cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Multiyear Dust Devil Vortex Survey Using an Automated Search of Pressure Time Series

Dust devils occur in arid climates on the Earth and ubiquitously on Mars, where they likely dominate the supply of atmospheric dust and influence climate. Martian dust devils have been studied with a combination of orbiting and landed spacecraft, while most studies of terrestrial dust devils have involved manned monitoring of field sites, which can be costly both in time and personnel. As an alternative approach, we describe a multiyear in situ survey of terrestrial dust devils using pressure loggers deployed at El Dorado Playa in Nevada, USA, a site known for dust devil activity. Analogous to previous surveys for Martian dust devils, we conduct a posthoc analysis of the barometric data to search for putative dust devil pressure dips using a new automated detection algorithm. We investigate the completeness and false positive rates of our new algorithm and conduct several statistically robust analyses of the resulting population of dips. We also investigate possible seasonal, annual, and spatial variability of the putative dust devil dips, possible correlations with precipitation, and the influence of sample size on the derived population statistics. Our results suggest that large numbers of dips (>1000) collected over multiple seasons are probably required for accurate assessment of the underlying dust devil population. Correlating long-term barometric time series with other data streams (e.g., solar flux measurements from photovoltaic cells) can uniquely elucidate the natures and origins of dust devils, and accurately assessing their influence requires consideration of the full distribution of dust devil properties, rather than average values.
Hair Loss and Hirsutism in the Elderly

This article contains a brief review of hair follicle biology, followed by a presentation of the workup of elderly patients who present with hair loss or hirsutism. Common hair disorders, such as graying, telogen effluvium, androgenic alopecia, senescent alopecia, alopecia arcuata, hirsutism, and hypertrichosis, are discussed.
Multifaceted Nature of Intrinsic Motivation: The Theory of 16 Basic Desires

R. W. White (1959) proposed that certain motives, such as curiosity, autonomy, and play (called intrinsic motives, or IMs), have common characteristics that distinguish them from drives. The evidence that mastery is common to IMs is anecdotal, not scientific. The assertion that “intrinsic enjoyment” is common to IMs exaggerates the significance of pleasure in human motivation and expresses the hedonistic fallacy of confusing consequence for cause. Nothing has been shown scientifically to be common to IMs that differentiates them from drives. An empirically testable theory of 16 basic desires is put forth based on psychometric research and subsequent behavior validation. The desires are largely unrelated to each other and may have different evolutionary histories. Motives are reasons people hold for initiating and performing voluntary behavior. They indicate the meaning of human behavior, and they may reveal a person’s values. Motives often affect a person’s perception, cognition, emotion, and behavior. A person who is highly motivated to gain social status, for example, may be observant of marks of social distinction, may think often about issues pertaining to wealth, may especially enjoy the feeling of selfimportance, and may behave in ways associated with upper-class status. 1 By defining motives as reasons, we do not imply that motives are primarily cognitive, any more than establishing a motive for a crime in a court of law requires conscious premeditation. A person can have a reason to behave, and thus a motive, without necessarily being aware of it. Aristotle (330 BCE/1953) divided motives into ends versus means on the basis of the individual’s purpose for performing the behavior. Ends are indicated when a person engages in a behavior for no apparent reason other than that is what the person desires to do. Examples include a child playing ball for physical exercise and a student reading a book out of curiosity. In each of these examples, the goal is desired for its own sake. In contrast, means are indicated when a person performs an act for its instrumental value. Examples include a professional athlete who plays ball for a salary and a student who studies to improve a grade. In each of these examples, the goal (salary, grade) is desired because it produces something else. A person
Detached endothelial cells and microparticles as sources of tissue factor activity.

Abstract Introduction Cytokine activation of endothelial cell monolayers is associated with cell detachment, microparticle shedding from plasma membranes, and phosphatidylserine appearance in the plasma membrane outer leaflets. While tissue factor expression on activated endothelial cells and microparticles is well documented, the contribution of detached endothelial cells to tissue factor activity is less clear. We studied tissue factor expression and the role of tissue factor pathway inhibitor on adherent and detached endothelial cells and on microparticles following endothelial cell activation with TNF-α. Materials and methods Detached endothelial cells and microparticles were obtained from cultures of human umbilical vein endothelial cells by differential centrifugation of cell culture supernatant. For microparticle capture, an antibody directed against CD146 was used. Functional tissue factor activity was measured by chromogenic assay and tissue factor antigen by ELISA. Endothelial cell and microparticle morphology was examined by light and transmission electron microscopy. Results After cell activation for 22 h, functional tissue factor activity was distributed as follows: 60%, adherent endothelial cells; 35%, detached cells; and 5%, microparticles. Tissue factor protein followed a similar distribution. Cell detachment was 47%. Electron microscopy demonstrated shedding of microparticles with a diameter of 0.1–0.6 μm. Cy3–annexin V revealed increased phosphatidylserine on activated adherent endothelial cells and microparticles. Pre-incubation of adherent and detached endothelial cells and microparticles with anti-tissue factor antibody blocked factor Xa production. Pre-incubation with anti-tissue factor pathway inhibitor antibody increased tissue factor activity of adherent endothelial cells 2.8-fold, detached cells 1.4-fold, and microparticles 45-fold. Conclusions Detached endothelial cells as well as microparticles from activated endothelial cell monolayers express tissue factor activity, and this activity on microparticles is markedly inhibited by microparticle-associated tissue factor pathway inhibitor.
Mechanisms influencing the circulation and distribution of water mass in a medium residence-time lake

