cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Short-term recombinant human growth hormone treatment increases growth rate in achondroplasia

To investigate the effect of recombinant hGH treatment on the growth rate and proportion of individuals with achondroplasia and hypochondroplasia, we studied 15 individuals with these common skeletal dysplasias. The study lasted 24 months and included 6 months of observation, 12 months of hGH therapy (0.04 mg/kg.day), and 6 months of posttreatment growth rate determination. In achondroplasia, the mean growth rate during the hGH treatment (5.3 +/- 1.6 cm) was significantly increased compared with that during the pretreatment (4.0 +/- 1.0 cm.yr, P < 0.01)) and posttreatment periods (3.1 +/- 1.3 cm; P < 0.001). In the 4 children with hypochondroplasia, the growth rate during hGH treatment was 7.0 +/- 2.4 cm/yr and 4.9 +/- 1.5 cm/yr during the pre- and posttreatment periods, respectively. In achondroplasia, there was a significant increase in growth rate of only the lower segment (from 1.1 +/- 1.6 cm/yr to 3 +/- 1.2 cm/yr, P < 0.02). There was no significant acceleration in the growth of the upper segment and of the scanogram measurements of the long bones. No untoward effects were noted. Recombinant hGH increases short-term growth velocity in children with achondroplasia/hypochondroplasia. Unexpectedly, this treatment does not seem to have a lesser effect on limbs than on trunk growth rate and, therefore, during 1 yr of treatment, does not increase body disproportion.
Donnellan’s distinction/Kripke’s test

1. Preliminaries In 'Reference and definite descriptions' (1966), Keith Donnellan argued that there were two different uses of definite descriptions: referential and attributive. He went on to suggest that Russell's (1905) Theory of Descriptions was incomplete at best, as it failed to accommodate the referential use. In 'Speaker's reference and semantic reference' (1977), Saul Kripke countered that Donnellan was mistaken in supposing that Russell's Theory was threatened by the referential use. Although definite descriptions could indeed be used referentially, this was (Kripke claimed) a pragmatic, not a semantic fact, and was therefore irrelevant to Russell's (semantic) Theory. In arguing on behalf of this view, Kripke proposed a particular test, the application of which was supposed to show that the referential use of definite descriptions did not disprove, or in any way threaten, Russell's Theory. Kripke thereby attempted to substantiate his claim that Donnellan's Distinction was not a semantically significant one. Kripke's argument against the alleged semantic significance of Donnellan's referential/attributive distinction has considerable intuitive appeal and has, consequently, been endorsed by a number of Russellians.1 Indeed, I agree with Kripke that the mere fact that definite descriptions are used referentially does not undermine Russell's Theory. However, I also believe that the fact that the referential use of definite descriptions is a standard (i.e., statistically common) use of such expressions, does pose a problem for Russell's Theory. When Kripke's Test is applied to the relevant phenomenon - the frequency of the referential use - the results lend credence to Donnellan's claims concerning the inadequacy of Russell's Theory. Although the mere frequency of the referential use does not, by itself, establish that such use is semantically significant, when coupled with various other considerations (to be discussed below), such frequency does indeed support Donnellan's claims about the semantic significance of his distinction. Or so I intend to argue. First, however, I will argue briefly for an alternative (non-Russellian, non-Donnellian) account of the semantics of referentially used definite descriptions. Once I have done this, it will not be difficult to motivate Donnellan's claim that the referential use (given its frequency) does indeed pose a problem for Russell's Theory.
Effects of Statins on Progression of Carotid Atherosclerosis as Measured By Carotid Intimal―Medial Thickness: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Carotid intimal—medial thickness (CIMT) as measured by B-mode ultrasonography is a surrogate marker for carotid atherosclerosis. Studies have found conflicting results for the effect of statins on carotid atherosclerosis progression by measuring CIMT. Hence, this meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of statin therapy on CIMT progression. Methods: A systematic search using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases was performed. Heterogeneity of the studies was analyzed by the Cochran Q statistics. The significance of common treatment effect was assessed by computing common mean difference between the control and treatment groups. A 2-sided alpha error of less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: In all, 11 trials (N = 3806) fulfilled the criteria for inclusion in the analysis. The study population included 67.2% males and 22.8% females. The mean age was 58.7 years. Treatment with statins (mean treatment duration of 25.6 months) resulted in a sig...
Cutaneous manifestations of end-stage renal disease

Abstract Examination of the skin and nails can reveal many abnormalities in patients with end-stage renal disease that precede or follow initiation of dialysis treatment or kidney transplantation. This article focuses on specific and nonspecific cutaneous signs of end-stage renal disease, reviewing both banal and life-threatening conditions, including pruritus, perforating disorders, calcifying disorders, and bullous dermatoses. The pathogenesis, clinical findings, histologic findings, differential diagnosis, and treatment of these diseases are discussed. Cutaneous manifestations unique to kidney transplantation will not be covered. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2000;43:975-86.) Learning Objective: After the completion of this learning activity, participants should be familiar with cutaneous manifestations of end-stage renal disease including pruritus, perforating disorders, calcifying disorders, and bullous dermatoses.
Activation of Dbl restores migration in polyamine-depleted intestinal epithelial cells via Rho-GTPases

