cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiple copies of the bone-specific osteocalcin gene in mouse and rat

The osteocalcin (OC) gene was initially described as a single copy gene encoding the bone specific vitamin K dependent and vitamin D regulated protein. We report here the presence of multiple copies of the gene in mouse and rat. Southern blot analysis and restriction mapping of genomic DNA from several strains of mice indicated the presence of at least three copies of the OC coding sequence within a 19 kb fragment. Two closely linked OC genes contain the proximal promoter region with intact coding sequences. The third potential OC gene includes a 3.5 kb insert between an OC promoter-like region and a coding region that has several amino acid substitutions distributed among functional domains when compared with the normal gene. The 940 nucleotides upstream of the modified coding region lack the well defined 5' regulatory elements that support basal and hormone-responsive transcriptional control. In rats either one or more OC genes were observed in different strains or in Sprague Dawley rats obtained from different suppliers.
The Influence of Boundary Conditions on the Thin Laminate Nonlinear Dynamics With Applications to a Printed Wiring Board

We study the dynamic response of a thin isotropic laminate in nonlinear elasticity with a Von Karman strain field. The equations of motion, in the form of decoupled Duffing equations, are obtained for the deflection of a laminate in the simply supported, rigidly clamped, and loosely clamped boundary conditions. We investigate the laminate modal response with respect to the initial condition, boundary condition, and harmonic forcing. Our numerical computation results revealed the quasi-periodic bifurcation in the nonlinear resonance of the laminate subject to the harmonic excitation. In addition, the laminate chaos presents a sensitive dependence on the initial and loading conditions. Although the thin laminate responses under different boundary conditions are identical to each other, the boundary conditions do affect the resonance deflection and the resonance frequencies subject to the same loading
Palliative and Curative Care Nurses' Attitudes toward Dying and Death in the Hospital Setting

This study tested the hypothesis that nurses' attitudes toward caring for the dying would be systematically related to the type of nursing unit in which they work. The competing hypothesis suggested that it may not be the structural variable of work setting, but the nurse's experience and, possibly, learned ability to cope with problems surrounding the care of the dying. The major finding was that work setting is a more significant force in shaping attitudes than is experience. The results suggest that nurses working in a curative setting, such as surgery or pediatrics, cannot easily escape the saliency of their unit's curative orientation and sentiment order.
Environmental Justice, Ecofeminism, and Power

This chapter explores the intersection between two major strains of environmental thought and praxis, environmental justice and ecofeminism, two fields of inquiry which each examine the conceptual and material linkages between the degradation of natural places and the marginalization and oppression of human communities. It shows how the critique of unequal power relations—both intra- and trans-human—central to each can help scientists and policy makers to comprehensively address current environmental issues. The current state of environmental discourse tends to view environmental issues as problems for science, and not as issues of social justice. Such an approach ignores the fact that not all groups of humans are situated equally in regard to ecological degradation and exposure to environmental toxins, as a direct result of histories of inequality and oppression. These histories are linked through processes of dualism, in which nature/humans, Anglo-European “whites”/people of color, and masculinity/femininity are placed into opposition. Such conceptual pairings are gendered, as well as raced, classed, and specied. Ecofeminism directly interrogates the sources and effects of these pairings, exposing the ways in which sexist ideologies are connected to “naturism.” Therefore, this chapter argues, struggles for environmental justice that do not incorporate an explicitly gendered and ecofeminist analysis of ecological problems will not adequately understand the ways in which systems of oppression (such as racism, colonialism, gender discrimination, and environmental degradation) are interconnected and mutually reinforcing. For this reason, ecofeminism, a political movement and theoretical stance which identifies and articulates these interconnections, is a necessary intervention into discussions and debates about how to alter the fact of environmental injustice.
The presentation and management of fibromatosis colli

We conducted a systematic chart review to identify all infants with fibromatosis colli who had been seen at Children's Hospital in Boston from January 1999 through December 2004. We found 7 such cases, which involved 4 boys and 3 girls, aged 1 to 3.5 weeks at presentation. We compiled information on each patient's birth history, presenting signs and symptoms, significant medical history, imaging findings, management, follow-up, and outcome. Six of the 7 patients presented with a neck mass, and the remaining patient presented with neck "fullness." Five patients developed torticollis at some point. All patients were treated conservatively with physiotherapy. Five patients experienced a complete resolution of signs and symptoms, and the other 2 experienced improvement. Based on our findings, we recommend that early management of fibromatosis colli include observation and physiotherapy to prevent or reverse torticollis and the craniofacial asymmetry that can result. Similarly attractive is the opportunity that physiotherapy provides for parents to involve themselves in the care of their newborn. It is important, therefore, to quickly identify fibromatosis colli as such in order to avoid unnecessary expenditures of resources and to promptly begin conservative treatment.
Optical Aharonov-Bohm Effect in Type-II Quantum Dots

