cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of the Ahmed S2 glaucoma valve compared with the Baerveldt 250-mm2 glaucoma implant.

Objective To compare the efficacy of the Ahmed S2 Glaucoma Valve with the Baerveldt 250-mm 2 Glaucoma Implant in the treatment of adult glaucoma. Design Comparative case series. Participants Fifty-nine eyes of 59 patients who received the Ahmed S2 Glaucoma Valve and 133 eyes of 133 patients who received the Baerveldt 250-mm 2 Glaucoma Implant by the Indiana University Glaucoma Service from 1996 to 2003. Methods Eyes that had previous drainage implant procedures were excluded from both groups. If both eyes of a single patient received an implant, the second eye to undergo implantation was excluded from the study. Main Outcome Measures Kaplan–Meier survival with success defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) > 5 mmHg and Results The 2 groups were similar with regards to age, gender, race, neovascular glaucoma diagnosis, number of prior ocular surgeries, preoperative IOP, and number of preoperative glaucoma medications. Mean durations of follow-up were 20.0 months for Ahmed eyes and 22.9 months for Baerveldt eyes. Cumulative successes in the Ahmed group were 0.73 at 1 year and 0.62 at 2 years, whereas cumulative successes in the Baerveldt group were 0.92 at 1 year and 0.85 at 2 years (Kaplan–Meier survival functions: P = 0.03, log rank test). Male gender, African descent, neovascular glaucoma, and Ahmed implantation were found to be significant predictors of failure. At last follow-up visit, eyes in the Ahmed group had a significantly higher mean IOP (19.8±9.5 vs. 15.8±7.9 mmHg, P = 0.003, t test) and more antiglaucoma medications (1.4±1.2 vs. 0.9±1.1 medications, P = 0.008, Mann–Whitney test) than eyes in the Baerveldt group. Two methods for avoiding hypotony after Baerveldt 250-mm 2 implantation had similar outcomes. Conclusions Our study suggests that the Ahmed S2 Glaucoma Valve may be less effective at lowering IOP than the Baerveldt 250-mm 2 Glaucoma Implant.
Molecular forms of atrial natriuretic factor in normal and failing human myocardium.

BACKGROUNDAtrial natriuretic factor (ANF) is produced by myocardial tissue, and the plasma ANF concentration is known to be elevated in congestive heart failure (CHF). Data from animal models indicate that myocardial concentrations of ANF are depleted in CHF, and this has given rise to the hypothesis that CHF is characterized by depletion of stored ANF. To date, the molecular forms of ANF and their concentrations in atrial and ventricular myocardium remain poorly characterized in the normal and the failing human heart.METHODS AND RESULTSWe measured ANF concentrations in fresh tissue from failing human hearts explanted at the time of cardiac transplantation and from organ donors whose normal hearts could not be used for transplantation. We determined total ANF and alpha, beta, and gamma ANF concentrations in the right and left atrial appendages, atrial free walls, and ventricles. In normal hearts, ANF concentration in the atrial appendages was 40-fold higher than ANF in the rest of the atrial free wall and...
Design of Bloch Siegert phase-shift self-compensated pulses for HCN triple-resonance experiments

A scheme to construct a Bloch–Siegert phase-shift (BSPS) self-compensated phase-incremented pulse (PIP) with a compensating PIP (similar to the idea by McCoy and Mueller) is presented, using the coherent averaging theory up to the second order.Under the condition of 2 pDf s ¼ kp, where Df is the difference of the chemical-shifts between the centers of the 13 Ca and 13 CO and s is the pulse-width, the zero-order interaction between the PIPs and the 13 Ca spins is minimized.Consequently, the BSPS of the 13 Ca spins, caused by the two simultaneous PIPs, one applied at the center of the 13 CO and the other at the other side of the 13 Ca, becomes linear in a quite broad range as a function of the offset. Therefore, the BSPS can be removed by taking into account a scaling factor, k ¼½ 1 �ð f 2 1 =Df
Monte carlo studies in item response theory

Monte carlo studies are being used in item response theory (IRT) to provide information about how validly these methods can be applied to realistic datasets (e.g., small numbers of examinees and mu...
Erasure detection algorithms for magnetic recording channels

The effects of precoding on the detection of erasures based on violations of run-length-limited (RLL) constraints for low-density parity-check (LDPC) coded magnetic recording channels are investigated and an improved erasure detection algorithm is proposed. Its performance on an ME/sup 2/PR4 channel is evaluated using computer simulations.
Characterizing reinforcement learning methods through parameterized learning problems

