cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment on content of heavy metals in seafood from Cixi

Objective:To investigate the content of heavy metals in the seafood from Cixi,south of Hangzhou Bay and assess the seafood safety.Methods: The seafood samples were collected from mudflat cultured areas in south of Hangzhou Bay from October 2010 to December 2011.The contents of Pb and Cd were analyzed by Zeeman GFAAS,contamination estimation on seafood was conducted and the sea food safety was assessed referring to certain standrads.Results: The contents of Pb and Cd in fish were below the standard limits for harmless fishery food,and the contents of heavy metals in shellfish and crustacean were higher than those in fish.The contents of heavy metals in shellfish and crustacean were below the standard limits except the higher content of Cd in green-crab.Contents of heavy metals in the investigated seafood were under the evaluation standards of trace metal elements in aquatic organisms.Conclusion: The contents of Pb and Cd in the fish from Cixi,south of Hangzhou Bay is safe for health,but Cd level exceeds the safety limits in some crustaceans and should be noted by the relevant government departments.
Analysis of results of the fifth survey of intestinal nematode infections in Jinan

Objective To ascertain the prevalence of intestinal nematode infections in the City of Jinan in order to provide a scientific basis for the development of health education and parasite control measures and for eradication of those nematodes.Methods Fecal smears were tested for intestinal nematode eggs using the Kato-Katz technique and the cellophane tape technique was used to look for Enterobius vermicularis eggs.Hookworm species were differentiated using the Harada-Mori technique(filter paper test tube culture),and specimens were also checked for other nematode larvae.Results The overall rate of infection with intestinal nematodes was 31.22% in 1989,19.55%in 1996,2.40%in 1999,0.07% in 2002,and 0in 2011.The difference in the overall rate of infection was statistically significant(χ2=1828,P 0.01).The total rate of infection in 1999 decreased by 87.72% compared to that in 1996(χ2=282.88,P0.01).The total rate of infection in 2002 decreased by 97.5% compared to that in 1999.The rate of pinworm infection was 1.86%in 2011.In 1999,the rate of infection for men was 2.83% and that for women was 1.96%.There were no significant differences(χ2=1.58,P0.05)in the rate of intestinal nematode infection by gender in 1999.There were significant differences in the rate of infection for different age groups(χ2=92.83,P0.01).Conclusion The rate of intestinal nematode infection in Jinan has tended to decline.The rate of intestinal parasite infection is already low,so there is no need for large-scale use of pesticides.
Abstract P2-04-01: The role of Jmjd1a in mammary gland development and breast tumor growth

Histone modification alters chromatin architecture and thereby influences gene transcription. Histone methylation status is reversible and counter-regulated by methyltransferases and demethylases. Jmjd1a (also known as KDM3A, TSGA, JMJD1, JHDM2A and JHMD2A) is a histone demethylase. It belongs to JmjC domain-containing protein family and could specifically remove di- and mono- methyl residues from di or mono-methylated histone H3K9 (H3K9me2/me1). Recent studies showed that Jmjd1a plays an important role in embryonic stem cell self-renewal, spermatogenesis, regulation of metabolic gene expression and body weight, sex determination, tumor angiogenesis, and macrophage infiltration. However, its role in mammary gland (MG) development, breast carcinogenesis and breast cancer progression hasn9t been systemically investigated. In this study, we found that Jmjd1a is expressed in mouse luminal epithelial cells. Genetic disruption of the Jmjd1a gene significantly slowed down MG development as indicated by retarded MG elongation and decreased ductal density in virgin mice observed at the ages of 4, 6 and 8 weeks. In agreement with the retarded MG development, the expression of Ki67 and cyclinD1 in epithelial cells of MGs from Jmjd1a knockout (KO) mice dramatically reduced compared with that from wild type (WT) mice. H3K9me1 and H3K9me2 levels in the epithelial cells of KO MGs are much higher than that in WT MGs. To assess the role of Jmjd1a in breast cancer progression, we crossbred Tg(Jmjd1a-/-) mice with MMTV-TVA(RCAS-PyMT) mice and obtained Tg(Jmjd1a-/-)×MMTV-TVA(RCAS-PyMT) mice. Infection of the TVA-expressing MG epithelial cells with the RCAS-PyMT virus induced mammary tumors in these mice and MMTV-TVA(RCAS-PyMT) control mice. We found that KO of Jmjd1a slightly accelerated mammary tumor initiation but significantly decreased tumor growth. Ki67 and cyclinD1 expression statistically reduced in KO tumors versus WT tumors. At the molecular level, Jmjd1a expression positively correlated with cyclin D1 expression in mammary epithelial cells and mammary tumors. Knockdown of Jmjd1a in MCF-7 cells significantly reduced cyclin D1 expression, while ectopic expression of Jmjd1a in MCF-7 cells increased cyclin D1 expression. ChIP assay revealed that Jmjd1a is associated with a promoter region of cyclin D1. Co-expression of c-Myc and Jmjd1a boosted the activity of the cyclin D1 reporter. In conclusion, our study indicated that Jmjd1a plays an important role in promoting mammary gland development and breast tumor growth by up-regulating cyclin D1 expression. Targeting Jmjd1a may inhibit breast cancer progression. Citation Format: Qin L, Xu Y, Wu Y, Yu X, Toneff MJ, Liao L, Li Y, Xu J. The role of Jmjd1a in mammary gland development and breast tumor growth. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-04-01.
Resection of an Occipital-Cervical Junction Schwannoma through a modified minimally invasive approach: Technical Note.