The chapter describes the principles of and reviews recent progress on the Optical Aharonov-Bohm effect in quantum dots focusing on type-II quantum dot structures. Type-II quantum dots have been predicted to display the Optical Aharonov-Bohm effect (OABE) due to the strong polarization of an exciton that results from the spatial separation of the electrons and holes in such systems. The Aharonov-Bohm effect for type-II II–VI Zn(Mn)Te/ZnSe quantum dots is the principal topic of this chapter, with additional discussion of InGaAs/GaAs, InP/GaAs and GeSi type-II quantum dots, in which these effects have also been observed.
Testing general relativity’s no-hair theorem with x-ray observations of black holes

Despite its success in the weak gravity regime, general relativity (GR) has yet to be verified in the regime of strong gravity. In this paper, we present the results of detailed ray-tracing simulations aiming at clarifying if the combined information from x-ray spectroscopy, timing, and polarization observations of stellar mass and supermassive black holes can be used to test GR's no-hair theorem. The latter states that stationary astrophysical black holes are described by the Kerr family of metrics, with the black hole mass and spin being the only free parameters. We use four ``non-Kerr metrics,'' some phenomenological in nature and others motivated by alternative theories of gravity, and study the observational signatures of deviations from the Kerr metric. Particular attention is given to the case when all the metrics are set to give the same innermost stable circular orbit in quasi--Boyer-Lindquist coordinates. We give a detailed discussion of similarities and differences of the observational signatures predicted for black holes in the Kerr metric and the non-Kerr metrics. We emphasize that even though some regions of the parameter space are nearly degenerate even when combining the information from all observational channels, x-ray observations of very rapidly spinning black holes can be used to exclude large regions of the parameter space of the alternative metrics. Although it proves difficult to distinguish between the Kerr and non-Kerr metrics for some portions of the parameter space, the observations of very rapidly spinning black holes like Cyg X-1 can be used to rule out large regions for several black hole metrics.
Current and emerging treatment options for interstitial lung disease in patients with rheumatic disease

The management of connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD) is complex and this arena offers many challenges to the practicing clinician. Unfortunately, treatment strategies and recommendations are often based on experience rather than evidence, and there are few effective therapeutic options. Pharmacologic intervention with immunosuppression is usually the mainstay of therapy and is reserved for those with clinically significant and/or progressive ILD. There is a desperate need for controlled trials across the spectrum of CTD-ILD and a number of potentially promising novel therapies warrant further study. It is important to address co-morbid conditions or aggravating factors (e.g., gastroesophageal reflux, aspiration, bone health, pulmonary hypertension, Pneumocystis jiroveci prophylaxis) and to institute non-pharmacologic management strategies (e.g., supplemental oxygen and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation) as part of a comprehensive treatment plan in CTD-ILD.
An examination of body weight standards and the association between weight and health behaviors in the United States Air Force.

This study examined the weight standards used by the U.S. Air Force and tested whether Air Force personnel who exceed the maximum allowable weight standard are more likely to engage in health risk behaviors compared with individuals who do not exceed current Air Force weight standards. Participants were 32,144 individuals who completed basic military training from August 1995 to August 1996. Compared with body mass levels known to predict increased health risks, the Air Force maximum allowable weight standards were found to be more stringent for women than for men. Furthermore, exceeding the maximum allowable weight standard of the weight management programs did not consistently indicate that an individual engaged in a less healthy lifestyle than other airmen. Perhaps other risk factors, such as cigarette smoking, may be more closely linked to negative health consequences than body weight.
Surgical Treatment of Tinnitus

Surgery for tinnitus can be divided into procedures directed specifically at elimination of tinnitus versus those directed at an independent primary otopathology whose symptoms include tinnitus. For the latter, although there may be an independent primary goal for which the surgery is undertaken, tinnitus may be expected to improve secondarily. This article will address both tinnitus-specific and tinnitus non-specific procedures for objective and subjective causes.
Packaging ethics: Perceptual differences among packaging professionals, brand managers and ethically-interested consumers

In this article, we explore ethical perceptions of three product packaging issues as viewed by packaging professionals, brand managers, and ethically-interested consumers. We examine, differences between business practitioners and consumers with respect to ethical sensitivity, perceived consequences of business practices, and perceived industry norms. Additionally, we explore the prevalence of two types of values, pragmatic and moral, to determine if the use of these value-types differs among the three groups. We find that business practitioners exhibit less ethical sensitivity. Businesspeople also feel that the likelihood and severity of negative consequences resulting from a packaging practice is lower than do ethically-interested consumers. Finally, business practitioners do not differ from consumers with respect to moral values.
Crystal Chemical and Functional Representation of High-Tc Superconductors and Related Phases

Using crystallographic data on HTSC’s and a recently developed description of many HTSC’s as intercalation compounds, we review briefly the structural evidence and develop some structural correlations involving the dimensions, coordination and connectivities of functional units.
Opportunities and Responsibilities of the Franchised Automobile Dealer

