cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mercury Salts in Chinese Traditional Medicines: A Human Health Concern in an Inorganic Chemistry Perspective

The news of Chinese traditional medicines reaching Iran suggests that these medicines are becoming increasingly available internationally. Despite the long history of the toxic effects of mercury, mercury compounds are commonly used in Chinese traditional medicines. Two mercurials contained in some Chinese traditional medicines are the salts mercury(II) sulfide (HgS) and mercury(I) chloride (Hg2Cl2). Toxicological evidence from the past and principles of reactivity in inorganic chemistry are used to address the human health concern that is caused by Chinese traditional medicines in which either of the two mercury salts is present. The chemistry discussed in this article shows that the ingestion of HgS or Hg2Cl2 causes the introduction of aqueous mercury cations, especially Hg2+, into the human body. With that chemistry discussed and with the addressed toxic effects, science at the present time finds the Chinese traditional medicines that contain HgS or Hg2Cl2 disadvantageous compared to the antibiotics an...
The Politics of Eliminating Nonmedical Vaccination Exemptions.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has recently joined the American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians in calling for the elimination of nonmedical exemptions from state school-entry immunization laws. Although these calls have merit and are appealing from a public health perspective, the reality of such regulations are subject to political influence and also face substantial challenges on both legislative and judicial fronts. There has been a vocal backlash against removing nonmedical exemptions, and some states have even attempted to add exemptions to law. One such state is New York, which introduced a bill to … E-mail: ngoldstein{at}christianacare.org
Extremum problems of Laplacian eigenvalues and generalized Polya conjecture

In this survey on extremum problems of Laplacian-Dirichlet eigenvalues of Euclidian domains, the author briefly presents some relevant classical results and recent progress. The main goal is to describe the well-known conjecture due to Polya, its connections to Weyl’s asymptotic formula for eigenvalues and shape optimizations. Many related open problems and some preliminary results are also discussed.
Reciprocal Regulation of Circadian Rhythms and Immune Function

Purpose of review Although several papers have described circadian regulation of the immune function, our goal is to address the reciprocal interactions between the circadian and immune systems.
Early provision of oropharyngeal colostrum leads to sustained breast milk feedings in preterm infants

Background Oropharyngeal colostrum (OC) application strategies have been shown to be feasible and safe for very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Evidence to support the nutritional and clinical advantages of OC care remains somewhat theoretical. The objectives of this study were to a) confirm the feasibility and safety of OC application in preterm infants and b) determine if OC application is associated with improved nutritional and clinical outcomes from birth to discharge. We hypothesized that OC application in the first few days would promote sustained breast milk feedings through discharge. Methods An observational longitudinal study was conducted in 133 VLBW infants during 2013–14, after an OC protocol was adopted. Maternal and infant characteristics, infant vital signs during administration, nutritional outcomes, and common neonatal morbidities were assessed and compared to 85 age- and weight-matched VLBW infants from a retrospective control cohort from 2012, prior to the implementation of the OC protocol. Results There were no adverse events or changes in vital signs during the application of OC. VLBW infants who received OC continued to receive the majority of their enteral feeds from human breast milk at six 6 of age and through discharge ( p Conclusion OC application for VLBW infants is safe and practical in a neonatal intensive care unit setting and is associated with increased rates of breast milk feeding.
Direct-write 3D printing of composite materials with magnetically aligned discontinuous reinforcement

Three-dimensional (3D) printing of fiber reinforced composites represents an enabling technology that may bring toughness and specific strength to complex parts. Recently, direct-write 3D printing has been offered as a promising route to manufacturing fiber reinforced composites that show high specific strength. These approaches primarily rely on the use of shear-alignment during the extrusion process to align fibers along the printing direction. Shear alignment prevents fibers from being oriented along principle stress directions of the final designed part. This paper describes a new direct-write style 3D printing system that incorporates magnetic fields to actively control the orientation of reinforcing fibers during the printing of fiber reinforced composites. Such a manufacturing system is fraught with complications from the high shear dominated alignment experienced by the fibers during extrusion to the slow magnetic alignment dynamics of fibers in viscous media. Here we characterize these issues and suggest effective operating windows in which magnetic alignment is a viable approach to orienting reinforcing particles during direct-write 3D printing.
Teachers’ unions and school performance: Evidence from California charter schools

Abstract We examine the impact of unions on the quality of educational production by studying a wave of unionization among California charter schools and administrative data on student achievement. We first present new data showing that unions are much more prevalent among charter schools than suggested by previous studies. Using a difference-in-differences identification strategy, we find that unionization increases achievement in mathematics and has no statistically significant impact on English test scores.
Machine-learning-based modeling of coarse-scale error, with application to uncertainty quantification