Integrin binding to the extracellular matrix (ECM) activated Rho GTPases, Src, and focal adhesion kinase in intestinal epithelial cells (IEC)-6. Polyamine depletion inhibited activities of Rac1, RhoA, and Cdc42 and thereby migration. However, constitutively active (CA) Rac1 expression abolished the inhibitory effect of polyamine depletion, indicating that polyamines are involved in a process upstream of Rac1. In the present study, we examined the role of polyamines in the regulation of the guanine nucleotide exchange factor, diffuse B-cell lymphoma (Dbl), for Rho GTPases. Polyamine depletion decreased the level as well as the activation of Dbl protein. Dbl knockdown by siRNA altered cytoskeletal structure and decreased Rac1 activity and migration. Cells expressing CA-Dbl increased migration, Rac1 activity, and proliferation. CA-Dbl restored migration in polyamine-depleted cells by activating RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42. CA-Dbl caused extensive reorganization of the F-actin cortex into stress fibers. Inhibition of Rac1 by NSC23766 significantly decreased migration of vector-transfected cells and CA-Dbl-transfected cells. However, the inhibition of migration was significantly higher in the vector-transfected cells compared with that seen in the CA-Dbl-transfected cells. Dbl localized in the perinuclear region in polyamine-depleted cells, whereas it localized with the stress fibers in control cells. CA-Dbl localized with stress fibers in both the control and polyamine-depleted cells. These results suggest that polyamines regulate the activation of Dbl, a membrane-proximal process upstream of Rac1.
Review: Genetic manipulation of the rodent placenta

The principal role of the placenta is the maintenance of pregnancy and promotion of fetal growth and viability. The use of transgenic rodents has greatly enhanced our understanding of placental development and function. However, embryonic lethality is often a confounding variable in determining whether a genetic modification adversely affected placental development. In these cases, it is beneficial to specifically manipulate the placental genome. The purpose of this review is to summarize available methodologies for specific genetic modification of the rodent placenta. By restricting genetic alterations to the trophoblast lineage, it is possible to gain a deeper understanding of placental development that perhaps will lead to gene-targeted therapies to rescue irregular placentation in transgenic animals or in women at high-risk for placenta-associated pregnancy complications.
On stochastic heating of electrons by intense laser radiation in the presence of electrostatic potential well

A simple model developed by Paradkar et al. [Phys. Plasmas 19, 060703 (2012)] for the study of synergistic effects of electrostatic potential well and laser radiation is extended for the case where electric field of the well is accelerating electrons moving in the direction of the laser field propagation. It was found that in these cases, the rate of stochastic heating of energetic electrons remains virtually the same as in Paradkar et al. [Phys. Plasmas 19, 060703 (2012)], where electric field in electrostatic potential was slowing down electrons moving in the direction of the laser field propagation. However, the heating of electrons with relatively low energy can be sensitive to the orientation of the electrostatic potential well with respect to the direction of the laser radiation propagation.
Neuromuscular organization of the freshwater colonial rotifer, Sinantherina socialis, and its implications for understanding the evolution of coloniality in Rotifera

Coloniality among rotifers is rare, and while the adaptive significance of the lifestyle has been explored previously, there are few details about how it may have influenced the morphology of colony members. In this study, we use confocal laser scanning microscopy combined with cyto- and immunohistochemistry to determine if the colonial rotifer, Sinantherina socialis, differs in neuromuscular organization relative to other colonial and solitary forms. Our observations indicate that the patterns of serotonergic neurons and somatic muscles in S. socialis are broadly similar to other rotifers. At the neuronal level, the distribution of serotonergic (5HT-IR) neurons in S. socialis is most similar to colony-forming species of Conochilus: (1) paired nerve cords extend the length of the body; (2) the cerebral ganglion innervates the corona with paired neurites that form a neuronal ring; and (3) a single pair of neurites innervates the ventral sensory antennae. Unique to S. socialis is the presence of two additional neuronal rings that supply the corona and may function to modulate ciliary beat. At the muscular level, S. socialis displays a typical pattern of somatic muscle organization similar to other rotifers, but diverges from the pattern in three significant ways: (1) somatic circular muscles form complete rings; (2) circular muscles are distinguishable based on their size and position in the body; and (3) transverse muscles are present within the corona and presumably function to modify its shape for feeding and defensive purposes. These differences in neuromuscular organization may be adaptations to the colonial and/or sessile lifestyle, both of which are characteristic of S. socialis.
In VivoEvidence for Trigeminal Nerve Guidance by the Cement Gland inXenopus