This is a sophisticated discussion of the significant changes that have taken place in the automobile industry during the past few years, and the ones that are probably about to take place.If franc...
Single quantum dots for probing local environments

The intermittent emission of individual quantum dots makes it challenging to probe time-dependent changes. We explain strategies to overcome these difficulties and discuss using them as ratiometric resonance energy transfer-based probes and as temperature sensors.
Beyond Correlation in the Detection of Climate Change Impacts: Testing a Mechanistic Hypothesis for Climatic Influence on Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) Productivity

Detecting the biological impacts of climate change is a current focus of ecological research and has important applications in conservation and resource management. Owing to a lack of suitable control systems, measuring correlations between time series of biological attributes and hypothesized environmental covariates is a common method for detecting such impacts. These correlative approaches are particularly common in studies of exploited fish species because rich biological time-series data are often available. However, the utility of species-environment relationships for identifying or predicting biological responses to climate change has been questioned because strong correlations often deteriorate as new data are collected. Specifically stating and critically evaluating the mechanistic relationship(s) linking an environmental driver to a biological response may help to address this problem. Using nearly 60 years of data on sockeye salmon from the Kvichak River, Alaska we tested a mechanistic hypothesis linking water temperatures experienced during freshwater rearing to population productivity by modeling a series of intermediate, deterministic relationships and evaluating temporal trends in biological and environmental time-series. We found that warming waters during freshwater rearing have profoundly altered patterns of growth and life history in this population complex yet there has been no significant correlation between water temperature and metrics of productivity commonly used in fisheries management. These findings demonstrate that pairing correlative approaches with careful consideration of the mechanistic links between populations and their environments can help to both avoid spurious correlations and identify biologically important, but not statistically significant relationships, and ultimately producing more robust conclusions about the biological impacts of climate change.
Honing in on the ATP Release Channel in Taste Cells

Studies over the last 8 years have identified 3 potential channels that appear to release ATP from Type II cells in response to taste stimuli. These studies have taken different methodological approaches but have all provided data supporting their candidate channel as the ATP release channel. These potential channels include Pannexin 1, Connexins (30 and/or 43), and most recently, the Calhm1 channel. Two papers in this issue of Chemical Senses provide compelling new evidence that Pannexin 1 is not the ATP release channel. Tordoff et al. did a thorough behavioral analysis of the Pannexin1 knock out mouse and found that these animals have the same behavioral responses as wild type mice for 7 different taste stimuli that were tested. Vandenbeuch et al. presented an equally thorough analysis of the gustatory nerve responses in the Pannexin1 knock out mouse and found no differences compared with controls. Thus when the role of Pannexin 1 is analyzed at the systems level, it is not required for normal taste perception. Further studies are needed to determine the role of this hemichannel in taste cells.
1756 Can Children with Disabilities be Transported Safely? the Challenge and Solutions

Background and Aims Children with diverse medical problems are transported daily to school, medical appointments and family events. One-in-ten children worldwide have conditions that may require special consideration to ensure optimal transportation safety. How to safely transport this population is poorly understood. This initiative enhances understanding of correct occupant protection for children with disabilities. Method Positioning problems and physiologic stability of children with developmental, skeletal, and physiologic abnormalities and behavioral concerns were reviewed and where needed special restraints were identified. Biomechanical principles were investigated and applied where possible. Solutions were sought for each condition involving a unique concern. A literature review was conducted and resources identified, many of which were developed by the authors. Results Many infants and children with low birth weight or born prematurely, cerebral palsy, hypotonia, or spina bifida, and skeletal problems including children in casts following injury or surgery frequently cannot be safely transported in conventional car seats. Even within developed nations children with disabilities are suboptimally restrained. Solutions for difficult transportation problems have been developed and identified. Some problems remain unresolved and safety remains suboptimal for some conditions. Conclusions Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide and children are often severely injured or killed. Appropriate use of child restraints has been shown to save lives and reduce injury. Solutions exist for many conditions and families benefit from assistance in identification and access to these solutions. Transportation options will be explained and care improved by the information in this presentation.
Cutaneo-osteovesical fistula; report of a case following fracture of the pelvis, rupture of the bladder and hip fusion.

The case reported demonstrates multiple complications of a fracture of the pelvis with central displacement of the hip, culminating in a bizarre cutaneo-osteovesical fistula two and one-half years after the original trauma. Such fistulae following hip fusion produced by internal fixation or following hipnailing for fractures of the femoral neck are singularly rare. The fistula in this case was demonstrated by injection of the cutaneous ostium but not by cystography. The treatment of such fistulae should consist in adequate drainage of abscesses, removal of sequestra, establishment of adequate bladder drainage, and control of infection by chemotherapeutic and antibiotic agents.
Exercise and long-term CV risk reduction in corporate executives.