The seasonality of physical structure in a deep, temperate lake (Kootenay Lake) is described in relation to its major river inputs (Kootenay and Duncan Rivers). The lake’s volume is 37 km3 and its annual outflow is 25 km3 yr-I, yielding a residence time of about 1.5 years. Water mass distributions are controlled by the interactions of three processes: riverine circulation, mixed-layer dynamics, and internal wave behavior. The riverine circulation is determined by the inflow rate and by the relative density of incoming water and ambient lake water. Mixed-layer structure varies in relation to the combined action of the wind and surface heat flux on both seasonal and synoptic time scales. Internal waves may periodically raise a given stratum of water, such as the riverine layer, to a depth where wind mixing is more intense. Knowledge of these processes, their relative importance, and their time-space variability can aid in understanding the ecology of the lake.
Mate competition and evolutionary outcomes in genetically modified zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Demonstrating relationships between sexual selection mechanisms and trait evolution is central to testing evolutionary theory. Using zebrafish, we found that wild-type males possessed a significant advantage in mate competition over transgenic RFP Glofish® males. In mating trials, wild-type males were aggressively superior to transgenic males in male-male chases and male-female chases; as a result, wild-type males sired 2.5× as many young as did transgenic males. In contrast, an earlier study demonstrated that female zebrafish preferred transgenic males as mates when mate competition was excluded experimentally. We tested the evolutionary consequence of this conflict between sexual selection mechanisms in a long-term study. The predicted loss of the transgenic phenotype was confirmed. More than 18,500 adults collected from 18 populations across 15 generations revealed that the frequency of the transgenic phenotype declined rapidly and was eliminated entirely in all but one population. Fitness component data for both sexes indicated that only male mating success differed between wild-type and transgenic individuals. Our predictive demographic model based on fitness components closely matched the rate of transgenic phenotype loss observed in the long-term study, thereby supporting its utility for studies assessing evolutionary outcomes of escaped or released genetically modified animals.
Neurologic Findings in Infants With Deformational Plagiocephaly

This study evaluates the neurologic profiles of infants with deformational plagiocephaly. Forty-nine infants with deformational plagiocephaly between the ages of 4 and 13 months (mean age, 8.1 months) are evaluated, along with 50 age-matched control subjects (mean age, 8.1 months). A modified version of the Hammersmith infant neurologic assessment was performed on each infant. A caregiver completed a questionnaire regarding the infant's prematurity, development, and health to date. Results are analyzed using t test. There is a statistically significant difference in overall neurologic assessment scores of infants with deformational plagiocephaly vs their healthy peers (P = .002). This difference is predominately in tone, whereby infants with deformational plagiocephaly have significantly more abnormal tone than nonplagiocephalic infants (P = .003). This abnormality is not one of decreased tone but one of variable tone, deflecting abnormally high and low tone. Infants with deformational plagiocephaly are more likely to have altered tone but not exclusively decreased tone.
Analog CMOS peak detect and hold circuits. Part 1. Analysis of the classical configuration

Abstract Peak detectors (peak-detect-and-hold circuits, PDHs) are a key element in nuclear electronics signal processing and have been incorporated as a fully integrated block in several front-end readout chips. In CMOS designs, the PDH uses an MOS current source as the rectifying element inside the feedback loop of a high-gain amplifier. However, the non-idealities in the amplifier and feedback elements significantly limit its accuracy and stability. This paper reports on the limits of the classical CMOS PDH. Static errors due to offset, finite gain, and common-mode rejection, dynamic errors due to parasitic capacitive coupling and slew rate, and loop stability are analyzed. Expressions for each error source and consequent design tradeoffs between accuracy, speed, and dynamic range, and driving capability are derived. In a related article (Part 2), a two-phase PDH configuration, which overcomes the major limits of the classical approach is presented.
Selectivity of the effects of guanosine-5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) on agonist inhibition of the M-current in amphibian sympathetic neurons