Background: Minimally invasive spine (MIS) techniques have been available for many years, but their application has been largely limited to degenerative spine diseases. There are few reports in the literature of using MIS techniques for removal of neoplasms. We report our experience using a modified MIS technique for removal of an occipital–cervical junction (OCJ) schwannoma with attention to technical aspects of this approach.
Processing, Reporting, and Sensitivity of Cervical Cytology with an Emphasis on Glandular Lesions

The accuracy of cervical cytology interpretation is dependent on multiple factors: adequate sampling of the transformation zone of the cervix, proper preparation of the cytology slide, correlation of the cytology findings with clinical data provided on the requisition, reporting format, and terminology. In this chapter preanalytic factors impacting recognition of glandular lesions on cervical cytology are discussed, as well as the sensitivity of cervical cytology for glandular lesions.
Banking upside down: the implicit politics of shadow banking expertise

ABSTRACTWhat is shadow banking and what is political about it? To address these questions, the paper first unpacks the mechanics of shadow banking and compares them to traditional banking. Based on this stylized explanation, it problematizes the use of the term ‘banking’. Indeed, shadow banks turn long-term liabilities into short-term financial instruments, effectively turning traditional banking on its head. Next, it draws on three political science frameworks to bring to the fore and develop the political content of mainstream economic expertise on shadow banks. First, it shows that shadow banks played a significant role in the rent-seeking behavior of the financial sector by extracting regulatory rents and subsidies. Second, in spite of this, the extension of public backstops to shadow banks has largely been treated as logical institutional adaptation to a changing financial landscape. Third, shadow banking emerged alongside and contributed to growing economic inequality. It did so by acting as a credi...
Teaching Blindfolded: One Teacher’s Struggle to Meet the Needs of Her Somali Students in the Era of High Stakes Testing and Scripted Curriculum

The following case study looks at one teacher’s struggle to meet the needs of her Somali students’ in the era of high stakes testing and scripted curriculum. It documents the pressure on teachers and students to improve the average school state mandated test scores and to ignore the intellectual and vocational resources of the families in the community (Gonzalez et al., 1995). Consequently, more and more schools are adopting a prescribed curriculum with scripted lessons to replace inquiry lessons. This study discusses how this curriculum adoption often forces teacher to ignore students’ needs and cultural background and teach to the test.
Dynamic Surface Tension of Aqueous Surfactant Solutions: 7. Physical Significance of Dynamic Parameters and the Induction Period

Abstract The equation describing dynamic surface tension in aqueous media at constant surfactant concentration, (γ0 - γt)/(γt - γm) = (t/t*)n, where γ0 is the surface tension of the solvent, γt at time t, and γm, at mesoequilibrium, and t* and n are constants, is transformed mathematically to a Frumkin-type equation, πt = πm/[1 + 3.73tnexp(-n ln t)], where πt and πm are the surface pressure at time t and mesoequilibrium, respectively, and ti is the time at the end of the induction (initial) period of the surface tension reduction. It is suggested that n is related to the difference between the energies of adsorption and desorption and that ti is related to the surface coverage during the induction period. More than 20 systems were studied, including anionic, nonionic, and zwitterionic surfactants. The value of n increases with increases in the hydrophobic character of the surfactant while ti increases with increases in the tightness of packing of the adsorbed molecules at the interface. There is a linear relationship between ln ti and ln (Ti/C), where Ti is the surface (excess) concentration at ti, with a slope of approximately 2, suggesting diffusion-controlled adsorption in all systems studied. Surface coverage at ti in all the systems studied was 0.62 ± 0.05 of the maximum possible, which suggests an explanation for the observation that surfactants with larger surface areas/molecule decrease surface tension more rapidly than similar molecules with smaller areas/molecule.
Procedural and Conceptual Difficulties with Slope: An Analysis of Students' Mistakes on Routine Tasks.

This study extends past research on students‟ understanding of slope by analyzing college students‟ mistakes on routine tasks involving slope. We conduct both quantitative and qualitative analysis of students‟ mistakes on common slope tasks to extract information regarding procedural proficiencies and conceptual underpinnings required in order for students to reason successfully with various slope conceptualizations described in prior research. A case study analysis of the mistakes made by two students illustrates the importance of analyzing patterns of mistakes to reveal what conceptualizations of slope a student is fluent in working with. Results from this study delineate procedural proficiencies and conceptual underpinnings related to various slope conceptualizations that can help both teachers and researchers pinpoint students‟ understanding and make appropriate instructional decisions to help students advance their understanding.
Discriminative Thresholds in Facial Asymmetry: A Review of the Literature.

