumor effects of endotoxins on some established animal malignancies and the resistance enhancement to transplantable experimental tumors induced by endotoxin. Table 1 shows some of those endotoxic effects which may be considered as beneficial.
H-X (X = H, CH3, CH2F, CHF2, CF3, and SiH3) Bond Activation by Criegee Intermediates: A Theoretical Perspective.

Using theoretical calculations and Born–Oppenheimer molecular dynamics simulations, it is shown here that Criegee intermediate, which is principally produced in the olefin ozonolysis, can activate H–X (X = H, CH3, CH2F, CHF2, CF3, and SiH3) under mild conditions, a reaction that has long been known for transition metals. The zwitterionic electronic structure of Criegee intermediate makes it an interesting metal-free system for activating enthalpically strong small molecules such as H2, methane, silanes, and boranes. The calculated barriers for the H2 or SiH4 reactions of CH2OO are significantly lower than those for the CH4 or its fluorinated analogue reactions. The distortion-interaction energy model is found to be successful in explaining the differential reactivity of the Criegee intermediate toward activating the various H–X bonds. The canonical transition state theory calculations suggest that the CH2OO–H2 reaction is 9–11 orders of magnitude faster than the CH2OO–CH4 reaction over the 200–300 K tempe...
Nephron progenitor cell death elicits a limited compensatory response associated with interstitial expansion in the neonatal kidney.

ABSTRACT The final nephron number in an adult kidney is regulated by nephron progenitor cell availability and collecting duct branching in the fetal period. Fetal environmental perturbations that cause reductions in cell numbers in these two compartments result in low nephron endowment. Previous work has shown that maternal dietary factors influence nephron progenitor cell availability, with both caloric restriction and protein deprivation leading to reduced cell numbers through apoptosis. In this study, we evaluate the consequences of inducing nephron progenitor cell death on progenitor niche dynamics and on nephron endowment. Depletion of approximately 40% of nephron progenitor cells by expression of diphtheria toxin A at embryonic day 15 in the mouse results in 10-20% nephron reduction in the neonatal period. Analysis of cell numbers within the progenitor cell pool following induction of apoptosis reveals a compensatory response in which surviving progenitor cells increase their proliferation and replenish the niche. The proliferative response is temporally associated with infiltration of macrophages into the nephrogenic zone. Colony stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) has a mitogenic effect on nephron progenitor cells, providing a potential explanation for the compensatory proliferation. However, CSF1 also promotes interstitial cell proliferation, and the compensatory response is associated with interstitial expansion in recovering kidneys which can be pharmacologically inhibited by treatment with clodronate liposomes. Our findings suggest that the fetal kidney employs a macrophage-dependent compensatory regenerative mechanism to respond to acute injury caused by death of nephron progenitor cells, but that this regenerative response is associated with neonatal interstitial expansion.
Are Technology-Informed Methods Better Than Traditional Approaches in Educating Patients? A Meta-Analysis

Objective:Healthcare educators are usually well-intended in their educational efforts for and with patients. The purpose of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis comparing traditional versus te...
Neuroendocrine Aspects of Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa

Multiple endocrine changes are associated with anorexia nervosa and less so with bulimia nervosa. Starvation and malnutrition have been shown to account for virtually all changes on endocrine regulatory control and in the alteration in hormonal metabolic pathways. No one endocrine disturbance can currently be considered pathognomonic for either anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. As long as any nutritional or weight disturbances exist, neither the TRH test nor the Dexamethasone Suppression Test can be used to distinguish eating disorders from major depressive disorders. With treatment, refeeding, and adequate nutrition, endocrine abnormalities normalize.
Effect of High Carbon Ash on Biosolids Odor Emissions and Microbial Activity