In bullfrog sympathetic neurons, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone, muscarine, and substance P act as agonists at specific membrane receptors to decrease a potassium current, IM. The receptors are coupled to guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G-proteins). Whole-cell recordings of IM were made from isolated bullfrog sympathetic neurons to examine the effects of intracellularly applied guanosine-5′-O-(2- thiodiphosphate) (GDP beta S) on agonist inhibition of IM. Successive responses to a given agonist were decreased in the presence of GDP beta s. Subsequent responses to the other agonists were then measured to determine the degree of overlap of the effect of GDP beta S for the different agonists. GDP beta S selectively inhibited successive responses to one agonist such that a subsequent application of a different agonist was still effective. If GDP beta S acts at the level of the G-protein, this suggests that each receptor is coupled to a separate population of G-proteins. Alternatively, GDP beta S may act at the receptor level to block receptor coupling to IM.
The Ethics of Coaching Sports: Moral, Social, and Legal Issues

As with many of Robert L. Simon’s works, his newest venture The Ethics of Coaching Sports: Moral, Social, and Legal Issues is a welcomed addition to the ethics and philosophy of sport literature. A...
Performance of a Silicon-Based Spin Diffusion Transistor

The electrical and magnetic characteristics of three-terminal, Si-based spin diffusion transistor are described, both theoretically and experimentally. The device, functions by using a ferromagnetic emitter to inject spin-polarized carriers via a tunnel barrier into a silicon base. Moreover, the current gain is magnetically sensitive, assuming that the base width is less than the silicon spin diffusion length. Theoretically, these devices can be modeled quantum mechanically as two tunnel barriers in series, with the base controlling the relative applied bias. Experimentally, this device has both a Schottky barrier and a tunnel barrier present at the ferromagnet/Si interface.
Screening for haemochromatosis

This issue of the journal contains two papers by Bradley and colleagues on screening for haernochromatosis.' 2 One interest of the authors was to conduct a meta-analysis of the published estimates of the frequency of homozygosity for haernochromatosis.' The authors also employed meta­ analysis to evaluate the ability of blood and liver tests of iron stores to identify correctly the previously unidentified homozygous siblings of affected probands.' This is the first known application of meta-analysis to screening for haemochromatosis. The authors identified five independent studies that could be used, and the combined estimate of the prevalence ofhomozygosity for haemochromatosis was 5.3 per 1000 individuals of European ancestry. This is similar to some previously published reports. Given a homozygote frequency of 5.3 per 1000, the gene frequency and hence the prevalence of heterozygosity for haemochromatosis (13%) can be calculated. These results indicate that in populations of European ancestry haemochromatosis is more common than is generally recognised, and that heterozygosity for haemochromatosis is very common. Bradley and colleagues show that transferrin saturation can be used in screening. They estimated the detection rate of homozygosity for haemochromatosis according to trans­ ferrin saturation cut off values between 50 and 75%. In men, employing a transferrin saturation cut off of 75%, the detection rate was 64% and the false positive rate below 0.1 %. In women, with a 65% cut off, the detection rate was 58% and the false positive rate 0.18%. The authors also examined the morbidity from undiagnosed haemochroma­ tosis in previously unidentified homozygous siblings of affected index cases. Under the age of 40,55% ofmale and 43% offemale homozygote siblings had one or more clini­ cal manifestations of morbidity with haemochromatosis (such as abdominal pain, fatigue, arthropathy). Over the age of 40, 73% of men and 44% of women had morbidity. These findings from meta-analysis suggest that screening before age 40 is important, especially for men, because more than half of unselected homozygous men had morbidity by age 40. In an earlier study, however, the mor­ bidity from haemochromatosis among previously unidenti­ fied homozygotes was materially greater over age 40 than under age 40. 3
Studies in the Design and Analysis of Dental Experiments: 14. Replicate Latin Squares

Three doses of a lozenge were administered in two locations to 30 individuals (including six smokers) assigned to five 6 by 6 Latin squares. The two locations, the corresponding dose-response curves, and the effect of smoking were compared. No significant differences in the dissolution times were found.
Optical CDMA detection by orthogonal matching pursuit

In this paper, we present a novel optical CDMA multi-user detector employing the orthogonal matching pursuit algorithm. The proposed system is compared with most of the receiver structures in the literature. It is shown by simulation results that the proposed detection architecture is a very promising candidate with its low computational complexity, and high detection performance. It is also shown to be more robust to low SNR and near-far effect when compared to most of the well-known optical CDMA receiver architectures.
Myeloma-related Kidney Disease

Multiple myeloma is a malignant plasma cell disorder characterized by the overproduction of monoclonal proteins. The kidney is 1 of the major target organs of multiple myeloma. Most often, this is the result of the monoclonal proteins, which can injure the kidney via several mechanisms. In some cases, direct invasion by myeloma cells and/or bone marrow cells can also result in kidney injury. A kidney biopsy can help distinguish the various myeloma-related kidney diseases and aid in the treatment plan.
Automatic selection of tuning parameters for feature extraction sequences

