cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Peritonsillar abscess : incidence, current management practices, and a proposal for treatment guidelines

Currently there is no agreement on the treatment of patients who develop a peritonsillar abscess (PTA). This lack of consensus results in highly variable and possibly expensive therapeutic regimens that may not provide optimum quality patient care at reasonable cost. The present study evaluates surgical, medical, diagnostic, and cost factors that affect the management of PTA based on the following: 1. a cohort study of 123 patients with PTA treated using needle aspiration as the initial surgical drainage; 2. a national survey of the PTA management practices of otolaryngologists; and 3. meta-analyses of various components of the treatment regimen for PTA. In the cohort study, patients diagnosed with PTA were treated by both otolaryngologists and emergency medicine specialists with needle aspiration as the primary surgical modality resulting in a 96% acute resolution rate for PTA. In the national survey, questionnaires were sent to 2000 randomly selected members of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery regarding their management of PTA. The return rate was 73%. Ninety-six percent of the physicians who returned survey forms treated an average of seven PTAs per year using either needle aspiration, incision and drainage, or abscess tonsillectomy to drain the abscess initially. The incidence of PTA in the United States and Puerto Rico among patients 5 to 59 years of age treated by survey practitioners is 30.1 per 100,000 person years, accounting for approximately 45,000 cases per year. Four meta-analyses were completed to quantify the success rate of needle aspiration in the treatment of PTA (94%), the recurrence rate of PTA (10% to 15%), the rate at which penicillin-resistant microorganisms are found in patients with PTA (0% to 56%), and the rate of prior oropharyngeal infections associated with PTA (11% to 56%). The recurrence rate for PTA in the United States is 10%, which is significantly different from the recurrence rate of 15% reported from the rest of the world (P < .002). A clinical intervention for PTA is proposed based on the clinical series, the national survey data, and the meta-analyses. These clinical guidelines recommend that needle aspiration be used as the initial surgical drainage procedure for all patients with a PTA other than those who have indications for abscess tonsillectomy. Patients should be treated in an outpatient setting, should receive penicillin if they are not allergic to it, and should receive adequate pain medication. The evidence does not suggest that there is any benefit in examining the abscess contents for microorganisms. Approximately 30% of patients with PTA can be expected to exhibit relative indications for a tonsillectomy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Dilemmas of Japanese Professional Women.

Despite advanced industrialization, Japanese professional women have been excluded from responsible positions in most private industries. They are placed on a career track separate from male employees and discriminated against in wages, promotion and retirement. Most working women, however, take this differential treatment for granted and view their employment as a temporary stage before marriage or child birth. This acceptance is possible because of (1) the high cultural value placed on motherhood and collective goal achievement, and (2) the housewife's unchallenged authority at home, which discourage women from pursuing an independent career. In addition, (1) the norms of rewarding continuous employment (that is, promotion and wage based on length of service— nenko joretsu ) and (2) the stress on group loyalty (as expressed by the long overtime put in by workers and active participation in the company's social activities) virtually deny women an option to combine familial and career roles. The homeoriented majority hinders the formation of effective public opinion advocating fairemployment practice, thus perpetuating the status quo of the sexual division of labor.
Modeling Grain Boundary Scattering and Thermal Conductivity of Polysilicon Using an Effective Medium Approach

This work develops a new model for calculating the thermal conductivity of polycrystalline silicon using an effective medium approach which discretizes the contribution to thermal conductivity into that of the grain and grain boundary regions. While the Boltzmann transport equation under the relaxation time approximation is used to model the grain thermal conductivity, a lower limit thermal conductivity model for disordered layers is applied in order to more accurately treat phonon scattering in the grain boundary regions, which simultaneously removes the need for fitting parameters frequently used in the traditional formation of grain boundary scattering times. The contributions of the grain and grain boundary regions are then combined using an effective medium approach to compute the total thermal conductivity. The model is compared to experimental data from literature for both undoped and doped polycrystalline silicon films. In both cases, the new model captures the correct temperature dependent trend and demonstrates good agreement with experimental thermal conductivity data from 20 to 300K.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Equity Traps: A Useful Construct for Preparing Principals to Lead Schools That Are Successful With Racially Diverse Students.