(1983). Exercise and Long-Term CV Risk Reduction in Corporate Executives. Health Education: Vol. 14, No. 4, pp. 26-27.
The Book of Good Love? Design Versus Desire in Metamorphoses 10

Much attention has been paid recently to the role of individual narrators within the Metamorphoses. Whereas it was once considered adequate to attribute the characteristics of the poem solely to Ovid as narrator, a number of critics have now drawn correlations between the development of certain tales and the character of the narrators to whom they are attributed within the poem.Book 10 calls particular attention to itself in this regard. Orpheus is its primary narrator: after losing Eurydice to death for the second and final time, he composes a song that recalls ‘boys beloved by the gods and young girls struck by unsanctioned passion’ (10.152-54) which occupies the major portion of the book. However, the marked dissonance between Orpheus' announced program and what actually unfolds pricks the reader's curiosity. The bard's initial criteria for choosing material implicitly condemn female passion and celebrate pederasty — an understandable, if extreme, reaction on the part of a man who has just been badly hurt by his passion for a woman. But of the seven stories that follow, only two concern divine pederasty; one of these ends unhappily. The subject of a third tale (Venus' love for Adonis) radically stretches the sense of ‘boy-love’. A fourth tale — of Pygmalion and his statue — does not fit either category of love.
Visible and UV resonance Raman spectroscopy of the peroxide-based explosive HMTD and its photoproducts

Hexamethylene triperoxide diamine (HMTD) is a peroxide-based explosive that is easily manufactured from household chemicals. This high-energy molecule is challenging to detect because it lacks the characteristic –NO2 functional group that is the primary target of modern detection devices. One tool that is well-suited for detection and characterization of HMTD and other peroxide explosives is Raman spectroscopy. Off-resonance Raman spectra with 514.5 nm excitation of HMTD and its 13C and 15N isotopologues are presented here. These experimental results are compared to calculations to reveal the vibrational structure and normal mode assignments of this strained molecule. Intense peaks that reflect global torsional motion appear in the low-frequency region (<700 cm−1), and the dominant peroxide O–O stretch appears at 773 cm−1. UV resonance Raman (UVRR) spectra with 228 nm excitation show signatures of the photodegradation products of HMTD. These photoproducts, including those of the isotopologues, are identified via mass spectrometry and vibrational analysis. We hypothesize that upon absorption of UV light, one or more O–O bond is cleaved, resulting in the release of formaldehyde and O2. Subsequent reactions create an imide product that has a strong band in the UVRR spectrum centered at 1736 cm−1. These results highlight the benefits of off- and on-resonance Raman spectroscopy as detection tools for HMTD and its photoproducts.
Concluding comments about student transition to higher education

This special issue of Transition to Higher Education contained studies from nine countries across the globe. The following provides a brief review of all nine studies, identifying common themes. These common themes include the importance of student expectations regarding their first-year experiences, as well as the importance of student academic and social integration. Another common theme was first-year stagnation, where some students experience little to no growth regarding motivation or deep approaches to learning. This section concludes by stressing the need for campuses to utilize their local data to better understand the factors that facilitate or undermine successful student transition on their campus.
Sputtering of lithiated and oxidated carbon surfaces by low-energy deuterium irradiation

Abstract We study sputtering of lithiated and oxidized amorphous carbon surfaces by deuterium impact in energy range 5–30 eV. Using classical molecular dynamics, we obtain the sputtering yield, the mass and energy spectra, as well as the angular distribution of ejected atoms and molecules of the surfaces saturated by accumulated deuterium impacts. Our results are compared with existing experimental and theoretical data for amorphous a-C:D surfaces, showing that presence of lithium reduces erosion of carbon, while oxygen further enhances this effect.
Hydrologic characteristics of a small desert mountain stream: implications for short-term magnitude and frequency of bedload transport

This paper examines the magnitude and frequency of fluvial processes over a 24-year period for a small desert mountain stream in southern Arizona. The hydrologic data indicate that flow occurred in this channel only 0·05% of the time. The probability density function of flow is distinctly non-lognormal and approximates a one-parameter gamma distribution due to the lack of base flow. Estimation of bedload transport for the flows indicates that the effective discharge for transport is probably equalled or exceeded only about 0·01% of the time, but may have a recurrence interval of approximately 2·5 years. A close correspondence between estimated bankfull flow of the active channel and the effective discharge suggests that equilibrium between form and process occurs in this system. However, because the active channel lies within an arroyo, other factors, such as catastrophic floods, appear to shape the gross channel morphology, which is in disequilibrium with the short-term hydrologic regime.
Adoptive Transfer of Tumor Reactive TGF-β Insensitive CD8+ T-cells for Cancer Therapy

Tumor immunology is characterized by an insufficient immunosurveillance, as most tumors are able to evade host’s immune surveillance program. One of the most profound tumor-derived immune suppressive factors has been TGF-β. Based on this understanding, we have tested adoptive transfer of Indeed, our experimental findings have confirmed this impression. These findings have allowed us to introduce the concept of an antitumor immune response cycle. The postulated cycle consists of three major participants, which are the transferred cytotoxic T-cells, the autologous tumor cells, and the host’s own immune system. The present chapter provides the necessary background, the experimental findings, and the clinical implications of the proposed antitumor immune response cycle. Based on this postulated cycle, we will be able to devise a successful antitumor strategy for advanced cancers.
Uncovering Longitudinal Health Care Behaviors for Millions of Medicaid Enrollees: A Multistate Comparison of Pediatric Asthma Utilization.