Background Facial symmetry is intimately correlated with attractiveness. Perfect facial symmetry is disconcerting and a degree of facial asymmetry is considered normal. There is a lack of data on the limits of normality across facial subunits. Objectives This systematic review aims to establish categories of facial asymmetry perception for facial aesthetic units by establishing a discriminative threshold of "deformity perception" across facial subunits and a threshold for intervention (unacceptable asymmetry). Methods A review of the literature was performed across Medline and Embase databases using OvidSP. All prospective studies evaluating the perception of progressive facial asymmetry in laymen or clinicians using a two- or three-dimensional model were included. Studies that did not evaluate rates of perception at varying degrees of asymmetry were excluded as these did not allow for the identification of a perceptive threshold. Results Each facial feature possesses a unique threshold of perception defined by an abrupt, statistically significant increase in detection. Asymmetry of the eyelid position at rest is the most sensitive facial feature (perceptive threshold, 2 mm) (P < 0.02). This is followed by deviations of the oral commissure (3 mm) (P < 0.001), brow position (3.5 mm) (P < 0.001), nasal tip deviation (4 mm) (P < 0.001), and chin deviation (6 mm) (P < 0.001). Desire for surgery for worsening deformities beyond the intervention threshold is characterized by an exponential, rather than linear, correlation. Conclusions Categories of facial asymmetry perception establish a framework to counsel patients with facial asymmetries, and are a valuable adjunct to clinical judgment in the management of static and dynamic facial deformities.
Downwind pre-aligned rotors for extreme-scale wind turbines

Downwind force angles are small for current turbines systems (1–5 MW) such that they may be readily accommodated by conventional upwind configurations. However, analysis indicates that extreme-scale systems (10–20 MW) will have larger angles that may benefit from downwind-aligned configurations. To examine potential rotor mass reduction, the pre-alignment concept was investigated a two-bladed configuration by keeping the structural and aerodynamic characteristics of each blade fixed (to avoids a complete blade re-design). Simulations for a 13.2 MW rated rotor at steady-state conditions show that this concept-level two-bladed design may yield 25% rotor mass savings while also reducing average blade stress over all wind speeds. These results employed a pre-alignment on the basis of a wind speed of 1.25 times the rated wind speed. The downwind pre-aligned concept may also reduce damage equivalent loads on the blades by 60% for steady rated wind conditions. Even higher mass and damage equivalent load savings (relative to conventional upwind designs) may be possible for larger systems (15–20 MW) for which load-alignment angles become even larger. However, much more work is needed to determine whether this concept can be translated into a practical design that must meet a wide myriad of other criteria. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural neuroimaging correlates of alcohol and cannabis use in adolescents and adults

Background and Aims Chronic alcohol use is associated with lower gray matter volume, and we reported recently that alcohol use showed negative associations with widespread gray matter (GM) volume even among young adults. The current study aimed to test the strength of association between (1) alcohol use and GM volume; (2) alcohol use and white matter (WM) integrity; (3) cannabis use and GM volume; and (4) cannabis use and WM integrity among adults and adolescents. Design and Setting General linear models within large pooled cross-sectional samples of adolescents and adults who had participated in studies collecting substance use and neuroimaging data in the southwestern United States. Participants The current analysis included adults aged 18–55 years (n = 853) and adolescents aged 14–18 years (n = 439) with a range of alcohol and cannabis use. Measurements The dependent variable was GM volume or WM integrity, with key predictors of alcohol use [Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score] and cannabis use (past 30-day use). Findings Alcohol use showed large clusters of negative associations (ηp2 = 0.028–0.145, P < 0.001) with GM volume among adults and to a lesser extent (one cluster; ηp2 = 0.070, P < 0.05) among adolescents. Large clusters showed significant associations (ηp2 = 0.050–0.124, P < 0.001) of higher alcohol use with poorer WM integrity, whereas adolescents showed no significant associations between alcohol use and WM. No associations were observed between structural measures and past 30-day cannabis use in adults or adolescents. Conclusions Alcohol use severity is associated with widespread lower gray matter volume and white matter integrity in adults, and with lower gray matter volume in adolescents.
Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Biliary Drainage

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided biliary drainage is an emerging technique that combines the advantages of the endoscopic and percutaneous approaches, without the inconveniences and discomfort of an indwelling external catheter. There has been growing interest and experience in EUS-biliary drainage. Several different EUS-guided techniques have been developed to access the obstructed biliary tree from either the stomach or duodenum, according to the location of the stricture, the anatomy of the patient, and the experience of the endoscopist.
Parents Who Decline HPV Vaccination: Who Later Accepts and Why?