Computer vision algorithms are composed of different sub-algorithms often applied in sequence. Previous work on performance characterization illustrated how random perturbation models can be setup at various stages of an algorithm sequence for the input and output data. In this paper we address the issue of how one could utilize these random perturbation models in order to automate the selection of free parameters used in an algorithm sequence. We consider an operation sequence that involves edge finding, linking, corner finding and matching. Appropriate prior distributions for the parameters that describe the graytone/geometric characteristics of the image features are specified and validated by using an annotation process. The annotation process involves the manual specification (outlining) of the geometry and spatial extent of the image features. Statistics are gathered for parameters describing features of interest and non-interest (clutter features). The appropriate prior distributions are used to derive the theoretical expressions for feature detector performance over a given image population. These performance measures are then optimized to determine the tuning parameters for the feature detector(s). >
Minimally resective epilepsy surgery in MRI-negative children

AimPerforming epilepsy surgery on children with non-lesional brain MRI often results in large lobar or multilobar resections. The aim of this study was to determine if smaller resections result in a comparable rate of seizure freedom.
Reading Publius with Morrison and Melville

For scholars interested in what Jason Frank calls “the outsize authority of the Founders in our jurisprudence and our politics,” I propose reviewing the legacies of The Federalist Papers from the vantages offered by Toni Morrison and Herman Melville. Frank insists that understanding the politics of the Federalist requires grasping how the argument is felt and staged, as well as how its rhetoric constitutes the subjectivities of its readers. To that end, I linger on three words—empire, women, and slaves—that appear in Frank’s Publius and Political Imagination yet do more work than he explicitly allows. Passing references, omissions, elisions, and unowned contradictions reveal how the Founders evoked figures of the conquered and the enslaved to support the consolidation of the nation; they also suggest dimensions of the Founders’ imagination whose analysis could enlarge and sharpen Frank’s argument about the Federalist’s formative and depoliticizing work.
Teaching South Asia beyond Colonial Boundaries

Because of the methodological innovations of Subaltern Studies in the 1980s and 1990s, most historians’ familiarity with South Asian history is limited to the colonial or modern period. While the subalternist view is undoubtedly useful, it does not provide much help in thinking about what came before or after the colonial period. This limited context may prove to be a problem for a non-specialist constructing a full course in South Asian history or adding South Asia content to a course that seeks to break down area studies or nation-state boundaries. This article provides a starting point for such an enterprise. It reviews the South Asian history textbooks available in the market and identifies some of the scholarship that would suit courses or units organized by theme or by a larger Asian geography. It also reviews some of the collections of primary sources that could be used in such coursework.
Electronic effects of aluminum complexes in the copolymerization of propylene oxide with tricyclic anhydrides:access to well-defined, functionalizable aliphatic polyesters

The synthesis of well-defined and functionalizable aliphatic polyesters remains a key challenge in the advancement of emerging drug delivery and self-assembly technologies. Herein, we investigate the factors that influence the rates of undesirable transesterification and epimerization side reactions at high conversion in the copolymerization of tricyclic anhydrides with excess propylene oxide using aluminum salen catalysts. The structure of the tricyclic anhydride, the molar ratio of the aluminum catalyst to the nucleophilic cocatalyst, and the Lewis acidity of the aluminum catalyst all influence the rates of these side reactions. Optimal catalytic activity and selectivity against these side reactions requires a careful balance of all these factors. Effective suppression of undesirable transesterification and epimerization was achieved even with sterically unhindered monomers using a fluorinated aluminum salph complex with a substoichiometric amount of a nucleophilic cocatalyst. This process can be used to synthesize well-defined block copolymers via a sequential addition strategy.
Alcohol and Adolescents

Alcohol use has persisted over time as the number one drug problem among youth in the United States. Many primary care physicians underestimate the seriousness and prevalence of teenage alcohol use. The epidemiology of alcohol use among adolescents is discussed, as are its dangers and society's attitude toward drinking. The effects of alcohol on adolescents are listed. Several types of alcoholism are discussed.
Simultaneous Catheter Replacement for Infectious and Mechanical Complications without Interruption of Peritoneal Dialysis

BackgroundConventional management for peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related infectious and mechanical complications that fails treatment includes catheter removal and hemodialysis (HD) via a central ven...
Bacillus thuringiensis Endotoxin Effects on Spodoptera exigua and S. frugiperda Larva Infected with Baculoviruses

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of the B. thuringiensis based MVP biopesticide on the development of baculoviruses in Spodoptera larvae. The sensitivity of both the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner) and the fall armyworm, S. frugiperda (J. E. Smith), to the CryIA(c) toxin present in MVP was temporary; upon reaching the third instar, both species were much less susceptible to the CryIA(c) toxin. The sublethal effects of MVP on Spodoptera , reflected by a delay in larvae development, did not alter the dose response of these insects to their respective nuclear polyhedrosis virus. However, feeding the virus infected Spodoptera larvae MVP amended diet (10 mg/ml) did increase the number of second instars succumbing to virus infection. Microscopic examination of the larva killed by the MVP baculovirus demonstrated normal virus inclusion formation. In snmmary, onr laboratory bioassays suggested that B. thuringiensis delta endotoxins, applied at rates that are sublethal, should not interfere with baculovirus development in B. thuringiensis tolerant hosts such as S. exigua and S. frugiperda .
A New Species of Mycotypha with a Zygosporic Stage

A new homothallic species of Mycotypha, M. africana Novak & Backus, is described. The new taxon is based on two isolates obtained from soil from Southern Rhodesia.M. africana differs from M. micros...
Culturing Environmental Education: From First Nation to Frustration.

