cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhanced in-vivo optical coherence tomography of live mouse brain by the use of implanted micro-lens (Presentation Recording)

Near-infrared optical coherence tomography (OCT) has gained a lot of attention due to the fact that it is relatively cheap, non-invasive and provides high resolution and fast method of imaging. However the main challenge of this technique is the poor signal to noise ratio of the images of the tissue at large depths due to optical scattering. The signal to noise ratio can be improved by increasing the source power, however the laser safety standards (ANSI Z136.1) restricts the maximum amount of power that can be used safely to characterize the biological tissue. In this talk, we discuss the advantage of implanting a micro-lens inside the tissue to have a higher signal to noise ratio for confocal and OCT measurements. We explain the theoretical background, experimental setup and the method of implanting the micro lens at arbitrary depths within a live mouse brain. The in-vivo 3D OCT and two-photon microscopy images of live mouse with implanted micro-lens are presented and significant enhancement of signal to noise ratio is observed. The confocal and OCT measurements have been performed with super-luminescent LEDs emitting at 1300 nm. We believe that the high resolution and high sensitivity of this technique is of fundamental importance for characterization of neural activity, monitoring the hemodynamic responses, tumors and for performing image guided surgeries.
Near-surface soil carbon detection for monitoring CO2 seepage from a geological reservoir.

The promise of the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) Inelastic Neutron Scattering (INS) System was evaluated for use as a long-term, in-field monitor to detect cumulative changes in belowground carbon resulting from the leakage of CO2 stored in deep geological reservoirs. This system underwent tests at a facility constructed specifically for testing, under controlled conditions, various detection systems for monitoring near-surface transport and accumulations of CO2 fluxes emanating from a shallow buried, slotted horizontal well. The INS System was assessed by comparing the results from placing it above the horizontal well at a spot with a known high CO2 leak identified and quantified the previous years, with those obtained from background readings adjacent to the well. At two different “Hot Spots”, a suppression of about 14% in 2008 and about 7% in 2009 in carbon content above the well in comparison to the background signal was observed. An overview of these results is presented.
Red Blood Cell Life Span Using DFP32 as a Cohort Label

In the dog, the erythrocyte uptake of DFP32 was found to be dependent upon the dose of administered DFP32. Effective blocking of red cell uptake of isotopically-labeled DFP was achieved by prior administration of unlabeled DFP. By allowing a time interval between the administration of DFP and DFP32 the cohort of red cells synthesized in that interval could be labeled with DFP32. The cohort of erythrocytes synthesized in response to acute blood loss were so labeled and were found to have a shortened life span with a pattern of random destruction.
Stochastic Epidemic Models

In this section we consider the stochastic versions of the three deterministic models treated earlier. By virtue of the substantially increased difficulty of the mathematics involved, only the first model will be analysed in detail. The latter two models require techniques which are beyond the scope of the present treatment.
What is Mycosis Fungoides? A Modest Proposal

Mycosis fungoides, and related disorders such as Sezary syndrome, which comprise the diseases known collectively as “Cutaneous T Cell Lymphomas” (CTCL), are a heterogeneous group of disorders. Most of these patients experience insidious onset of a cutaneous eruption which shows features difficult or impossible to distinguish from those of a number of inflammatory dermatosis. During a variable, but usually prolonged, course, a cell type appears in the epidermis with a striking morphology, the so-called Sezary or Lutzner cell, depending on its size. In the leukemic forms of these diseases, the Sezary syndrome, these cells are also found in number in the peripheral blood. With further progression, these distinctive cells are found in nests within the epidermis, at which time a definitive diagnosis of mycosis fungoides may be made. These cells have cell markers characteristic of thymus-derived T lymphocytes, and, as the disease progresses, a single T cell clone consisting of these cells often becomes dominant. Further progression of the disease is marked by loss of epidermotrophism, development of tumors comprised of atypical T cells, and visceral involvement by these cells leading eventually to the patient’s demise. On the basis of these facts, these disorders have been classified as lymphomas of T lymphocytes.
Resources, behavior intentions, and drug use: A ten-year national panel analysis.

The purpose of this study is to use theoretically derived revisions of the FishbeinlAjzen formulation of behavior intentions as heuristic models for understanding the role of resources in the relationship between intentions and behavior. The argument is made that resources or opportunities to engage in a behavior can influence behavior in two ways: they can have a direct effect on behavior or can affect the relationship between intention and behavior for behaviors in which the variation in resources is high relative to the variation in intentions. With data from a longitudinal national probability sample of men (N= 1941), models incorporating resources are applied to marijuana use and to cocaine use. The findings indicate that prior intentions predict changes in the use of both these drugs over a 10-year interval, and that resources have more of an effect (additive and interactive) in models predicting cocaine use. These findings provide evidence to substantiate previously advanced theoretical propositions, and indicate that resources are important contingency conditions in applying models of behavior intentions to complex social behaviors.
Prediction of Vapor–Liquid Coexistence Properties and Critical Points of Polychlorinated Biphenyls from Monte Carlo Simulations with the TraPPE–EH Force Field