The concept of equity traps evolved from a qualitative study that revealed the conscious and unconscious thinking patterns and behaviors that trap teachers, administrators, and others, preventing t...
Fine-scale selection by ovipositing females increases egg survival

One of the most important defenses for the eggs of ovipositing female organisms is to avoid being laid in the same habitat as their predators. However, for most organisms, completely avoiding an offspring's predators is not possible. One mechanism that has been largely overlooked is for females to partition an oviposition site into microhabitats that differ in quality for offspring survival. We conducted a series of experiments to examine whether female newts avoid microhabitats utilized by their offspring's primary predator, caddisfly larvae. Female newts avoided laying eggs near predatory caddisflies and shifted egg laying upward in the water column when provided with a vertical dimension. Caddisflies were attracted to chemical stimuli from female newts and their eggs, yet primarily used benthic areas in experimental chambers. Finally, results from a field experiment indicate that the behavioral strategy employed by female newts increases offspring survival. This subset of non-genetic maternal effects, micro-oviposition avoidance, is likely an important yet underexplored mechanism by which females increase offspring survival.
Optic neuropathy occurring after bee and wasp sting

Abstract Objective To inform ophthalmologists about bee and wasp sting–related optic neuropathy. Design Two case reports and literature review. Methods Review of two cases, clinical history, laboratory testing, and follow-up. Results Two cases of bee and wasp sting optic neuritis are described and five additional cases of optic neuritis occurring after Hymenoptera sting are reviewed from the English language literature. These cases share certain characteristics, including acute to subacute onset of symptoms; moderate to severe visual loss followed by significant visual recovery; edematous and hemorrhagic optic discs; and central or cecocentral scotomas. Conclusions Acute optic neuropathy may follow Hymenoptera sting to the face.
Functional characterization and identification of mouse Rad51d splice variants.

The homologous recombination (HR) pathway is vital for maintaining genomic integrity through the restoration of double-stranded breaks and interstrand crosslinks. The RAD51 paralogs (RAD51B, RAD51C, RAD51D, XRCC2, XRCC3) are essential for this process in vertebrates, and the RAD51D paralog is unique in that it participates in both HR repair and telomere maintenance. RAD51D is also known to directly interact with the RAD51C and XRCC2 proteins. Rad51d splice variants have been reported in mouse and human tissues, supportive of a role for alternative splicing in HR regulation. The present study evaluated the interaction of the Rad51d splice isoform products with RAD51C and XRCC2 and their expression patterns. Yeast-2-hybrid analysis was used to determine that the Mus musculus Rad51d splice variant product RAD51DΔ7b (deleted for residues 219 through 223) was capable of interacting with both RAD51C and XRCC2 and that RAD51D+int3 interacted with XRCC2. In addition, the linker region (residues 54 through 77) of RAD51D was identified as a region that potentially mediates binding with XRCC2. Cellular localization, detected by EGFP fusion proteins, demonstrated that each of the splice variant products tested was distributed throughout the cell similar to the full-length protein. However, none of the splice variants were capable of restoring resistance of Rad51d-deficient cell lines to mitomycin C. RT-PCR expression analysis revealed that Rad51dΔ3 (deleted for exon 3) and Rad51dΔ5 (deleted for exon 5)transcripts display tissue specific expression patterns with Rad51dΔ3 being detected in each tissue except ovary and Rad51dΔ5 not detected in mammary gland and testis. These expression studies also led to the identification of two additional Rad51d ubiquitously expressed transcripts, one deleted for both exon 9 and 10 and one deleted for only exon 10. These results suggest Rad51d alternative splice variants potentially modulate mechanisms of HR by sequestering either RAD51C or XRCC2.
Combat between predatory copepods and their prey: Cyclops, Epischura, and Bosmina 1

Predatory copepods are not imprecise hunters: they are capable of sophisticated behavior. Pelagic species (Cyclops, Epischura) usually sense approaching prey from a distance and must judge approach angle and prey speed, reorient during attack, and often vary their handling responses. Below certain crucial sizes that trigger avoidance responses in the predator, attack distances are related to prey size and speed. Cyclopoids and predatory calanoids (Epischwa) capture and handle prey differently, and the morphology of the first maxillae reflects these modes. Apparently, the coexistence of certain small-bodied cladocerans (Bosmina, Chydorms) with predatory copepods results more from the evolution of effective defenses in the prey than from the clumsiness of the predator.
Gaps in the achievement of effectiveness of HCV treatment in national VA practice

Background & Aims Antiviral treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) has high efficacy rates for achieving sustained viral response (SVR) in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (40–80%); however, it can be lower in community-based practice settings. We wanted to determine the effectiveness of HCV treatment in Veterans Administration (VA) hospitals nationwide. Methods Using the nationwide VA HCV Clinical Case Registry (CCR), we examined a cohort of veterans who had HCV viremia between 2000 and 2005 and identified patients who received pegylated-interferon (PEG-INF) and ribavirin. The duration of treatment and proportion of patients completing treatment was calculated. The effectiveness of treatment was measured as the proportion of patients who achieved SVR (negative viremia at least 12weeks after the end of treatment) in the entire cohort, and among patients who initiated and completed treatment. Results We identified 99,166 patients with HCV viremia. Of those, 11.6% received PEG-INF with ribavirin and 6.4% completed treatment. Contraindications were present in 57.2% of the patients that did not receive treatment. SVR was documented in 39.9% and 58.3% of patients who completed treatment; 23.6% and 50.6% of patients who initiated treatment; and 3.9% and 11.2% of the entire HCV cohort for genotype 1 or 4 and 2 or 3, respectively. Overall, only 3.5% of the entire HCV viremic cohort had a documented SVR. Conclusions Treatment effectiveness for HCV is low. In addition to fixed factors, such as race and virus genotype, the drop in effectiveness is due to low rates of antiviral treatment initiation and treatment completion.
Potential use of neurotrophic agents in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