Sitting on a beachfront at the Texas resort of South Padre Island, a space so consumed with consuming, is probably not the most likely starting point for an Editorial on 'Culturing Environmental Education' (CEE), but that is where, in late 2000, Bob Jickling and I met and became fully immersed in this exciting project. It is a privilege to be able to help shape Volume 7 of CJEE, but in so doing, I must put forward three caveats. ...
Thyroid hormone effects on cardiac gene expression independent of cardiac growth and protein synthesis

Prior studies have demonstrated the importance of hemodynamic loading in mediating thyroxine (T4)-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Direct cellular effects of thyroid hormone have been implicated in modulating the expression of the myosin heavy chain (MHC) genes and the slow sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium adenosine triphosphatase (SR Ca(2+)-ATPase) gene. In the present report, administration of T4 for 72 h did not stimulate growth of the hemodynamically unloaded heterotopic isograft. The synthetic rates of total cardiac proteins and MHC in the isograft remained significantly lower at 64 and 53% of the respective rates measured simultaneously in the in situ working heart. Although total left ventricle RNA content in the isograft was unchanged by T4, alpha-MHC and SR Ca(2+)-ATPase mRNA concentrations were increased 181 and 208%, respectively, and the previously observed beta-MHC expression was completely prevented. These data indicate that, although T4 requires an increased hemodynamic load to stimulate cardiac protein synthesis, it is capable of directly altering the expression of at least two myocyte-specific genes. Therefore some of the phenotypic alterations observed with thyroid hormone treatment are the result of direct effects of the hormones on specific cardiac genes and independent of changes in cardiac growth.
Substrate and regulatory functions of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids for the 5-lipoxygenase pathway

Arachidonic acid (AA) released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipases during cell activation may be oxidatively metabolized by the enzymes of the cyclo-oxygenase or the 5-lipoxygenase pathway. The 5-lipoxygenase pathway, which exhibits a more limited cellular distribution than the cyclooxygenase pathway (Samuelsson et al., 1978; Lewis & Austen, 1984), generates 5(S)-hydroperoxy-6-trans-8,11,14-cis-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-HPETE) from AA. 5-HPETE is reduced to 5(S)-hydroxy-6-trans-8,11,14-cis-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) (Borgeat & Samuelsson, 1979a) or is converted to an epoxide, 5,6-oxido-7,9-trans-11,14-cis-eicosatetraenoic acid (leukotriene A4, LTA4) (Borgeat & Samuelsson, 1979b; Radmark et al., 1980; Hammarstrom & Samuelsson, 1980). LTA4 is processed by an epoxide hydrolase to 5(S),12(R)-dihydroxy-6,14-cis-8,10-trans-eicosatetraenoic acid (LTB4) Borgeat & Samuelsson, 1979c) or by a glutathione-S-transferase to 5(S)-hydroxy-6R-(S)-glutathionyl-7,9-trans-11,14,-cis-eicosatetraenoic acid (LTC4) (Murphy et al., 1979; Bach et al., 1980).
Accuracy of urethral frozen section during radical cystectomy for bladder cancer

Abstract Objective Our objective was to determine the accuracy of urethral frozen section (FS) by analyzing our clinical experience. Materials and methods A total of 298 patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer with benign or malignant urethral FS were identified between 2000 and 2012. Urethral FS were compared with rereviewed FS to calculate the positive and negative predictive values of the FS. To assess the ability of the positive FS to be cleared with further sampling/resection, FS were then compared with the final urethral margin. The cases of positive urethral FS were then specifically analyzed to assess rates of urethral recurrence and survival. Results All negative FS were confirmed to be negative on FS rereview and on final pathology, resulting in a NPV of 100%. Urethral FS were positive in 28 (8.7%) patients, of whom 2 (7%) were negative on FS rereview, yielding a positive predictive value of 93%. Both false positives were because of contamination of detached cancer from the bladder being present in the FS. After additional sampling/resection, the final margin was negative in 13 (46%) patients. Conclusions A negative urethral FS reliably identifies individuals for whom urethrectomy is unnecessary and provides robust information for decision-making regarding the safety of orthotopic reconstruction. Nearly half of the patients with a positive FS were ultimately determined to have a negative final margin. Accordingly, we recommend that surgeons and pathologists discuss positive FS findings at the time of surgery and consider whether additional tissue should be analyzed in real time.
A Whole Cell Kinetic Model of the Endocytic Cycle: Focus on Sorting