Background. This study introduces a framework for analyzing and visualizing health care utilization for millions of children, with a focus on pediatric asthma, one of the major chronic respiratory ...
Mechanisms Are Causes, Not Components: A Response to Connolly et al.

Connolly and colleagues’ ‘Process, mechanism, and modeling in macroecology’ [1] is an important contribution to clarifying how ecologists do science. We agree with the authors’ (hereafter CKCR) emphasis on a model-based approach rather than a syntactic or deductive law-based approach, as well as their aim to clarify the goals of ecological modeling. Their insight that ‘explicit representation of causal structure’ is central to ecology is important. Yet, in focusing exclusively on mechanistic models (MMs) and process-based models (PBMs), CKCR overlook a number of other modeling approaches that explicitly represent causal structure.
Protease activated receptor 2 (PAR2) activation causes migraine-like pain behaviors in mice:

BackgroundPain is the most debilitating symptom of migraine. The cause of migraine pain likely requires activation of meningeal nociceptors. Mast cell degranulation, with subsequent meningeal nocic...
A Review of the Friction Of Snow

Snow friction results from a mixture of processes, depending on the amount of meltwater present. With little meltwater, the surfaces are partially separated; with too much water, the contact area increases and there may be capillary attachments. Heat is generated by friction and solar radiation absorption at the interface and is conducted away by both slider and ice particles. The remaining heat is available to generate meltwater which acts as a lubricant. The important processes operate at the ski base temperature that is highly dependent on such things as snow-surface temperature, load and speed. Electrical charges are generated but are drained away quickly on most surfaces. The roughness elements, film thicknesses and contact areas must be characterized better before the basic processes can be understood further.
Eosinophilia and Eosinophilic Disorder

Eosinophilic disorders are a spectrum of diseases characterized by peripheral eosinophilia and eosinophilic infiltration in various organs. The manifestation of each disease varies by the affected organ. Here, we present two challenging cases in eosinophilic pneumonia and eosinophilic esophagitis.
Screening for Anthrax Postexposure Antibiotic Prophylaxis-The New York City Approach.

Individuals exposed to spores of B. anthracis must take a course of antibiotics as postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent inhalation anthrax. During an anthrax event, public health authorities a...
Fighting for Equality: Equal Opportunity for Women in the Military?

Contradictory views on women’s achievement in the workplace and society depict progress towards equality as inevitable (Jackson, 1998) or inhibited by social and institutional barriers (Lorber, 199...
Adolescent Bariatric Surgery: Effects of Socioeconomic, Demographic, and Hospital Characteristics on Cost, Length of Stay, and Type of Procedure Performed

Despite the efficacy of bariatric surgery in adolescents and the increasing rates of adolescent obesity, the use of bariatric surgery remains low. Treatment cost and length of stay (LOS) could be influencing the utilization of bariatric surgery. We used the Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID) from 2006, 2009, and 2012. Adolescents with a primary diagnosis of obesity who underwent bariatric surgery were included. Multinomial logistic and linear regression modeling was used to determine the association of the predictor variables with type of procedure and treatment cost and LOS, respectively. We identified 1799 adolescents who underwent bariatric surgery. The majority of the subjects were female (77%) and White (60%). The most commonly performed procedure was Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (56%). Race, region, hospital teaching status, and hospital ownership affected the type of procedure performed. Self-pay patients were less likely to undergo Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) than sleeve gastrectomy (SG) when compared to patients with private insurance. Teaching hospitals were less likely to perform RYGB or AGB than SG when compared to non-teaching hospitals. Treatment cost was significantly affected by income, teaching hospital status, hospital size, and surgery type. LOS was affected by income quartile, region, and surgery type. Socioeconomic and demographic factors as well as hospital characteristics affect not only the LOS and treatment cost, but also the type of bariatric surgery performed in adolescents. Identifying and understanding the factors influencing procedure choice, treatment cost, and LOS can improve care and healthcare resource utilization.
Abstract 107: Laser Angioscopy Reveals Concealed Ulcers in Substenotic Carotid Plaques in Cryptogenic Stroke Patients: A Preclinical Study

Introduction: Evidence suggests that a significant proportion of cryptogenic strokes may be due to artery-to-artery emboli from substenotic complicated carotid plaques. Thus, carotid artery disease...
Anti-racist Quantitative Research: Developing, Validating, and Implementing Racialized Teaching Efficacy and Racial Fragility Scales

