cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biochemical and spectroscopic characterization of the catalytic domain of MMP16 (cdMMP16).

Membrane-bound matrix metalloproteinase 16 (MMP16/MT3-MMP) is considered a drug target due to its role(s) in disease processes such as cancer and inflammation. Biochemical characterization of MMP16 is critical for developing new generation MMP inhibitors (MMPi), which exhibit high efficacies and selectivities. Herein, a modified over-expression and purification protocol was used to prepare the catalytic domain of MMP16 (cdMMP16). The resulting recombinant enzyme exhibited steady-state kinetic constants of K m = 10.6 ± 0.7 μM and k cat = 1.14 ± 0.02 s−1, when using FS-6 as substrate, and the enzyme bound 1.8 ± 0.1 eq of Zn(II). The enzymatic activity of cdMMP16 is salt concentration-dependent, and cdMMP16 exhibits autoproteolytic activity under certain conditions, which may be related to an in vivo regulatory mechanism of MMP16 and of other membrane-type MMPs (MT-MMPs). Co(II)-substituted analogs (Co2- and ZnCo) of cdMMP16 were prepared and characterized using several spectroscopic techniques, such as UV–Vis, 1H NMR, and EXAFS spectroscopies. A well-characterized cdMMP16 is now available for future inhibitor screening efforts.
Semantic and phonological knowledge of native signers of American Sign Language (ASL) in a synonym task

Semantic and phonological knowledge of native signers of American Sign Language (ASL) in a synonym task
Specific polarizability of sand-clay mixtures with varying ethanol concentration

We utilise a concept of specific polarizability (cs), represented as the ratio of mineral–fluid interface polarization per pore-normalised surface area Sp, to demonstrate the influence of clay-organic interaction on complex conductivity measurements. Complex conductivity measurements were performed on kaolinite– and illite–sand mixtures as a function of varying ethanol (EtOH) concentration (10% and 20% v/v). The specific surface area of each clay type and Ottawa sand was determined by nitrogen-gas-adsorption Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method. We also calculated the porosity and saturation of each mixture based on weight loss of dried samples. Debye decomposition, a phenomenological model, was applied to the complex conductivity data to determine normalised chargeability (mn). Specific polarizability estimates from previous complex conductivity measurements for bentonite–sand mixtures were compared with our dataset. The cs for all sand–clay mixtures decreased as the EtOH concentration increased from 0% to 10% to 20% v/v. We observe similar cs responses to EtOH concentration for all sand–clay mixtures. Analysis of variance with a level of significance α = 0.05 suggests that the suppression in cs responses with increasing EtOH concentration was statistically significant for all sand–clay mixtures. On the other hand, real conductivity showed only 10% to 20% v/v changes with increasing EtOH concentration. The cs estimates reflect the sensitivity of complex conductivity measurements to alteration in surface chemistry at available surface adsorption sites for different clay types, likely resulting from ion exchange at the clay surface and associated with kinetic reactions in the electrical double layer of the clay–water–EtOH media. Our results indicate a much larger influence of specific surface area and ethanol concentration on clay-driven polarization relative to changes in clay mineralogy.
A Classification of Public Respondents on the Basis of their Perceived Receipt of Informational Announcements from a Governmental Unit

There are three different classes of persons which governmental organizations must attempt to reach through public service announcements: (1) those who receive announcements from all advertising media, (2) those who receive announcements from one advertising medium, (3) those who do not receive announcements from any advertising media.
Diversity & commonality: Sustaining their tension in communication courses

This essay enters the current controversy surrounding calls to recognize and incorporate diversity into how we conceive and teach about members of historically marginalized groups. Focusing on this debate primarily as it pertains to women and their communication, the essay probes the tension between reasons to recognize differences among women and potential dangers inherent in emphasizing women's diversity. Resisting the inclination to resolve or reconcile this tension, it is suggested that sustaining it productively problematizes thinking by highlighting the complexities of human nature and communication. To demonstrate the pragmatic implications of embracing the tension between women's diversity and commonalities, the final section of the paper translates conceptual issues into concrete instructional principles and practices designed to recognize and respect diversity among students in communication courses while simultaneously cultivating appreciation of important commonalities among members of the hum...
Margatoxin-bound quantum dots as a novel inhibitor of the voltage-gated ion channel Kv1.3.