InXenopusembryos growth cones of the mandibular trigeminal nerve contact cells located in the posterior end of the cement gland. We report three lines of evidence suggesting that cues from the posterior cells of the target influence the behavior of trigeminal neurites. First, target ablationin vivoresults in failure of axons to stop and to arborize. Second, 180° rotation in the anteroposterior axis of the target results in anterior innervation of the cement gland. Third, ectopic cement gland implantation in the path of neurites migration leads to ectopic innervation. These results provide evidence for short-range cues (<50 μm) in the posterior part of the cement gland controlling the stopping and the branching of the mandibular trigeminal nerve. Furthermore, we show that an ectodermic explant expressing follistatin mimics the natural target in homing trigeminal neurites. We finally propose to use this novelin vivoassay to isolate the trigeminal nerve target-recognition molecule(s).
Intravascular near-infrared fluorescence catheter with ultrasound guidance and blood attenuation correction

Intravascular near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging offers a new approach for characterizing atherosclerotic plaque, but random catheter positioning within the vessel lumen results in variable light attenuation and can yield inaccurate measurements. We hypothesized that NIRF measurements could be corrected for variable light attenuation through blood by tracking the location of the NIRF catheter with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). In this study, a combined NIRF-IVUS catheter was designed to acquire coregistered NIRF and IVUS data, an automated image processing algorithm was developed to measure catheter-to-vessel wall distances, and depth-dependent attenuation of the fluorescent signal was corrected by an analytical light propagation model. Performance of the catheter sensing distance correction method was evaluated in coronary artery phantoms and ex vivo arteries. The correction method produced NIRF estimates of fluorophore concentrations, in coronary artery phantoms, with an average root mean square error of 17.5%. In addition, the correction method resulted in a statistically significant improvement in correlation between spatially resolved NIRF measurements and known fluorophore spatial distributions in ex vivo arteries (from r = 0.24 to 0.69, p < 0.01, n = 6). This work demonstrates that catheter-to-vessel wall distances, measured from IVUS images, can be employed to compensate for inaccuracies caused by variable intravascular NIRF sensing distances.
Surface Leakage in GaN/InGaN Double Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors

We report a study on the surface-leakage current in GaN/InGaN double heterojunction bipolar transistors (DHBTs) that are grown on a sapphire substrate. Surface-leakage-current densities on an unpassivated DHBT are 9.6 times 10-5 - 5.8 times 10-4 A/cm for JC = 0.5-50 A/cm2. A fabricated n-p-n GaN/InGaN DHBT shows the common-emitter dc current gain of 42, the collector-current density of 5.2 kA/cm2, and the common-emitter breakdown voltage (BVCEO) of 75 V.
The Industrial Revolution and the European Family: The Institutionalization of ‘Childhood’ as a Market for Family Labor

The Industrial Revolution transferred both food production and home based manufacture from the family to larger nonkinship corporations. But, contrary to what is said by historians of the family, industrialization has not brought about the demise of ‘home-based’ family labor. Probably the most often cited premise in the study of the Western family is that ‘A fundamental characteristic of the world we have lost was the scene of labour, which was universally supposed to be the home’ (Laslett 1971: 13). Those who study the transition of the family from a peasant type of production to wage-labor production unquestioningly accept this view of post-peasant family labor (for example, see Mendras 1970: 238).
Family history of hematologic malignancies and risk of multiple myeloma: differences by race and clinical features

Purpose Multiple myeloma (MM) is the most common hematologic malignancy affecting Blacks in the USA, with standardized incidence rates that are twofold to threefold higher than Whites. The rationale for the disparity is unclear.
Effect of sodium lactate on thermal inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella in ground chicken thigh and leg meat.

The effect of sodium lactate on thermal inactivation D- and z-values of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella was determined for chicken thigh and leg meat. At 55 to 70°C, the D-value of L. monocytogenes in ground chicken thigh and leg meat with the addition of 4.8% sodium lactate (4.8 g sodium lactate per 100 g of meat) was 53 to 75% higher than that in the meat without sodium lactate. No significant difference was found for the D-values of Salmonella at 55 to 70°C between the meat with and that without sodium lactate (4.8%, wt/wt). The z-values of both L. monocytogenes and Salmonella were not affected by sodium lactate (4.8%). The results from this study are useful for predicting thermal process lethality of L. monocytogenes and Salmonella in formulated chicken thigh and leg meat products.
Subcortical Structures and Neuropsychiatric Illness

Subcortical structures play an important role in modulating mood, drive, memory, executive functions, and cognitive timing. Subcortical structures are intimately linked with the frontal lobe and limbic system. Key subcortical structures regulating behavior include the caudate nucleus, the ventral striatum, the ventral pallidum, and the dorsomedial and reticular nuclei of the thalamus. Some degenerative diseases affect subcortical nuclear and white matter structures, causing involuntary movements and abnormal behavior. Primary psychiatric illnesses, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, have been proposed to arise from dysfunction in the frontostriatal-thalamic circuits. The neuroanatomical and neurochemical organization of these subcortical systems mediating complex behaviors and the interactions between behavioral and motor systems are increasingly well understood. Undoubtedly, our newer understanding of subcortical systems will help us to unravel the pathophysiology of some neuropsychiatric disorders.
SERCA2a and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase expression are increased in hearts of exercise-trained old rats