Abstract Objective Parental declination contributes to low human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage among US adolescents, resulting in missed opportunities for cancer prevention. We sought to characterize parents' acceptance of HPV vaccination after declination ("secondary acceptance"). Methods In September 2016, we conducted an online survey with a national sample of parents of children ages 11 to 17 years. For those who reported having ever declined HPV vaccination for their children (n = 494), our survey assessed whether they accepted the vaccine at a subsequent visit. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess correlates of secondary acceptance. Results Overall, 45% of parents reported secondary acceptance of HPV vaccination, and an additional 24% intended to vaccinate in the next 12 months. In multivariable analyses, secondary acceptance was associated with receiving follow-up counseling about HPV vaccination from a health care provider (odds ratio, 2.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.42–3.28). However, only 53% of parents overall reported receiving such counseling. Secondary acceptance was also associated with receiving a higher quality HPV vaccine recommendation from a provider during the initial discussion and greater satisfaction with provider communication, as well as higher vaccination confidence. Among the reasons for secondary acceptance, parents most commonly reported the child getting older (45%), learning more about HPV vaccine (34%), and receiving a provider recommendation (33%). Conclusions Our findings suggest secondary acceptance of HPV vaccination is common, with more than two-thirds of parents in this national sample accepting or intending to accept HPV vaccination after declination. Providers should seek to motivate secondary acceptance by delivering repeated, high-quality recommendations for HPV vaccination.
A Hamiltonian Approach to the K-dV and Other Equations

Publisher Summary Recent investigations, originating in the fundamental work of Kruskal, Zabusky, and Gardner reveal that a large number of equations governing nonlinear wave motion can be put in a Hamiltonian formalism. Many of these equations turn out to be completely integrable. This chapter describes a miniscule generalization of the Hamiltonian formalism and its applications to the KdV equation to the regularized long wave equation (RLW) championed by Benjamin and others. It reviews classical Hamiltonian mechanics is reviewed. The chapter discusses infinite dimensional Hamiltonian systems, where phase space consists of all real valued C ∞ functions that are periodic, say with period 1.
Enterobacter cancerogenus (“Enterobacter taylorae”): Infections Associated With Severe Trauma or Crush Injuries

Five cases of Enterobacter cancerogenus infections (wound, n = 4; bacteremia, n = 1) in adults are described. All infections seemed to be community acquired and occurred after precipitating events such as multiple trauma to the head or severe crush injuries. All five strains of E cancerogenus were recovered in pure culture, and three of these were isolated on multiple occasions. The results indicate that E cancerogenus can cause wound infections and septicemia in persons environmentally exposed to these organisms during traumatic events.
Introducing Students to the Medical Applications of Cross-Linked Hydrogels Using Nontoxic Materials and Experiments Suitable for Many Settings.

We report a series of three experiments that introduce students at different stages of their academic preparation to the medical applications of hydrogels for controlled drug delivery and wound healing. The laboratory activity bridges the fundamental concepts of chemistry (acids and bases, equilibria, solvation, and reversible esterification) with the chemistry of polymers and cross-linking, which are among the main tools of nanotechnology. The activity is customizable for students ranging from middle school to undergraduate college academic backgrounds. The two simple experiments demonstrate acid- or glucose-triggered release of a dye (model drug) from cross-linked poly(vinyl alcohol)-based gels. This mimics controlled drug delivery to more acidic cancer cells and controlled release of insulin from antidiabetic patches. The third, more technically challenging experiment demonstrates irreversible solidification of a phosphate-cross-linked chitosan gel upon heating from room temperature to body temperature...
Two essays: I. The desert and the city: reading the history of civilisation in Ibn Khaldun after Edward Gibbon. II. Rational enthusiasm and angelicality: the concept of prophecy in Ibn Khaldun and Edward Gibbon

ABSTRACTThe Desert and the City and Rational Enthusiasm are experiments in comparative historiography, based on no more evidence than is necessary in order to carry out the comparison, since to pur...
Single-visit surgery: An evaluation from an institutional perspective.

Abstract Background/Purpose Elective ambulatory surgical care traditionally involves three independent visits. Single-Visit Surgery (SVS) is an alternative surgical model that consolidates care into one visit. Evaluation of the effect of this novel program on hospital operations is limited. The objective of this study was to analyze SVS from an institutional perspective. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients scheduled for SVS at a freestanding children’s hospital between January 2016 and August 2017. Data collected included clinic “no show” rates, operating room (OR) utilization, reimbursement rates, and postoperative visits. Results There were 89 patients scheduled for SVS, of which 63% (n = 56) were male, and the median age was 6 years [IQR, 4–9]. The SVS clinic “no show” rate was 2% (n = 2) compared to the pediatric surgery clinic “no show” rate of 11% (p = 0.01). The SVS OR block utilization rate was 90%. Payment was received from third-party payors for 92% of consultations and 100% of operative procedures without securing prior authorization. Postoperatively 25% (n = 17) of patients presented to clinic for follow-up, and one child presented to the emergency department for vomiting. There were no hospital admissions. Conclusion Single-Visit Surgery is an alternative model of ambulatory surgical care that improves institutional efficiency while also enhancing the patient experience. Type of study Retrospective cohort review Level of evidence III
Risk of re-operation after outpatient distal hypospadias repair in a large, multistate cohort.