The use of neurotrophic agents as therapy for neurodegene- rative disorders was originally proposed several years ago (1). Since then, several lines of evidence have converged to support the consideration of neurotrophic factor therapy for clinical disorders. In particular, the cho- linergic neuronal atrophy that occurs in Alzheimer's disease has been identified as a strong potential candidate for the first cLinical trials of nerve growth factor (NGF) in a human neurodegenerative disorder. In the current communication, we review issues related to potential trials of NGF in Alzheimer's disease.
Precise Measurement of the Transition Curvature in Magnetic Recording

Using spin-stand, the bit transition curvature is underestimated due to the insufficient spatial resolution along the cross-track direction. The approximation of the transition curvature of the magnetic recording can be improved by integrating multiple 2-D scans available to a spin-stand system or a drag tester. Each 2-D magnetic image is scanned with different skew angles of the read head. The sufficient integration is then achieved by maximizing the magnitude of the frequency images in the Fourier domain associated with the scanned images in their spatial domain. The best spatial resolution in different directions due to different skew angles is consequently conserved and further combined into a restored image. 2-D scans with skew angles which match the angle of the transition curve generate the best approximation of the curvature by applying this integration technique.
The potential of Raman spectroscopy for the analysis of diagenetically transformed carotenoids

Recently, carotenoids have received much attention as target compounds for astrobiological prospecting principally because they are a group of molecules that display unique diagnostic Raman spectra that can be assigned to organic material of unequivocal biological origin. However, no work has been performed on assessing the potential of Raman spectroscopic detection of carotenoids from fossilized microbes. Here, we report the first Raman spectra acquired from ‘perhydro’ derivatives of b-carotene and lycopene formed by hydrogenation of the polyene chain during diagenesis, resulting in much less specific fossil hydrocarbons such as b-carotane and lycopane, respectively. We propose here that diagenetically altered carotenoids formed by hydrogenation reactions during the fossilization processes also provide unique diagnostic spectra that can be interpreted as a biological signature.
THE EFFECT OF STRETCH WRAP PRE-STRETCH ON UNITIZED LOAD CONTAINMENT

There are three main factors affecting the stability of a palletized load that is unitized by a stretch wrapping mechanism. These factors include the type of unitized load, wrapping configuration and shipping method. The wrapping configuration is determined on the basis of the type of unitized load and shipping method. For this study, the aforementioned components were referred to as the package, the product, and the distribution environment. These components come together to make up a stretch wrapping system. The package corresponds to the stretch wrap film that is packaging the unitized load and pallet. The product corresponds to the goods placed on the pallet to be packaged by the stretch wrapper. The distribution environment corresponds to the hazards that the packaged product will encounter in transit. This study was designed to observe and understand the interactions between each of the components of the stretch wrap system. Prior to stretch wrapping a pallet of product, the film is elongated or pre-stretched. The elastic nature of the stretch wrap forces the film to conform around the palletized load. It is hypothesized that the film force that the stretch wrap applies to the palletized load contributes to improved load containment. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine the existence of a correlation between percentage pre-stretch to change in film force and load containment. For the study, a range of pre-stretched unitized loads were subjected to ISTA 3E distribution testing. Simultaneously the film force was monitored during the period of distribution testing. Subsequent to distribution testing, the load dispersion was quantified. The data obtained from this test suggested that there is no correlation between percentage pre-stretch and change in film force or load containment. The study also compared three methods of calculating pre-stretch: the marking wheel procedure, tapeless measure, and film cut and weigh. It was found that the most consistent method was the marking wheel procedure, followed by the cut and weigh procedure, and the tapeless measure procedure.
Reliability of Heterochromatic Flicker Photometry in Measuring Macular Pigment Optical Density among Preadolescent Children

Macular pigment optical density (MPOD)—assessed using customized heterochromatic flicker photometry (cHFP)—is related to better cognition and brain lutein among adults. However, the reliability of MPOD assessed by cHFP has not been investigated in children. We assessed inter-session reliability of MPOD using modified cHFP. 7–10-year-olds (n = 66) underwent cHFP over 2 visits using 11 examiners. Reliability was also assessed in a subsample (n = 46) with only 2 examiners. Among all participants, there was no significant difference between the two sessions (p = 0.59—session 1: 0.61 ± 0.28; session 2: 0.62 ± 0.27). There was no significant difference in the MPOD of boys vs. girls (p = 0.56). There was a significant correlation between sessions (Y = 0.52x + 0.31; R2 = 0.29, p ≤ 0.005), with a reliability of 0.70 (Cronbach’s α). Among the subsample with 2 examiners, there was a significant correlation between sessions (Y = 0.54x + 0.31; R2 = 0.32, p < 0.005), with a reliability of 0.72 (Cronbach’s α). In conclusion, there is moderate reliability for modified cHFP to measure MPOD in preadolescents. These findings provide support for future studies aiming to conduct noninvasive assessments of retinal xanthophylls and study their association with cognition during childhood.
Technology Evolution Modeling and Decision Making Under Uncertainty