Gibbs ensemble Monte Carlo simulations using the explicit-hydrogen version of the transferable potentials for phase equilibria (TraPPE–EH) force field were carried out to predict the vapor–liquid coexistence and critical properties of biphenyl, monochlorinated biphenyls, and of 16 polychlorinated biphenyls. The predictions are in very good agreement with the limited experimental data. Transferring the TraPPE–EH Lennard-Jones parameters from benzene to construct biphenyl yields predicted critical properties and normal boiling temperature with an average deviation of less than 1 %. The saturated vapor pressures for biphenyl, 2-chorobiphenyl, and 4-chlorobiphenyl fall within 10 % of the experimental data. Overall, the critical temperatures increase nearly linearly with the number of chlorine substituents and are correlated with the dipole moment for the monochlorinated isomers. In contrast, 4,4′-dichlorobiphenyl, the most elongated compound, exhibits the highest critical temperature among the disubstituted b...
Hallauer’s Tusón: a decade of selection for tropical-to-temperate phenological adaptation in maize

Crop species exhibit an astounding capacity for environmental adaptation, but genetic bottlenecks resulting from intense selection for adaptation and productivity can lead to a genetically vulnerable crop. Improving the genetic resiliency of temperate maize depends upon the use of tropical germplasm, which harbors a rich source of natural allelic diversity. Here, the adaptation process was studied in a tropical maize population subjected to 10 recurrent generations of directional selection for early flowering in a single temperate environment in Iowa, USA. We evaluated the response to this selection across a geographical range spanning from 43.05° (WI) to 18.00° (PR) latitude. The capacity for an all-tropical maize population to become adapted to a temperate environment was revealed in a marked fashion: on average, families from generation 10 flowered 20 days earlier than families in generation 0, with a nine-day separation between the latest generation 10 family and the earliest generation 0 family. Results suggest that adaptation was primarily due to selection on genetic main effects tailored to temperature-dependent plasticity in flowering time. Genotype-by-environment interactions represented a relatively small component of the phenotypic variation in flowering time, but were sufficient to produce a signature of localized adaptation that radiated latitudinally, in partial association with daylength and temperature, from the original location of selection. Furthermore, the original population exhibited a maladaptive syndrome including excessive ear and plant heights along with later flowering; this was reduced in frequency by selection for flowering time.
Impact of Ammonium on Syntrophic Organohalide-Respiring and Fermenting Microbial Communities.

ABSTRACT Syntrophic interactions between organohalide-respiring and fermentative microorganisms are critical for effective bioremediation of halogenated compounds. This work investigated the effect of ammonium concentration (up to 4 g liter−1 NH4+-N) on trichloroethene-reducing Dehalococcoides mccartyi and Geobacteraceae in microbial communities fed lactate and methanol. We found that production of ethene by D. mccartyi occurred in mineral medium containing ≤2 g liter−1 NH4+-N and in landfill leachate. For the partial reduction of trichloroethene (TCE) to cis-dichloroethene (cis-DCE) at ≥1 g liter−1 NH4+-N, organohalide-respiring dynamics shifted from D. mccartyi and Geobacteraceae to mainly D. mccartyi. An increasing concentration of ammonium was coupled to lower metabolic rates, longer lag times, and lower gene abundances for all microbial processes studied. The methanol fermentation pathway to acetate and H2 was conserved, regardless of the ammonium concentration provided. However, lactate fermentation shifted from propionic to acetogenic at concentrations of ≥2 g liter−1 NH4+-N. Our study findings strongly support a tolerance of D. mccartyi to high ammonium concentrations, highlighting the feasibility of organohalide respiration in ammonium-contaminated subsurface environments. IMPORTANCE Contamination with ammonium and chlorinated solvents has been reported in numerous subsurface environments, and these chemicals bring significant challenges for in situ bioremediation. Dehalococcoides mccartyi is able to reduce the chlorinated solvent trichloroethene to the nontoxic end product ethene. Fermentative bacteria are of central importance for organohalide respiration and bioremediation to provide D. mccartyi with H2, their electron donor, acetate, their carbon source, and other micronutrients. In this study, we found that high concentrations of ammonium negatively correlated with rates of trichloroethene reductive dehalogenation and fermentation. However, detoxification of trichloroethene to nontoxic ethene occurred even at ammonium concentrations typical of those found in animal waste (up to 2 g liter−1 NH4+-N). To date, hundreds of subsurface environments have been bioremediated through the unique metabolic capability of D. mccartyi. These findings extend our knowledge of D. mccartyi and provide insight for bioremediation of sites contaminated with chlorinated solvents and ammonium.
Analysis of risk factors surveillance on non-communicable disease among permanent residents in Laizhou City of Shandong Province