Venom-derived ion channel inhibitors have strong channel selectivity, potency, and stability; however, tracking delivery to their target can be challenging. Herein, we utilized luminescent quantum dots (QDs) conjugated to margatoxin (MgTx) as a traceable vehicle to target a voltage-dependent potassium channel, Kv1.3, which has a select distribution and well-characterized role in immunity, glucose metabolism, and sensory ability. We screened both unconjugated (MgTx) and conjugated MgTx (QD-MgTx) for their ability to inhibit Shaker channels Kv1.1 to Kv1.7 using patch-clamp electrophysiology in HEK293 cells. Our data indicate that MgTx inhibits 79% of the outward current in Kv1.3-transfected cells and that the QD-MgTx conjugate is able to achieve a similar level of block, albeit a slightly reduced efficacy (66%) and at a slower time course (50% block by 10.9 ± 1.1 min, MgTx; vs. 15.3 ± 1.2 min, QD-MgTx). Like the unbound peptide, the QD-MgTx conjugate inhibits both Kv1.3 and Kv1.2 at a 1 nM concentration, whereas it does not inhibit other screened Shaker channels. We tested the ability of QD-MgTx to inhibit native Kv1.3 expressed in the mouse olfactory bulb (OB). In brain slices of the OB, the conjugate acted similarly to MgTx to inhibit Kv1.3, causing an increased action potential firing frequency attributed to decreased intraburst duration rather than interspike interval. Our data demonstrate a retention of known biophysical properties associated with block of the vestibule of Kv1.3 by QD-MgTx conjugate compared to that of MgTx, inferring QDs could provide a useful tool to deliver ion channel inhibitors to targeted tissues in vivo.
Design of isolated interleaved boost DC-DC converter based on SiC power devices for microinverter applications

The power delivered by a photovoltaic (PV) to the grid must be modified in multiple stages. The operation concept of the micro-inverter is to increase the low output voltage received from a PV panel. Wide bandgap (WBG) power devices such as SiC MOSFETs offer multiple advantages over traditional silicon power devices when are used in a solar energy field due to their high switching frequency, high thermal conductivity and high power density that led to high efficiency and a smaller size of a converter. This paper demonstrates the implementation and design of an isolated interleaved boost DC-DC converter using a capacitor voltage doubler to achieve a high voltage step ratio. The performance of the design is analyzed and investigated at high switching frequency using different power switching devices, Si and SiC MOSFETs. The simulation results show that a 3% improvement achieved by SiC MOSFET at a higher switching frequency of 300 kHz.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Pathophysiology and Current Therapeutic Approaches

Inflammatory bowel diseases, most commonly categorized as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are immune mediated chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The etiopathogenesis is multifactorial with different environmental, genetic, immune mediated, and gut microbial factors playing important role. The current goals of therapy are to improve clinical symptoms, control inflammation, prevent complications, and improve quality of life. Different therapeutic agents, with their indications, mechanisms of action, and side effects are discussed in this chapter. Anti-integrin therapy, a newer therapeutic class, with its potential beneficial role in both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis is also mentioned. In the end, therapeutic algorithms for both diseases are reviewed.
Would China Go Nuclear? Assessing the Risk of Chinese Nuclear Escalation in a Conventional War with the United States

Could a conventional war with the United States inadvertently prompt Chinese nuclear escalation? The military-technical threat that such a war would pose to China's retaliatory capability—combined ...
The Perfect Storm: A Low-Performing Biotech Plant

For the past 12 months, a major pharmaceutical company had rolled out a comprehensive set of cultural changes and breakthrough lean-process activities that were instigated by the need to cut nearly 25% of costs across its key global production facilities. The cultural changes and breakthrough lean-process activities called for aggressive action, and company leadership thought that the company's cost reduction goal could only be achieved through operational transformation, in a three-prong approach incorporating leadership behavior and management infrastructure changes that complimented the lean initiatives rolled out in the 24 manufacturing operating systems of its more than 40 global sites. A senior leader charged with heading up this global effort schedules a meeting with her lead contact from the external advisory firm hired to help with the design and initial implementation of a cost reduction to discuss the roadblocks they both had encountered at their least successful site. Excerpt UVA-OM-1463 Jan. 20, 2012 THE PERFECT STORM: A LOW-PERFORMING BIOTECH PLANT For the past 12 months, a major pharmaceutical company had rolled out a comprehensive set of cultural changes and breakthrough lean-process activities that were instigated by the need to cut nearly 25% of costs across its key global production facilities. This need to cut costs was driven by two events. First, several of the company's patented blockbuster products would soon be going off-patent creating a significant revenue shortfall in the near future. Second, company leadership was currently negotiating with representatives from another major pharmaceutical company that had offered to acquire it over the next 18 months. The cultural changes and breakthrough lean-process activities called for aggressive action, and company leadership thought that the company's cost reduction goal could only be achieved through operational transformation, in a three-prong approach incorporating leadership behavior and management infrastructure changes that complimented the lean initiatives rolled out in the 24 manufacturing operating systems of its more than 40 global sites. The large-scale program involved both senior leadership and an external advisory firm. With the assistance of the external firm, the pharmaceutical company had designed a complete rollout plan that began by identifying the first- and second-wave sites (others in the global network would be tackled later) and conducting an in-depth diagnostic analysis of the potential for financial gain, process improvement, and cultural changes at each of these production sites. . . .
Incorporation of a Biguanide Scaffold Enhances Drug Uptake by Organic Cation Transporters 1 and 2.