The use of upscaled models is attractive in many-query applications that require a large number of simulation runs, such as uncertainty quantification and optimization. Highly coarsened models often display error in output quantities of interest, e.g., phase production and injection rates, so the direct use of these results for quantitative evaluations and decision making may not be appropriate. In this work, we introduce a machine-learning-based post-processing framework for modeling the error in coarse-model results in the context of uncertainty quantification. Coarse-scale models are constructed using an accurate global single-phase transmissibility upscaling procedure. The framework entails the use of high-dimensional regression (random forest in this work) to model error based on a number of error indicators or features. Many of these features are derived from approximations of the subgrid effects neglected in the coarse-scale saturation equation. These features are identified through volume averaging, and they are generated by solving a fine-scale saturation equation with a constant-in-time velocity field. Our approach eliminates the need for the user to hand-design a small number of informative (relevant) features. The training step requires the simulation of some number of fine and coarse models (in this work we perform either 10 or 30 training simulations), followed by construction of a regression model for each well. Classification is also applied for production wells. The methodology then provides a correction at each time step, and for each well, in the phase production and injection rates. Results are presented for two- and three-dimensional oil–water systems. The corrected coarse-scale solutions show significantly better accuracy than the uncorrected solutions, both in terms of realization-by-realization predictions for oil and water production rates, and for statistical quantities important for uncertainty quantification, such as P10, P50, and P90 predictions.
Metabolic syndromes with dermatologic manifestations

Les manifestations cutanees sont etudiees au cours des syndromes metaboliques suivants: 1) troubles du metabolisme des acides amines: phenylcetonurie, tyrosinemie type II, alcaptonurie albinisme, deficit en prolidase et en biotinidase, homocystinurie, maladies du cycle de l'uree; 2) troubles du metabolisme des hydrates de carbone: maladies de stockage du glycogene; 3) troubles du metabolisme des lipides: maladie de Refsum, hyperlipoproteinemie; 4) maladies des enzymes lysosomiaux: mucopolysaccharidoses, mucolipidose II, maladie de Fabry, lipogranulomatose, fucosidose, sialidose; 5) troubles du metabolisme des metaux: maladie de Menkes; 6) affections touchant le transport des acides amines: maladie de Hartnup et 7) les porphyries
Criteria for acceptance to preprofessional dietetics programs vs desired qualities of professionals: an analysis.

Abstract The objectives of this analysis were to examine the literature and compare and contrast (a) qualities preferred in preprofessional dietetics students by directors of internships and approved preprofessional practice programs (AP4s), (b) characteristics needed to succeed in a scientific field, (c) traits emphasized by dietetics training programs compared with those most valued by employers, (d) skills needed by high-level managerial dietitians and those in business and communications, and (e) qualities dietitians have aspired to develop for increased competitiveness in the marketplace. Even though the revised Standards of Education have been in place since 1988, recent evaluation of criteria for internship and AP4 admission has shown traditional emphasis on academic performance and the importance of work experience. Success in scientific pursuits has been linked with more than innate intelligence; a drive for success and enthusiasm for learning are also involved. Internships foster mostly technical learning, so development of skills in human and conceptual areas are somewhat lacking. These skills, which have been identified as valuable to employers, need greater development or more consistent identification in the selection and training process. Perhaps serious consideration should be given to applicants for preprofessional programs who have shown leadership qualities through extracurricular activities or who have given themselves the opportunity to develop and improve these skills. Such students might hasten the metamorphosis of dietetics practitioners toward improved levels of compensation and professional fulfillment. J Am Diet Assoc. 1995; 95: 77-81.
The Utilization of Airborne Digital Multispectral Image Dynamics and Kinematic Global Positioning Systems for Assessing and Monitoring Salt Marsh Habitats in Southern California

The utility of two data acquisition technologies, airborne digital multispectral imaging, and kinematic global positioning systems (KGPS), for providing spatially detailed and precise habitat data for salt marsh reserves in southern California is assessed. Two case studies demonstrate that by combining these technologies, habitat of endangered bird species that occupy these salt marshes can be mapped and analyzed in an efficient manner.
Marmosets in aging research

Abstract Nonhuman primates are increasingly valuable models to examine aging, health, and age-related disease. The marmoset in particular is an emerging model to evaluate the progression of age-related decline and to test interventional therapies. As short-lived, small primates, they offer many advantages to other mammalian models and other nonhuman primate models. This chapter reviews what is known regarding phenotypes of marmoset aging and health. Techniques for assessing health span and interventional therapies in marmosets are also reviewed.
Translating preclinical MRI methods to clinical oncology