Quantitative measurements of odor emissions from biosolids were conducted relating odor units (odor intensity as perceived by people) to chemical odorant concentrations. Chemical odorant emissions from biosolids wereidentified using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry andincluded dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), dimethyl sulfide (DMS),carbon disulfide (CS2), ammonia (NH3), trimethylamine (TMA), and acetone. Odor unit emissions werepositively correlated with DMDS, DMS, CS2, NH3,TMA, and acetone emissions, demonstrating that the identifiedodorant emissions are associated with biosolids odor. To control biosolids odor, wood ash containing 32% carbon wasincorporated with biosolids at 1:1, 0.67:1, 0.33:1, and 0.11dry weight ratios. The high carbon ash additions reduced odor unit, DMDS, DMS, CS2,TMA and acetone emissions when compared to a biosolids control. Although ash addition sometimes reduced NH3 emissions, reduction was not consistently significant. Using SCREEN3 dispersion model (U.S. EPA) maximum dimethyldisulfide, NH3, and trimethyl amine concentrations from a 1 ha 21 Mg biosolids application (dry wt.) were estimated to be 29.8, 3.3, and 1.0 times higher than publishedhuman detection limits, respectively, while maximum CS2,DMS, and acetone concentrations were predicted to be 0.004, 0.01, and 0.04 times below published human detection limits, respectively. High carbon wood ash incorporation with biosolidseliminated DMDS odor and trimethyl amine odor, while wood ash did not significantly reduced the NH3 odor.
Postoperative pain control following arthroscopic release of adhesive capsulitis: a short-term retrospective review study of the use of an intra-articular pain catheter.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an arthroscopically placed intra-articular pain catheter for controlling postoperative pain and also review the results following arthroscopic release of refractor adhesive capsulitis. Type of Study: Retrospective clinical trial. Methods: Twenty-three consecutive cases (20 patients) of arthroscopic adhesive capsulitis release in which an intra-articular pain catheter was used were reviewed. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 37 months (average, 22.4 months). An intra-articular catheter was placed under direct arthroscopic visualization from a superior approach into the glenohumeral joint. Postoperatively, patients were injected with 10 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine every 6 hours as needed. Preoperatively, all patients had filled out a questionnaire based on the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) outcome guidelines and examined for range of motion. Postoperatively, patients were asked for their precatheter and postcatheter injection pain level based on the visual analog scale (1 to 10 points, 1 no pain). Patients were then examined for range of motion and retested with the outcome questionnaire. An ASES Shoulder Score Index was calculated for each patient before and after the procedure. Results: The average forward elevation preoperatively was 102° and external rotation at the side was 4.5°. At most recent follow-up, average forward elevation was 169° with external rotation at the side 47°. The Shoulder Score Index increased from an average of 37.1 out of 100 to 90.9 (P .001). Before being injected with anesthetic through the catheter, patients had an average visual analog scale score of 8.1. Postinjection average pain level was 1.2 (P .001) and all patients indicated that the pain catheter significantly reduced postoperative pain. Nineteen of 20 patients were satisfied with the procedure. Conclusions: Placement of an intra-articular pain catheter for delivery of bupivacaine was highly effective in controlling postoperative pain. In all cases, postoperative pain was essentially eliminated and this substantially assisted with range of motion exercises. Near complete restoration of range of motion without pain was achieved in 95% of the patients. Key Words: Pain—Intraarticular catheter—Adhesive capsulitis—Shoulder release—Shoulder arthroscopy.
The Economics of Environmental Risks

Uncertainty is part and parcel of the human condition. The need to manage climate risk has shaped human institutions for many centuries, giving rise to insurance in agricultural societies and to patterns of land holdings across medieval Europe. Today's concern about global climate change breaks new ground. lt challenges conventional wisdom in two ways One is the worldwide scope of the changes considered. We are concerned with potential catastrophes, such as changes in the sea level and global shifts in the availability ol' water and fertile soil. No society can ignore such risks The second challenge is that these changes appear to be driven by human activity, which has now reached levels at which it can affect the earth's fundamental processes, such as its atmosphere and its climate. These two new elements, the global and endogenous nature of these risks, have extended human uncertainty both qualitatively and quantitatively.
Multivariate Total Least – Squares Adjustment for Empirical Affine Transformations

In Geodetic Science it occurs frequently that, for a given set of points, their coordinates have been measured in two (or more) different systems, and empirical transformation parameters need to be determined by some sort of adjustment for a defined class of transformations. In the linear case, these parameters appear in a matrix that relates one set of coordinates with the other, after correcting them for random errors and centering them around their mid-points (to avoid shift parameters). In the standard approach, a structured version of the Errors-in-Variables (EIV) model would be obtained which would require elaborate modifications of the regular Total Least-Squares Solution (TLSS).
Spacer and Cavity Engineering on Low-cost Plastic Substrates for 100-Fold Enhancements in Metal-Dielectric-Metal-Based Directional Fluorescence Emission

Surface plasmon-based techniques have gained momentum in the last decade due to their ability to improve inherent drawbacks of conventional fluorescence. One such recent advancement utilizes metal-dielectric-metal (MDM) substrates. In this work, we report the use of the spacer and cavity engineering in MDM on plastic substrates for fluorescent signal enhancement. Furthermore, the use of low-dimensional carbon materials as spacers and cavities resulted in ~ 100-fold enhancement in MDM-steered fluorescence emission.
Case 4: Atypical Cause of Cyanosis While Bathing in an 18-month-old Boy

1. Rachel Maurice, MD* 2. Misty Ellsworth, DO* 1. *Department of Pediatrics at McGovern Medical School, Memorial Hermann Children’s Hospital, Houston TX An 18-month-old boy with a medical history of cyanotic episodes presents with possible seizure activity at child care. When he was 10 months old, 8 months before presentation, he began having periods when he would become limp and cyanotic for a minute. The episodes would occur when bathing. There was no eye deviation noted, or shaking of extremities. Initially the episodes occurred once per month but have become more frequent, now with each occurrence of bathing. He has presented to an outside hospital, and was evaluated with brain magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography (EEG), which, per report, were reassuring, and he was discharged with no medications to follow …
HIV, Depression, and Cognitive Impairment in the Era of Effective Antiretroviral Therapy.