Aging of rats results in slower activities of calcium transport by cardiac calcium adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COX). These enzyme activities are faster after exercise training of previously sedentary old rats. Our purpose was to determine whether the expression of the genes encoding SR calcium ATPase (SERCA2a) or COX is altered by exercise training. Old (24-mo-old) male Fischer 344 rats were assigned to SO (sedentary old) or EO (exercised old) groups and compared with younger (12-mo-old) sedentary rats (SM). EO rats were trained on a treadmill for 8-10 wk. SERCA2a and COX mRNAs were lower (P < 0.05) in SO compared with SM and EO, whereas glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and cardiac alpha-actin mRNAs were similar across groups. The immunoreactive protein contents of cardiac calcium ATPase, cytochrome c, sarcomeric actin, and GAPDH followed the changes, when observed, in mRNA contents. Thus pretranslational mechanisms may be modified in some genes during aging and exercise training of previously sedentary old rats.
The Japanese language and brain localization.

AbstractThe characteristics of the writing system of the Japanese language are discussed and their connotations on the brain localization of the language center are considered. [Neurol Res 1996; 18: 212–216]
Tolerance to nitroglycerin in rabbit aorta: Investigating the involvement of the mu isozyme of glutathione S-transferases

We have proposed that glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), especially the mu isozyme, play a critical role in the metabolism of nitroglycerin (glyceryl trinitrate, GTN), leading to pharmacologic effects. Here we study this enzyme(s) during tolerance development in male New Zealand white rabbits. Each aorta was divided into two segments designated as GTN pretreated and buffer control. Tolerance was induced in rabbit aortic strips so assigned by incubation with GTN (0.22 mM). The activity of the mu isozyme and of total GSTs was determined in portions of each segment. In each rabbit aorta, the response to GTN (0.5 μM) was determined in GTN-pretreated and buffer-pretreated strips by measuring cyclic GMP levels (N = 7 pairs) and percent relaxation (N = 4 pairs). In GTN-pretreated strips, a significant decrease was observed in the activity of the mu isozyme of GST, while the total GST activity was unchanged as compared with control strips. The decrease in isozyme activity correlated very well with the decrease in response to GTN. Two rabbit aortae did not become tolerant, and the activity of the mu isozyme was also not affected. The levels of thiols were not affected by GTN pretreatment and aortae tolerant to GTN did not develop tolerance to S-nitroso acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), indicating that thiol depletion and guanylate cyclase desensitization probably play a minor role in tolerance development to GTN in our model. These studies suggest that tolerance to GTN in rabbit aorta in vitro is associated with a decrease in GST mu activity, which correlates well with the decrease in GTN response.
Global Scientific Meshworks and Women’s Careers

This chapter will describe and analyze women’s approaches to using webs of connections in their everyday research practices, collaborations, and mentoring activities, which are called meshworks. It will further discuss how these experiences have shaped their community-building strategies. I argue that guanxi networks should be more precisely described as guanxi meshworks, as many of the guanxi describe informal and personalized ties of influence, and it is a central concept in Chinese social relations.
Lebanese Jews between rootedness and exile: Braving World War II, the Holocaust, and their aftermath

ABSTRACTThis article mines an early history of modern Lebanon by placing a special focus on the country’s Jewish community and examining inter-Lebanese relations where Lebanese Jews had once taken center stage. Special consideration is given to the “rise” and “fall” of Lebanese Jewry during the first half of the twentieth century as a group that was uniquely Lebanese and, in that sense, uniquely distinct from other Lebanese and other Jews elsewhere in the Middle East. The story of Lebanese Jewry here is told primarily from within the context of Jewish-Christian—and to some extent Jewish-Muslim—relations in Lebanon and Lebanese-Jewish responses to news and events surrounding the destruction of European Jewry, as related and reflected upon in Lebanon’s Jewish organ Al-Aalam al-Isra’iili.
The transcriptional repressor GATAD2B mediates progesterone receptor suppression of myometrial contractile gene expression.

The mechanisms whereby progesterone (P4), acting via the progesterone receptor (PR), inhibits proinflammatory/contractile gene expression during pregnancy are incompletely defined. Using immortalized human myometrial (hTERT-HM) cells stably expressing wild-type PR-A or PR-B (PRWT), we found that P4 significantly inhibited IL-1β induction of the NF-κB target genes, COX-2 and IL-8. P4–PRWT transrepression occurred at the level of transcription initiation and was mediated by decreased recruitment of NF-κB p65 and RNA polymerase II to COX-2 and IL-8 promoters. However, in cells stably expressing a PR-A or PR-B DNA-binding domain mutant (PRmDBD), P4-mediated transrepression was significantly reduced, suggesting a critical role of the PR DBD. ChIP analysis of hTERT-HM cells stably expressing PRWT or PRmDBD revealed that P4 treatment caused equivalent recruitment of PRWT and PRmDBD to COX-2 and IL-8 promoters, suggesting that PR inhibitory effects were not mediated by its direct DNA binding. Using immunoprecipitation, followed by MS, we identified a transcriptional repressor, GATA zinc finger domain–containing 2B (GATAD2B), that interacted strongly with PRWT but poorly with PRmDBD. P4 treatment of PRWT hTERT-HM cells caused enhanced recruitment of endogenous GATAD2B to COX-2 and IL-8 promoters. Further, siRNA knockdown of endogenous GATAD2B significantly reduced P4–PRWT transrepression of COX-2 and IL-8. Notably, GATAD2B expression was significantly decreased in pregnant mouse and human myometrium during labor. Our findings suggest that GATAD2B serves as an important mediator of P4–PR suppression of proinflammatory and contractile genes during pregnancy. Decreased GATAD2B expression near term may contribute to the decline in PR function, leading to labor.
Regeneration of the Living Pulp