The complexity of modern in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods in oncology has dramatically changed in the last 10 years. The field has long since moved passed its (unparalleled) ability to form images with exquisite soft-tissue contrast and morphology, allowing for the enhanced identification of primary tumors and metastatic disease. Currently, it is not uncommon to acquire images related to blood flow, cellularity, and macromolecular content in the clinical setting. The acquisition of images related to metabolism, hypoxia, pH, and tissue stiffness are also becoming common. All of these techniques have had some component of their invention, development, refinement, validation, and initial applications in the preclinical setting using in vivo animal models of cancer. In this review, we discuss the genesis of quantitative MRI methods that have been successfully translated from preclinical research and developed into clinical applications. These include methods that interrogate perfusion, diffusion, pH, hypoxia, macromolecular content, and tissue mechanical properties for improving detection, staging, and response monitoring of cancer. For each of these techniques, we summarize the 1) underlying biological mechanism(s); 2) preclinical applications; 3) available repeatability and reproducibility data; 4) clinical applications; and 5) limitations of the technique. We conclude with a discussion of lessons learned from translating MRI methods from the preclinical to clinical setting, and a presentation of four fundamental problems in cancer imaging that, if solved, would result in a profound improvement in the lives of oncology patients. Level of Evidence: 5 Technical Efficacy: Stage 3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1377-1392.
Role of precision imaging in esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent advancements in the management of esophageal cancer have allowed for earlier detection, improved ability to monitor progression, and superior treatment options. These innovations allow treatment teams to formulate more customized management plans and have led to an increase in patient survival rates. For example, in order for the most effective management plan to be constructed, accurate staging must be performed to determine tumor resectability. This article reviews the multimodality imaging approach involved in making a diagnosis, staging, evaluating treatment response and detecting recurrence in esophageal cancer.
Depression threshold control proxy to improve HEC-HMS modeling of depression-dominated watersheds

ABSTRACTMany hydrologic models utilize delineation results from traditional methods which create a hydrologically connected drainage system. In depression-dominated areas, topographic characteristi...
Reperfusion Injury with Compartment Syndrome Following Systemic Thrombolysis for Cardiac Catheterization-Related Arterial Thrombosis in an Infant

Systemic thrombolysis is increasingly used for management of arterial thrombosis following cardiac catheterization, and complications apart from bleeding manifestations are not well reported. We report the case of an infant with lower limb ischemia secondary to femoral arterial thrombosis, which developed after cardiac catheterization. Systemic thrombolysis resulted in successful reperfusion of the lower limb. However, the infant subsequently developed compartment syndrome, requiring an emergent fasciotomy. This case highlights the importance of surveillance for the development of reperfusion injury-related compartment syndrome postsystemic thrombolysis for arterial thrombosis.
Inner choroidal ischaemia and CNV due to handheld laser-induced maculopathy: a case report and review

There has been a sharp rise of reported handheld laser-induced maculopathy (HLIM) cases over the past decade, a concerning trend that may continue due to unregulated online access to high power lasers. Though HLIM has distinct clinical features, not uncommonly it may masquerade as other retinal disorders. It is critical therefore to recognise the clinical and multimodal imaging characteristics of this important and potentially devastating condition. As HLIM patients are typically young, unique issues need to be considered, such as delayed presentation, difficult history, poor compliance and behavioural or psychiatric comorbidity. This article will review the clinical and diagnostic features of laser injury, with a special emphasis on the multimodal retinal findings. In addition, we present a unique case of HLIM, resembling the presentation of a placoid disease variant and illustrating choroidal ischaemia using advanced retinal imaging, that offers further insight into the mechanisms of laser injury and its complications. The issues addressed in this review aim to increase recognition of an increasingly important and trending condition with potentially profound visual complications.
4.09 – Peroxidases*

The human peroxidases are hemoproteins that utilize H2O2 to oxidize a variety of endogenous and exogenous substrates. The well-established members of this enzyme family are eosinophil peroxidase, lactoperoxidase, myeloperoxidase, and thyroid peroxidase. The reactions catalyzed by these enzymes, which include halide oxidation and substrate free radical formation, contribute to cellular pathology and xenobiotic toxicity. In contrast to the peroxidases, the peroxiredoxins are cysteine-containing proteins that detoxify both H2O2 and alkyl peroxides at the expense of electron donors such as thioredoxin and cellular thiols. They do not oxidize other endogenous or xenobiotic substrates. The peroxiredoxins appear to be constituents of oxidative stress signaling pathways and help to ameliorate oxidative stress, but do not appear to contribute significantly to xenobiotic toxicity.
Randomized trial of 3 maintenance regimens (TAC/SRL vs. TAC/MMF vs. CSA/SRL) with low-dose corticosteroids in primary kidney transplantation: 18-year results