In Chapters 3 and 4, equilibrium and kinetic schemes were examined in order to elucidate the mechanism by which receptors and ligands are sorted in the endosome. The most successful of these mechanisms, in terms of explaining the efficient recycling of receptors from the endosome back to the cell surface, suggested that receptors diffuse from the endosomal vesicles into tubules and are trapped there and that during this time ligand molecules equilibrate between the vesicular and tubular volumes. During the sorting time of 5 to 10 minutes, it is likely that 95 to 100% of the receptors reach the tubules. Thus the diffusion with trapping mechanism meets the minimal requirements for a sorting mechanism that were derived in Chapter 2.
An Exact Test of Fit for the Gaussian Linear Model Using Optimal Nonbipartite Matching

ABSTRACTFisher tested the fit of Gaussian linear models using replicated observations. We refine this method by (1) constructing near-replicates using an optimal nonbipartite matching and (2) defining a distance that focuses on predictors important to the model’s predictions. Near-replicates may not exist unless the predictor set is low-dimensional; the test addresses dimensionality by betting that model failures involve a subset of predictors important in the old fit. Despite using the old fit to pair observations, the test has exactly its stated level under the null hypothesis. Simulations show the test has reasonable power even when many spurious predictors are present.
Recruiting Patients With Stroke Into Cell Therapy Trials: A Review.

Importance Clinical trials are under way to test the safety and efficacy of different types of cell therapies in patients with ischemic stroke. The informed consent process for recruitment of patients with stroke in cell therapy trials is complex and requires extensive discussions on multiple aspects. Observations Various issues in approaching patients with stroke and their families and discussing participation in cell therapy studies are described, including participation in clinical trials, clarifying the perception of stem cell therapy and the risks of bone marrow harvest, and discussing risks vs benefits, cell-based therapies for chronic stroke, and consent for minority and immigrant populations. Conclusions and Relevance Informed consent for cell therapy studies in patients with stroke requires lengthy discussions about several issues unique to clinical trials in stroke patients. Careful thought is needed to create an informative consent process.
Cytotoxic halogenated monoterpenes from Plocamium cartilagineum.

As a result of our efforts to identify bioactive agents from marine algae, we have isolated and identified one new halogenated monoterpene 1 [(-)-(5E,7Z)-348-trichloro-7-dichloromethyl-3-methyl-157-octatriene] in addition to three known compounds (2, 3 and 4) from the red alga Plocamium cartilagineum collected by hand from the eastern coast of South Africa. Compound 1 was found to be active as a cytotoxic agent in human lung cancer (NCI-H460) and mouse neuro-2a cell lines (IC50 4 μg/mL). Two of these compounds (3 and 4) were found to have cytotoxic activity in other cell line assays, especially against human leukaemia and human colon cancers (IC50 1.3 μg/mL). None of these metabolites were active as sodium channel blockers or activators. All structures were determined by spectroscopic methods (UV, IR, LRMS, HRMS, 1D NMR and 2D NMR). 1D and 2D NOE experiments were carried out on these compounds to confirm the geometry of the double bonds.
Translation from unconventional 5′ start sites drives tumour initiation

We are just beginning to understand how translational control affects tumour initiation and malignancy. Here we use an epidermis-specific, in vivo ribosome profiling strategy to investigate the translational landscape during the transition from normal homeostasis to malignancy. Using a mouse model of inducible SOX2, which is broadly expressed in oncogenic RAS-associated cancers, we show that despite widespread reductions in translation and protein synthesis, certain oncogenic mRNAs are spared. During tumour initiation, the translational apparatus is redirected towards unconventional upstream initiation sites, enhancing the translational efficiency of oncogenic mRNAs. An in vivo RNA interference screen of translational regulators revealed that depletion of conventional eIF2 complexes has adverse effects on normal but not oncogenic growth. Conversely, the alternative initiation factor eIF2A is essential for cancer progression, during which it mediates initiation at these upstream sites, differentially skewing translation and protein expression. Our findings unveil a role for the translation of 5' untranslated regions in cancer, and expose new targets for therapeutic intervention.
Rates of autism and potential risk factors in children with congenital heart defects.