Summary Background Repair of distal hypospadias is one of the most common pediatric urology procedures in the US. However, the risk of postsurgical complications has been reported primarily from single-institution and tertiary center studies, with short duration of patient follow-up. Objective The aim of the study was to examine the incidence of re-operation and risk factors for re-operation following outpatient distal hypospadias repair in a large, representative sample of US children. Methods A retrospective cohort study of patients aged 0–18 years undergoing single-stage distal hypospadias repair was conducted. Data were obtained from the State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Databases of 9 participating states. Patients who underwent outpatient surgery in 2008–2013 were identified using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. Patients with records suggesting prior surgery for hypospadias (CPT) were excluded, as were patients who underwent the initial repair Results A total of 4673 children treated across 148 institutions were included. The median follow-up time was 4.1 years (range: 2–7.9). Most patients were Discussion In this population-based cohort, the estimated 5-year risk of re-operation following single-stage distal hypospadias repair was 6.7% (95% CI: 6.0–7.5). Most re-operations occurred after the first year, informing long-term expectations about postoperative complications. This study was limited by a lack of data on severity of hypospadias and surgeon characteristics and the inability to track re-operations outside of the state in which the original repair was performed. Conclusion Approximately 7% of children undergoing distal hypospadias repair undergo a re-operation within 5 years. None of the factors studied were predictive of re-operations. Download : Download high-res image (117KB) Download : Download full-size image Summary Figure . Kaplan–Meier curve for the risk of re-operation over time following outpatient distal hypospadias repair (n = 4673). State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Databases 2008–2015 CI, confidence interval.
A Continuation Algorithm with Step Control

The problem of steplength algorithms in continuation methods is considered. The present paper proposes a step control that leads to a routine which is extremely Short and easy to handle. A complicated numerical example illustrates the effectiveness of the approach. A FORTRAN-routine is included.
Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback to Treat Fibromyalgia: An Integrative Literature Review

Abstract Objectives Fibromyalgia (FM) is associated with debilitating pain and a reduced heart rate variability (HRV), reflecting decreased emotional adaptability and resistance to stress. Common pharmacological treatments are ineffective, and opioids are highly addictive and cause an estimated 15,000 overdose deaths per year. Effective recommendations include patient-centered interventions like physical activity, cognitive behavioral therapy, and biofeedback. Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) may be effective in improving HRV, thus increasing stress resistance and emotional adaptability and reducing pain. Design This integrative literature review was conducted to examine the relationship between HRVB and FM-related chronic pain using the Theory of Symptom Self-Management and to identify available HRVB technology. Data Sources We searched PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Google Scholar electronic databases for relevant publications. Manuscripts were selected using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses strategy, and study quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme guidelines. The relationship between HRVB and FM was analyzed and evaluated based on the methodological framework proposed by Whittemore and Knafl. Review/Analysis Methods We reviewed 22 articles and included six in this review. Five reported HRVB as a treatment for chronic pain, and one for FM pain. Results Overall, the articles in this review support the claim that HRVB is related to decreased pain. The researchers evaluated five HRVB programs, three on handheld devices and two on desktop computers. Conclusions The reviewed studies had methodological flaws. However, HRVB is a promising treatment for chronic pain. Larger, randomized controlled studies are needed to thoroughly evaluate the relationship between HRVB and FM pain.
Mechanistic Identification of Freight Activity Stops from Global Positioning System Data

The identification of freight pick-ups and deliveries, referred to as “freight activity” in this paper, is crucial to characterizing freight operations and assessing the performance of freight tran...
Increasing the discriminatory power of bounding models using problem-specific knowledge when viewing design as a sequential decision process