Membrane transporters play a significant role in the transport of many endogenous and exogenous compounds. The knowledge of transporter substrate requirements has allowed further development of drugs that utilize them to ensure tissue permeation. In this study, we demonstrate that inclusion of a biguanide functionality can potentiate uptake by the organic cation transporters 1 and 2 (OCT1 and OCT2). We synthesized 18 pairs of structurally diverse compounds, each pair consisting of a parent amino compound and its biguanide analog; and then assessed their cellular uptake in HEK293 cells overexpressing human OCT1 or OCT2. Our results show that addition of the biguanide significantly improved OCT1- and OCT2-mediated transport for the majority of compounds. The biguanides also inhibited the uptake of prototypical substrates of both transporters, 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) and metformin. We found that molecular weight, molecular volume, Log D (pH 7.4), and accessible surface area were important determin...
A case of fatal internal jugular vein perforation during nasogastric tube insertion

Nasogastric tube (NGT) insertion is a routine procedure in the management of surgical patients. We report the second case of internal jugular vein perforation during NGT insertion. A 79-year-old man presented with diffuse abdominal pain secondary to a perforated viscus. Abdominal CT revealed pneumoperitoneum, necessitating emergent exploratory laparotomy. On post-operative Day 7, the patient developed mild abdominal distension and subjective nausea for which NGT placement was ordered for decompression. Tube placement was confirmed by insufflation of air without aspiration of gastric contents. Output from the NGT upon placement revealed frank blood. The patient then developed respiratory distress requiring intubation, followed by a fatal arrhythmia. Post-mortem exam revealed the trajectory of the NGT through the pharyngeal wall into the right internal jugular vein. This case illustrates the importance of systematic evaluation of all procedures, as the outcome resulted from failure to recognize the initial error in tube placement.
Alignment and commitment in joint action

Important work on alignment systems has been applied to philosophical work on joint action by Tollefsen and Dale. This paper builds from and expands on their work. The first aim of the paper is to ...
A Follow-Up Study of Student Fellows in Psychiatry

One hundred twelve students who had participated in NIMH-supported fellowships in psychiatry were surveyed to determine the influence of the eight-week fellowship on specialty choice, and attitudes and opinions toward psychiatry. There were eight-two respondents of whom 15 or 19 percent were psychiatrists. The results clearly show the fellowships have a strongly positive impact on those students who subsequently enter nonpsychiatric specialties. Most of the students who subsequently became psychiatrists had either already decided their career plans or they indicated they were more influenced by the regular clinical clerkship than the fellowship. Both psychiatrists and nonpsychiatrists agreed that the money spent was worthwhile and, in general, they would take the fellowship again if they had the opportunity. It is suggested that the recruitment value of the fellowships might be enhanced by extending them to undergraduate students interested in mental health, including those who are not “premedical.”
A Randomized Clinical Trial of Nicotine Preloading for Smoking Cessation in People with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Objective: The aim of this research was to determine whether augmenting standard smoking cessation treatment by wearing an active nicotine patch before the smoking quit date improves rates of smoki...
WIC Participation and Blood Lead Levels among Children 1–5 Years: 2007–2014

Background: The CDC recommends a targeted strategy for childhood blood lead screening based on participation in federal programs, such as Medicaid and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for...
Getting Grounded (In Our Own Instability)

The applications and use of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in medicine and mental healthcare have been expanding as rapidly as the empirical evidence base that is validating and recommending them. This growth has created a powerful demand for professionals who can effectively deliver these interventions and for training new professionals who can enter the fold.
How physician communication influences recognition of depression in primary care.

BACKGROUND The relationship between physician communication patterns and the successful recognition of depression is poorly understood. METHODS We used unannounced visits by actors playing standardized patients to evaluate verbal communication between primary care physicians and a patient presenting with a minor depression scenario. Participants (n = 77) were assigned to receive 2 visits from a man or woman portraying a 26-year-old patient with chronic headaches who meets the criteria for minor depression. The standardized patients carried hidden audiotape recorders and high-fidelity microphones to document the encounters. The audiotapes were coded at 2-second intervals. These data were linked to information gathered from standardized patient checklists, medical records, and debriefing telephone calls with participants. RESULTS We obtained complete data on 59 (77%) of the physician-patient encounters; of those, 43 (73%) of the physicians recognized depression. Physicians who recognized depression asked twice as many questions about feelings and affect compared with those who did not (for feelings: 1.9% of total physician activity vs. 0.9%, P = .017; for affect: composite score of 2.7% of total physician activity vs 1.3%, P = .003). We found no differences in the proportion or timing of broad to narrow questioning between those who did and did not recognize depression. Physicians who successfully recognized depression later in the interview showed an increase in questions about feelings in the quartile just before recognition occurred. CONCLUSIONS Physicians who recognized depression differed significantly in the percentage of questions about feeling and affect, and an increase in questions about feelings may precede a diagnosis of depression, though more research is needed to establish this as an important finding.
PNrule: A New Framework for Learning Classifier Models in Data Mining (A Case-Study in Network Intrusion Detection).