Objective Atypical development, behavioral difficulties, and academic underachievement are common morbidities in children with a history of congenital heart defects and impact quality of life. Language and social-cognitive deficits have been described, which are associated with autism spectrum disorders. The current study aimed to assess the rates of autism spectrum disorders in a large sample of children with a history of congenital heart defects and to assess medical, behavioral, and individual factors that may be associated with the risk of autism spectrum disorders. Design Participants included 195 children with a history of congenital heart defects, who are followed in a large-scale longitudinal study. Measures included behavioral data from 4-year-old neurodevelopmental evaluations and parent-report data from a later annual follow-up. Results Using established cutoffs on an autism spectrum disorder screener, children with congenital heart defects showed higher rates of “possible” autism spectrum disorders than national rates, (Chi-square Test of Equal Proportions), all Ps < .05. A stepwise variable selection method was used to create a “best prediction model” and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify variables predicting diagnostic status. Factors associated with diagnostic risk included medical (delayed sternal closure, prematurity, positive genetic findings), behavioral (cognitive, language, attention issues), and individual (socioeconomic, cultural/racial) variables. ROC analyses identified a cutoff of 7 to maximize sensitivity/specificity based on parent-reported diagnosis. Conclusions Risk of autism spectrum disorder screening status in children with congenital heart defects was higher than expected from population rates. Findings highlight the need for referral to a specialist to assess the presence and severity of social-communication issues and congenital heart defects population-specific screening thresholds for children with concern for autism spectrum disorders.
Factors Influencing Students’ Preferences to Pursue International Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences

The Problem: To improve the quality of the international APPE program and facilitate growth, a questionnaire was developed to identify perceived barriers for selection of and ways to increase interest in international APPEs. Survey Design: A questionnaire was administered to two consecutive third-year classes to gauge interest, perceived barriers and possible facilitators for engagement in international APPEs. Key Findings: Cost and need to travel independently were most frequently identified as barriers to participating in international APPEs. Suggestions to increase participation in international APPEs include: schools of pharmacy actively developing funding support, pairing students for international APPEs, and earlier targeted marketing. Disclosures: None Type: Note
Dopant-Modulated Conjugated Polymer Enrichment of Semiconducting SWCNTs.

Conjugated polymer extraction (CPE) is a low-cost, scalable process that can enrich single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) materials in organic media. For other separation methods in aqueous phases, redox chemistry and/or pH control dramatically affect the sorting process of the SWCNTs. We have previously determined that the CPE process can be fine-tuned by adjusting the pH on the tube surface. Here, we systematically studied the effect of redox chemistry on the CPE process by adding organic p-/n-dopants. At a very strong p-/n-doping level, static repulsions dominated the interactions between the tubes and the CPE lost selectivity. When the doping level changed from a medium p-doping to a neutral state, the yield of CPE increased and the selectivity was compromised. We also observed chiral selectivity when a weak p-dopant was used. A photoluminescence excitation mapping under different titration conditions provided more insight into the doping level of the tubes relative to their diameters, chiralities, an...
Facial Feature-Integrated Inter-Camera Human Tracking

This paper presents a new scheme to perform inter-camera human tracking in a surveillance camera network with high resolution cameras by taking advantage of all possible collected visual information. The proposed approach utilizes the tracked trajectory information of pedestrians within a camera to get accurate face positions and poses. To solve varied face pose problem under different cameras, we frontalize random posed face with a generic 2D-to-3D mapping matrix between facial feature points. Texture-based face descriptor is then exploited to extract useful features from facial components and combined with pose-invariant appearance feature, which models dominant color components in two partitioned body regions as GMM. The proposed algorithm shows promising performance by evaluating on the public benchmark Dana36 dataset.
Stochastic HJB Equations and Regular Singular Points

We consider finite and infinite horizon, stochastic, smooth optimal control problems in continuous time where the coefficients of the white Gaussian noise terms in the dynamics vanish at the origin. For infinite horizon problems we show how the Taylor polynomials of the optimal cost and the optimal feedback can be computed degree by degree. The degree two part of the optimal cost and the degree one part of the optimal feedback are found by solving new stochastic algebraic Riccati equations (SARE). If SARE is solvable the higher degree terms can be fouuding by solving linear algebraic equations. This is a generaliztion of the work of Al’brekht who showed how the Taylor polynomials of the optimal cost and the optimal feedback for deterministic problems can be computed degree by degree. For finite horizon problems we show how the Taylor polynomials of the optimal cost and the optimal feedback can also be computed degree by degree. The degree two part of the optimal cost and the degree one part of the optimal feedback are found by solving stochastic differential Riccati equations (SDRE). The higher degree terms can be found by solving linear differential equations.
Molecular Basis of Bone Abnormalities in NF1

Musculoskeletal findings have long been associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), and one of the clinical diagnostic criteria for NF1 includes a distinctive osseous lesion (Gutmann et al. JAMA 278:51–57, 1997). The etiology of the focal and more generalized skeletal abnormalities observed in patients with NF1 is unknown, and with limited human studies, animal models are instrumental in acquiring a better understanding of the role of neurofibromin in bone cellular functions and in designing therapeutic strategies to prevent or treat NF1 musculoskeletal manifestations. Studies from animal models suggest that NF1 haploinsufficiency does impact bone cellular functions and may contribute to the generalized skeletal manifestations in NF1 including osteopenia. In addition they suggest that somatic events, such as the double inactivation of NF1 or the action of other modifiers in various bone cell types are required for the more severe focal abnormalities such as tibial dysplasia and dystrophic scoliosis to manifest.
Social Inequalities in Palliative Care for Cancer Patients in the United States: A Structured Review.