Design is an uncertain human activity involving decisions with uncertain outcomes. Sources of uncertainty in product design include uncertainty in modeling methods, market preferences, and performance levels of subsystem technologies, among many others. The performance of a technology evolves over time, typically exhibiting improving performance. As the performance of a technology in the future is uncertain, quantifying the evolution of these technologies poses a challenge in making long-term design decisions. Here, we focus on how to make decisions using formal models of technology evolution. The scenario of a wind turbine energy company deciding which technology to invest in demonstrates a new technology evolution modeling technique and decision making method. The design of wind turbine arrays is a complex problem involving decisions such as location and turbine model selection. Wind turbines, like many other technologies, are currently evolving as the research and development efforts push the performance limits. In this research, the development of technology performance is modeled as an S-curve; slowly at first, quickly during heavy research and development effort, and slowly again as the performance approaches its limits. The S-curve model typically represents the evolution of just one performance attribute, but designers generally deal with problems involving multiple important attributes. Pareto frontiers representing the set of optimal solutions that the decision maker can select from at any point in time allow for modeling the evolution of technologies with multiple attributes. As the performance of a technology develops, the Pareto frontier shifts to a new location. The assumed S-curve form of technology development allows the designer to apply the uncertainty of technology development directly to the S-curve evolution model rather than applying the uncertainty to the future performance, giving a more focused application of uncertainty in the problem. The multi-attribute technology evolution modeling technique applied in decision-making gives designers greater insight when making long-term decisions involving technologies that evolve.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
IFSA: incremental feature-set augmentation for reinforcement learning tasks

Reinforcement learning is a popular and successful framework for many agent-related problems because only limited environmental feedback is necessary for learning. While many algorithms exist to learn effective policies in such problems, learning is often used to solve real world problems, which typically have large state spaces, and therefore suffer from the "curse of dimensionality." One effective method for speeding-up reinforcement learning algorithms is to leverage expert knowledge. In this paper, we propose a method for dynamically augmenting the agent's feature set in order to speed up value-function-based reinforcement learning. The domain expert divides the feature set into a series of subsets such that a novel problem concept can be learned from each successive subset. Domain knowledge is also used to order the feature subsets in order of their importance for learning. Our algorithm uses the ordered feature subsets to learn tasks significantly faster than if the entire feature set is used from the start. Incremental Feature-Set Augmentation (IFSA) is fully implemented and tested in three different domains: Gridworld, Blackjack and RoboCup Soccer Keepaway. All experiments show that IFSA can significantly speed up learning and motivates the applicability of this novel RL method.
Incidence of Remission in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: The Diabetes & Aging Study

OBJECTIVE To estimate the incidence of remission in adults with type 2 diabetes not treated with bariatric surgery and to identify variables associated with remission. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We quantified the incidence of diabetes remission and examined its correlates among 122,781 adults with type 2 diabetes in an integrated healthcare delivery system. Remission required the absence of ongoing drug therapy and was defined as follows: 1) partial: at least 1 year of subdiabetic hyperglycemia (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] level 5.7–6.4% [39–46 mmol/mol]); 2) complete: at least 1 year of normoglycemia (HbA1c level RESULTS The incidence density (remissions per 1,000 person-years; 95% CI) of partial, complete, or prolonged remission was 2.8 (2.6–2.9), 0.24 (0.20–0.28), and 0.04 (0.01–0.06), respectively. The 7-year cumulative incidence of partial, complete, or prolonged remission was 1.47% (1.40–1.54%), 0.14% (0.12–0.16%), and 0.007% (0.003–0.020%), respectively. The 7-year cumulative incidence of achieving any remission was 1.60% in the whole cohort (1.53–1.68%) and 4.6% in the subgroup with new-onset diabetes ( 65 years, African American race, CONCLUSIONS In community settings, remission of type 2 diabetes does occur without bariatric surgery, but it is very rare.
THE IMMUNOLOGICAL RELATIONS OF THE ROUS CHICKEN SARCOMA

The injection of chicken embryo, in amounts of from 1 to 10 cc., confers no resistance against the Rous chicken sarcoma, when this is inoculated from 5 to 100 days after the preliminary treatment.
A 10-GHz high-efficiency active antenna sub-array