Learning classifier models is an important problem in data mining. Observations from the real world are often recorded as a set of records, each characterized by multiple attributes. Associated with each record is a categorical attribute called class. Given a training set of records with known class labels, the problem is to learn a model for the class in terms of other attributes. The goal is to use this model to predict the class of any given set of records, such that certain objective function based on the predicted and actual classes is optimized. Traditionally, the goal has been to minimize the number of misclassified records; i.e. to maximize accuracy. Various techniques exist today to build classifier models[11]. Although no single technique is proven to be the best in all situations, techniques that learn rule-based models are especially popular in the domain of data mining. This can be contributed to the easy interpretability of the rules by humans, and competitive performance exhibited by rule-based models in many application domains.
Approach to the incidentally discovered pituitary mass

Improvements in diagnostic imaging techniques over the last several years have created the dilemma for the clinician of the radiologist being able to detect asymptomatic masses in several organs [1]. Such incidentally found masses have been referred to as incidentalomas [2]. When these imaging techniques have been applied to the pituitary gland, similar incidentalomas have been found in seemingly normal subjects [3–11]. At present, these techniques include high-resolution computed tomographic (CT) scanning with infusion of intravenous contrast, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with or without administration of gadolinium [12,13]. It is the purpose of the present discussion to provide information and guidelines for the evaluation of the patient incidentally found to have a mass lesion of the pituitary on a CT or MRI scan that has been performed for some other reason (Fig. 1).
Ecologically-Minded Reconstruction of Experiments in HIV Prevention: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

The field of HIV risk and prevention research has labored under the assumption that the randomized trial is the single best way to test the efficacy of behavioral interventions. Medical model conventions for trial design and analysis have been adopted whole cloth. However, the usual approaches used to analyze randomized trial data focus on identification of overall treatment effects in aggregate samples. This universal, mechanistic approach is contrary to the daily realities encountered by prevention practitioners and investigators, that different people change in different ways, that group characteristics influence participant outcomes, and that what people get out of an intervention depends upon individual, historical and cultural differences. This paper presents the case for re-examining data from randomized prevention studies, using methods to discern diversity in the ways that people respond to programs and to identify contextual factors that may influence outcomes. Specific methods include the examination of individual outcome trajectories, the identification of dynamic interactions among determinants of risk behavior, the analysis of group-level influences on individual outcomes, and the incorporation of historical data on availability of prevention services in analysis of treatment trials. A meta-analytic framework is proposed to synthesize findings generated by these and other exploratory approaches. HIV prevention science may be best served by methods optimized to discover, highlight and weigh the implications of diversity, rather than relying on approaches that emphasize central tendencies and simple, linear effects.
Caffeine, alcohol, smoking, and reproductive outcomes among couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatments

During the past decade, as the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) has continued to increase worldwide, research investigating whether modifiable lifestyle factors, such as alcohol, caffeine, and smoking, may affect ART outcomes has grown. Despite the vast literature, there is still uncertainty regarding the effects of some of these exposures on ART outcomes. The objective of this review is to summarize the epidemiologic literature on intakes of caffeine and alcohol, smoking, and reproductive outcomes among women undergoing ART. Of the five epidemiologic studies on caffeine intake and ART outcomes, only one found a significant negative effect of caffeine intake on live birth following ART. There have been six epidemiologic studies exploring whether alcohol intake is associated with fertility outcomes among women undergoing ART. Three studies assessed current alcohol consumption and observed a negative effect on outcomes such as fertilization, embryo quality, and implantation. When alcohol intake in the year before treatment was assessed, no relationships were observed with clinical outcomes following ART. Finally, numerous epidemiologic studies and a handful of meta-analyses have confirmed that female current smokers have worse ART outcomes compared with nonsmokers. Although former smokers tend to have better ART outcomes than current smokers, very few individual studies have investigated the influence of smoking cessation on ART outcomes. Literature on male smoking, drinking, and caffeine habits in relation to ART outcomes is even sparser and inconsistent, making it difficult to draw strong conclusions on that topic. In summary, there is little evidence supporting a detrimental effect of moderate caffeine intake on ART outcomes. Current consumption of alcohol may have a negative effect on ART outcomes, but at present the evidence is limited. Women who currently smoke cigarettes have been consistently found to have poorer ART outcomes, including reduced live birth rates, but a quantification of the benefits of smoking cessation is lacking.
Well differentiated / dedifferentiated liposarcoma: Are patients at risk of developing a second cancer?