Objective To understand the prevalence of non-communicable disease and its risk factors among permanent residents aged 18 and above in Laizhou City,and provide basis and scientific strategies for their prevention and control. Methods A total of 3000 permanent residents aged 18 and above were selected by using multi-staged stratified cluster sampling. Chronic diseases and its major risk factors were collected by using field survey and laboratory method,including physical examination and biochemical indicators. Results Through physical examination, the rate of overweight was 35. 90%. The rate of overweight and central obesity was 25. 81%. The proportion of people whose blood pressure was identified as being at risk and hypertension was 21. 40%,14. 81%,respectively. The proportion of those at risk for diabetes and hyperglycemia was 9. 40%,blood glucose≥7. 0mmol / L was 6. 80%. The risk factors of hypertension and pooled OR values were age( OR = 1. 37),drinking( OR = 1. 57),overweight and central obesity( OR = 1. 40). Conclusion In order to control the occurrence and development of chronic disease,comprehensive intervention should be strengthened.
Determination of lead,cadmium,chromium,nickel,copper and arsenic in fresh eggs by microwave digestion-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Objective To develop a method for determining the contents of lead,chromium,cadmium,nickel,copper,arsenic in fresh eggs by microwave digestion and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Methods After digestioned by microwave digestion,the samples were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer( ICP-MS),regulated by four elements: rhodium, indium, scandium and rhenium, as internal standard, and quantified using standard curve method.Results Calculated as sampling 0. 3 g,constant volume 10. 0 ml,the method detection limit( LOD) of the several elements were 0. 6 mg / kg-27 mg / kg; the curve linear range was 0 μg / L-200 μg / L. Within the linear range of the standard curve,the linear correlation coefficients of that 6 elements were above 0. 999 0; Measured the standard material,GBW 10011 wheat flour,for six times,the relative standard deviation of the analysis results were below 10%,and the measurement results fell within the range of the requirements of certificate. The spiked recoveries were between 80. 7% and 120. 2%. Conclusion The method provides a simple,rapid and accurate method for the determination of multiple elements in foods.
An educational tool for understanding the cardiopulmonary changes associated with heart failure.

We wanted a new and innovative method of engaging students in interactive learning. To this end, we developed an educational tool that compares and contracts the cardiopulmonary responses to exerci...
Estimating the probability of bacterial infection using a novel biomarker among pediatric patients in the emergency department

AbstractContext: IL-27 is a novel biomarker to identify bacterial infection in children.Objective: IL-27 was evaluated among pediatric emergency department (ED) patients and compared with procalcitonin (PCT).Methods and results: Children undergoing blood, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid cultures had IL-27 and PCT assays performed. Bacterial infection was defined as a positive culture or a clinical diagnosis based on chart review. IL-27 and PCT were increased among patients with bacterial infection and demonstrated comparable AUC’s (0.62 versus 0.61). A decision tree incorporating IL-27, PCT, and white blood cell count improved the AUC (0.80).Conclusion: IL-27 is a viable candidate biomarker to identify bacterial infection among ED patients and is comparable with PCT.
Multifaceted Excited State of CH3NH3PbI3. Charge Separation, Recombination, and Trapping

A need to understand the excited-state behavior of organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites, such as CH3NH3PbI3, has arisen due to the rapid development of perovskite solar cells. The photoinduced processes leading to the efficient charge separation observed in these materials remain somewhat elusive. This Perspective presents an overview of the initial attempts to characterize the excited-state and charge recombination dynamics in the prototypical material CH3NH3PbI3. While much has been accomplished in designing high-efficiency solar cells, the multifaceted nature of the CH3NH3PbI3 excited state offers ample challenges for the photovoltaic community to better comprehend. Building on this foundation may enable us to tackle the stability concerns that have shadowed the rise of perovskite solar cells. Furthermore, a better understanding of the excited-state properties can provide insight into the specific properties that have thrust this material to the forefront of photovoltaic research.
3-Substituted-4-methoxy-5-hydroxybenzaldehydes and benzoic acids as inhibitors of catechol-O-methyltransferase

The extraneuronal inactivation of catecholamines and the detoxification of many xenobiotic catechols are dependent upon the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT, EC 2.1.1.6). COMT is a soluble, magnesium-requiring enzyme which catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to a catechol substrate resulting in the formation of the meta and para-O-methylated products (Borchardt, 1980).
De eerste radioreclame

Hoe komt het dat in de VS de radio- en tv-omroepen nooit in de handen van de staat kwamen? Denk aan tandpasta.
Clearing the Pediatric Cervical Spine

Purpose of Review Management and clinical evaluation of children who present with cervical spine injuries can be challenging, particularly in the pre-verbal child and in the presence of polytrauma.
Prevalence and outcome of thrombotic and embolic complications in adults after Fontan operation