The field of reinforcement learning (RL) has been energized in the past few decades by elegant theoretical results indicating under what conditions, and how quickly, certain algorithms are guaranteed to converge to optimal policies. However, in practical problems, these conditions are seldom met. When we cannot achieve optimality, the performance of RL algorithms must be measured empirically. Consequently, in order to meaningfully differentiate learning methods, it becomes necessary to characterize their performance on different problems, taking into account factors such as state estimation, exploration, function approximation, and constraints on computation and memory. To this end, we propose parameterized learning problems, in which such factors can be controlled systematically and their effects on learning methods characterized through targeted studies. Apart from providing very precise control of the parameters that affect learning, our parameterized learning problems enable benchmarking against optimal behavior; their relatively small sizes facilitate extensive experimentation. Based on a survey of existing RL applications, in this article, we focus our attention on two predominant, "first order" factors: partial observability and function approximation. We design an appropriate parameterized learning problem, through which we compare two qualitatively distinct classes of algorithms: on-line value function-based methods and policy search methods. Empirical comparisons among various methods within each of these classes project Sarsa(?) and Q-learning(?) as winners among the former, and CMA-ES as the winner in the latter. Comparing Sarsa(?) and CMA-ES further on relevant problem instances, our study highlights regions of the problem space favoring their contrasting approaches. Short run-times for our experiments allow for an extensive search procedure that provides additional insights on relationships between method-specific parameters--such as eligibility traces, initial weights, and population sizes--and problem instances.
Expanding the Scope of Psychiatric Nursing Practice: Devaluing the Essence of Psychiatric Nursing?

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners are quickly becoming sought after employees, especially in public mental health systems where a shrinking number of psychiatrists necessitate alternate access to prescribers. In addition, new guidelines necessitate greater attention to the follow up and monitoring of the medical problems of psychiatric patients. These events are occurring in the midst of declining reimbursement and rising litigation concerns in psychiatry. At the same time there is an increased focus on a recovery orientation to psychiatry alongside the primacy of psychotropic medicine as the most cost effective treatment, which can become competing aims for practitioners. It is important for psychiatric nurses and psychiatric nurse practitioners to consider how these opportunities might also have a negative impact on the core foundation of psychiatric nursing.
Levels and patterns of genetic variation in the endangered species Abronia macrocarpa (Nyctaginaceae)

Genetic variation was evaluated in the federally endangered species Abronia macrocarpa (large-fruited sand-verbena), an herbaceous perennial restricted to deep sandy soils and endemic to three counties of east-central Texas. Seven of the ten known populations were sampled and analyzed using starch gel electrophoresis of eight enzymes coded by 18 interpretable loci. Duplicate gene expression was observed for four loci, suggesting polyploid ancestry for the lineage that includes A. macrocarpa. Values for estimators of genetic polymorphism within populations (ranges: P = 38.9%-61.1%, A = 1.7-2.1, H = 0.122-0.279) exceeded average values for seed plants (P = 34.2%, A = 1.53, H = 0.113). Genotype proportions at most loci in most populations were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, consistent with obligate outcrossing previously documented for this species; exceptions could be attributed to population substructure. Values of F(ST) tended to be high, ranging from 0.021 to 0.481 for individual loci (mean F(ST) = 0.272), indicating substantial divergence and limited gene flow among populations, despite their close geographic proximity. Pairwise values of Nei's genetic identity between populations ranged from 0.799 to 0.975 and tended to be influenced by geographic proximity of population pairs. Collectively, these data suggest a long history of isolation among populations that have not been subjected to bottlenecks. Isolation of A. macrocarpa populations apparently results from the disjunct occurrence of suitable habitat and perhaps has been accentuated by human disturbance.
Design considerations for developing biodegradable and bioabsorbable magnesium implants

The integration of biodegradable and bioabsorbable magnesium implants into the human body is a complex undertaking that faces major challenges. Candidate biomaterials must meet both engineering and physiological requirements to ensure the desired properties. Historically, efforts have been focused on the behavior of commercial magnesium alloys in biological environments and their resultant effect on cell-mediated processes. Developing causal relationships between alloy chemistry and microstructure, and effects as a cellular behavior can be a difficult and time-intensive process. A systems design approach has the power to provide significant contributions in the development of the next generation of magnesium alloy implants with controlled degradability, biocompatibility, and optimized mechanical properties, at reduced time and cost. This approach couples experimental research with theory and mechanistic modeling for the accelerated development of materials. The aim of this article is to enumerate this strategy, design considerations, and hurdles for developing new cast magnesium alloys for use as biodegradable implant materials.
Potential causality in mixed initiative planning

The paper presents an approach for reasoning about potential causality in plans authored directly by humans in a mixed initiative framework. The approach uses only the temporal ordering of the actions and the task structure of the plan. The term potential is used to emphasize the uncertainty in the causal ordering since no requirement is made on the existence of a complete domain theory as in standard partial order planning. The core contribution of the paper is a formalization and algorithm for extracting a parsimonious description of a potential causality relation, which is presented to the modeler as a representation of the candidate space of sets of causal links consistent with the authored plan. The paper also discusses an implemented system based on this algorithm, and its application in the context of execution.The research reported here was supported in part by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Air Force Research Laboratory under contract No. F30602-00-C-0038. The views and conclusions contained herein are those of the author and should not be interpreted as representing the official policy or endorsements, either expressed or implied, of any of the above organizations or any person connected with them.
Thermal boundary conditions on western Greenland: Observational constraints and impacts on the modeled thermomechanical state