A randomized trial of 150 primary kidney transplant recipients, initiated in May 2000, compared tacrolimus (TAC)/sirolimus (SRL) vs. TAC/mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) vs. cyclosporine microemulsion (CSA)/SRL (N = 50/group). All patients received daclizumab induction and maintenance corticosteroids. With current median follow-up of 18 years post-transplant, biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) occurred less often in TAC/MMF (26% (13/50)), vs. the TAC/SRL (36% (18/50)) and CSA/SRL (34% (17/50)) arms combined (p = .23), with statistical significance favoring TAC/MMF (p = .05) after controlling for the multivariable (Cox model) effects of recipient age, recipient race/ethnicity, and donor age. First BPAR rate was clearly more favorable for TAC/MMF after stratifying patients by having 0-1 (N = 72) vs. 2-3 (N = 78) unfavorable baseline characteristics (recipient age <50 years, African American or Hispanic recipient, and donor age ≥50 years) (p = .02). Mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), using the CKD-EPI formula, was consistently higher for TAC/MMF, particularly after controlling for the multivariable effect of donor age, throughout the first 96 months post-transplant (p ≤ .008). These differences were translated into an observed more favorable graft failure due to immunologic cause (CAI/TG) rate for TAC/MMF (p = .06), although no significant differences in overall death-uncensored graft loss were observed. Previously reported significantly higher study drug discontinuation and requirement for antilipid therapy rates in the SRL-assigned arms were maintained over time. Overall, these results at 18 years post-transplant more definitively show that TAC/MMF should be the gold standard for achieving optimal, long-term maintenance immunosuppression in kidney transplantation.
A phase II randomized placebo‐controlled trial of pomegranate fruit extract in men with localized prostate cancer undergoing active surveillance

INTRODUCTION OR OBJECTIVE Men with favorable-risk prostate cancer (PCa) on active surveillance may benefit from intervention strategies to slow or prevent disease progression and the need for definitive treatment. Pomegranate and its extracts have shown antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects in cell lines and animal models, but its effect on human prostate cancer as a target tissue remain unclear. Objectives of this trial include pomegranate's ability to alter serum and prostate tissue biomarkers and the ability of an active surveillance cohort to adhere to a chemoprevention trial for 1 year. METHODS Men with organ-confined, favorable-risk PCa on AS were randomly assigned to receive pomegranate fruit extract (PFE) 1000 mg (n = 15) or placebo (n = 15) once daily for twelve months. Prostate biopsies were performed at study entry and upon completion of the 1-year intervention. Plasma and urinary biomarkers were analyzed utilizing immunoassays and HPLC. Tissue proteins were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and measured by automated quantitation. RESULTS PFE was well-tolerated with no significant toxicities. One patient withdrew before study initiation and 29 completed the 1-year intervention. No differences in plasma insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels, prostate-specific antigen doubling time, or biopsy kinetics were observed. Metabolites including urolithin A and urolithin A-gluc were detected more frequently in the PFE arm in both urine and plasma (p < .001 and p = .006, respectively). IHC analyses revealed reductions from baseline in 8-OHdG (a DNA damage marker) (p = .01) and androgen receptor expression (p = .04) in prostate tumor associated with PFE treatment. CONCLUSION PFE administration for 12-month was well-tolerated and the protocol followed in an active surveillance population. Analyses suggest that PFE contains bioactive compounds capable of altering biomarkers involving oxidative stress and androgen signaling in prostate tumor and normal-appearing adjacent tissue. No alterations in the IGF axis were noted. This finding of study adherence and target activity provides a rationale for the further investigation of PFE in the active surveillance population.
Metformin use and the Risk of Gastrointestinal Malignancies in Diabetic Populations: A Meta-Analysis.

Metformin use has been associated with a decreased risk of cancer and improvement in overall cancer survival rates. However, scant data available regarding metformin’s role in the risk of Gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies in patients with type II diabetes.
Assessment of murine gut dysbiosis with intraluminal fluorescence lifetime imaging

Gastrointestinal disorders such as colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease are linked to gut dysbiosis, an unbalanced gut microbiota. This early manifestation of the disease alters colon epithelial metabolism influencing the gut autofluorescence emission, which is susceptible to carry diagnostic value. We analyzed the fluorescence properties of healthy and dysbiotic ex vivo murine colons with an intraluminal fiber-based fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIm) instrument. The results indicate that fluorescence lifetime reacts to inflammation in a spectrally dependant manner, and the full-length colon images allow to localize specific areas of activity. Imaging results were correlated to biochemical metabolic readouts (i.e. intracellular NADH, lactate) to establish the diagnostic potential of intraluminal FLIm.
Virus-Induced Immunosuppression

Influenza virus infection is common and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, the latter usually due to secondary (bacterial) complications.(1–3) Several recent reviews are available that discuss in depth one or more particular aspects of the anti-influenza virus immune response(4,5) including aspects of the virus that might play a role in the development of leukocyte dysfunction.(3,6) The review by Sweet and Smiths(3) is especially pertinent to any considerations of influenza virus pathogenicity. Concepts of viral immunosuppression, with attention to viruses other than influenza, are reviewed in other chapters in this volume, as well as elsewhere.(7–11)
Resilience and associated characteristics in adults with spina bifida.