Background There are limited studies of thrombotic and embolic complications (TEC) in the adult Fontan population. The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes of TECs in this population. Methods Retrospective review of adults with a previous Fontan operation, with follow-up at Mayo Clinic, 1994-2014. Systemic TEC was defined as intracardiac thrombus, ischemic stroke, or systemic arterial embolus. Nonsystemic TEC was defined as Fontan conduit/right atrial thrombus or pulmonary embolus. Results We identified 387 patients with a mean (SD) age of 28 (7) years and a mean follow-up of 8 (2) years. An atriopulmonary connection (APC) was done for 286 patients (74%). Atrial arrhythmias were present in 278 (72%). There were 121 TECs (systemic n=36, nonsystemic n=85) in 98 patients (25%). Risk factors for systemic TEC were atrial arrhythmia (hazard ratio 2.28, P =.001) and APC (hazard ratio 1.98, P =.02); nonsystemic TEC also had similar risk factors. All 98 patients received warfarin. Warfarin was discontinued in 10 of 98 because of bleeding, and 8 of these 10 subsequently had a second TEC. Among the 82 patients who had follow-up imaging, 16 (20%) had resolution of thrombus. In total, 24 of 98 patients had a second TEC, most of whom had inadequate anticoagulation. Conclusions Thrombotic and embolic complication was not uncommon; risk factors for TEC were APC and atrial arrhythmias. Most patients were treated successfully with warfarin alone. A second TEC occurred in most patients whose anticoagulation was discontinued because of bleeding events.
Resilient grandparent caregivers: A strengths-based perspective By B. Hayslip Jr. & G. C. Smith (Eds.)

In this book, editors Hayslip and Smith have adopted a strengths-based framework and, in doing so, have made a significant contribution to the literature on grandparent caregivers. As noted in Chap...
Particle size and chemical composition effects on elemental analysis with the nano aerosol mass spectrometer

ABSTRACTIn the Nano Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (NAMS), particles are irradiated with a high energy laser pulse to produce a plasma that quantitatively disintegrates each particle into positively charged atomic ions. Previous work with this method used electrodynamic focusing and trapping of particles 30 nm dia. and below. In the current work, an aerodynamic focusing inlet was used to study particles between 40 and 150 nm dia. The distribution of atomic ion charge states was found to be particle size dependent, shifting toward lower charges with increasing size. This shift also affected the calibration by which elemental composition was determined from atomic ion signal intensities. Size independent calibration could be achieved by restricting the analysis to particles that gave more than 90% of the total signal intensity as multiply charged ions. This approach worked best for particles smaller than about 100 nm dia. since most spectra met this criterion. For the nanoparticles studied, the elemental mole fr...
Turbulent Friction Velocity Calculated from the Reynolds Stress Tensor

AbstractTo eliminate the need to correct for instrument tilt, a process that can be problematic in complex terrain, a new way to calculate the turbulent friction velocity is derived based on invariants of the Reynolds stress tensor. In utilizing Reynolds stress tensor invariants, this new method eliminates the need for tilt correction. The friction velocity is calculated without any reference to the wall normal or other terrain features making this method a candidate for future use with data from complex environments. Since this new method is derived from a different theoretical basis than the well-established methods, it is evaluated using data from flat terrain to compare the new method to the standard calculation method, treated here as a baseline truth. For neutral thermal stratification the values calculated using the new method nearly identically match the control values calculated using the standard method. Although for nonneutral stratification the values calculated using the new method do not clo...
Kinship, partisanship, and patronage in Arab elections

Abstract This article examines the connection between kinship, partisanship, and patronage voting in Arab world elections. It argues that tribes and extended families enjoy structural advantages that reduce transaction costs in patron–client exchanges, making kinship voting a pragmatic strategy in clientelistic vote markets with weak parties. Using data from seven Arab countries, it demonstrates that patronage oriented voters place greater weight on candidates' kinship affiliations and deemphasize other attributes such as morality, ability, and issue positions. It also shows that patronage considerations correspond to greater importance placed on kinship over partisan affiliations, consistent with the low credibility and modest capacity of the Arab world's weak and personalized parties to deliver benefits to voters.
Serum cholesterol levels and tumor growth in a PTEN-null transgenic mouse model of prostate cancer.