e22542Background: Well differentiated / dedifferentiated (WD / DD) liposarcoma is one of the most common subtypes of soft tissue sarcomas. There are no known risk factors and a genetic predispositi...
Children's low-level pesticide exposure and associations with autism and ADHD: a review

Pesticides are chemicals that are designed specifically for the purpose of killing or suppressing another living organism. Human toxicity is possible with any pesticide, and a growing body of literature has investigated possible associations with neurodevelopmental disorders. Attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are two of these specific disorders that have garnered particular interest. Exposure to toxic chemicals during critical windows of brain development is a biologically plausible mechanism. This review describes the basic laboratory science including controlled pesticide dosing experiments in animals that supports a mechanistic relationship in the development of ADHD and/or ASD. Epidemiological relationships are also described for low-level pesticide exposure and ADHD and/or ASD. The available evidence supports the hypothesis that pesticide exposure at levels that do not cause acute toxicity may be among the multifactorial causes of ADHD and ASD, though further study is needed, especially for some of the newer pesticides.
Analyzing exchange rate uncertainty and bilateral export growth in China: A multivariate GARCH-based approach

Abstract Dramatic changes to exchange rate policy for the world's largest exporter have arguably ushered in the optimal environment for studying the effects of exchange rate uncertainty on trade. This study builds on the recent literature by using an extremely general model that measures volatility using the flexible multivariate DCC-GARCH model to analyze the impact exchange rate uncertainty has on bilateral export growth for China's ten largest export markets. All model parameters are estimated simultaneously and lagged values of uncertainty are included for a full year, where significant effects are found. The more general methods potentially overcome issues associated with inefficient two-step methods and the assumption that volatility impacts are close to instantaneous. Using a comprehensive sample that spans 1994–2017, the paper presents evidence that exchange rate uncertainty has no impact on trade with the United States, which strongly contrasts a robust finding of trade deterring impacts for almost all remaining countries. The unifying methodology is also used to analyze nominal uncertainty itself. Here, it is found that Chinese inflation may be a positive contributor to risk in an environment where many exogenous events, such as the Asian currency crisis, are associated with periods of heightened yuan uncertainty.
On the Capital Market Consequences of Alternative Data: Evidence from Outer Space

We use the introduction of satellite coverage of major retailers to study the capital market implications of unequal access to alternative data. We find that satellite data allowed sophisticated investors to formulate profitable strategies, especially by targeting the quarterly reports of retailers with bad news. Using a difference-in-differences design, we also find that the release of satellite data led to more informed short selling activity, less informed individual trading, and lower stock liquidity around the earnings announcements of retailers with satellite coverage. Overall, our paper provides new evidence that unequal access to alternative data can increase information asymmetry among market participants.
Cellular retinoic acid binding protein 1 protects mice from high-fat diet-induced obesity by decreasing adipocyte hypertrophy.

Objectives Obesity, an emerging global health issue, involves numerous factors; understanding its underlying mechanisms for prevention and therapeutics is urgently needed. Cellular retinoic acid binding protein 1 (Crabp1) knockout (CKO) mice exhibit an obese phenotype under normal diet (ND) feedings, which prompted us to propose that Crabp1 could play a role in modulating adipose tissue development/homeostasis. Studies were designed to elucidate the underlying mechanism of Crabp1's action in reducing obesity. Subjects/methods In animal studies, 6 weeks old male wild type and CKO mice were fed with ND or high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks. Body weight and food intake were regularly monitored. Glucose tolerance test and biological parameters of plasma (glucose and insulin levels) were measured after 10 weeks of ND vs. HFD feedings. Visceral adipose tissues were collected for histological and molecular analyses to determine affected signaling pathways. In cell culture studies, the 3T3L1 adipocyte differentiation model was used to examine and validate relevant signaling pathways. Results CKO mice, compared to WT mice, gained more body weight, exhibited more elevated fasting plasma glucose levels, and developed more severe impaired glucose tolerance under both ND and HFD. Histological examination revealed readily increased adipocyte hypertrophy and adipose tissue inflammation under HFD feedings. In 3T3L1 adipocytes, Crabp1 silencing enhanced extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation, accompanied by elevated markers and signaling pathways of lipid accumulation and adipocyte hypertrophy. Conclusions This study identifies Crabp1's physiological role against the development of obesity. The protective function of CRABP1 is likely attributed to its classically proposed (canonical) activity as a trap for RA, which will reduce RA availability, thereby dampening RA-stimulated ERK1/2 activation and adipocyte hypertrophy. The results suggest Crabp1 as a potentially new therapeutic target in managing obesity and metabolic diseases.
Being Young and Trans in School

This chapter problematizes gender roles and cisnormative education settings. It explores how hetereosexist environments cause harm to young transgender students. Statistics from GLSEN’s School Climate Survey are discussed. The chapter cites the deficits in teacher training and curricula, and provides suggestions for incorporation of trans-friendly curricular themes. Studies focusing on the social interactions of trans children are explored. The chapter concludes with a discussion of gender performativity and the vital need to use appropriate pronouns when interacting with trans youth.
Following coronary thrombolysis.