The surface and basal boundary conditions exert an important control on the thermodynamic state of the Greenland Ice Sheet, but their representation in numerical ice sheet models is poorly constrained due to the lack of observations. Here we investigate a land-terminating sector of western Greenland and (1) quantify differences between new observations and commonly used boundary condition data sets and (2) demonstrate the impact of improved boundary conditions on simulated thermodynamics in a higher-order numerical flow model. We constrain near-surface temperature with measurements from two 20 m boreholes in the ablation zone and 10 m firn temperature from the percolation zone. We constrain basal heat flux using in situ measurement in a deep bedrock hole at the study area margin and other existing assessments. To assess boundary condition influences on simulated thermal-mechanical processes, we compare model output to multiple full-thickness temperature profiles collected in the ablation zone. Our observation-constrained basal heat flux is 30 mW m−2 less than commonly used representations. In contrast, measured near-surface temperatures are warmer than common surface temperature data sets by up to 15°C. Application of lower basal heat flux increases a model cold bias compared to the measured temperature profiles and causes frozen basal conditions across the ablation zone. Temperate basal conditions are reestablished by our warmer surface boundary. Warmer surface ice and firn can introduce several times more energy to the modeled ice mass than what is lost at the bed from reduced basal heat flux, indicating that the thermomechanical state of the ice sheet is highly sensitive to near-surface effects.
Duality of H(G)—The Case of the Unit Disc

We begin with a general result about linear functionals on a locally convex topological vector space. Let E have the topology generated by a family P of seminorms. For each non-empty finite set A = {‖•‖1, ‖•‖2,…, ‖•‖n} ⊂ P, define\( {\left\| x \right\|_A} = \mathop{{\max }}\limits_{{l \leqslant j \leqslant n}} \,{\left\| x \right\|_j} \), x ∈ E. Then ‖•‖A is a seminorm. Let P = P ∪ {‖•‖A: A is a non empty finite subset of P}; then P and P generate the same topology on E (Exercise 2). Consequently, we may assume P = P in the following proposition.
Standard reference for instrument response function in fluorescence lifetime measurements in visible and near infrared

Allura red (AR) fluorophore, a common dye in the food industry, displays a broad emission spectrum in water (visible-to-near infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum) and has a remarkably short fluorescence lifetime of about 10 ps. This short lifetime does not depend on the emission (observation) wavelength. We examined time responses of AR fluorescence across emission wavelengths from 550 nm to 750 nm and found that it is an ideal candidate for impulse response functions in fluorescence lifetime measurements.
Eliminating Health Disparities: What Can We Learn From the Veterans Health Administration?

Cardiovascular disease mortality has declined by >70% in the United States with >78% reduction in coronary heart disease (CHD) deaths since 1968.1 Despite these remarkable improvements, it is well-established that not all populations benefit equally.2,3 Blacks have higher all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality, and increased CHD and stroke incidence, in comparison with their white counterparts (Table).2,4,5 View this table: Table. Age-Standardized Rates of All-Cause Mortality, CVD Mortality, Incident CHD, and Incident Stroke by Race Article see p 1538 These differences in mortality and incident cardiovascular events culminate from a complex interplay of multiple elements including biology; sociodemographic factors including socioeconomic status, geography, and site of health care; effects of racial/ethnic discrimination; and healthcare delivery (system effects, provider-level influences, and quality of care).6,7 Access to care, site of care, and healthcare delivery are correlated with the outcomes achieved, and the variations in these factors can substantially influence healthcare disparities.8 Combining insurance with delivery of comprehensive, clinically appropriate care has been shown to eliminate disparities in cardiovascular procedure use.9 Systematically improving quality of care is associated with an apparent elimination of healthcare disparities.10 In this issue of Circulation , Kovesdy et al11 report on the relationship between race and mortality and incident cardiovascular events in a cohort of veterans with normal renal function. Contrary to findings in the greater population, this report found that, among patients enrolled in the US Veterans Health Administration (VHA) system, blacks experienced a lower incidence of CHD and lower all-cause mortality in comparison with white veterans. Consistent with previous literature, the authors found a higher incidence of stroke among blacks than among whites in the VHA cohort. These findings raise several key questions when viewed in the context of current literature: (1) Does this …
Polities: Authority, Identities, and Change. By Yale H. Ferguson and Richard W. Mansbach. Columbia: University of South Carolina Press, 1996. 476p. $49.95 cloth, $24.95 paper.