AIM To measure resilience and identify associated demographic and clinical factors in individuals with spina bifida. METHOD An anonymous survey was distributed via Facebook advertising to individuals with congenital urological conditions. Respondents 18 years or older with spina bifida were included in this study. Resilience was measured with the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Mean resilience levels in the study population and a US general population sample were compared with Student's t-test. Multiple linear regression assessed demographic and clinical factors associated with resilience. RESULTS The mean resilience score for participants (n=195; 49 males, 146 females; mean age 40y 2mo [SD 12y 7mo] range 18-74y) was 27.2 (SD 7.5), which differed from a mean of 31.8 (SD 5.4) for a US general population sample (p<0.01). Multiple linear regression demonstrated significant positive associations between resilience and older age (p=0.04), prior urological surgeries (p=0.03), higher household education (p<0.01), and higher physical function (p<0.01). INTERPRETATION Resilience in individuals with spina bifida is moderately poor, relative to the general population, and is associated with certain demographic and clinical factors. As a modifiable construct with positive effects on quality of life, psychological well-being, and health-related behaviors, resilience is a promising target for intervention in individuals with spina bifida. What this paper adds Resilience in individuals with spina bifida is moderately poor. Resilience is lower in individuals with spina bifida than the general population. Resilience is associated with age, household education, physical function, and urological surgery.
A Dual Role for Death Receptor 5 in Regulating Cardiac Fibroblast Function.

The fibrotic response is involved in nearly all forms of heart failure and dysregulated responses can lead to enhanced cardiac dysfunction. TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and its receptor, death receptor (DR) 5, are associated with multiple forms of heart failure, but their role in the heart is poorly defined. Our previous study identified DR5 expression on cardiac fibroblasts however, the impact of DR5 on fibroblast function remains unexplored. To investigate the role of DR5 in cardiac fibroblasts, a variety of fibroblast functions were examined following treatment with the endogenous ligand, TRAIL, or small molecule agonist, bioymifi. DR5 activation did not induce apoptosis in naive fibroblasts but activated ERK1/2 signaling to increase proliferation. However, upon activation and differentiation to myofibroblasts, DR5 expression was elevated, and DR5 agonists induced caspase 3 activation resulting in myofibroblast apoptosis. To investigate the impact of DR5 regulation of fibroblasts in vivo, a chronic isoproterenol administration model of heart failure was used. Wild-type (WT) mice receiving isoproterenol had increased hypertrophy, cardiomyocyte death, and fibrosis and decreased contractility compared to vehicle treated animals. DR5 knockout (KO) mice had no overt baseline phenotype however, following isoproterenol infusion, increased cardiomyocyte death and hypertrophy in comparison to isoproterenol treated WT animals was observed. DR5KO mice had an augmented fibrotic response with isoproterenol treatment compared with WT, which corresponded with additional decreases in contractility. These findings identify a dual role for DR5 in cardiac fibroblast function through enhanced naive fibroblast proliferation, which switches to a pro-apoptotic function upon differentiation to myofibroblasts. This is important in heart failure where DR5 activation suppresses maladaptive remodeling and may represent a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of heart failure.
Optimal oil production and taxation under mean reverting jump diffusion models

Abstract This paper studies the optimal extraction policy of an oil field as well as the efficient taxation of the revenues generated in light of various economic restrictions and constraints. Taking into account the fact that the oil price in worldwide commodity markets fluctuates randomly following global and seasonal macroeconomic parameters, we model the evolution of the oil price as a mean reverting regime-switching jump diffusion process. Moreover, taking into account the fact that oil producing countries rely on oil sale revenues as well as taxes levied on oil companies for a good portion of the revenue side of their budgets, we formulate this problem as a differential game where the two players are the mining company whose aim is to maximize the revenues generated from its extracting activities and the government agency in charge of regulating and taxing natural resources. We prove the existence of a Nash equilibrium and characterize the value functions of this stochastic differential game as the unique viscosity solutions of the corresponding Hamilton Jacobi Isaacs equations. We propose a numerical approximation of the value functions and prove its convergence. Furthermore, optimal extraction and fiscal policies that should be applied when the equilibrium is reached are derived. A numerical example is presented to illustrate these results.
The Clinical Utility of Indium-111 Labeled Platelet Scintigraphy in the Diagnoses of Renal Transplant Rejection