The regeneration of a living dental pulp is the ideal outcome for the treatment of necrotic immature permanent teeth. A living pulp enables completion of root formation, protective dentin formation in response to caries progression, influx of immune cells that can defend the host against bacterial infection, and nociceptive responses that can alert the patient when harmful conditions are present. However, the clinical translation of procedures for dental pulp regeneration in necrotic teeth faces important challenges. Cell-based approaches for dental pulp tissue regeneration have intrinsic safety issues (e.g., ex vivo handling of cells) that must be overcome before they can be used routinely in dental practices. On the other hand, cell-free approaches have not consistently resulted in complete regeneration of dental pulps throughout the entire root canal in necrotic human teeth, and therefore their clinical outcomes are still rather unpredictable. In this chapter, we will discuss the regenerative potential of the dental pulp in light of the development of clinically relevant approaches for generation of new pulps in the treatment of necrotic teeth.
Frameworks for General Management and Operations Consulting

This note addresses a number of different frameworks that general managers and consultants use to address problems. A general framework for addressing Operations Management is presented that can be used by both operations consultants and general managers. Excerpt UVA-OM-1242 FRAMEWORKS FOR GENERAL MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS CONSULTING There are as many approaches and frameworks for addressing operations problems as there are consulting firms and companies. While each approach may have its own language and terminology, the basic approaches are more similar than different. As a baseline, most of the models include methods to describe the problem, analyze data, evaluate and choose among possible solutions, and, finally, implement and institutionalize any final recommendation. This note highlights a few generalized frameworks that can be used in general management and operations consulting. It starts by placing the role of operations in a larger setting to provide a foundation for the types of problems general managers and consultants may face. It then describes some tactical approaches to problem solving and ends with a brief description of some common methodologies. The “Big Picture”: The Five Cs of Operations The general manager or consultant can often gain insight into an operations problem by using the model depicted in Exhibit 1. This framework helps describe the problem and structure the question by providing an understanding of the situation with respect to the problem's environment. Consider the following “Five Cs of Operations”: . . .
Alcohol use and the wage returns to education and work experience

Despite a widely held belief that alcohol use should negatively impact wages, much of the literature on the topic suggests a positive relationship between nonproblematic alcohol use and wages. Studies on the effect of alcohol use on educational attainment have also failed to find a consistent, negative effect of alcohol use on years of education. Thus, the connections between alcohol use, human capital, and wages remain a topic of debate in the literature. In this study, we use the 1997 cohort of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth to estimate a theoretical model of wage determination that links alcohol use to wages via human capital. We find that nonbinge drinking is associated with lower wage returns to education whereas binge drinking is associated with increased wage returns to both education and work experience. We interpret these counterintuitive results as evidence that alcohol use affects wages through both the allocative and productive efficiency of human capital formation and that these effects operate in offsetting directions. We suggest that alcohol control policies should be more nuanced to target alcohol consumption in the contexts within which it causes harm.
PEO-rich semi-interpenetrating polymer network (s-IPN) membranes for CO2 separation

Abstract Semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (s-IPNs) fabricated from linear polyimides entwined by crosslinked poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) networks are reported in this work as CO2-selective separation membranes. While keeping the overall PEO content constant (~ 70 wt%), the structural characteristics of s-IPNs, i.e., the distribution and the connectivity of PEO domains, were systematically varied by adjusting the PEO content in the linear polyimide component and the crosslink density of the PEO networks, leading to six unique s-IPNs. Tested s-IPNs showed significantly improved mechanical strength and ductility relative to crosslinked pure PEO membranes, with the tensile strength of s-IPNs being nearly 4-times and > 7-times as high as those of the crosslinked pure PEO membranes with high and low crosslink density, respectively. Moreover, all s-IPNs featured greatly improved CO2 permeability (up to 25 fold) and CO2/H2 and CO2/N2 selectivity compared to their linear (co)polyimide counterparts. Several s-IPNs outperform the 2008 Robeson upper bound for CO2/H2 and closely approach the CO2/N2 upper bound. In general, incorporating PEO segments in the linear polyimides and utilizing low-crosslink-density PEO networks are beneficial in improving both CO2 permeability and ideal selectivity. Overall these PEO-rich s-IPNs provide an attractive membrane platform for high performance CO2 separation applications.
Can Parenting Microprotections Buffer Against Adolescents' Experiences of Racial Discrimination?