This research article reports on the initial findings of a critical quantitative study, which developed and implemented a series of quantitative scales utilizing conceptualizations of racial fragility and anti-racist teacher self-efficacy scales. The scales were administered through a survey and yielded a usable sample of 4770 teachers in Missouri. Specifically, we address the scale development process, theoretical framework, and validation of the developed scales. The process analyzes the Racial Fragility Scale and the Racialized Teaching Efficacy Scale across teacher demographics. Ultimately, this project seeks to better articulate the nuances of non-racist, colorblind teaching in pursuit of moving the field toward an agentic, anti-racist stance in classrooms.
A domain decomposition approach to accelerate simulations of structure preserving nematic liquid crystal models

Abstract We present a method for speeding up equilibrium simulations of liquid crystals for two related models that are degenerate with respect to defects: the Ericksen model and the uniaxially constrained Landau-de Gennes model. The degeneracy induces a non-linear/non-smooth coupling between the two order parameters in both models that makes the discrete problems very stiff to solve. The technique described in this paper uses an alternating Schwarz domain decomposition method that isolates the degenerate region and alleviates some of the stiffness, and is easy to implement. We present numerical results illustrating the speed-up and how it is affected by the size of the sub-domains and the number of sub-iterations used within the degenerate region.
Autoimmune cytopenias following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant in pediatric patients: Response to therapy and late effects.

BACKGROUND Autoimmune cytopenias (AICs) are rare, but serious complications of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). PROCEDURE We performed a case-control study using 20 pediatric AIC cases and 40 controls, matched by stem cell source and primary indication comparing clinical and transplant characteristics, treatment, outcomes, and late effects. RESULTS Cases were more likely to be human leukocyte antigen mismatched (P = 0.04). There was no difference in conditioning regimen, serotherapy use, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis, incidence of acute or chronic GVHD, ABO compatibility, infections, and donor engraftment. The median time to AIC onset was 219 days (range, 97-1205 days) and AIC resolution was 365 days (range, 10 days to 2737.5 days). First-line therapies for AIC patients most commonly included corticosteroids (75%) and rituximab (55%). Only 25% of patients responded to first-line treatment. At a median of 611.5 days from last rituximab dose, 82.5% patients were still receiving intravenous immune globulin for hypogammaglobulinemia compared with 2.5% of controls (P < 0.0001). Iron overload was higher in AIC patients (P = 0.0004), as was avascular necrosis (P = 0.04). There was no difference in overall survival at one year after HSCT (85% vs 82.5%). Two patients with refractory autoimmune hemolytic anemia responded to daratumumab and had resolution of B-cell aplasia. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we find poor initial responses to AIC-directed therapies and significant late effects.
Integrated Photonic Laser Frequency Tracker for Space-Borne Optical Metrology Applications

A low-power, passive integrated photonic heterodyne interferometer with one meter of on-chip delay is demonstrated for laser frequency stabilization applications with 30 parts-per-billion accuracy. This technology can be integrated with future space-borne optical metrology systems.
Echocardiographic versus angiographic measurement of the aortic valve annulus in children undergoing balloon aortic valvuloplasty: method affects outcomes.

Objective: Operators are mindful of the balloon-to-aortic annulus ratio when performing balloon aortic valvuloplasty. The method of measurement of the aortic valve annulus has not been standardised. Methods and results: Patients who underwent aortic valvuloplasty at two paediatric centres between 2007 and 2014 were included. The valve annulus measured by echocardiography and angiography was used to calculate the balloon-to-aortic annulus ratio and measurements were compared. The primary endpoint was an increase in aortic insufficiency by ≥2 degrees. Ninety-eight patients with a median age at valvuloplasty of 2.1 months (Interquartile range (IQR): 0.2–105.5) were included. The angiographic-based annulus was 8.2 mm (IQR: 6.8–16.0), which was greater than echocardiogram-based annulus of 7.5 mm (IQR: 6.1–14.8) (p 1.2, with angiographic ratio flagging only 2/12 (16.7%) of patients flagged by echocardiographic ratio as “High” (p = 0.012). Patients who had an increase in the degree of aortic insufficiency post valvuloplasty, only 3 (5.5%) had angiographic ratio > 1.1, while 21 (38%) had echocardiographic ratio >1.1 (p 1.1 than angiographic ratio of >1.1 There was no association between increase in balloon-to-aortic annulus ratio and gradient reduction. Conclusions: Angiographic measurement is associated with a greater measured aortic valve annulus and the development of aortic insufficiency. Operators should use caution when relying solely on angiographic measurement when performing balloon aortic valvuloplasty.
Are Financial Statements More Comparable When GAAP Limits Managers’ Discretion?