This complex, ambitious, and large book seeks to question, reformulate, and enhance the scope (and methods) of inter- national relations theories, particularly those formulated within a realist framework. The authors question that frame- work, the Westphalian model of putatively unitary nation- states, quantitative methods of empirical investigation, and the levels-of-analysis paradigm. The breadth of their critique is extensive and, consequently, highly ambitious. Rather than approach international relations as a system of unitary nation-states inspired by realist principles, which is arguably a partial and simplified portrayal of contemporary research, the authors favor a complex system of "overlapping, layered, and linked polities" that have both horizontal and vertical dimensions. The latter dimension is particularly important, as it concerns patterns of authority, identity (including ethnic- ity), and institutions that compete for the loyalty of individ- uals.
Design Principles of Membrane Protein Structures

Membrane proteins play key role in cellular signaling and ion transport. Statistical analysis of expanding database of high-resolution membrane protein structures in Protein Data Bank (PDB) provides useful information about membrane protein structure and function. We used RosettaMembrane software (Yarov-Yarovoy V et al (2006) Proteins) to analyze ∼300 unique alpha helical membrane protein structures in PDB and derive knowledge based energy function for membrane protein structure prediction, membrane protein-protein docking, and membrane protein design. The RosettaMembrane residue environment energy term is based on amino acid propensities in hydrophobic, interface, and water layers of the membrane and depends on the residue burial state - from being completely buried within a protein environment to being completely exposed either to the lipid or water environments. Residue buried state is determined from the number of residue neighbors within 6 and 10 A spheres. The RosettaMembrane residue-residue interaction term is based on the propensities of amino acid pairs to be in close proximity to each other within hydrophobic, interface, and water layers. Results of our statistical analysis reveal fine details of favorable and unfavorable environments for all amino acids types in all membrane layers and residue burial states. We find that large hydrophobic amino acids are favorable facing the hydrophobic core of the lipid bilayer. Small amino acids are favorable facing the protein core within the hydrophobic layer of the membrane. Aromatic or positively charged amino acids and favorable facing the lipid head groups. Residue-residue interactions are often favored between polar and charged amino acids and also between some of small and large hydrophobic amino acids inside of the protein core within the hydrophobic layer of the membrane. These data will be useful for rational design of novel membrane protein structures and functions.
Pelvic examination skills training with genital teaching associates and a pelvic simulator: does sequence matter?

IntroductionIntroducing the pelvic examination to novice learners has been a challenging task for medical educators. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an educational intervention adding the use of a pelvic examination simulator (SIM) to the use of genital teaching associates (GTAs) in a pelv
Acute and Chronic Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Age, Strain, and Sex Dependency The Importance of the Source of Antigen

SummaryA variety of conditions favoring the production of chronic forms of AE existed between the optimal conditions for acute AE (guinea pig antigen in adult Strain 13/N) and for strong resistance to AE (rabbit antigen in newborn Strain 2/N). The resistance of Strain 2/N guinea pigs to autoimmune encephalomyelitis is not absolute. Older Strain 2/N female guinea pigs regularly develop severe or lethal AE when sensitized with guinea pig spinal cord in Freund's complete adjuvant. Guinea pig spinal cord is a more potent encephalitogen than rabbit spinal cord in Strains 2/N and 13/N guinea pigs. Sensitized Strain 2/N guinea pigs of an age group showing no overt clinical signs of AE nevertheless showed striking histological lesions of AE in the central nervous system.
Cold Storage Stabilization of Gap Junctions Reduces Post Transplant Ischemia Reperfusion Injury

s S161 such limitations. An added benefit of such partnership is to increase access to NIH-IRP state-of-the-art basic and clinic research infrastructure and diversity research opportunities. In keeping with this recommendation, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recently created GRAfT (Genomic Research Alliance for Organ Transplantation), an intramural-extramural alliance to study acute and chronic rejection and fast-track development noninvasive diagnostic tools in thoracic organ transplantation. Methods: GRAfT has engaged 7 thoracic transplant programs in the Washington DC area averaging 180 thoracic transplants yearly, with about 1,345 active transplant recipients, of which 32.4% are non-Caucasians and 37.8% are women. Through NHLBI’s Laboratory of Transplant Genomics, GRAfT is developing high throughput genomic tools measuring cell-free DNA. These tools have been shown to have good performance in assessing graft injury, immunosuppression, and infections. So far, 30 patients have been enrolled in GRAfT with goal to enroll 500 patients and a mean follow-up of 5 years. Clinical data and biospecimen will be collected and achieved at LoTG. A steering committee comprising intramural and extramural investigators sets the research agenda and manages the biorepository. Working groups will address specific research questions. Biorepository will be accessible to intramural and extramural investigators. Preliminary results expected in March 2015. Endpoints: Acute rejection, Infection, Chronic rejection, other transplant comorbidities.
The Application of Kaiser Effect in the Defect Assessment of Pressure Vessels

A new method using acoustic emission technology to determine the defect origin of pressure vessels found in regular inspection was developed.Depending on the acoustic emission during the hydraulic pressure test,it could be determined whether the defect was originally formed or not with the help of Kaiser effect principle.The safety assessment of pressure vessels based on fracture mechanics would be more reliable by the use of the method.
Effect of collateral circulation on intestinal viability following segmental devascularization in the rat