Previous research highlights the importance and pervasiveness of racial discrimination for minority youth in the United States. Adolescents may experience either personal or group race-based discrimination. While past research found both forms of discrimination are harmful to well-being it is unknown whether parental microprotections, which may buffer against the negative effects of discrimination, protect against both forms of discrimination. Informed by ecological frameworks the present study examined whether parent microprotections (parental warmth/acceptance, cultural socialization, preparation for bias) buffered the effects of personal and group discrimination on adolescents’ depressive symptoms. Participants were African American early adolescents (N = 129; 58% female) and their parents (90% mothers). Adolescents attended a Midwestern, Title 1, urban, public middle school and completed surveys in their homerooms and parents completed paper-pencil surveys at home, online or surveys via telephone. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to test whether adolescents’ personal and group discrimination at school were related to their reports of depressive symptoms and evaluate whether parent microprotections buffered these associations. Results showed that parental microprotections moderated the effects of personal discrimination on depressive symptoms but did not buffer the effects of group discrimination. These results highlight the importance of distinguishing between personal and group discrimination. Further, additional protective factors need to be identified and tested to better understand parental actions that potentially buffer the negative effects of discrimination.
Characteristics of Children Hospitalized for Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures Due to Conversion Disorder Versus Epilepsy.

OBJECTIVES: Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are a manifestation of conversion disorder among children but can be difficult to distinguish from epilepsy. We sought to identify characteristics that differentiate children with PNES from those with epilepsy. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of children admitted with epilepsy or PNES to 45 children’s hospitals from 2004 to 2014. Children with PNES ( n = 399) versus those with epilepsy ( n = 13 241) were compared on demographic and clinical characteristics, testing, treatment, and health care use. Hierarchical multivariable logistic regression was used to identify characteristics associated with PNES diagnosis. RESULTS: Children with PNES were more likely to be female (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8–3.0), older (aOR 3.8; 95% CI 2.7–5.3 for 14–16 years old), African American (aOR 2.0; 95% CI 1.5–2.7), and have diagnosis codes for psychiatric disorders (aOR 7.1; 95% CI 5.6–9.1) and pain (aOR 2.6; 95% CI 1.9–3.4). They were also more likely to be admitted in the fall (aOR 2.0; 95% CI 1.4–2.8) or spring (aOR 1.9; 95% CI 1.4–2.6) versus summer. Total adjusted hospitalization costs were greater for children with epilepsy ($4724, 95% CI $4413–$5057 vs $5326, 95% CI $5259–$5393; P = .001); length of stay was similar. CONCLUSIONS: Demographic and clinical characteristics differed among children with PNES versus those with epilepsy, including significantly increased odds of psychiatric and pain diagnoses among children with PNES. To better inform treatment and prognostication for children with PNES, research is needed to understand reasons for these differences, seasonal admission patterns, and the relationship between PNES and other psychiatric disorders.
An Actor Based Architecture For Multi-Robot System With Application To Warehouse

In this paper, we have presented a new architecture which allows humans and robots to work collaboratively in an environment. It is built on top of an actor model which uses a separate thread to process information of distinct entities like a human, robot or an algorithm. Because of the use of actor model, the system has advantages of both centralized and distributed systems. In contrast to existing architectures, the major advantage of the proposed system is its modularity and its ability to deal with problems like task allocation, task decomposition, collaboration and multi-robot pathfinding in a dynamic and reactive way. As a proof of concept, we have implemented this architecture with an auction-based algorithm for task allocation in an MRS and have presented the results.
Network Scale Travel Time Prediction using Deep Learning

In recent years, deep learning models have been receiving increased attention within the artificial intelligence (AI) community because of their high prediction accuracy. In this paper, two deep le...
OptoGranules reveal the evolution of stress granules to ALS-FTD pathology

Stress granules are non-membranous assemblies of mRNA and protein that form in response to a variety of stressors. Genetic, pathologic, biophysical and cell biological studies have implicated disturbances in the dynamics of membrane-less organelles, such as stress granules, as a pathobiological component of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). This confluence of evidence has inspired the hypothesis that these diseases reflect an underlying disturbance in the dynamics and material properties of stress granules; however, this concept has remained largely untestable in available models of stress granule assembly, which require the confounding variable of exogenous stressors. Here we demonstrate the development and use of a light-inducible stress granule system, termed OptoGranules, which permits discrete, experimental control of the dynamics and material properties of stress granules in living cells in the absence of exogenous stressors. The nucleator in this system is Opto-G3BP1, a light-sensitive chimeric protein assembled from the intrinsically disordered region (IDR) and RNA-binding domain of G3BP1 combined with the light-sensitive oligomerization domain of Arabidopsis thaliana cryptochrome 2 (CRY2) photolyase homology region (PHR). Upon stimulation with blue light, Opto-G3BP1 initiates the rapid assembly of dynamic, cytoplasmic, liquid granules that are composed of canonical stress granule components, including G3BP1, PABP, TIA1, TIAR, eIF4G, eIF3η, ataxin 2, GLE1, TDP-43 and polyadenylated RNA. With this system, we demonstrate that persistent or repetitive assembly of stress granules is cytotoxic and is accompanied by the evolution of stress granules to neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions that recapitulate the pathology of ALS-FTD.
Given-New Ordering Effects on the Production of Scrambled Sentences in Japanese.