There are many aspects of the subject “following coronary thrombolysis” but probably the most important is the prevention of rethrombosis. This is an area of continuing clinical investigation, and a solution of the problem is most important for improving the efficacy of coronary thrombolysis and for clarifying the subsequent management of the patient.
The Quality Of Evidence In Preclinical Medical Education Literature: A Systematic Review.

Introduction To practice effective evidence-based teaching, the need for well-designed studies that describe outcomes related to educational interventions is critical. The quality of the literate in basic science disciplines is unknown. The study objective was to conduct a systematic review of the literature to assess study design in articles describing innovations in preclinical medical education. Method The authors searched PubMed for all articles published in English between 2000 and 2017 describing interventions in preclinical medical education related to anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. Articles were scored using a modification of the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument. Results Of the 817 articles identified, 177 met final inclusion criteria (75 anatomy, 86 physiology, and 16 biochemistry). Laboratory, student-driven, and online activities were the most frequently reported. The average score for all papers was 15.7 (27 points possible). More than 80% reported experiences with one cohort of students and >97% involved only one institution. Only 25-49% of reports utilized a comparison (control) group. Proper statistical models for analysis of results were used in only 44-62% of papers. Conclusion Manuscripts had a strong tendency toward single institutional studies that involved one cohort of students. The use of a control/comparison group when assessing effectiveness was seen in <50% and nearly all reported outcomes solely in the form of student satisfaction or factual recall/skill performance.
Open Source Software for Simulating Collaborative Networks of Autonomous Adaptive Sensors

Collaborative networks of small satellites will form future Earth-observing systems. Maximizing the science value of measurements from such systems will require autonomous decision making with regard to management of limited resources (i.e. power, communications, and sensor configuration). The complexity of this decision space warrants the creation of software tools to aid users in efficient modeling and simulation of collaborative remote sensing networks. In this paper, we present a new open-source software library and tool–set that has been specifically designed for simulating such networks. Details of the object-oriented C++ library are presented with results from example simulations to confirm that it is able to address this challenge. The software tools developed offer enhanced simulation capabilities to developers of future observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs) with collaborative networks of adaptive sensor platforms.
Opioid prescriptions in emergency departments: Findings from the 2016 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey.

Abstract In the past decade, there has been a rising trend in the emergency department (ED) visits in the US and these visits carry a significant burden of prescription opioids. This study utilized the latest available data from the 2016 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) and examined the factors associated with opioid prescriptions in the ED. The outcome variable was receipt of opioid prescription, and the primary variable of interest was the type of visit (dental/non-dental). Other variables included age, gender, race/ethnicity, region, payer, day of the visit, and pain level. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were conducted and predicted marginal probabilities were determined. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. In 2016, 22.5% of visits in ER received opioid prescriptions. In the unadjusted analysis, opioid prescriptions were associated with all correlates except day of the visit. In the adjusted model, odds of receiving opioid prescription were 3.5 times more among dental visits compared to non-dental visits (95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 2.4–5.1) and 9.4 times more among visits with severe pain compared to visits with mild pain (95% CI = 7.7–11.4). Opioid prescriptions among 45–64 years old were 7.1 times (95% CI = 5.5–9.1] more likely compared to those among under 18 age-group. Opioid prescriptions in ED differed significantly by the type of visit and pain level. Given the higher likelihood of opioid prescriptions among dental visits, it is imperative to develop better prescription guidelines for dental visits in ED.
Prediction of H2S Concentration in Landfill Gas Resulting from Construction and Demolition Debris and the Selection of Treatment Method

AbstractHydrogen sulfide (H2S) concentration in landfill gas (LFG) is predominately dependent on the biodegradation of gypsum drywall, a major component of construction and demolition (C&D) debris....
Self-selection of gestational lumbopelvic posture and bipedal evolution.