The collateral circulation in the rat small intestine was studied by evaluating the viability of an intestinal segment after its primary mesenteric vascular supply had been interrupted. After ligation of the main mesenteric branches of a 30-cm segment of either jejunum or ileum, viability was assessed immediately by the fluorescence pattern observed under ultraviolet illumination after the peripheral intravenous injection of sodium fluorescein. Viability was assessed again at 48 hours by the fluorescein technique and by gross and histologic examination. With the marginal vessels intact, the collateral circulation was able to sustain 10 per cent of the entire length of small intestine beyond the point of devascularization. On the other hand, when the marginal vessels had been ligated, this length of sustained intestine proved to be negligible. With respect to the above findings, there was no difference in the extent or pattern of collateral circulation at different levels along the small intestine, from proximal jejunum to jejuno-ileal junction to terminal ileum. Systemic infusion of a vasodilator, isoproterenol, was found to substantially decrease the length of small intestine maintained viable by collateral flow. This was associated with a greater decrease in systemic vascular resistance than in mesenteric vascular resistance, which resulted in a drop in mesenteric blood flow. In each of the above studies, the ultimate viability of the intestine by histologic section at 48 hours correlated closely with the fluorescein pattern immediately after devascularization. These studies demonstrate that the collateral circulation of the small intestine is extensive and sufficient to maintain viability in a substantial proportion of the length of the entire intestine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
PTH, chronic renal failure and myocardium.

The heart is a target organ for parathyroid hormone (PTH), and the action of this hormone on the myocardium may be mediated through the ability of PTH to increase cytosolic calcium ([Ca 2+ ] i ) in the myocardial cells. Such a property of PTH may be responsible for rise in [Ca 2+ ] i in chronic renal failure (CRF). Our study examined these issues. The data from this study showed : (1) PTH increases [Ca 2+ ] i of cardiac myocytes, (2) this action is receptor-mediated and is produced by activation of the L-type calcium channels following stimulation of G protein(s), (3) the rise in [Ca 2+ ] i is due to both augmented entry of calcium into the myocytes and mobilization of calcium from sarcoplasmic reticulum by a calcium-induced calcium release mechanism, (4) CRF is associated with a significant rise in basal levels of [Ca 2+ ] i of cardiac myocytes, (5) this effect is mediated by the state of secondary hyperparathyroidism of CRF, and (6) the pathways through which excess PTH in CRF generates this effect include both increased entry of calcium into cardiac myocytes and decreased exit of this ion out of these cells.
8. Cultural Phenomenology

The article presents the notion of corporeality, relating to the dimensions of agency, of sexual difference and sickness. The author comes from the phenomenological anthropology to perform what he calls a cultural and phenomenological analysis of the Self. He contrasts the notion of the body as material object with the corporeality as flesh mutually shared, implicated and never completely anonymous. This notion of corporeality reframes the body as a source of the existence and location of the world experience. The article constructs a scheme of body-world relations and explore their implications for the concept of embodiment. Articulates the notion of agency since Merleau-Ponty, Bourdieu and Foucault and the notion of sexual difference from feminist theories in Luce Irigaray, Julia Kristeva and Maxine Sheets-Johnstone. In the final section the author completes the outline with a discussion of three diseases – phantom limb, chronic fatigue and environmental illness – as an illustration of different dynamics of embodiment.
Modular Terpenoid Construction via Catalytic Enantioselective Formation of All-Carbon Quaternary Centers: Total Synthesis of Oridamycin A, Triptoquinones B and C, and Isoiresin.

Total syntheses of oridamycin A, triptoquinones B and C, and isoiresin are accomplished from a common intermediate prepared via iridium-catalyzed alcohol C–H tert-(hydroxy)prenylation - a byproduct-free process that forms an all-carbon quaternary stereocenter with excellent control of diastereo- and enantioselectivity.
Pediatric MR urography: Indications, techniques and role in uroradiology

The aim of writing the article is to bring closer to readers the role of this specific procedure in uroradiology. Functional magnetic resonance urography (fMRU) gives us an insight into the morphology of the urinary system with functional parameters similar to nuclear medicine (renal scintigraphy). MR urography (MRU) and functional (fMRU) provide both morphological and functional information by means of different sequences with or without injection of gadolinium. Combined static and dynamic contrast-enhanced MR urography is particularly advantageous in the pediatric population, offering high spatial resolution, morphological imaging of the urinary tract with reliable information about kidney function and urinary excretion in a single examination, without exposure to ionizing radiation. An fMRU scan requires external postprocessing using special dedicated software. The functional analysis is based primarily on the post-contrast sequences. Dynamic scans are repeated over 15 minutes with increasing pauses between acquisitions. The analytical results include: calyceal transit time, renal transit time, time-to-peak, whole (renal) volume, parenchymal (renal) volume, differential renal function, enhancement curves, excretion curves, and patlak plots. Conclusion - This is a noninvasive procedure without the use of ionizing radiation, providing a very detailed urinary tract anatomy and functional analysis of kidney function and urinary excretion.
Curcumin Inhibits Protein Kinase Cα Activity by Binding to Its C1 Domain.