Objectives To identify patterns of access to and use or provision of palliative care services in medically underserved and vulnerable groups diagnosed with cancer. Data Sources Google Scholar, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Web of Science were searched to identify peer-reviewed studies that described palliative care in medically underserved or vulnerable populations diagnosed with cancer. Conclusion Disparities in both access and referral to palliative care are evident in many underserved groups. There is evidence that some groups received poorer quality of such care. Implications for Nursing Practice Achieving health equity in access to and receipt of quality palliative care requires prioritization of this area in clinical practice and in research funding.
Akutes Trauma an Milch- oder permanenten Zähnen

Zahnverletzungen bei Kindern kommen relativ haufig vor. Die exakte Diagnose und eine rasch beginnende adaquate Therapie vermeiden Folgeschaden und entscheiden uber die Prognose des verletzten Zahns. Fur die korrekte Therapie ist zunachst abzuklaren, ob ein Milch- oder ein permanenter Zahn zu versorgen ist, sowie wie viel Zeit zwischen dem Unfall und der Erstvorstellung verstrichen ist. Generell gilt fur das Management von Milchzahnverletzungen ein, wenn immer moglich, noninvasives Vorgehen. Prioritat haben die effektive Schmerzausschaltung und die Sorge um die regelrechte Weiterentwicklung des Keims des nachfolgenden Zahns. Die zeitnahe und korrekte Versorgung verletzter permanenter Zahne zielt auf den Vitalerhalt der Pulpa und des Zahnhalteapparats. Zur fruhzeitigen Erkennung von Komplikationen schliest sich nach dem Abschluss der Ersttherapie immer eine ambulante Nachsorge an.
HHV8-Associated Lymphoproliferative Disorders

Human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV8) causes several lymphoproliferative disorders, including multicentric Castleman disease (MCD), HHV8-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), HHV8-positive germinotropic lymphoproliferative disorder (GLPD), and primary effusion lymphoma (PEL). While representing a spectrum of the disease processes, these lymphoproliferative disorders demonstrate similar cytomorphology and immunophenotypic profile. The diagnosis can be challenging because of their low occurrence rate and ambiguous phenotypes.
``Do You Know What Bitch is Backwards?'': Mythic Revision and Ritual Reversal in the Medea Project: Theater for Incarcerated Women

L'A. explore la relation entre mythologie et transgression dans le mythe de Medee. Elle centre son analyse sur l'utilisation de la revision mythique et de l'inversion rituelle en tant que strategie politique dans les pratiques de representation du Projet Medee : Theâtre pour femmes incarcerees (San Francisco County Jail 8, Californie). La version de Rhodessa Jones, conceptrice du Projet Medee, met en avant les ramifications que les actions de Medee ont sur sa vie. Les motivations de Medee et la maniere dont elle participe a sa propre oppression sont le point focal du mythe tel qu'il est interprete par Jones. S'adressant a une population marginalisee (prostitution, vol, toxicomanie...), et transitoire en milieu penitentier, le Projet Medee a pour objectif d'explorer a travers l'art dramatique et le theâtre les raisons qui maintiennent ces femmes dans la spirale penale. Dans ce processus, Jones utilise le recit mythique comme point de depart pour reflechir sur l'emprisonnement et sur les recits culturels et rituels sociaux qui contribuent a l'incarceration de ces femmes. Mettant en lumiere leurs experiences personnelles et collectives, elle les aide a structurer leurs autobiographies dans une forme ritualisee qui evoque des questionnements local, universel et mythique.
Tailoring virtual human-delivered interventions: A digital intervention promoting colorectal cancer screening for Black women.

Objective Despite efforts to reduce cancer disparities, Black women remain underrepresented in cancer research. Virtual health assistants (VHAs) are one promising digital technology for communicating health messages and promoting health behaviors to diverse populations. This study describes participant responses to a VHA-delivered intervention promoting colorectal cancer (CRC) screening with a home-stool test. Methods We recruited 53 non-Hispanic Black women 50 to 73 years old to participate in focus groups and think-aloud interviews and test a web-based intervention delivered by a race- and gender-concordant VHA. A user-centered design approach prioritized modifications to three successive versions of the intervention based on participants' comments. Results Participants identified 26 cues relating to components of the VHA's credibility, including trustworthiness, expertise, and authority. Comments on early versions revealed preferences for communicating with a human doctor and negative critiques of the VHA's appearance and movements. Modifications to specific cues improved the user experience, and participants expressed increased willingness to engage with later versions of the VHA and the screening messages it delivered. Informed by the Modality, Agency, Interactivity, Navigability Model, we present a framework for developing credible VHA-delivered cancer screening messages. Conclusions VHAs provide a systematic way to deliver health information. A culturally sensitive intervention designed for credibility promoted user interest in engaging with guideline-concordant CRC screening messages. We present strategies for effectively using cues to engage audiences with health messages, which can be applied to future research in varying contexts.