Some, but not all, epidemiologic evidence supports a role for cholesterol, the precursor for steroid hormone synthesis, in prostate cancer. Using a PTEN-null transgenic mouse model of prostate cancer, we tested the effect of modifying serum cholesterol levels on prostate tumor development and growth. We hypothesized that serum cholesterol reduction would lower tumor androgens and slow prostate cancer growth. PTENloxP/loxP-Cre+ mice consuming ad libitum high fat, high cholesterol diets (40% fat, 1.25% cholesterol) were randomized after weaning to receive the cholesterol uptake inhibitor, ezetimibe (30 mg/kg/day), or no intervention, and sacrificed at 2, 3, or 4 months of age. Serum cholesterol and testosterone were measured by ELISA and intraprostatic androgens by mass spectrometry. Prostate histology was graded, and proliferation and apoptosis in tumor epithelium and stroma was assessed by Ki67 and TUNEL, respectively. Ezetimibe-treated mice had lower serum cholesterol at 4 months (p = 0.031). Serum cholesterol was positively correlated with prostate weight (p = 0.033) and tumor epithelial proliferation (p = 0.069), and negatively correlated with tumor epithelial apoptosis (p = 0.004). Serum cholesterol was unrelated to body weight (p = 0.195). Tumor stromal cell proliferation was reduced in the ezetimibe group (p = 0.010). Increased serum cholesterol at 4 months was associated with elevated intraprostatic DHEA, testosterone, and androstenedione (p = 0.043, p = 0.074, p = 0.031, respectively). However, cholesterol reduction did not significantly affect adenocarcinoma development at 2, 3, or 4 months of age (0, 78, and 100% in ezetimibe-treated vs. 0, 80, and 100% in mice not receiving ezetimibe). Though serum cholesterol reduction did not significantly affect the rate of adenocarcinoma development in the PTEN-null transgenic mouse model of prostate cancer, it lowered intraprostatic androgens and slowed tumor growth. These findings support a role for serum cholesterol in promoting prostate cancer growth, potentially via enhanced tumor androgen signaling, and may provide new insight into cholesterol-lowering interventions for prostate cancer treatment.
Making Ethics Matter in Managed Care and Geriatrics: Challenges for Practitioners

The American healthcare system historically has suffered from society’s inability to decide whether healthcare is: (a) a right, (b) a good that each person is individually responsible for, or (c) a good that some people (the elderly and the poor) have a right to and others don’t (employees of a small firm without an insurance plan). We decree that the latter must be treated if they come to a hospital injured or sick—they just can’t be paid for in any direct way. In addition to the ethical dilemmas inherent in a healthcare system that recognizes the right to care for some and not others, we now have the ethical concerns raised by the involvement of managed care organizations in the doctor-patient relationship. The practical consequences of this new ethical dilemma are especially salient for the elderly with chronic illnesses. Research indicates that care for patients with chronic illnesses may be the most affected by managed care procedures designed to curb the use of services. There is a certain irony here, in that managed care strategies have theoretical advantages over the fee-for-service system in providing healthcare for the chronically ill elderly. Managed care reduces out-of-pocket spending for healthcare and has the potential to provide a more geriatrically oriented form of integrated care. In describing this potential, Webster and Feinglass (1997) note that:
ESTIMATION OF THE MEAN SQUARE ERROR OF THE RATIO ESTIMATOR

The conventional and weighted least squares estimators and a simplified version of the jackknife estimator for the mean square error of the ratio estimator of a finite population mean are considered. The biases and the mean square errors of these estimators are compared under a suitable linear regression model.
A prognostic health management based framework for fault-tolerant control

This paper presents one approach in developing a PHM-based reconfigurable controls framework. A low-level reconfigurable controller is defined as a time-varying multi-objective criterion function and appropriate constraints to determine optimal set-point reconfiguration. A set of necessary conditions are established to ensure the stability and boundedness of the composite system. In addition, the error bounds corresponding to long-term state-space prediction are examined. From these error bounds, the point estimate and corresponding uncertainty boundaries for the remaining useful life (RUL) estimate are obtained. Finally, results are obtained for an avionics grade triplex-redundant electro-mechanical actuator (EMA) with a specific fault mode; insulation breakdown between winding turns in a brushless DC (BLDC) motor is used as a test case for the fault-mode.
Reflections on Reflecting on Language

This monograph was opened with a consideration of the kinds of relationships that might hold between linguistic development and other aspects of cognitive development through childhood. Cognitive-linguistic developmental relationships during the sensory-motor period were considered only briefly. One reason for this was that such relationships have received extensive discussion elsewhere, though without coming to any clear resolution of the issue. Another reason was that the present research and discussion has been primarily concerned with developments occurring after the sensory-motor period.
Bacteriology, Major Pathogens, and Diseases

The development of antibiotics represents one of the major medical milestones of the twentieth century. Nevertheless, resistance to commonly used agents has appeared shortly after the introduction of most agents. New infectious diseases and increasing prevalence of drug-resistant pathogens highlight the need for new antimicrobial therapies. Traditional methods of identifying active agents have been joined by molecular genomic strategies for developing novel drug compounds: nonetheless, the challenges are daunting in finding new therapeutics because of pharmacokinetic and safety requirements. The needs of the inhabitants of the developing world and advanced industrial societies differ significantly. Infectious diseases are a clearcut threat to the physical health and economic well-being of the world irrespective of site of residence.
Bioprosthetic Valve Thrombosis