This study examines whether financial statements are more comparable when accounting standards restrict managers’ discretion. I measure the extent to which GAAP restricts managers’ discretion by counting the number of times obligatory language is used in each standard. My primary findings suggest financial statements are less comparable when GAAP restricts managers’ discretion and that this effect is driven by dissimilar transactions appearing similar. Further, using SFAS 141 and SFAS 86 as salient examples, I provide evidence that accounting for similar transactions using similar accounting treatments, as required by SFAS 141, is associated with more comparable financial statements, yet accounting for dissimilar transactions using similar accounting treatments, as required by SFAS 86, is associated with less comparable financial statements. I also find that the impact of restricting managers’ discretion on comparability is attenuated when managers have incentives to manipulate earnings but only when managers are prevented from manipulating successfully. Last, I find that the decline in comparability associated with restricting managers’ discretion drives an increase in the cost of equity.
Program for generating tables of SU(3) ⊃ SU(2) ⊗ U(1) coupling coefficients

Abstract A C-Language program which tabulates the isoscalar factors and Clebsch-Gordan coefficients for products of representations in SU(3) ⊃ SU(2) ⊗ U(1) is presented. These are efficiently computed using recursion relations, and the results are presented in exact precision as square roots of rational numbers. Output is in LaTeX format.
Spin-Blockade Spectroscopy of Si / Si - Ge Quantum Dots

Singlet-triplet spin states of a quantum dot support promising semiconductor-based qubits, yet often suffer from poor state preparation and measurement, due to low-lying excited states. Engineering a large energy splitting is impeded by the inability to accurately measure both large and small energy splittings with the device biased to nominal operation. The authors present a measurement and fitting approach that accurately extracts both large and small splittings in this regime. They also find evidence that both orbital and valley degrees of freedom may set this energy separation, significantly affecting which paths to pursue in device design.
GridNet: fast data-driven EM-induced IR drop prediction and localized fixing for on-chip power grid networks

Electromigration (EM) is a major failure effect for on-chip power grid networks of deep submicron VLSI circuits. EM degradation of metal grid lines can lead to excessive voltage drops (IR drops) before the target lifetime. In this paper, we propose a fast data-driven EM-induced IR drop analysis framework for power grid networks, named GridNet, based on the conditional generative adversarial networks (CGAN). It aims to accelerate the incremental full-chip EM-induced IR drop analysis, as well as IR drop violation fixing during the power grid design and optimization. More importantly, GridNet can naturally leverage the differentiable feature of deep neural networks (DNN) to obtain the sensitivity information of node voltage with respect to the wire resistance (or width) with marginal cost. Grid-Net treats continuous time and the given electrical features as input conditions, and the EM-induced time-varying voltage of power grid networks as the conditional outputs, which are represented as data series images. We show that GridNet is able to learn the temporal dynamics of the aging process in continuous time domain. Besides, we can take advantage of the sensitivity information provided by GridNet to perform efficient localized IR drop violation fixing in the late stage design and optimization. Numerical results on 36000 synthesized power grid network samples demonstrate that the new method can lead to 105× speedup over the recently proposed full-chip coupled EM and IR drop analysis tool. We further show that localized IR drop violation fix for the same set of power grid networks can be performed remarkably efficiently using the cheap sensitivity computation from GridNet.
Would you Pay for a Facebook Account to Protect Your Privacy

The research’s purpose is to determine whether Facebook users would pay for their accounts to protect their privacy and reduce the number of advertisements shown to them by Facebook. Facebook account holders were recruited from Mechanical Turk to complete the survey. Choice-Based Conjoint (CBC) was used to estimate the utility consumers have for price, advertising, and privacy. Facebook users overwhelmingly prefer the no-cost option with the usual number of advertisements, and Facebook owning what is posted. Price is 50 percent more important than the next most important attribute: owning the data on Facebook. The number of advertisements shown on Facebook is about a third as important as price. Privacy concerns on Facebook are overshadowed by the cost of acquiring that privacy. Its contribution is making privacy and the number of advertisements shown a choice in the decision. Through tradeoff analysis, respondents must be explicit about what is important.
Evaluation of regions of the Czech Republic with the DEA method.

This article deals with an evaluation of the regions of the Czech Republic according to selected criteria. The evaluation was realized using the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) for the periods 2004–2007. Both macroeconomic and demographic indicators were included in the model. Except the evaluation, the paper also presents recommendations for possible improvements of the criteria values of the particular regions. Progression of regions within the selected years was assessed with Malmquist index.
Role of molds and mycotoxins in being sick in buildings: neurobehavioral and pulmonary impairment.