Across many languages, speakers tend to produce sentences so that given (previously referred to) arguments are mentioned before new arguments; this is termed given-new ordering. We explored the nature of such given-new effects in Japanese using a procedure following Bock and Irwin (1980). Speakers encoded and then recalled canonical (e.g., okusan-ga otetsudaisan-ni purezento-o okutta, “the housewife gave the housekeeper a present”) or scrambled (okusan-ga purezento-o otetsudaisan-ni okutta) dative targets when prompted by a statement-question sequence. The prompting statement established one nonsubject argument of the dative target as given, leaving the other nonsubject argument as new. Previous mention was either with lexically identical content (e.g., otetsudaisan or purezento) or with lexically distinct but nearly synonymous content (meidosan, “housemaid” or okurimono, “gift”). Results showed that speakers produced canonical or scrambled word orders so that given arguments were mentioned before new, but especially when the previous mention of the given argument occurred with lexically identical content (replicating Bock and Irwin's English effect). These results show that the production of Japanese scrambled and canonical word orders is sensitive to given versus new status (as in English), implying that given-new ordering arises at the stage of sentence production where scrambling effects are realized.
Presence of Platelet-Activating Factor and Its Receptor in Baboon (Papio spp) Spermatozoa

Platelet-activating factor [1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine; PAF] is a novel potent signaling phospholipid which has unique pleiotropic biological properties in addition to platelet activation. PAF has been detected in the spermatozoa in several species. The concentration of PAF is inversely related to human spermatozoal quality. PAF is present in squirrel monkey (a seasonal breeder) spermatozoa and is significantly higher during the breeding season. PAFs mechanism of action is a receptor-mediated event. There is no report on the presence of PAF or the PAF-receptor in nonhuman Old World primate spermatozoa. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to determine if PAF is present in the spermatozoa from baboons, which are year-round breeders. A secondary objective was to determine the presence and localization of the PAF-receptor in spermatozoa. We extracted endogenous lipids from mature hybrid baboon (Papio spp) epididymal spermatozoa and assayed them for the presence of PAF by [ 125 I]-radioimmunoassay. We also exposed baboon spermatozoa to PAF-receptor antibody followed by FITC-conjugated antibody. PAF was in all samples assayed (mean: 2.29 (±0.63) pmol/10 6 spermatozoa). Baboon spermatozoa possess PAF-receptors most prevalently along the neck and midpiece regions. The data demonstrates that PAF and its receptor are present in baboon spermatozoa. Additional studies will elucidate the role of PAF in spermatozoal function.
Environmental Journalism in Brazil: History, Characteristics, and Framing of Disasters

This chapter describes the characteristics of environmental reporting in Brazil through a historical overview and an analysis of news coverage of the worst environmental tragedy in the country’s history: the 2015 Mariana dam collapse, which resulted in the death of 19 people and destroyed over five square miles of vegetation and wildlife along the Rio Doce estuary. The key characteristics of environmental coverage in the country are outlined: a focus on disasters, episodic coverage, reliance on official sources, and an emphasis on nature as an instrument for human ends. We found that episodic coverage was predominant and stories emphasized the human side of the tragedy, with very few articles even mentioning environmental concerns. These stories were not put in the context of bigger issues related to the mining industry or long-term environmental or societal impacts. Recommendations for the improvement of environmental journalism in the country are offered.
Parent and professional perspectives on behavioral inflexibility in autism spectrum disorders: A qualitative study:

Restricted and repetitive behaviors are a core feature of autism spectrum disorder; however, research on the functional impact of these behaviors on the quality of life for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families remains scarce. We conducted focus groups with parents of children with autism spectrum disorder and clinicians in order to better characterize the functional impact of behavioral inflexibility, which represents one potential dimensional construct that could account for the breadth of behaviors comprising the restricted and repetitive behavior domain. Transcripts of the focus groups were analyzed using qualitative analysis coding methods to determine parent and clinician beliefs on a range of issues related to behavioral inflexibility including overall impact, types of child behaviors, and strategies for managing behavioral inflexibility. Thematic analysis revealed that parents and clinicians view behavioral inflexibility as an important behavior that impacts multiple areas of functioning, relates to other restricted and repetitive behaviors as well as social communication behaviors, and warrants targeted treatment. Notably, many parents and clinicians emphasized some positive consequences of behavioral inflexibility as well. These findings add crucial insights into the functional impact of behavioral inflexibility and restricted and repetitive behaviors as a whole and suggest that behavioral inflexibility represents an important avenue for future research.
Alliances and Conflict, or Conflict and Alliances? Appraising the Causal Effect of Alliances on Conflict