Curcumin is a polyphenolic nutraceutical that acts on multiple biological targets, including protein kinase C (PKC). PKC is a family of serine/threonine kinases central to intracellular signal transduction. We have recently shown that curcumin selectively inhibits PKCα, but not PKCe, in CHO-K1 cells [Pany, S. (2016) Biochemistry 55, 2135–2143]. To understand which domain(s) of PKCα is responsible for curcumin binding and inhibitory activity, we made several domain-swapped mutants in which the C1 (combination of C1A and C1B) and C2 domains are swapped between PKCα and PKCe. Phorbol ester-induced membrane translocation studies using confocal microscopy and immunoblotting revealed that curcumin inhibited phorbol ester-induced membrane translocation of PKCe mutants, in which the eC1 domain was replaced with αC1, but not the PKCα mutant in which αC1 was replaced with the eC1 domain, suggesting that αC1 is a determinant for curcumin’s inhibitory effect. In addition, curcumin inhibited membrane translocation of ...
24 Weeks (24 Wochen)

Director: Anne Zohra Berrached. Authors (screenplay): Carl Gerber, Anne Zohra Berrached. Germany, 2016. 103 minutes. UK film release: January 2017. UK DVD release: March 2017 “Women's rights are human rights, and human rights are women's rights”, Hillary Clinton told the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women (Beijing, September 1995). Yet 20 years later she was accused of being a murderer for speaking in favour of legal late-term abortion in her presidential campaign. Her response was nuanced and expressed compassion for women facing the medical realities that drive a late-term abortion. It is a decision that is all too often glossed over or portrayed with tired stereotypes in modern media. The German film, 24 Weeks, innovatively and convincingly shows the difficulties of such a decision: bombardment with advice, data, and opinions from all directions, the rollercoaster of emotions, and the unforeseeable impact on even the happiest couple and family. It avoids simplistic moralism and focuses on the decision at hand. 24 Weeks premiered at the 2016 Berlinale film festival to much critical acclaim and has since won several awards. One of the film's strengths is the exquisite performances. Astrid (Julia Jentsch) and Markus (Bjarne Madel) are a well-off, happy and loving couple and parents of a …
MultiPlate- from wafer to panel-new solutions for electrolytic cu deposition in advanced packaging

Next generation technologies require an adaptation of the advanced packaging industry. Our industry has to answer the question of how to meet these new challenges such as i) plating copper (Cu) redistribution layers (RDL) of less than 5μm line and space (L/S) in volumes without significant yield losses and ii) plating Cu pillars with much higher speed than current systems. This will require new technology solutions. Currently, there are mainly two different strategies in the industry to cope with these challenges: a) Fan Out Wafer Level Packaging (FOWLP) solutions, such as TSMC's Integrated Fan Out Technology (InFO) and Amkor's Silicon Wafer Integrated Fan Out Technology (SWIFT) packages and b) Panel level solutions using new materials like glass, or new embedding processes are also coming to the market.
Efficacy of Growth Factors Compared to Chemotherapy in Low-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes.

Abstract The myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) represent a heterogeneous group of disorders with different underlying disease biologies and prognoses. Low-risk MDS, defined as patients with refractory anemia (RA) or refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts (RARS), with International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) scores of 0–1.0, are associated with relatively good prognosis. No study has evaluated outcomes in this population comparing treatment with growth factors (GF) to chemotherapy (Chemo). METHODS: A MEDLINE search on the keywords MDS, RA, RARS, treatment, growth factors and chemotherapy was performed. Only original articles with pathologically confirmed RA or RARS that included the patient characteristics and effect of therapy in individual cases were included. Treatments were categorized as either GF (erythropoietin, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor) or Chemo (differentiating agents, immunomudulators, cytotoxic agents). IPSS was calculated if not reported, when possible. Outcomes were categorized as response, disease progression, or death. Responses were standardized and recalibrated according to the International Working Group (IWG) criteria, as complete response, partial response, or hematologic improvement. T-tests were performed for continuous variables, chi-square for categorical, and a Cox proportional hazards model for survival controlling for known risk factors. RESULTS: Of 653 potential articles from 1985 to 2005, 137 papers representing 2,301 patients with low-risk MDS were reviewed. Individual patient data was available in 799 cases. Baseline characteristics were (mean, standard deviation): age 67 ± 12, hemoglobin 8.4 ± 8.57, ANC 1.55 ± 4.78, platelet count 116 ± 144, erythropoietin level 236 ± 968. Ninety-one percent of patients were transfusion-dependent, requiring a median of 3 pRBC transfusions per month (range 0–6). Patients had IPSS scores from 0–1.0 in 90% and were diagnosed a median of 12 months prior to therapy initiation. Neither of those two variables differed between the GF and Chemo groups. Four hundred and seventeen patients were received Chemo, amongst whom 39 deaths were recorded, and 382 patients received GF (5 died). Of those treated with GF, 45% responded, compared to 41.5% for those treated with chemo (p=0.31). The average response time for Chemo and GF was 10.8 months (n=141) vs 8.0 months (n=112, p Download : Download high-res image (70KB) Download : Download full-size image After controlling for age and baseline transfusion needs, the Cox proportional hazards model found no difference for the survival between the two groups (n=607, hazard ratio=2.25, p=0.14). CONCLUSIONS: For patients with low-risk MDS, response rates to GF and Chemo are similar. Despite a significantly prolonged response time to Chemo compared to GF, there was no difference in survival, even when controlling for differences in age and transfusion needs. Decision tools need to be developed to determine which therapy to choose in patients with low-risk MDS.
Improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms across multiple domains following ventriculoperitoneal shunting for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.