Acute rejection, which often threatens graft survival in kidney transplant recipients, should be diagnosed and treated urgently. There is indirect evidence that the earlier treatment is initiated, the better are the chances of preserving graft function (1). At present, allograft rejection is best diagnosed histologically (2). Since kidney biopsy is an invasive procedure which carries a small but significant risk of major complications (3) it is usually obtained only when acute rejection is strongly suspected on clinical grounds, that is after renal damage has already occurred. In the first month following transplantation, when the incidence of acute rejection is very high, clinical parameters, namely graft pain, tenderness and enlargement and fever, are often not helpful since acute rejection can occur in their absence, especially in patients maintained on cyclosporine (4). Moreover, rejection is notoriously difficult to diagnose clinically in the setting of post operative acute tubular necrosis since urine output is decreased and since serum creatinine, the single most diagnostic biochemical parameter, is already markedly elevated. For these reasons, a non invasive test that detects rejection before it is clinically apparent is very much needed.
Reading Floyd Skloot

In 1988, Floyd Skloot suffered an acute viral illness which left him bedridden for the better part of two years. In his life before the virus, Skloot had been a whirlwind; an energy policy analyst by pro fession, he was also a published poet, marathon runner, husband, and father. In the aftermath of the virus, he suffered staggering loss es: his profession, his running, his marriage, and?at first?his writ ing, too. Fifteen years later, major neurological and immunological effects?extreme fatigue, susceptibility to infection, chronic pain, disordered balance, mental confusion?now seem irreversible. Skloot, an occasional contributor to The Iowa Review, published his first poems in the late 1960s, turned to fiction in the early 1970s, and wrote continuously until silenced by illness. In the early 1990s, he began to experience brief bursts of physical stamina and mental focus, and began to write again. Remarkably, eleven of his thirteen published books have appeared since 1992. Now in his mid-fifties, Skloot continues to write poetry and fiction, but has come to regard the personal essay as his genre of choice. Thus it seems oddly appropriate that Barnes and Noble has featured his latest collection of essays, In the Shadow of Memory (University of Nebraska Press 2003), in its "Discover Great New Writers" program. I first encountered the writing of Floyd Skloot in August 2001. I'd just purchased a copy of Best American Essays 2000 and plunged in with great enthusiasm. Midway through that volume I found Skloot's award-winning essay "Gray Area: Thinking with a Damaged Brain," which would later become the first chapter of in the Shadow of Memory. In its opening pages, "Gray Area" tells the story of the sudden, dev astating decline of an apparently-healthy, athletic, intellectual, vital forty-one-year-old man. I was myself forty-two?single, seemingly healthy, athletic, intellectually vibrant?and about to leave my ten ured professorship in mathematics at Virginia Tech, relocate to Iowa City, and pursue my childhood dream of writing full-time. I'd long been unhappy in mathematics, a profession I'd chosen twenty-odd years before in an effort to please my domineering father. My person
COPLINK agent: an architecture for information monitoring and sharing in law enforcement

In this paper, we report our work on developing and evaluating a prototype system aimed at addressing the information monitoring and sharing challenges in the law enforcement domain. Our system, called COPLINK Agent, is designed to provide automatic information filtering and monitoring functionalities. This system also supports knowledge sharing by proactively identifying officers who are working on the same or similar cases on a real-time basis. To accommodate the mobile needs of law enforcement officers who are constantly in the field, COPLINK Agent can deliver messages through a variety of communications channels including e-mail, pager, and mobile phones. In order to assess the effectiveness of COPLINK Agent, we conducted a pilot user study at the Tucson Police Department. Overall, COPLINK Agent was shown to be an effective tool for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of criminal investigations in crimes such as gang, theft, and fraud.
Factors Related to Recidivism Among Delinquent Females at a State Correctional Facility

Identifying and remediating variables accounting for recidivism has been a persistent and often controversial challenge. We investigated factors that may be related to recidivism among delinquent youths committed to a state correctional facility. Data were collected by examining the records of 147 recidivists and 147 non-recidivists. Our findings are consistent with previous research showing age of first offense and first commitment differentiated recidivists and non-recidivists. Additional discriminant factors included deficits in basic skills, special education background, gang affiliation, and length of stay at the facility.
Video‐based educational tool improves patient comprehension of common prostate health terminology