A recent design paradigm seeks to overcome the challenges associated with broadly exploring a design space requiring computationally expensive model evaluations by formally viewing design as a sequential decision process (SDP). With the SDP, a set of computational models of increasing fidelity are used to sequentially evaluate and systematically eliminate inefficient design alternatives from further consideration. Key to the SDP are concept models that are of lower fidelity than the true function and are constructed in such a way that when used to evaluate a given design, they return two-sided limits that bound the precise value of the decision criteria, hence referred to as bounding models. Efficiency in the SDP is achieved by using such low-fidelity, inexpensive models, early in the design process to eliminate inefficient design alternatives from consideration after which a higher fidelity, more computationally expensive model, is executed, but only on those design alternatives that appear promising. In general, low-fidelity models trade off discriminatory power for computational complexity; however, it can be demonstrated that knowledge of the underlying physics and/or mathematics can be used to increase the discriminatory power of the lower fidelity models for a given computational cost. Increasing the discriminatory power of the bounding models directly translates into an increase in the efficiency of the SDP. This paper discusses and demonstrates how knowledge of the underlying physics and/or mathematics, otherwise referred to as “problem-specific knowledge,” such as monotonicity and concavity can be used to increase the discriminatory power of the bounding models in the context of the SDP and for engineering designs characterized by demand and capacity relationships. Furthermore, the concept of constructing the bounding models to systematically defer decisions on a subset of design variables, for example for a subsystem, is demonstrated, while retaining the desirable convergence guarantees to the optimal set. The utility of leveraging knowledge to increase discriminatory power and systematically deferring decisions through bounding models in the context of the SDP is demonstrated through two design problems: (1) the notional design of an engine-propeller combination to minimize takeoff distance for a light civil aircraft, and (2) the design of a building’s seismic force resisting structural-foundation system where the performance is evaluated on the basis of minimizing drift and total system cost.
Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorter Analysis of Peptide–Major Histocompatibility Complex

Publisher Summary In recent years it has become clear that the primary function of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and class II molecules is to bind peptide fragments of protein antigens for their presentation to peptide-specific, MHC-restricted T cells. This chapter discusses fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis (FACS) of peptide-major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Using FACS analysis, a large number of samples can be tested for binding in a very short period of time. This method can be used to assess peptide-MHC binding on a variety of live cell types. The exact molecular nature of the association of peptides and MHC proteins remains to be fully elucidated. It also remains to be determined exactly which residues of Ia make contact with antigen and which ones make contact with the T-cell receptor.
Fluctuating creatinine in the cardiac unit.

Abstract Background Inconsistent serum creatinine results were observed in a patient with a history of λ light-chain (AL) amyloidosis with multiple comorbidities, including renal nephropathy. Throughout admission, serum creatinine concentrations varied and were inconsistent with the patient's clinical presentation. Studies were conducted to elucidate the cause of the observed fluctuations. Methods Whole blood plasma and serum samples were assessed using alternate methodologies and confirmed a falsely low creatinine concentration when analyzed using an enzymatic methodology. A review of the patient's chart identified a potential interfering substance, which was verified via spiking studies. A review of the specimen collection practices was also conducted to understand the intermittently low creatinine values. Results Upon admission, the patient's serum creatinine concentration was 1.7 mg/dl. However, creatinine values varied from 0.6 to 1.9 mg/dl in the proceeding days, and the low creatinine concentrations were inconsistent with the patient's clinical presentation. To investigate, paired specimens were collected for whole blood plasma analysis via amperometric detection and serum analysis using either enzymatic or Jaffe methodologies. Enzymatic measurement of creatinine resulted in a lower creatinine concentration (0.6 mg/dl) as compared to kinetic Jaffe or whole blood testing (1.8 mg/dl). Following consultation with the clinical team, the patient had been administered dopamine intravenously in the days following admission. Studies illustrated dopamine concentrations above 6.50 × 10 5 pg/ml resulted in decreased creatinine concentrations when measured enzymatically. The intermittent low creatinine concentrations observed were due to collection via a peripherally inserted central catheter line. Conclusion Fluctuations in serum creatinine concentrations in a hospitalized patient were due to interference by dopamine. Samples collected from a peripherally inserted central catheter line in which dopamine was administered resulted in the suppression of peroxidase assays that use phenazone as a substrate.
The New Politics of (Energy) Market Entry

The modern regulatory state is a creature of 20th century politics, and the New Deal consensus that dominated thinking about the relationship between government regulation and the market for most of that century. That regime exists now in a very different political environment, one in which parties and voters are more ideologically polarized and digitally connected than at any time in the modern regulatory era. This article examines the influence of this new politics on one such 20th century regulatory system -- the regulation of energy market entry -- through the lens of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that participate in energy infrastructure siting conflicts. The analysis is built around a data set comprising information about more than 400 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) whose missions include active opposition to one or more of nine different types of energy projects between 2000 and 2017, including various types of fossil fuel infrastructure, renewable energy facilities, and smart grid technology. The focus is on the tactics each NGO uses to oppose energy projects, and the issue arguments advanced by each NGO to oppose those projects. The results are consistent with the notion that ideological polarization and digital communication are affecting the nature of siting conflicts over energy infrastructure. NGOs devote the lion’s share of their efforts not to inside strategies like formal lobbying, but rather to mobilizing the broader public to lobby decision-makers, and organize those mobilization efforts focus overwhelmingly around environmental and health risk issues. This holds true not only for dirty energy projects like coal-fired power plants whose health and environmental risks are well-known; but for clean energy projects like wind farms as well. From NGOs’ point of view, this form of mass mobilization is efficient: digital communication tools enable NGOs to transmit messages almost costlessly, and to target audiences that are particularly receptive to their messaging. NGOs may prefer risk-based appeals because they resonate. We find that local NGOs in particular tend to make more hyperbolic risk claims than national NGOs. If local NGOs need to build a broader base of support for their cause in order to improve the probability of victory, this approach is rational. The article explores some of the implications of this increasingly fraught regulatory environment. To be sure, the regulatory process grants agencies plenty of autonomy, and regulators continue to be responsible for balancing energy security, affordability and environmental performance concerns in making siting decisions. However, the new politics of energy market entry holds out the possibility that the use of sophisticated digital communication tools to exploit risk perception biases (to more effectively amplify perceived risk) could slow efforts to green the energy supply and produce siting decisions that have other economically and environmentally counterproductive consequences.
Lipoblastomatosis: An unusual midline neck mass in a young child.