This paper presents the design and implementation of a 10-GHz 4-element spatial power combiner. The GaAs-MESFET amplifiers are designed to operate in switched class-E mode, feeding dual-layer patch antennas. A Wilkinson combiner feed was designed for the input with 0.7 dB loss. The individual amplifiers operate at 64% drain efficiency and deliver 20.6 dBm output power. The total output power delivered from the active array is 26.6 dBm (0.46 W), for 20 dBm input power. The average drain efficiency of the amplifiers in the array is 70% and the power added efficiency is 57%.
Beyond the Biology: A Systematic Investigation of Noncontent Instructor Talk in an Introductory Biology Course

Instructors create classroom environments that have the potential to impact learning by affecting student motivation, resistance, and self-efficacy. However, despite the critical importance of the learning environment in increasing conceptual understanding, little research has investigated what instructors say and do to create learning environments in college biology classrooms. We systematically investigated the language used by instructors that does not directly relate to course content and defined the construct of Instructor Talk. Transcripts were generated from a semester-long, cotaught introductory biology course (n = 270 students). Transcripts were analyzed using a grounded theory approach to identify emergent categories of Instructor Talk. The five emergent categories from analysis of more than 600 quotes were, in order of prevalence, 1) Building the Instructor/Student Relationship, 2) Establishing Classroom Culture, 3) Explaining Pedagogical Choices, 4) Sharing Personal Experiences, and 5) Unmasking Science. Instances of Instructor Talk were present in every class session analyzed and ranged from six to 68 quotes per session. The Instructor Talk framework is a novel research variable that could yield insights into instructor effectiveness, origins of student resistance, and methods for overcoming stereotype threat. Additionally, it holds promise in professional development settings to assist instructors in reflecting on the learning environments they create.
Abstract 211: Racial Gaps in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with End-stage Renal Disease

Background: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) increases risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and also worsens prognosis in CAD patients. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stenting is an effective treatment procedure for certain categories of CAD patients. It remains unclear whether post-procedure mortality in ESRD patients is associated with patients’ race and a type of stent [[Unable to Display Character: –]] a drug-eluting stent (DES) or a bare-metal stent (BMS). Hypothesis: We hypothesized that disparities in utilization of DES and BMS stents and post-procedure mortality would exist in CAD patients with ESRD (CAD-ESRD). Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of in-hospital mortality in 12,289 CAD-ESRD patients [mean+SD age: 65.4+11.9 years; 60.3% (7,414 of 12,289) males] after PCI with DES and BMS during 2007-2011. Patients’ race was defined as white, black, or other (Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American). Due to short length of stay, in-hospital death was defined as a binary variable (discharged alive or deceased). Multivariable logistic regression was used to obtain adjusted odds ratios (OR) for in-hospital death after DES and BMS PCI in relation to patients’ race, adjusting for clinical and demographic characteristics, including age, gender, number of stents inserted, number of vessels treated, socio-economic status, emergency department (ED) admission, rural/urban area status. Results: Crude (unadjusted) post-PCI mortality was 4.4%, with crude post-DES mortality being 3.4% and post-BMS mortality being 6.7% ( P <0.001). In the adjusted multivariable analysis, DES stents were also associated with lower mortality as compared to BMS (adjusted OR, 0.49; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.42-0.57; P <0.001). DES stents were received by the majority of patients in all racial groups: 68.3% black, 68.9% white, and 76.9% other patients received DES. In the adjusted multivariable analysis, black patients had a borderline lower risk of post-procedure death than white patients (adjusted OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.49-0.99; P =0.046), while in white and other patients the risk of post-procedure death was similar (adjusted OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.48-1.03; P =0.072). Conclusions: Our results are indicative of the persistence of racial differences in post-PCI mortality in CAD-ESRD patients still exist, regardless of the improvements in the technique. Further studies investigating the mechanisms responsible for these disparities are warranted.
Wnt -10b directs hypermorphic development and transformation in mammary glands of male and female mice

Wnt-10b is expressed during the formation of the mammary rudiment in mouse embryos and its expression continues through puberty when the mammary ductal pattern is established under control of ovarian steroids. Recently, viral activation of the Wnt-10b locus has linked its overexpression to mammary tumor formation, suggesting a role for Wnt-10b in patterning and growth-regulation of the mammary gland. To test this notion, we created lines of transgenic mice that express elevated levels of Wnt-10b under the control of the MMTV promoter/enhancer. Overexpression of this gene resulted in profound developmental alterations in the mammary gland, including expanded glandular development and the precocious appearance of alveoli in virgin females. Moreover, transgenic male mice also exhibited dramatic mammary development involving highly branched mammary ducts and gynecomastia. Aberrant expression of Wnt-10b in the mammary rudiments of males evidently bypasses the normal requirement for ovarian hormonal control in stimulating mammary ductal growth and the repressive effects of androgens. In addition to these developmental effects, transgenic mice of both sexes were highly susceptible to the development of mammary adenocarcinomas. Such tumors arose in a solitary manner indicating that Wnt-10b is a proto-oncogene which provides a necessary, but insufficient signal for oncogenesis. Relevant to this, there was no evidence of amplified expression of FGF mRNAs in these tumors though the Fgf's are a class of genes often implicated as collaborators in Wnt-mediated tumor formation. Indeed, co-expression of MMTV-Wnt-10b and MMTV-FGF-3/int-2 resulted in sterile offspring with highly disorganized mammary epithelium, demonstrating a potent interaction between their respective developmental pathways. These results suggest that Wnt-10b, or other Wnt genes expressed early in mammary development, play a role in regulating sexual dimorphism and show potent transforming activity when overexpressed.
'Débrouillez-Vous': Women's Work, Transactional Sex, and the Politics of Social Networks