AIMS The purpose of this study was to evaluate the change in lower urinary tract symptoms following ventriculoperitoneal shunting in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). METHODS Lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with new-onset iNPH were prospectively evaluated using validated questionnaires from the International Consultation on Incontinence to assess overactive bladder (ICIq-OAB), incontinence (ICIq-UI), and quality of life (ICIq-LUTqol), as well as the American Urological Association Symptom Score bother scale, prior to and following ventriculoperitoneal shunting for iNPH. Sub-analysis was performed based on gender, age, and medical comorbidities. RESULTS Twenty-three consecutive patients with new-onset iNPH were evaluated prior to, and following, surgical intervention for iNPH via ventriculoperitoneal shunting. Shunting resulted in a significant improvement in urinary urgency, urge incontinence, ability to perform physical activities, and overall quality of life. Women had improvement across more domains than men following shunting, particularly in terms of urinary urgency and overall quality of life. Younger patients experienced significant improvement in scores following shunting as compared to older patients. Patients with two or more medical comorbidities, as well as those with fewer than two comorbidities, reported a significant improvement in overall quality of life. CONCLUSIONS Surgical intervention for iNPH results in significant improvement in urinary symptoms, specifically in terms of urinary urgency and urge incontinence as well as overall quality of life, particularly in women and younger patients.
The two-fold cost of sex: experimental evidence from a natural system.

Over four decades ago, John Maynard Smith showed that a mutation causing asexual reproduction should rapidly spread in a dioecious sexual population. His reasoning was that the per-capita birth rate of an asexual population would exceed that of a sexual population, because asexual females do not invest in sons. Hence, there is a cost of sexual reproduction that Maynard Smith called the “cost of males.” Assuming all else is otherwise equal among sexual and asexual females, the cost is expected to be two-fold in outcrossing populations with separate sexes and equal sex ratios. Maynard Smith's model led to one of the most interesting questions in evolutionary biology: why is there sex? There are, however, no direct estimates of the proposed cost of sex. Here, we measured the increase in frequency of asexual snails in natural, mixed population of sexual and asexual snails in large outdoor mesocosms. We then extended Maynard Smith's model to predict the change in frequency of asexuals for any cost of sex and for any initial frequency of asexuals. Consistent with the “all-else equal” assumption, we found that the increase in frequency of asexual snails closely matched that predicted under a two-fold cost.
Economic implications of unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning in the United States and the cost and benefit of CO detectors.

Abstract Background Unintentional non-fire-related (UNFR) carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning has been among the leading causes of poisoning in the United States. Current estimation of its economic burden is important for an optimal allocation of resources for UNFR CO poisoning prevention. Objective This study was to estimate the morbidity costs of UNFR CO poisoning. We also compared the costs and benefits of installing CO detectors in residences. Methods We used 2010–2014 charges and cost data from Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), and Truven© Health MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters and Medicare Supplemental data. We directly measured the morbidity cost as the summation of costs for different healthcare services. Benefit of installing CO detector was estimated by summing up the avoidable morbidity cost and mortality cost (value of life). Cost of CO detectors was calculated using the average market price of CO detectors. We also calculated the benefit-to-cost ratio by dividing the benefit by its cost. All expenditures were converted into 2013 U.S. dollars. Results For UNFR CO poisoning, total annual medical cost ranged from $33.6 to $37.7 million. Annual non-health-sector costs varied from $3.7 to almost $4.4 million. The benefit-to-cost ratio can be as high as 7.2 to 1. Conclusion UNFR CO poisoning causes substantial economic burden in the U.S. The benefit of using CO detectors in homes to prevent UNFR CO poisoning can considerably exceed the cost of installation. Public health programs could use these findings to promote broad installation of CO detectors in homes.
International agreement design and the moderating role of domestic bureaucratic quality: The case of freshwater cooperation

Much of international cooperation research has long assumed that building and deepening (i.e. institutionalizing) international agreements can substitute for weak domestic bureaucratic capacity whe...
Multidimensional perfectionism and perceptions of potential relationship partners