Abstract Background Not all pregnant women seem to select the more curved lumbopelvic posture that their sexual dimorphic anatomy allows even though many previous researchers have assumed lumbopelvic curvature to be standard during pregnancy. This study is vital to understanding coevolution of lumbopelvic sexual dimorphism and bipedalism, and understanding some clinical implications of intervening in gestational posture changes. Research questions Are there anthropometric changes that correspond with selection of lumbopelvic curvature change during pregnancy? What are the biomechanical costs and benefits of gestational lumbopelvic curvature change? Methods Twenty pregnant women were tested at five different times in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. Lumbopelvic posture, standing kinetics and gait kinetics were measured longitudinally. Additionally, we modeled the effects on standing and gait without lumbopelvic postural changes, but with anthropometric changes, for each individual. Results We found greater lumbopelvic angulation to correspond with a shorter body height (6 cm difference between groups, p = 0.048) and deeper 2nd trimester abdomen (2 cm difference between groups, p = 0.013). Lumbopelvic angulation lowers support requirements (in standing and walking (6% lower support impulse, p = 0.056), but at the cost of shifting the propulsive actions to a less efficient pulling action rather than pushoff (13 % reduction in pushoff time, p = 0.001). We observed minimal effects on walking kinematics and balance control. Significance Our findings suggest the evolutionary advantage of the female lumbopelvic unit is the adaptability it provides to adjust for the individual needs of the pregnant woman. We discuss multiple potential contributing factors that may have shaped hominin female lumbopelvic evolution and are involved in self-selecting lumbopelvic posture.
A group respite pilot project for children with special needs.

Providing ongoing care for a family member or loved one with special needs is challenging. It is estimated that about 21% of the adult population in the United States are providing unpaid care for loved ones at home. Of that group, 5.7% are caring for children with special needs. Special needs can range from developmental delay to the provision of complex medical treatments. Family caregivers take on numerous roles to coordinate activities of daily living, therapies, in-home services, school, and appointments. This is often a great source of stress on family caregivers. Providing the proper support for care to remain at home reduces the disruption to children and families' lives (Carter et al., 2012). A pilot project was developed for children with physical, cognitive, and/or developmental impairment. This project was coordinated by nursing and physical therapy faculty and their students. Parents as well as nursing and physical therapy students benefited mutually. Our preliminary responses from families indicated stress relief from caregiving and benefiting from the ability to talk to other parents in similar circumstances.
critlib: critical librarianship, in real life & on the twitters

This column highlights current websites and other online resources relevant to technical services librarianship. We welcome new reviewers, comments, and suggestions. Please reach out to the editor,...
Finite-Amplitude Interfacial Waves

The gravity waves at the interface between two uniform, unbounded fluids of different densities in the presence of a current or relative horizontal velocity have been considered. The fluids are supposed to be immiscible, incompressible, and inviscid; and the motion is assumed to be irrotational. This chapter discusses the properties and existence of finite amplitude two-dimensional, periodic waves of permanent form that propagate steadily without change of shape. “Two-dimensional” means that the flow field depends only on the horizontal direction of propagation. In the field of surface gravity waves, which is the limit of the present study when the density of the upper fluid is zero, it has been found that three-dimensional waves of permanent form exist and are observed experimentally. Such waves would also exist and be important for interfacial waves. For the purpose of calculating steady waves, there is no loss of generality in taking the speed of propagation parallel to the current, because an arbitrary constant transverse velocity might be linearly superposed on any two-dimensional steady wave without affecting its properties. The wave can be reduced to rest by choosing a frame of reference moving with the wave. The problem is then to calculate steady irrotational solutions of the Euler equations that satisfy continuity of pressure across a common streamline.
Monohalo- and monopseudohalo-borane adducts: The relationship between the boron-proton coupling constant and the nature of the substituent on boron

Abstract A series of monohalo- and monopseudohalo-broane adducts LBH 2 X, (L = pyridine, (CH 3 ) 3 N, (CH 3 ) 3 P; X = F, Cl, Br, I, NCS, NCSe) has been prepared and characterized. A correlation was made between the boron-hydrogen coupling constant ( J BH ), the electronegativity of X ( E x ) and the estimated B-X bond distance ( D x ). For L = (CH 3 ) 3 N, J BH = 3·336 E x + 36·426 D x + 47·233, while for L = pyridine, J BH = 34·583 E x + 18·116 D x − 10·328. There was negligible change in J BH in the (CH 3 ) 3 PBH 2 X series.
Perimycin. The structure of some degradation products.

Abstract Retro-aldolization and methanolysis of the polyene antibiotic perimycin yield N-methyl-p-aminoacetophenone and methyl perosaminide, respectively. Their structural elucidation, mainly by spectroscopic techniques, is presented.
DC–DC Power Converters