Women in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo are increasingly entering new professions partly due to an increase in higher education levels. In so doing, and as they become more visible in political and economic spheres, women are subjected to new forms of moral suspicion. While women have historically maintained a strong presence in the informal sector, such as commerce, new urban modes of employment dictate new kinds of visibility. It is within this context that notions of femininity and female virtue in Kinshasa continue to be redefined. This article explores several modes of employment for women, such as money-changing, journalism, and politics as they relate to local concepts of encadrement (supervision) and debrouillardisme (resourcefulness). Further, it also examines the threat that a woman's social network outside of her kin poses to men, as well as how women's participation in the economic sphere can motivate distrust between the genders.
On Functions with Summable Derivative

(1971). On Functions with Summable Derivative. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 78, No. 8, pp. 874-875.
The A.D. 900 -930 Seattle-Fault-Zone Earthquake with a Wider Coseismic Rupture Patch and Postseismic Submergence: Inferences from New Sedimentary Evidence

Stratigraphic evidence for coseismic uplift, a tsunami, and a sandy debris flow linked to the A.D. 900–930 Seattle‐fault‐zone earthquake and subsequent submergence is present at Gorst at the terminus of Sinclair Inlet, Washington. This study indicates that at least 3 m of uplift preceded a tsunami followed by a sandy debris flow. Though the Seattle and Tacoma fault zones ruptured within the error of ages of the tsunami deposit, model simulations indicate the Seattle fault generates an order of magnitude larger tsunami in the vicinity of the field area than the Tacoma fault and is the more likely generator of the tsunami. Simulations indicate amplitude from a Seattle‐fault‐zone‐generated wave train was 4–5 m, and stratigraphy shows the tsunami left a sandy deposit. Soft‐sediment deformation narrows the time window for the debris flow to the hours to months after the tsunami. Slope failure in unconsolidated glacial sands likely initiated a debris flow that surged at least 2 km down Gorst Creek valley and left a more than 40‐cm‐thick deposit along the creek and in the wetlands. Submergence of a Thuja plicata (western red cedar) swamp into the intertidal zone indicates at least 1.5 m of submergence in the last 1100 years. This submergence indicates uplift on nearby marine terraces associated with the Seattle fault zone was likely higher, and the A.D. 900–930 earthquake was potentially larger, than previously recognized.
Absorption of Glucose from the Stomach of the Dog

ConclusionsGlucose is absorbed from the stomach when present in high concentrations. The rate of absorption would seem to bear a relationship to the concentration of the solution in the stomach.
Molecularly-doped polyurethane foams with massive piezoelectric response

We report flexible piezoelectric polyurethane foams with d33 piezocoefficients up to 244 ± 30 pC N−1. Polymer foams have large volume changes under applied force, and dipole-doped polymers can have large polarizations even when poled at fields two orders of magnitude lower than space-charge electrets. Combining these features results in piezocoefficients an order of magnitude higher than conventional polymer piezomaterials, and independent selection of matrix and dopant should permit easy processing and tailorable properties. We further motivate the use of mesostructured materials by noting that the theoretical piezocoefficient limit is much higher for such materials than for conventional ceramics or polymers.
Using Item Response Theory to Refine Knowledge Tracing.

Previous work on knowledge tracing has fit parameters per skill (ignoring differences between students), per student (ignoring differences between skills), or independently for each pair (risking sparse training data and overfitting, and undergeneralizing by ignoring overlap of students or skills across pairs). To address these limitations, we first use a higher order Item Response Theory (IRT) model that approximates students’ initial knowledge as their one-dimensional (or low-dimensional) overall proficiency, and combines it with the estimated difficulty and discrimination of each skill to estimate the probability knew of knowing a skill before practicing it. We then fit skill-specific knowledge tracing probabilities for learn, guess, and slip. Using synthetic data, we show that Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) can recover the parameters of this Higher-Order Knowledge Tracing (HO-KT) model. Using real data, we show that HO-KT predicts performance in an algebra tutors significantly better than fitting knowledge tracing parameters per student or per skill.
Mitochondrial gene expression profiles are associated with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