Abstract Lipoblastomatosis is an extremely rare condition and is often not recognized prior to final pathologic analysis. In this case, a two-year-old female child presented with a non-tender, submental midline neck mass which had enlarged very slowly over the course of five months. The differential diagnosis included lipoma, lymphatic malformation, and thyroglossal duct cycst and a surgical excision was planned. The child was consented for a possible Sistrunk procedure if necessary. Intraoperatively, the mass was adherent to the hyoid bone and clear mucoid drainage was noted during resection leading the team to further weight the possibility of thyroglossal duct cyst and proceed with a Sistrunk procedure. Ultimately, final pathology revealed the diagnosis of lipoblastomatosis.
The Search for George DeBaptiste’s House: The Crooked Creek Flood of 1846

In this article, we used archival sources and Geographic Information Systems data to demonstrate the feasibility of the 1846 Crooked Creek Flood (Madison, Indiana, USA) having destroyed the home connected to abolitionist and Underground Railroad leader George DeBaptiste.
Sakha 'da(qany)': Negative Polarity, Conjunction, and Focus

This paper discusses the quantifier particle da(qany) in the Siberian Turkic language Sakha (also known as "Yakut"). Focusing on its distribution in negative polarity items (NPIs) and doubled coordination constructions, it is shown that it has a distribution which is far more restricted than similar elements in other languages. In order to account for the semantics of this element, it is argued in an exhaustification-based theory of polarity sensitivity, that da(qany) 's main semantic contribution is to mark the alternative of its host as obligatorily active.
Shifts in the relative fitness contributions of fecundity and survival in variable and changing environments

Organisms respond to shifts in climate means and variability via distinct mechanisms. Accounting for these differential responses and appropriately aggregating them is central to understanding and predicting responses to climate variability and change. Separately considering fitness components can clarify organismal responses: fecundity is primarily an integrated, additive response to chronic environmental conditions over time via mechanisms such as energy use and acquisition, whereas survival can be strongly influenced by short-term, extreme environmental conditions. In many systems, the relative importance of fecundity and survival constraints changes systematically along climate gradients, with fecundity constraints dominating at high latitudes or altitudes (i.e. leading range edges as climate warms), and survival constraints dominating at trailing range edges. Incorporating these systematic differences in models may improve predictions of responses to recent climate change over models that assume similar processes along environmental gradients. We explore how detecting and predicting shifts in fitness constraints can improve our ability to forecast responses to climate gradients and change.
Neutralizing Aptamers Block S/RBD-ACE2 Interactions and Prevent Host Cell Infection.

The receptor‐binding domain (RBD) of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 spike (S) protein plays a central role in mediating the first step of virus infection to cause disease: virus binding to angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors on human host cells Therefore, S/RBD is an ideal target for blocking and neutralization therapies to prevent and treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) Using a target‐based selection approach, we developed oligonucleotide aptamers containing a conserved sequence motif that specifically targets S/RBD Synthetic aptamers had high binding affinity for S/RBD‐coated virus mimics (KD≈7 nM) and also blocked interaction of S/RBD with ACE2 receptors (IC50≈5 nM) Importantly, aptamers were able to neutralize S protein‐expressing viral particles and prevent host cell infection, suggesting a promising COVID‐19 therapy strategy [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Angewandte Chemie is the property of John Wiley & Sons, Inc and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use This abstract may be abridged No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract (Copyright applies to all Abstracts )
Tracking the Costs of Clear and Loud Speech: Interactions Between Speech Motor Control and Concurrent Visuomotor Tracking