DC–DC power converters employ switched-mode circuitry to change dc voltages and currents with efficiencies approaching 100%. Basic converter circuits can reduce the voltage (buck converter), increase the voltage (boost converter) or both (buck-boost, Cuk, and SEPIC converters). Transformer-isolated circuits include the bridge, forward, and flyback converters. Loss mechanisms include conduction loss arising from resistances or forward voltage drops of the power components, and switching loss generated during the transistor and diode switching transitions. Synchronous rectifiers can be employed to reduce the significant conduction loss caused by diode forward voltage drops in low-voltage applications. The discontinuous conduction mode may arise when the inductor current is sufficiently small, which causes the output voltage to be strongly load-dependent. Voltage-mode control employs pulse-width modulation to regulate the converter output voltage or other quantities through variation of the transistor duty cycle. Another popular technique is current-mode control, in which a circuit eauses the peak transistor current to follow a control reference signal. Averaging methods are commonly employed to model the dynamics and efficiency of dc–dc power converters. The state-space averaging method leads to an equivalent circuit model that predicts the converter small-signal transfer functions. The circuit averaging technique is easily applied to simulate the converter transfer functions, in both continuous and discontinuous conduction modes, using computer programs such as SPICE. 1 Introduction 2 Converter Circuit Topologies 3 Analysis of Converter Waveforms 4 Transformer Isolation 5 Switch Implementation 6 Discontinuous Conduction Mode 7 Current-Mode Control 8 DC-DC Converter Modeling Keywords: pulse-width modulation; voltage-mode control; buck converter; boost converter; buck-boost converter; state-space averaging method
MODELING SOLAR UV VARIATIONS USING MOUNT WILSON OBSERVATORY INDICES

Understanding the magnitude and temporal structure of variations in solar ultraviolet and extreme ultraviolet irradiance is critical to understanding solar forcing of the Earth’s upper and middle atmosphere and hence to assessing the relative impact of natural and anthropogenic influences on Earth’s atmospheric environment. Satellite based measurements of such variations are limited to recent times, are short in duration and subject to gaps making necessary ground-based surrogates with longer and more continuous coverage. Using indices derived from synoptic solar magnetograms taken at the Mount Wilson 150-foot solar tower, we have constructed models of several UV and near EUV lines and fluxes which correlate strongly (r > 0.90) with satellite data. These lines and fluxes include the Mg II h and k core-to-wing ratio, the Lα line and the 200–205 nm flux.
Gallium-67 imaging in retroperitoneal fibrosis : significance of a negative result

A patient with retroperitoneal fibrosis and right peritracheal and hilar lymphadenopathy was studied using gallium-67-citrate. No abnormal uptake was seen in the regions of retroperitoneal fibrosis, while there was avid uptake in chest lesions later shown to represent small cell lung carcinoma. Retroperitoneal fibrosis which does not show gallium uptake is most likely mature, with few inflammatory elements. In patients with multiple retroperitoneal and/or mediastinal masses, gallium imaging may be useful in identifying the most active sites of disease for possible biopsy and for subsequent monitoring of response to therapy.
Luteinizing hormone stimulates the formation of inositol trisphosphate and cyclic AMP in rat granulosa cells. Evidence for phospholipase C generated second messengers in the action of luteinizing hormone.

The following studies were conducted to determine whether luteinizing hormone (LH), a hormone which increases cellular levels of cyclic AMP, also provokes increases in 'second messengers' derived from inositol lipid metabolism (i.e. inositol phosphates and diacylglycerol). Rat granulosa cells isolated from mature Graafian follicles were prelabelled for 3 h with myo-[2-3H]inositol. LH provoked rapid (5 min) and sustained (up to 60 min) increases in the levels of inositol mono-, bis, and trisphosphates (IP, IP2 and IP3, respectively). Time course studies revealed that IP3 was formed more rapidly than IP2 and IP following LH treatment. The response to LH was concentration-dependent with maximal increases at LH concentrations of 1 microgram/ml. LiCl (2-40 mM) enhanced the LH-provoked accumulation of all [3H]inositol phosphates, presumably by inhibiting the action of inositol phosphate phosphatases. The effectiveness of LH, however, was dependent on the concentration of lithium employed; maximal increases in IP were observed at 10 mM-LiCl, whereas maximal increases in IP2 and IP3 were observed at 20 mM- and 40 mM-LiCl, respectively. The stimulatory effects of LH on inositol phosphate and progesterone accumulation were also compared with changes in cyclic nucleotide levels. LH rapidly increased levels of inositol phosphates, progesterone and cyclic AMP, but transiently reduced levels of cyclic GMP. These results demonstrate that LH increases both cyclic AMP and inositol trisphosphate (and presumably diacylglycerol) in rat granulosa cells. Our findings suggest that two messenger systems exist to mediate the action of LH in granulosa cells.
Small heteroborane cluster systems—7. reaction of phosphaalkyne tBuCP with bis(acetonitrile)decaborane(12). A new synthetic route to a large phosphaborane cluster compound

Abstract The reaction of phosphaalkyne tBuCp (1) with bis(acetonitrile)decaborane(12), B10H12(CH3CN)2, yielded the nido-eleven vertex phosphaborane cluster compound nido-tBu(H)CPB10H13 (2) in which the phosphorus atom is inserted directly into the polyhedral cage framework. The compound was obtained as a slightly air-sensitive, colorless oil in 50.4% yield. The product was characterized by multinuclear (1H, 11B, 13C and 31P) and 2D 11B—11B COSY NMR, mass spectroscopic and FT-IR data. The structural assignment of 2 is consistent with the observed spectroscopic data and data previously reported for analogous heteroborane compounds.