BACKGROUND Health care providers often counsel prostate cancer patients about treatment options with medical terminology. However, studies have demonstrated a severe lack of comprehension of these terms, particularly in underserved populations. It was hypothesized that a video-based educational tool would significantly improve the understanding of key terms related to prostate health in a predominantly lower literacy population. METHODS A software application was developed by various experts, including urologists and human-computer interaction specialists, to serve as a video-based educational tool emphasizing narrated animations to promote understanding of terms related to urinary, bowel, and sexual function. This application was viewed by patients recruited from 2 low-income safety net clinics, where a previously developed survey was administered to assess pre- and postintervention levels of comprehension. RESULTS Fifty-six patients with a mean literacy level of 7th to 8th grade completed the study. Patients achieved statistically significant improvements in comprehension for the majority of the terms after the video intervention, with notable improvements including the terms incontinence (from 14% to 50%), bowels (from 14% to 46%), and impotence (from 58% to 84%). Patients demonstrated significant gains in their understanding of the function of the prostate (from 11% to 30%) and in their ability to locate the prostate on anatomic drawings (from 50% to 82%). CONCLUSIONS This video-based educational tool is an effective method for overcoming the severe lack of comprehension of prostate health terminology among patients. The improvements achieved have the potential to enhance patient participation in shared and informed decision making and to support combined visual-audio multimedia as a promising tool for prostate cancer education. Cancer 2015;121:733–740. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
A series of biotinylated tracers distinguishes three types of gap junction in retina

Gap junctions serve many important roles in various tissues, but their abundance and diversity in neurons is only beginning to be understood. The tracer Neurobiotin has revealed many different networks interconnected by gap junctions in retina. We compared the relative permeabilities of five different retinal gap junctions by measuring their permeabilities to a series of structurally related tracers. When large tracers were injected, the staining of coupled cells fell off more rapidly in some networks than others relative to Neurobiotin controls. Three distinctly different permeability profiles were found, suggesting that multiple neuronal connexin types were present. The most permeant to large molecules were gap junctions from A-type horizontal cells. The permeability of gap junctions of two types of amacrine cell were not distinguishable from those from B-type horizontal cells. The lowest permeability was found for gap junctions between cone bipolar cells and the AII amacrine cells to which they are coupled. Because only a single neural connexin type has been identified in retina, our results suggest more types remain to be found. To determine whether the unitary permeability of channels is altered by channel modulators, we reduced permeability with octanol and a cAMP analog. Although net permeability was substantially diminished, the proportion by which it declined was constant across tracer size. This suggests that these agents act only to close channels rather than alter individual channel permeabilities. This tracer series can therefore be used to contrast permeability properties of gap junctions in intact circuits, even at the level of individual channels.
Graphite Tile Thermal Performance on the New DIII-D Lower Divertor

The lower divertor of the DIII-D tokamak has been modified to provide improved density control of the tokamak plasma during operation in a high triangularity double-null configuration. Union Carbide ATJ grade graphite tiles covering the new lower divertor and vessel floor were designed to have better tile-to-tile alignment and to withstand higher heat flux than existing tiles. Gaps between tiles were successfully reduced from 2.5 to 0.4 mm and tile top surface alignment was greatly improved from 1.0 to 0.1 mm. Small tile gaps along with good vertical edge alignment greatly reduce the number and size of thin edges visible to the plasma, thus minimizing possible carbon introduction into the plasma. Close tile-to-tile alignment was the result of the very flat divertor plate surface, carefully controlled tile positioning, well-machined graphite tiles, and hand filing. Tiles were specified to survive 27 MJ of energy deposited per toroidal row of tiles during a 10 s shot period. When this energy is applied over the narrow triangular heat flux profiles originally specified, modeling shows that the tiles exceed maximum allowable tensile stress. Modeling does show that the tiles are able to absorb the 27 MJ per row without exceeding stress limits in cases where the heat flux profile is less focused than the original design specification. This paper will compare tile design analysis with operational experience obtained during the first 12-week operations campaign with the new divertor.
The frequency response of temperature and precipitation in a climate model

Dynamic aspects of the climate's response to forcing are typically explored through transient simulations in the time domain. However, because of the large range of time-scales involved, some features are more easily observed in the frequency domain. We compute the frequency-response of the HadCM3L general circulation model (GCM) to sinusoidal perturbations in solar radiative forcing, with periods between 2^(−1/2) and 2^9 (512) years. The global mean temperature response decreases with increasing frequency, and the frequency scaling at time-scales longer than one year is consistent with the behavior of diffusion into a semi-infinite slab. The land-sea contrast and land-averaged precipitation, however, exhibit relatively little dependency on the frequency of the imposed perturbation, with significant response at both short and long periods. Understanding these relative characteristics of different climate variables in the frequency domain is important to understanding the transient response of the climate system to both anthropogenic and natural (e.g., volcanic) forcings; the frequency response is also relevant in understanding the spectrum of natural variability.
Temperature sensitive dendrite-shaped PNIPAAm/Dex-AI hybrid hydrogel particles: formulation and properties

The development of a new temperature sensitive hydrogel particle having biodegradable crosslinkages, composed of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/dextran-allyl isocyanate (PNIPAAm/Dex-AI) was prepared through precipitation polymerization. Dex-AI was used as a precursor as well as a biodegradable crosslinker for forming the network particles. Characterization data showed that these PNIPAAm/Dex-AI hydrogel particles had an average hydration diameter around 1.0 mm and showed a dendrite-like heterogeneous morphology with two different porous microstructures. The hydrogel particles exhibited a transition temperature or lower critical solution temperature (LCST) at around 25.7 °C through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurement or temperature dependence study of particles volume. The freeze-dried particles swelled quickly when socked in distilled water at room temperature and large amounts of water were stored within the network before reaching the stable swollen state.
Microsurgical carotid endarterectomy

Microsurgical carotid endarterectomy has become an established procedure in the prevention of cerebrovascular accidents in select patients. The anatomy relevant to this procedure is described, and the preferred operative technique of the senior author is detailed.
The kinetics of methotrexate polyglutamation in human breast cancer cells.