Abstract Introduction Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) affects 0.2–2% of pregnant women. While the maternal clinical course of ICP is usually benign, the fetal effects can be severe spanning from spontaneous preterm birth to fetal demise to long term effects on the health of the progeny. ICP is characterized by high maternal serum levels of bile acids and placental and hepatic bile acids accumulation. Intrahepatic cholestasis, in the non-pregnant state, has been also linked to alterations of the mitochondrial activity attributed to high oxidative stress rates driven by high intracellular bile acids concentrations. Here we explored the hypothesis that elevated bile acid levels of ICP modify the placental mitochondrial activity. Methods By using a set of 12 ICP and 12 control placenta samples, we assessed the expression of all 13 mitochondrial-encoded protein-coding genes and the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) relative abundance by real-time PCR. We also assessed the oxidative stress status by measuring DNA damage by ELISA. Results We determined that: 1) the expression of MT-ND4L (+53% – p MT-ND4 (−19%–0.05 MT-ND5 (+40% – p MT-CYTB (+35% – p 0.05); 3) the oxidative stress status is associated with ICP (4403.9 pM 8-oxo-dG/μg DNA in ICP vs 3809.8 pM 8-oxo-dG/μg DNA in controls – p Discussion This preliminary study suggests that mitochondria in placenta respond to high oxidative stress to modify their gene expression which may play an important role in the pathophysiology of ICP.
Variability Assessment of Label-Free LC-MS Experiments for Difference Detection

In the analysis of data acquired from label-free experiments by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS), accounting for potential sources of variability can improve the detection of true differences in ion abundance. Mixed effects models are commonly used to estimate variabilities due to heterogeneity of the biological specimen, differences in sample preparation, and instrument variation. In this chapter, we investigate the mixed effects models and evaluate their performance in difference detection, in comparison to other methods such as marginal t-test, which uses the average over analytical and technical replicates within each biological sample for statistical analysis. Experimental design including replication assignment and sample size calculation is discussed. These are highly dependent on the variation contributed by the different sources, which can be estimated from LC-MS pilot studies prior to running large-scale label-free experiments.
Comment on Cary Moskovitz’ “Text Recycling in Health Sciences Literature: A Rhetorical Perspective”

The question of covert text recycling from previous publications is discussed. It is argued that, consistent with current guidance, authors may be allowed to covertly recycle a limited amount of their previously published material but mainly at the phrase level and only when it is composed of very complex descriptions laden with technical terms for which there are no suitable substitutes. Authors may recycle longer segments of text using standard scholarly conventions of quotation and attribution or via some other informal means that alerts readers as to the scope of the recycling, thereby ensuring transparency. The use of percent similarity scores as thresholds for acceptable amounts of reuse should be discouraged. Instead, editors should be given the flexibility to evaluate each instance of recycling by taking into account factors such as the technical nature of the recycled text and the language proficiency of the authors. This article is a response to the following commentary: http://researchintegrityjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41073-017-0025-z .
Reducing indoor air pollutants with air filtration units in wood stove homes

Abstract Background Biomass burning has been shown to be a major source of poor indoor air quality (IAQ) in developing and higher income countries across the world. Specifically, wood burning for cooking and heating contributes to high indoor concentrations of fine (particles with aerodynamic diameters 2.5 ) and coarse (particles with aerodynamic diameters 2.5 μm; PMc) particulate matter. Endotoxin, predominantly found within the coarse fraction of airborne particulate matter, is associated with proinflammatory effects and adverse outcomes among susceptible populations. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of air filter interventions in reducing indoor PM 2.5 , PMc, and PMc-associated endotoxin concentrations in homes using a wood stove for primary heating. Results Homes ( n = 48) were randomized to receive in-room air filtration units with either a high efficiency filter (i.e. active) or a lower efficiency fiberglass filter (i.e., placebo). The active filter intervention showed a 66% reduction in indoor PM 2.5 concentrations (95% CI: 42.2% to 79.7% reduction) relative to the placebo intervention. Both the active and the placebo filters were effective in substantially reducing indoor concentrations of PMc (63.3% and 40.6% average reduction for active and placebo filters, respectively) and PMc-associated endotoxin concentrations (91.8% and 80.4% average reductions, respectively). Conclusions These findings support the use of high efficiency air filtration units for reducing indoor PM 2.5 in homes using a wood stove for primary heating. We also discovered that using lower efficiency, lower cost filter alternatives can be effective for reducing PMc and airborne endotoxin in homes burning biomass fuel.
Breast cancer in patients with Li-Fraumeni syndrome - a case-series study and review of literature.