The deterrent effect of military alliances is well documented and widely accepted. However, such work has typically assumed that alliances are exogenous. This is problematic as alliances may simultaneously influence the probability of conflict and be influenced by the probability of conflict. Failing to account for such endogeneity produces overly simplistic theories of alliance politics and barriers to identifying the causal effect of alliances on conflict. In this manuscript, I propose a solution to this theoretical and empirical modeling challenge. Synthesizing theories of alliance formation and the alliance-conflict relationship, I innovate an endogenous theory of alliances and conflict. I then test this theory using innovative generalized joint regression models that allow me to endogenize alliance formation on the causal path to conflict. Once doing so, I ultimately find that alliances neither deter nor provoke aggression. This has significant implications for our understanding of interstate conflict and alliance politics.
The Chronic Pain Patient Scheduled for Neurosurgery

Patients with chronic pain undergoing surgery present many challenges. Chronic pain patients undergoing neurosurgery present a unique subset of these challenges that can be difficult to manage as the underlying pathology of their neurologic disease can limit available therapies. This chapter focuses on the perioperative management of a chronic pain patient scheduled for neurosurgery.
Mesoscale transport-geometry interactions in lithium ion cathode active materials: Particle scale galvanostatic simulations based on X-ray nanotomography data

Abstract Simulation results of lithium diffusion in Li(Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3)O2 under galvanostatic discharge (intercalation) conditions are presented for a set of cathode active material particles imaged using X-ray nanotomography. A range of operating conditions from 0.5C to 10C are considered. Behavior of these real particles is compared to idealized spherical particles on the basis of dimensionless parameters that link particle morphology, lithium diffusion and reaction kinetics. These parameters include the particle sphericity, a mass transfer Biot number and a mass transfer Fourier number. At lower C-rates, lower Biot numbers, and higher sphericities the spherical particle model proves sufficient, and the spherical particle model predicts minimum concentrations within one standard deviation of the average behavior of the particle ensemble that is analyzed. However, at higher C-rates, higher Biot numbers, and intermediate Fourier numbers the spherical particle model significantly overestimates the state of charge in the active material particles, an error that may underestimate lithium available for plating at the anode and state of charge dependent degradation in cathode materials. The results presented highlight a need and means for more accurate assessment of the influence of microstructural geometry on battery performance under aggressive current conditions.
Use of Quasi-Experimental Research Designs in Education Research: Growth, Promise, and Challenges:

In the past few decades, we have seen a rapid proliferation in the use of quasi-experimental research designs in education research. This trend, stemming in part from the “credibility revolution” i...
Phrenic nerve palsy after cervical laminectomy and fusion

Abstract Background Phrenic nerve palsy is a rare complication of cervical spine surgery. There are no previously reported cases of unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis following posterior cervical spine surgery. Here, we present a case of a 69 year-old Caucasian male with severe cervical stenosis with myelopathy who underwent posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion (PSIF) from C2 to T2, with laminectomies at C3-C7. Outcome The patient developed respiratory distress post-operatively and was found to have an elevated hemidiaphragm secondary to phrenic nerve palsy. He was treated with respiratory support, with significant improvement in dyspnea. He was also noted to have a left C5 palsy affecting his deltoid function and proximal upper extremity sensation which gradually improved. Conclusions This is the first reported case of unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis causing dyspnea due to phrenic nerve palsy following cervical spine surgery. This rare complication should be kept in mind when assessing any patient with respiratory distress following cervical spine surgery.
Differing Impacts of Price Pressure and Innovation Pressure: An Abstract

Innovation capability is widely viewed as a competitive advantage. Yet literature on innovation and new product development have also recognized the existence of hurdles in the successful practice and implementation of innovation within the supply chain. In an uncertain and highly competitive business environment, it is not uncommon for organizations to pass on innovation tasks to supply chain partners. This is particularly so in the case of the manufacturing supply chain in which powerful Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) often pass on innovation introduction activities to their suppliers. This research seeks to determine whether such “Innovation Pressure” is conducive to good Supplier – OEM Relationships and also how it compares with price pressure exerted similarly by OEMs.
Predictable ETF Order Flows and Market Quality

Institutional order flow can often be predicted. Examples include trades by index funds when stocks are added to or deleted from indexes; the rebalancing trades of rules-based ETFs, including leveraged and inverse ETFs; rebalancing to maintain target asset weights; rebalancing to maintain option hedges; and roll outs of expiring futures contracts. Some authors have highlighted the destabilizing effects on market quality related to predictable order flow. The goal of this article is to provide a deeper analysis of the existing infrastructure and the issues that arise from the execution of predictable institutional orders. Considering the roles of information and competition, predictable orders should in long run equilibrium have minimal effects on prices, because they are most often not motivated by fundamental information, they attract natural counterparties, and they benefit from additional liquidity supply.