Degenerative valve disease is on the rise with greater than 100,000 valve operations performed in the US alone per year. The majority of those procedures employ tissue bioprostheses to avoid the attendant risk of anticoagulation, especially in the elderly. Though traditionally this approach has been considered a superior option to avoid anticoagulation, more recent analyses have demonstrated a significant incidence of previously unrecognized thrombosis associated with bioprosthetic valves, especially with the more recent advent of the transcatheter aortic valve replacement implantations. Bioprosthetic valve thrombosis is a major cause of either acute or indolent bioprosthetic valve degeneration, and often has an elusive presentation causing delayed recognition and treatment. The literature has extensively addressed the risks and benefits of anticoagulation following bioprosthetic valve replacement to prevent bioprosthetic valve thrombosis (BPVT), without conclusive evidence-based recommendations. The duration of anticoagulation following an episode of BPVT is unclear, and lifelong anticoagulation has been suggested. The increasing use of transcatheter aortic valve replacement as an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement in various risk groups has introduced new challenges with regards to valve thrombosis, which have been poorly studied with regards to optimal treatment and prevention. The increasing use of valve-in-valve procedures is expected to bring on further uncharted challenges.
Green Methodologies for Copper(I)-Catalyzed Azide-Alkyne Cycloadditions: A Comparative Study

Successful copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reactions may be achieved by several methods. In this paper, four synthetic protocols were performed for direct comparison of time required for the synthesis, yield, and purity of the 1H-1,2,3-triazole products. The methods with Cu(I) catalysts were conventional, microwave heating, solvent-free, and a method using glycerol solvent. The compounds synthesized in this paper were known non-fluorinated triazoles and new fluorinated triazoles. The results lead to the conclusion that the microwave method should be strongly considered for CuAAC syntheses.
A Rare Case of Ipilimumab-induced Reversible Hypophysitis and Permanent Primary Hypothyroidism

Ipilimumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 receptor, which was originally approved for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. It is the first immune checkpoint inhibitor to enter clinical practice. Immune toxicity due to ipilimumab causing colitis, hepatitis, and dermatitis are well-described in literature. We report a case of hypophysitis resolving with corticosteroid treatment, following which the patient developed long-term primary thyroid impairment. This highlights the importance of vigilance for rarer immune-related toxicities as clinical utilization of ipilimumab becomes more widespread.
Global regularity for a family of 3D models of the axi-symmetric Navier–Stokes equations

We consider a family of three-dimensional models for the axi-symmetric incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. The models are derived by changing the strength of the convection terms in the axisymmetric Navier–Stokes equations written using a set of transformed variables. We prove the global regularity of the family of models in the case that the strength of convection is slightly stronger than that of the original Navier–Stokes equations, which demonstrates the potential stabilizing effect of convection.
APOE modifies the interaction of entorhinal cerebral blood flow and cortical thickness on memory function in cognitively normal older adults.

Abstract Objective The e4 allele of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene increases risk for cognitive decline in normal and pathologic aging. However, precisely how APOE e4 exerts its negative impact on cognition is poorly understood. The present study aimed to determine whether APOE genotype (e4+ vs. e4-) modifies the interaction of medial temporal lobe (MTL) resting cerebral blood flow (CBF) and brain structure (cortical thickness [CT], volume [Vo]) on verbal memory performance. Methods Multiple linear regression models were employed to investigate relationships between APOE genotype, arterial spin labeling MRI-measured CBF and FreeSurfer-based CT and Vo in four MTL regions of interest (left and right entorhinal cortex and hippocampus), and verbal memory performance among a sample of 117 cognitively normal older adults (41 e4+, 76 e4-) between the ages of 64 and 89 (mean age ​= ​73). Results Results indicated that APOE genotype modified the interaction of CBF and CT on memory in the left entorhinal cortex, such that the relationship between entorhinal CBF and memory was negative (lower CBF was associated with better memory) in non-carriers with higher entorhinal CT, positive (higher CBF was associated with better memory) in non-carriers with lower entorhinal CT, and negative (higher CBF was associated with worse memory) in e4 carriers with lower entorhinal CT. Conclusions Findings suggest that older adult APOE e4 carriers may experience vascular dysregulation and concomitant morphological alterations in the MTL that interact to negatively affect memory even in the absence overt clinical symptoms, providing potential insight into the mechanistic link between APOE e4 and detriments in cognition. Moreover, findings suggest a distinct multimodal neural signature in e4 carriers (higher CBF and lower CT in the entorhinal cortex) that could aid in the identification of candidates for future clinical trials aimed at preventing or slowing cognitive decline. Differential findings with respect to e4 carriers and non-carriers are discussed in the context of neurovascular compensation.
The Acceptability and Feasibility of Using Mortality Prediction Scores for Initiating End-of-Life Goals-of-Care Communication in the Adult Intensive Care Unit.