Purpose Prior work has demonstrated that competing tasks impact habitual speech production. The purpose of this investigation was to quantify the extent to which clear and loud speech are affected by concurrent performance of an attention-demanding task. Method Speech kinematics and acoustics were collected while participants spoke using habitual, loud, and clear speech styles. The styles were performed in isolation and while performing a secondary tracking task. Results Compared to the habitual style, speakers exhibited expected increases in lip aperture range of motion and speech intensity for the clear and loud styles. During concurrent visuomotor tracking, there was a decrease in lip aperture range of motion and speech intensity for the habitual style. Tracking performance during habitual speech did not differ from single-task tracking. For loud and clear speech, speakers retained the gains in speech intensity and range of motion, respectively, while concurrently tracking. A reduction in tracking performance was observed during concurrent loud and clear speech, compared to tracking alone. Conclusions These data suggest that loud and clear speech may help to mitigate motor interference associated with concurrent performance of an attention-demanding task. Additionally, reductions in tracking accuracy observed during concurrent loud and clear speech may suggest that these higher effort speaking styles require greater attentional resources than habitual speech.
Inclusion and Analysis of Older Adults in RCTs.

Authors’ Reply: We appreciate the comments of Van de Water and colleagues. Their examination of the impact of cancer trial eligibility criteria is an example of how common age-related exclusion criteria—criteria that we found to be prevalent in our systematic review of clinical trials in the general medicine literature1—significantly limit the generalizability of study results to many typical older patients. We also agree with their observation that expanding trial eligibility criteria is not without challenges, and that in some circumstances there will be unavoidable barriers to designing a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that adequately informs certain aspects of care for older adults. In these instances, as Van de Water and colleagues note, many insights can be gained from well-designed cohort and case-control studies.2 Our study revealed, however, that even when RCTs do examine the effectiveness and safety of treatment in older adults, they frequently do not use appropriate statistical methods to examine heterogeneity (variability) in treatment effects by age.3,4 In particular, few trials explore whether older adults respond differently to a treatment due to their age, or due to their overall risk for disease-related outcomes and complications (a risk that is often influenced by comorbidities, health status, and other characteristics). This information can be of great value to clinicians who are trying to determine whether an individual patient will benefit from a given therapy. Our knowledge base about treatment effects in older adults will, therefore, benefit not only from rigorous observational research and from RCTs that minimize age-related exclusion criteria, but also from more widespread use of statistical approaches that allow us to investigate whether age in itself, or other characteristics prevalent among older adults, explain heterogeneity in treatment effects among our older patients.
Client Workplace Environment and Corporate Audits

We obtain a novel dataset of workplace satisfaction ratings submitted by about 100,000 employees working for large public U.S. companies. We document that lower workplace ratings are associated with higher audit fees and longer audit report lags. Lower workplace ratings also increase the likelihood of firms receiving modified going concern opinions. Our study shows that organizational workplace environments affect auditor risk assessments and auditing outcomes and provide insights for practicing auditors and corporate executives. Our interviews with practicing auditors at large U.S. accounting firms also provide insights as to how workplace quality affects the corporate audit.
Distributed multimedia control in secure communication systems

The evolution of a fully distributed control architecture for multimedia communication sites that is consistent with multiuser, multilevel security requirements is described. The architecture distributes the multimedia control information and processes at the communication site, and uses asynchronous interprocess communication to distribute media-utilization and traffic-load statistics without any greater interference or delay to intersite communications than in a centralized implementation. Security and algorithm-design conditions for which the delay is less than a centralized implementation are identified. The communication site model and control requirements are briefly described. >
Value Added Tax: A Comparative Approach

1. Introduction 2. Forms of consumption-based taxes and altering the tax base 3. Varieties of VAT in use 4. Registration, taxpayer, and taxable business activity 5. Taxable supplies of goods and services and tax invoices 6. The tax credit mechanism 7. Introduction to cross-border aspects of VAT 8. Timing and valuation rules 9. Zero rating and exemptions and government entities and nonprofit organizations 10. VAT evasion and avoidance 11. Gambling and financial services (other than insurance) 12. Insurance 13. Real property 14. An anatomy of China's VAT 15. Interjurisdictional aspects of VAT in federal countries and common markets.
Reseña del libro “Café e Industria en Colombia, 1850-1930” Por Mariano Arango

La obra de Arango consiste en presentar una concepcion global del desarrollo cafetero colombiano y su relacion con el proceso de ascenso del capitalismo moderno en Colombia. Plantea tres hipotesis fundamentales sobre el desarrollo historico del occidente colombiano entre 1850-1930. Primera afianzamiento de la produccion campesina estuvo intimamente ligado a la formacion de una fuerza de trabajo desposeida de medios de produccion. Segunda el efecto fundamental de la economia parcelaria de occidente no fue el de redistribuir el ingreso, si no mas bien el de concentrarlo en manos de los comerciantes de cafe. Tercera el surgimiento de la industria en occidente y su relativo rezago en oriente fue el producto de una serie de relaciones sociales que tendieron a acelerar la formacion del capitalismo en occidente y retrasarlo en el oriente del pais. Es indudable que la obra no se limita a analizar las tres hipotesis, pero vale la pena estudiar la forma como el autor las investigo, parad luego adentrar en otros aspectos de la obra.