Abstract The polyglutamation kinetics of methotrexate (MTX) in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells have been formulated mathematically. The model takes account of glutamation and hydrolysis kinetics up through the pentaglutamate level, increased synthesis of dihydrofolate reductase following exposure to drug, reversible tight-binding to reductase, and membrane transport of polyglutamates. The glutamation, hydrolysis, and efflux parameters have been determined from fits to experimental MTX polyglutamate uptake and efflux data. The preferred substrate for folylpolyglutamyl synthase in the intact cell appears to be MTX diglutamate, on average being two to three times as reactive as either the parent drug or the triglutamate. Hydrolysis rate constants range from 0.03 to 0.19 h −1 , but no clear trend with chain length is observable given the large uncertainty of each parameter estimate. However, the efflux of MTX polyglutamates from MCF-7 cells does show a trend with chain length decreasing with increasing length as expected. The best characteristic time of MTX diglutamate efflux is 4.1 h, about one-third that of the higher polyglutamate species, in agreement with observations on the MDA.MB.436 breast cancer cell line. The model shows quantitative agreement with the fraction of MTX polyglutamates found still to be bound to reductase in MCF-7 cells following 24 h of efflux, and qualitative agreement with the time dependence of bound MTX-polyglutamate concentration profiles obtained on the ZR-75 breast cancer line.
Separation of C2 Hydrocarbons by Porous Materials: Metal Organic Frameworks as Platform

The effective separation of small hydrocarbon molecules (C1 – C4) is an important process for petroleum industry, determining the end price of many essential commodities in our daily lives. Current technologies for separation of these molecules rely on energy intensive fractional distillation processes at cryogenic temperature, which is particularly difficult because of their similar volatility. In retrospect, adsorptive separation using solid state adsorbents might be a cost effective alternative. Several types of solid state adsorbents (e.g. zeolite molecular sieves) were tested for separation of small hydrocarbon molecules as a function of pressure, temperature or vacuum. Among different types of plausible adsorbents, metal organic frameworks (MOFs), a class of porous, crystalline, inorganic-organic hybrid materials, is particularly promising. In this brief comment article, we discuss the separation properties of different types of solid state adsorbents, with a particular emphasis on MOF based adsorbents for separation of C2 hydrocarbon molecules.
Chemical Tracer Studies To Determine Water Saturation at Prudhoe Bay

The single-wall chemical tracer (SWCT) method was used to measure resident water saturation in two wells in the Ivishak reservoir of the Prudhoe Bay field. The tests, performed in 1981, were in API Wells 406 and 488, both of which had been oil-base cored through the Ivishak. The results of the tracer test in Well API 406 were interpreted by conventional SWCT simulation procedures. A three-layer simulator model was used to match the tracer production profiles measured during the test. The average water saturation obtained from the simulator match was 16 {+-} 3% PV, in good agreement with the Dean-Stark analysis of the oil-base cores. The tracer-test results from Well API 488 were more difficult to interpret because of the very low water saturation at this location in the Ivishak. The SWCT method requires a hydrolysis reaction to take place in the formation to produce a product tracer. In this case, the amount of water present was so small that very little product tracer was formed. The interpreted S{sub w} for this well was 2 {+-} 2% PV, again in reasonable agreement with the oil-base-core measured value of 3.8%.
Short Communication: A note on task assignment of several problems

In the last two decades several papers have appeared in the literature where the multi-resource generalized assignment problem (MRGAP) was used to solve different problems. In these problems the number of variables grew exponentially. The purpose of this technical note is to present an assignment model that is compact and includes the models in the previous research papers as special cases. The proposed model is a generalization of MRGAP (GMRGAP). Computational experiment with CPLEX is presented to test effectiveness of the proposed model compared to some existing ones.
Variations in export performance due to differences in export marketing strategy: Implications for industrial marketers

Abstract This study examines the impact of differential export marketing strategies on export performance in an idustrial setting. Out of ten export marketing variables investigated, only three variables—export pricing, direct buyer, and channel strategies— were found to impact on export performance. Implications for export managers and public policy makers are also presented in the paper.