Background Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS) is a rare disease with autosomal dominant inheritance linked to germline mutations of tumor suppressor gene TP53. These patients are predisposed to malignancies such as sarcoma, breast cancer, leukemia, and other malignancies. Breast cancer, the most common malignancy in adult patients with LFS, has an early-onset presentation and is usually treated as per the guidelines for the general population due to the limited literature about breast cancer in LFS. We aimed to describe our institutional experience treating patients with breast cancer and LFS to contribute to literature about this entity. Design Retrospective single-institution case-series study. We searched for cases with LFS and breast cancer from 01/01/2000 to 12/31/2015 with treatment received at our institution. Results We identified 4 cases (2 African Americans, 1 Indian, and 1 Hispanic) in 4 different families, who were diagnosed with LFS after presenting with breast cancer. Three cases were triple-negative disease and 1 case was ER+, HER2 positive disease. They were treated with mastectomy and a third-generation breast chemotherapy regimen and/or trastuzumab-containing regimen. Radiation therapy was used in 2 patients. Breast cancer recurrence was seen in 1 patient, while three other malignancies were identified after breast cancer treatment (1 breast sarcoma, 1 leiomyosarcoma, and 1 myelodysplastic syndrome). A patient, who underwent surveillance with a positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan, was found to have a stage I leiomyosarcoma and was treated with surgical resection, but then developed metastatic disease requiring cytotoxic chemotherapy. Conclusion Breast cancer among patients with LFS needs a multidisciplinary treatment approach. Surgical management follows the guidelines for the general population. Risk-benefit assessment of chemotherapy and radiotherapy needs to be performed carefully in a case-by-case approach. Patients should undergo multimodality cancer surveillance, preferably in the context of a clinical trial.
Effect of Alcohol on Energy Storage of Primary Astrocytes and C6-Glioma Cells In Vitro

The present experiments were conducted to investigate the direct effects of ethanol on the energy metabolism of astrocytes and C6-glioma cells. Primary astrocytes were prepared from cerebral cortices of neonatal rats, and C6-glioma cells were purchased from American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). These cells were exposed to different concentrations of alcohol (100 mM, 200 mM, and 300 mM) for 15 minutes and 24 hours. The amount of ATP and PCr was measured by the method of Lowry and Passonneau (1972). Following 15 minutes treatment with different doses of ethanol the amount of ATP and PCr increased, in both cell types. Only the increase of ATP concentration with varying doses of ethanol (100 mM, 200 mM, and 300 mM) was statistically significant. Following 24 hours treatment of astrocytes with different doses of ethanol the concentration of ATP and PCr decreased. The decrease in concentration of ATP was significant with all three doses of ethanol, but the decrease of PCr concentration was only statistically significant with 300 mM ethanol. Following 24 hours treatment of C6-glioma cells to varying doses of ethanol, the concentration of PCr and ATP decreased. The decrease of PCr was statistically significant with all three doses of ethanol and the decrease of ATP concentration was only significant with 300 mM ethanol.
Inhibition of pseudomonal ulceration in rabbit corneas by a synthetic matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor.

Purpose. To evaluate the effect of the synthetic matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, Galardin, on proteases produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) and on a rabbit model of Pseudomonas keratitis. Methods. Protease activities of culture broths from Pseudomonas strains PA-28 and W-186 were characterized in vitro by gelatin zymography and by digestion of Azocasein in the presence and absence of Galardin and the serine protease inhibitor, aprotinin. In a noninfectious in vivo experiment, sterile PA culture broth from W-186 was injected intrastromally into rabbit corneas that were treated topically with Galardin or vehicle, then evaluated clinically and histologically. In an infectious in vivo experiment, rabbit corneas were injected with washed PA-28, then treated topically with Galardin or vehicle and clinically scored. Results. Gelatin zymography of culture broth from W-186 and PA-28 detected two proteases that were both inhibited by Galardin. Galardin reduced the digestion of Azocasein by both PA culture broths by 99%, whereas aprotinin did not significandy reduce the protease activity of PA-28 conditioned broth. Intrastromal injection of sterile W-186 culture broth caused rapid corneal destruction that was prevented by topical treatment with Galardin. Intrastromal injection of washed PA-28 bacteria resulted in progressive corneal melting that was significandy (P < 0.005) delayed, but ultimately not prevented, by topical treatment with Galardin. Conclusions. Pseudomonal protease activity in culture brodi consisted predominandy of metalloproteinases and were effectively inhibited by Galardin in vitro. Topical treatment with Galardin prevented destruction of rabbit corneas by bacterial products present in culture brodi, and it delayed corneal destruction after injection of PA bacteria. Galardin may be a useful adjuvant when corneal destruction proceeds despite prompt antibiotic treatment. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1996;37:20-28.
Food Is Medicine: Using a 4-Week Cooking Program of Plant-Based, Olive oil Recipes to Improve Diet and Nutrition Knowledge in Medical Students

Diet can be used to treat chronic diseases, yet nutrition education is not sufficiently included in most medical school curriculum. Providing practical nutrition information that could lead to improvements in clinical measures could improve patient outcomes and physician clinical skills; it might also improve the diet and eating behavior of the medical student. This study used a 4-week cooking program of plant-based recipes that included extra virgin olive oil to provide medical students with practical cooking skills and nutrition education. The results indicate that the program can improve both the diet and eating behavior of the student and their nutrition knowledge.
Abstract TP551: The Safety and Utility of Steroids in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Background: Hydrocephalus is a common complication in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and is one of the predictors of poor outcome. Currently the only treatment modality for...