Mental health disorders, especially depression, are prevalent among people living with HIV (PLWH) and are associated with cognitive impairment (CI) among HIV-uninfected (HIV−) individuals. We conducted a comprehensive review of the link between depression and cognition among PLWH. Studies examining depression and cognition in PLWH report high rates of current (median = 24%) and lifetime depression (42%). There is reliable evidence that depression is associated with overall CI among PLWH, and in the cognitive domains of processing speed, executive function, learning and memory, and motor function. Although few studies have examined the interaction between HIV serostatus and depression on CI, there is no evidence of a stronger association between CI and depression in PLWH compared with HIV− controls. Depression is prevalent and reliably associated with CI in PLWH, with an overall pattern of domain-specific associations similar to that of HIV− individuals.
Defining the learning curve of robotic thoracic surgery: what does it take?

Controversy exists as to what constitutes a learning curve to achieve competency, and how the initial learning period of robotic thoracic surgery should be approached. We conducted a systematic review of the literature published prior to December 2018 using PubMed/MEDLINE for studies of surgeons adopting the robotic approach for anatomic lung resection or thymectomy. Changes in operating room time and outcomes based on number of cases performed, type of procedure, and existing proficiency with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) were examined. Twelve observational studies were analyzed, including nine studies on robotic lung resection and three studies on thymectomy. All studies showed a reduction in operative time with an increasing number of cases performed. A steep learning curve was described for thymectomy, with a decrease in operating room time in the first 15 cases and a plateau after 15–20 cases. For anatomic lung resection, the number of cases to achieve a plateau in operative time ranged between 15–20 cases and 40–60 cases. All but two studies had at least some VATS experience. Six studies reported on experience of over one hundred cases and showed continued gradual improvements in operating room time. The learning curve for robotic thoracic surgery appears to be rapid with most studies indicating the steepest improvement in operating time occurring in the initial 15–20 cases for thymectomy and 20–40 cases for anatomic lung resection. Existing data can guide a standardized robotic curriculum for rapid adaptation, and aid credentialing and quality monitoring for robotic thoracic surgery programs.
Von der › Raving Society ‹ zur Spaßgesellschaft

Nur sieben Jahre trennen die Love Parades 1989 und 1996, doch in dieser kurzen Zeit veranderte sich der festivalartige Umzug, der als politische Demonstration deklariert war, dramatisch. 1989 zog die Love Parade als Insider-Party der entstehenden Berliner Technoszene 150 Leute an, die von drei Kleinlastern mit Konservenmusik beschallt durch die Strasen tanzten. 1996 war sie ein Massenrave, ein Medienereignis, › die groste Technoparty der Welt ‹: 750 000 Fans folgten 40 Lkws, auf denen beruhmte DJs auftraten.
The Formation, Persistence, and Resistance to Disinfectant of the Erysipelothrix piscisicarius Biofilm

Erysipelothrix piscisicarius is an emergent pathogen in fish aquaculture, particularly in the ornamental fish trade. Very little is known on the biology of this pathogen; however, the recurrence of infection and disease outbreaks after removing the fish from a system and disinfecting the tank suggest its environmental persistence. Moreover, biofilm lifestyle in E. piscisicarius has been suspected but not previously shown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the formation of biofilms on an abiotic surface in Erysipelothrix spp. We used hydroxyapatite-coated plastic pegs to demonstrate the attachment, growth, and persistence of E. piscisicarius on abiotic surfaces in both fresh and marine environments and to investigate the susceptibility of this pathogen to different disinfectants that are used in the aquaculture industry. E. piscisicarius formed biofilms that persisted significantly longer than planktonic cells did in both freshwater and saltwater over a period of 120 h (P = 0.004). The biofilms were also more resistant to disinfectants than the planktonic cells were. Hydrogen peroxide was the most effective disinfectant against E. piscisicarius, and it eradicated the biofilms and planktonic cells at the recommended concentrations. In contrast, Virkon and bleach were able to eradicate only the planktonic cells. This information should be taken into consideration when developing biosecurity protocols in aquaculture systems, aquariums, and private collections.