Publisher Summary Sick building syndrome (SBS) burst upon the scene 30 years ago during the first Middle East energy crisis. The studies of people sharing tight office buildings and children in school have focused on the lung with asthma and the brain with fatigue, confusion, depression, and loss of memory and concentration. There are two main sources of chemical buildup in indoor air: first, the construction of the building and its decorating materials—including adhesives, paints, and other materials such as vinyl floor tile, carpets, and drapes. Second are activities in the building such as cleaning with solvents, applying waxes, cigarette smoking, air fresheners, photocopying, photographic processing, food services, refrigeration, and personal adornment and odorants. A most serious toxic exposure is from pesticides sprayed indoors in the erroneous belief that insects can be eradicated. Sprayed insecticides are toxic to the human brain. Facing the need for safe housing for all can open the door to solutions for stemming epidemics of chemically induced brain erosion, asthma, and immune disorders that are probably yet to peak.
The cerebral effects of papaverine hydrochloride in toxemia of pregnancy.

Abstract 1. 1. With the use of the nitrous oxide method of Kety and Schmidt, the cerebral blood flow and related circulatory and metabolic functions of the brain were studied both before and after the administration of papaverine hydrochloride to a group of women with pre-eclampsia and hypertensive toxemia of pregnancy. 2. 2. No untoward effects were caused by this drug. 3. 3. Papaverine hydrochloride brought about the following changes in the nonconvulsive toxemias of pregnancy: 3.1. a. Significant lowering of mean arterial blood pressure. 3.2. b. Significant and rapid decrease of cerebral vascular resistance to normal. 3.3. c. Significant increase of cerebral blood flow. 3.4. d. Significant increase in the oxygen utilization by the brain. 4. 4. The possible value of this drug in toxemia of pregnancy is discussed and it is concluded that it should be given a thorough clinical trial as an adjunct to the therapy of this disease.
829 Atorvastatin affects the expression of endothelium‐ and liver‐derived components of both thrombosis and fibrinolysis systems, in patients with congestive heart failure

Conclusions: Hypergammaglobulinemia is characteristic of HIV infection and has also been noted in select autoimmune diseases. In our study, increased levels of serum IgG were noted in both HIV infected and to a lower extent in HIV non-infected PPCM patients. It is of interest that serum IgG levels either remain elevated (non-HIV infected) or increase (HIV infected) following 6 months of therapy despite significant improvement in cardiac function.
Intensive care unit patients with 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1pdm09) virus infection - United States, 2009.

Please cite this paper as: Bramley et al. Intensive care unit patients with 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1pdm09) virus infection – United States, 2009. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(601), e134–e142. Background The influenza A (H1N1pdm09) [pH1N1] virus resulted in intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and death. Objectives To describe the characteristics of ICU patients with pH1N1 virus infection in the United States during the spring and fall of 2009 and to describe the factors associated with severe complications including ARDS and death. Patients/Methods Through two national case-series conducted during spring and fall of 2009, medical charts were reviewed on ICU patients with laboratory-confirmed pH1N1 infection by real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Results The majority (77%) of 154 patients hospitalized in an ICU were <50 years of age, and 65% had at least one underlying medical condition. One hundred and twenty-eight (83%) patients received influenza antiviral agents; 29% received treatment ≤2 days after illness onset. Forty-eight (38%) patients developed ARDS and 37 (24%) died. Patients with ARDS were more likely to be morbidly obese (36% versus 19%, P = 0·04) and patients who died were less likely to have asthma (11% versus 28%, P = 0.05). Compared with patients who received treatment ≥6 days after illness onset, patients treated ≤2 days after illness onset were less likely to develop ARDS (17% versus 37%, P < 0.01) or die (7% versus 35%, P < 0·01). Conclusions Among patients hospitalized in an ICU with pH1N1 virus infection, ARDS was a common complication, and one-quarter of patients died. Patients with asthma had less severe outcomes. Early treatment with influenza antiviral agents was likely beneficial, especially when initiated ≤2 days after illness onset.
IL-4 regulates VIP receptor subtype 2 mRNA (VPAC2) expression in T cells in murine schistosomiasis

In murine schistosomiasis, granuloma T cells express VPAC2 mRNA, whereas there is none in splenocytes. This suggests that T cell VPAC2 mRNA is inducible. To address this issue, splenocytes from schistosome-infected mice were incubated with anti-CD3 to induce VPAC2 mRNA, which only appeared when cell cultures also contained anti-IL-4 mAb. Granuloma cells expressed VPAC2 mRNA. This natural expression decreased substantially when cells were cultured 3 days in vitro. However, granuloma cells cultured with anti-IL-4 mAb strongly expressed VPAC2 mRNA. IL-4 KO mice were examined to further address the importance of IL-4 in VPAC2 regulation. Splenocytes and dispersed granuloma cells from IL-4 KO animals had substantially more VPAC2 mRNA than those in wild-type controls. VPAC2 mRNA content decreased when cells were cultured with rIL-4. VPAC2 mRNA localized to CD4+ T cells. Th1 cell lines expressed VPAC2 mRNA much stronger than Th2 cells. Anti-IL-4 mAb increased VPAC2 mRNA expression in Th2 cells cultured in vitro....