Abstract Context Uncertainties in prognosis remain a barrier to end-of-life (EOL) communication in the intensive care unit (ICU), thus strategies are needed for increasing the precision of prognosis and timeliness of EOL goals-of-care communication. Use of mortality prediction scores offers one approach to this issue. Objectives This study evaluated the acceptability and feasibility of providers' use of patient mortality prediction scores as part of routine practice to increase prognosis precision and timeliness of EOL communication as well as providers' intentions to change practice related to EOL goals-of-care communication based on awareness of the scores. Methods An explanatory mixed-methods approach was used to provide Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) patient mortality prediction scores to ICU providers, who then completed an acceptability and feasibility questionnaire and participated in follow-up interviews conducted to further understand questionnaire responses and gain insight into their perceptions based on having SOFA scores. Results Providers reported that using SOFA scores was acceptable and feasible, although there was some disagreement about effectiveness of SOFA scores for determining mortality risk. Providers with limited ICU experience were eager, and accepting of the scores while those with more experience found the scores to be an adjunct to their own intuition, although all acknowledged the benefit of looking at score trends. An important finding was the need to consider SOFA scores in relation to patient clinical context. Conclusion Use of SOFA scores as a means to potentially increase EOL goals-of-care communication emerged as most beneficial and acceptable to providers with limited ICU experience.
Structural and dynamic differences between normal and transforming N-ras gene products: a 31P and isotope-edited 1H NMR study.

({sup 15}B)Glycine was biosynthetically incorporated into normal cellular N-ras p21 and a position 12 transforming mutant, in order to produce p21 proteins containing several site-specific NMR probes at or near activating positions in the guanine nucleotide binding domain. The authors have previously assigned all five glycine resonances located in loops directly involved in binding of guanosine diphosphate in the wild-type p21 protein. In this report, the corresponding glycine resonances in the p21 mutant have been assigned, and spectral differences between normal and mutant p21-guanosine diphosphate (p21-GDP) complexes have been investigated. The combined {sup 1}H{sup 15}N and {sup 31}P NMR results show that substitution of aspartate for glycine-12 produces perturbations in the phosphoryl binding domain, near the point of the mutation. Although many of the remaining glycines were unaffected, spectral differences were also observed outside the GDP binding domain. Two of the five active-site glycines in wild-type p21-GDP have very slow amide proton exchange rates with water. The active=site glycine are located in solvent-exposed loops, so their apparent solvent inaccessibility may result from strong hydrogen bond formation between glycine amide protons and bound guanine diphosphate and/or other nearby groups in p21.
Integrated Synchronization Control of Grid-Forming Inverters for Smooth Microgrid Transition

This paper develops an integrated synchronization control technique for a grid-forming inverter operating within a microgrid that can improve the microgrid's transients during microgrid transition operation. This integrated synchronization control includes the disconnection synchronization control and the reconnection synchronization control. The simulation results show that the developed synchronization control works effectively to smooth the angle change of the grid-forming inverter during microgrid transition operation. Thus, the microgrid's transients are significantly improved compared to the case without synchronization control.
Solar Irradiance: Instrument-Based Advances

Variations of the total solar irradiance (TSI) over long periods of time provide natural Earth-climate forcing and are thus important to monitor. Variations over a solar cycle are at the 0.1 % level. Variations on multi-decadal to century timescales are (fortunately for our climate stability) very small, which drives the need for highly-accurate and stable measurements over correspondingly long periods of time to discern any such irradiance changes. Advances to TSI-measuring space-borne instruments are approaching the desired climate-driven measurement accuracies and on-orbit stabilities. I present a summary of the modern-instrument improvements enabling these measurements and present some of the solar-variability measurement results from recent space-borne instruments, including TSI variations on timescales from solar flares and large-scale convection to solar cycles.
Reform and Rebellion in Weak States

Throughout history, reform has provoked rebellion - not just by the losers from reform, but also among its intended beneficiaries. Finkel and Gehlbach emphasize that, especially in weak states, reform often must be implemented by local actors with a stake in the status quo. In this setting, the promise of reform represents an implicit contract against which subsequent implementation is measured: when implementation falls short of this promise, citizens are aggrieved and more likely to rebel. Finkel and Gehlbach explore this argument in the context of Russia's emancipation of the serfs in 1861 - a fundamental reform of Russian state and society that paradoxically encouraged unrest among the peasants who were its prime beneficiaries. They further examine the empirical reach of their theory through narrative analyses of the Tanzimat reforms of the nineteenth-century Ottoman Empire, land reform in ancient Rome, the abolition of feudalism during the French Revolution, and land reform in contemporary Latin America.
The Role Of Exotic Affine Spaces In the Classification Of Homogeneous Affine Varieties

Let G be a connected linear algebraic group over ℂ and let H a closed algebraic subgroup. A fundamental problem in the study of homogeneous spaces is to describe, characterize, or classify those quotients G/H that are affine varieties. While cohomological characterizations of affine G/H are possible, there is still no general group-theoretic conditions that imply G/H is affine. In this article, we survey some of the known results about this problem and suggest a way of classifying affine G/H by means of its internal geometric structure as a fiber bundle.
Innovate or die: Corporate innovation and bankruptcy forecasts