Abstract Multidimensional models of perfectionism predict important outcomes for existing interpersonal relationships, but limited research has examined multidimensional perfectionism in the context of initial attraction and evaluation of potential relationship partners (cf. Hoffmann, Stoeber, & Musch, 2015). In this preregistered within-subjects experiment, 381 participants from the United States completed an online survey rating their interest in potential relationships with and stereotypes of five potential relationship partner profiles: self-oriented, socially prescribed, and other-oriented perfectionists, a non-perfectionist, and a baseline profile not mentioning perfectionism. Baseline and non-perfectionist profiles received the highest ratings of likability, desire to be in a relationship, and warmth followed by the socially prescribed, self-oriented, then other-oriented perfectionist profiles. In contrast, self-oriented perfectionists were rated as more competent than self-oriented or other-oriented perfectionists. Participants anticipated being less happy in long term and high investment relationships with perfectionists compared to short term and low investment relationships, whereas the opposite pattern was true for the baseline and non-perfectionist profiles. Finally, participants' own self-oriented, socially prescribed, and other oriented perfectionism each positively predicted interest in relationships with perfectionists, but did not positively predict interest in the baseline and non-perfectionist profiles. Strengths, limitations, and contributions to the understanding of perfectionism in relationships are discussed.
The effects of working conditions on teacher retention

Teacher attrition is one of the driving contributors to the shortage of effective teachers internationally and in the United States. The common factors that spur teachers worldwide to leave the pro...
Intersubjectivity and Community

Everybody lives in a network of face-to-face relationships, but none of these can be isolated from the broader social and cultural context of the several collectivities to which we belong. If we use the word “intersubjectivity” to indicate direct relationships between persons, and “collectivity” or “commonality” to evoke the anonymous and “objective” structures and processes which form the “world” and the context of human action, one of the fundamental questions that have to be asked in social philosophy can be formulated thus: how are intersubjectivity and collectivity (or community) related? Since it is not difficult to see that they can never be separated from one another, this question asks how the communal and the intersubjective components of human togetherness are interwoven and form a sort of synthesis. Although not free from tensions and fights, their web binds people together, not only by common features, actions, and habits, but also, and even more so, through interaction and emotional relationships. To live a human life is to experience oneself as belonging to different communities within which human individuals encounter and converse with one another.
The Cholinesterase of Erythrocytes in Anemias

1. Activity- pS curves were determined experimentally for the cholinesterase of the erythrocytes in various human anemias. 2. The data were analyzed to give experimental values for the apparent dissociation constants, K 8 of the active enzyme-substrate complex ( ES ) and K 2 of the inactive complex ( ES 2), and the theoretic limiting velocity V . 3. The analysis showed that the enzyme in the cells of anemia is the same as that in normal cells. The abnormally high enzymic activity (initial velocity at a single substrate concentration) known to occur in various anemias and the change from low activity in pernicious anemia in relapse to high activity during treatment are attributable to changes in concentration of the enzyme. 4. The enzyme in the red cells of pernicious anemia in relapse was not activated by folic acid or liver extract. 5. It was shown experimentally that the reticulocytes and young cells of normal blood and of pernicious anemia during treatment contain much higher concentrations of enzyme than old cells. The increased concentration persists for some time after the reticulum has disappeared. 6. The relative concentration of enzyme in the red cells is a more sensitive indicator of hyperactive hematopoiesis than the reticulocyte count. 7. Evidence is presented that failure of elevation of enzymic concentration in severe anemia is associated specifically with suppression or malfunction of the hematopoietic system. 8. It is believed that the relative concentration of enzyme can be used as a test of bone marrow function in severe anemias. It is hoped that further investigation may result in a useful test of wider application.
Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of α-1,3-glucan

In this paper we present a computational study of aggregation in aqueous solutions of α-1,3-glucan captured using a coarse-grained (CG) model that can be extended to other polysaccharides. This CG model captures atomistic geometry (i.e., relative placement of the hydrogen bonding donors and acceptors within the monomer) of the α-1,3-glucan monomer, the directional interactions due to the donor–acceptor hydrogen bonds, and their effect on aggregation of multiple α-1,3-glucan chains without the extensive computational resources needed for simulations with atomistic models. Using this CG model, we conduct molecular dynamics simulations to assess the effect of varying α-1,3-glucan chain length and hydrogen bond interaction strengths on the aggregation of multiple chains at finite concentrations in implicit solvent. We quantify the hydrogen bonding strength needed for multiple chains to aggregate, the distribution of inter- and intra-chain hydrogen bonds within the aggregate and in some cases, the shapes of the aggregate. We also explore the effect of substitution/silencing of some randomly selected or specific hydrogen bonding sites in the chain on the aggregation and aggregate structure. In the unmodified α-1,3-glucan solution, the inter-chain hydrogen bonds cause the chains to aggregate into sheets. Random silencing of hydrogen bonding donor sites only increases the hydrogen bond strength needed for aggregation but retains the same aggregate structure as the unmodified chains. Specific silencing of the hydrogen-bonding site on the C6 carbon leads to the chains aggregating into planar sheets that then fold over to form hollow cylinders at intermediate hydrogen bond strength – 4.7 to 5.3 kcal mol−1. These cylindrical aggregates assemble end-to-end to form larger aggregates at higher hydrogen bond strengths.
Using the Conceptual Change Model of Learning as an Analytic Tool in Researching Teacher Preparation for Student Diversity

Background/ContextIn regard to preparing prospective teachers for diverse classrooms, the agenda for teacher education research has been primarily concerned with identifying desired outcomes and pr...