Abstract We investigate the relationship between a firm’s innovation performance and its probability of bankruptcy. Estimating the discrete hazard model with a comprehensive set of bankruptcies spanning the period of 1980–2009, we find several previously neglected innovation-based variables are important determinants of bankruptcy probability, especially for firms belonging to technology-intensive industries. R&D productivity demonstrates persistent significance across different prediction horizons while the predictive power of patent count becomes larger and more significant at longer prediction horizons. We also find that a firm’s organization capital intensity correlates positively with future bankruptcy.
Youth identified with emotional disturbance who exhibit aggression: Perspectives on origins and options for intervention

The most common behaviors eliciting a student referral for special education evaluation related to emotional disturbance (ED) are adult- and peer-targeted aggression. Curiously, the word aggression...
Manganese stimulates luteinizing hormone releasing hormone secretion in prepubertal female rats: hypothalamic site and mechanism of action

We have shown recently that Mn2+ stimulates gonadotropin secretion via an action at the hypothalamic level, and a diet supplemented with a low dose of the element is capable of advancing the time of female puberty. In this study, we used an in vitro approach to investigate the mechanism by which Mn2+ induces luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) secretion from prepubertal female rats. The medial basal hypothalamus from 30-day-old rats was incubated in Locke solution for 30 min to assess basal LHRH secretion, then incubated with buffer alone or buffer plus either a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor (N-monomethyl-l-arginine (NMMA); 300 or 500 μm) or a soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) inhibitor (1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ); 100 or 250 μm) for another 30 min. Finally, the incubation continued for a further 30 min, but in the presence of MnCl2 (50 or 250 μm) to assess the effect of the blockers on stimulated LHRH secretion. Both 50 and 250 μm MnCl2 stimulated LHRH release (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). The addition of 300–500 μm NMMA to the medium did not block Mn2+-stimulated release of LHRH, even with the higher dose of MnCl2. Furthermore, while 50, 100 and 250 μm MnCl2 all significantly induced LHRH release, the two lowest doses did not stimulate total nitrite released from the same tissue, an effect only observed with the highest dose. Taken together, these data suggest that Mn2+ is not an effective stimulator of NO. Conversely, inhibiting sGC with ODQ blocked the Mn2+-stimulated secretion of LHRH in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that GC is the site of action of Mn2+. Additionally, we showed that Mn2+ stimulated cGMP and LHRH from the same tissues, and that downstream blocking of protein kinase G formation with KT5823 (10 μm) inhibited Mn2+-induced LHRH release. These data demonstrate that the principal action of Mn2+ within the hypothalamus is to activate sGC directly and/or as a cofactor with available NO, hence generating cGMP and resulting in prepubertal LHRH release.
The Behavior of Uninformed Investors and Time-Varying Informed Trading Activities

Building upon the seminal work of Easley, Kiefer, O'Hara and Paperman (1996), we develop a framework to investigate the relationship between the behavior of uninformed investors and the time-varying informed trading activities. We allow the arrival rates for uninformed traders to follow a Markov switching process where the transition probabilities depend on market fundamentals. Informed traders may match the level of the uninformed arrival rate with certain probability so as to make better use of the camouflage provided by the uninformed transactions. Our empirical estimation of NYSE stocks shows that the uninformed transition probabilities are indeed time-varying, so is the probability of information content. The estimated probability of information content predicts the opening, median and closing spreads. There is evidence that uninformed investors exhibit momentum chasing and "noise herding" behavior. There is also a positive "market spillover" effect in the uninformed trading activities. We find that the "clustering" of trading activities by uninformed and informed traders seem to be more likely on low volume days, and the uninformed trading activities are responsible for most of the stock trading volatilities.
Competing sample sizes for the co-evolution of heterogeneous agents

Evolving heterogeneous behavior for cooperative agents is a complex challenge. The co-evolution of separate populations requires a system for evaluation at trial time. If too few combinations of partners are tested, the GA is unable to recognize fit agents, but if too many agents are tested the required computation time becomes unreasonable. To resolve this issue, we created a system based on punctuated anytime learning that periodically tests partner combinations to reduce computation time. In continued research, we discovered that by testing fewer combinations the GA maintains accuracy while further reducing computation time. In this paper we propose a method that concurrently tests varying numbers of partner combinations and the spacing between these combinations at trial time to determine which is optimal for any stage of the co-evolution. We chose a box pushing task to compare these methods.
Nanoindentation technique for measuring residual stress field around a laser-induced crack in fused silica

A nanometre scale indentation technique using microprobe indentations to measure residual stresses at selected positions near u.v.-laser-induced cracks in fused silica is presented. The approach is based on the observation that the nanoindentations' penetration depths are affected by the residual stress field emanating from the laser-induced crack. A simple theoretical model based on the change of the nanoindentation penetration depth as well as the change in Young's modulus and hardness of the material is derived. The results show good agreement with the inclusion model [15] suggesting that the residual stress field around a laser-induced crack in fused silica is of shear nature. An exploratory test made on an unstressed sample (free of a laser-induced crack), yielding values for Young's modulus and hardness in accordance with handbook values, shows the high accuracy of this nanoindentation diagnostic.