cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interleukin-12 (IL-12)/STAT4 Axis Is an Important Element for β-Cell Dysfunction Induced by Inflammatory Cytokines

Pathology driving β-cell loss in diabetes is poorly defined. Chronic subclinical inflammation is associated with β-cell dysfunction. Acute in vitro exposure of islets and β-cells to an inflammatory cytokine cocktail (IL-1β/TNF-α/IFN-γ) results in loss of cell function and viability. The contribution of each cytokine alone or in combination has been evaluated in homogeneous mouse β-cell lines and primary mouse islets. Cytokine cooperation is required for β-cell apoptosis with the most potent combinations including IL-1β. Single cytokine exposure did not induce β-cell apoptosis. Expression of endogenous interleukin-12 in β-cells correlated with inflammatory cytokine combinations that induced β-cell apoptosis. Uncoupling of the IL-12 axis by a block of IL-12 production, inhibition of IL-12 receptor/ligand interaction or disruption of IL-12 receptor signaling conferred protection to β-cells from apoptosis induced by inflammatory cytokine stimulation. Signaling through STAT4 is indicated since disruption of IL-12 concomitantly reduced inflammatory cytokine stimulation of endogenous IFN-γ expression. Primary mouse islets isolated from mice deficient in STAT4 show resistance to inflammatory-cytokine-induced cell death when compared to islets isolated from wild type mice. Collectively, the data identify IL-12 as an important mediator of inflammation induced β-cell apoptosis. Modulation of IL-12/STAT4 signaling may be a valuable therapeutic strategy to preserve islet/β-cell viability in established diabetes.
Postprandial leg and splanchnic fatty acid metabolism in nonobese men and women

These studies were conducted to determine whether there are gender-specific regional differences in meal triglyceride fatty acid uptake. Systemic and regional oleate ([3H]oleate) kinetics were meas...
Rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure in a case of child abuse.

The most common manifestations of child abuse are skin lesions, such as ecchymoses, abrasions, scars and burns. Bone fractures, failure to thrive, subdural and retinal hemorrhage, genital injuries, subgaleal hematoma, unkempt appearance, frozen stares, human bite marks, visceral injuries, etc., are additional manifestations. Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a rare presentation which has recently been well described in the literature. Various unusual manifestations of child abuse, such as fetal pepper aspiration, thirsting and hypernatremic dehydration, intentional microwave burns, transection and pseudocyst of the pancreas, tin ear syndrome, subcutaneous fat necrosis, etc., have also been recognized recently. These unusual symptoms deceive clinicians and prevent early diagnosis, thus endangering the life of the victim. There are very few reports in the world literature on the association of child abuse and acute renal failure induced by rhabdomyolysis. To our knowledge, this is the first confirmed case of child abuse with acute renal failure due to rhabdomyolysis in Saudi Arabia.
Absorption of Yeast from the Large Intestine

Conclusions1. Yeast is absorbed from the lumen of the colon in greatest numbers at I5 minutes, diminishing thereafter until none can be demonstrated at the 2-hour interval. 2. Eggwhite mixed with yeast increases the number of yeasts absorbed from the rectum of the dog. 3. A greater number of viable yeast cells can be demonstrated to be present in certain organs after the application of eggwhite to the duodenal mucosa and yeast introduced into the lumen of the rectum. This may not be due to increased absorption but to a decrease in the destruction of yeast in the body.
The Reluctant State: The Dutch Republic and the Ransoming of Captives, 1600–1727

In the early modern period, many European states developed public institutions to liberate subjects held in North African captivity. The emergence of these organizations helped the state to expand its power. By examining the ways the Dutch Republic organized, collected and distributed ransom in three different phases between 1600 and 1727, I argue that the Republic, in contrast, developed no ‘national’ institute for the sole purpose of redeeming Dutch slaves. Instead, the question of redemption reproduced the existing rivalries and uneven distribution of power within the Republic rather than helping to form a more cohesive union. Current research on Dutch redemptive practices emphasize the parochial and civic character of redemptive practices in the Republic. This article complements previous studies by explaining how the political constellation of the Republic and its diplomatic activities in the Mediterranean greatly influenced the way the Dutch managed the liberation of captives.
Thermoperiod and Larval Development of Agrotis ipsilon (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Ambient thermoperiod was found to play an important role in the larval growth and seasonal biology of the black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel). First and second instars were unable to survive prolonged exposure to very cool thermoperiods (e.g., 18C:6T (5°:12°), whereas third to sixth instars survived but grew very slowly under such conditions. Approximate simulation of autumnal thermoperiods in which temperatures started at 15C:9T (15°:25°) and declined over a period of about 42 d to stabilize at 18C:6T (5°: 12°) were used to estimate the cutworm's responses to seasonal temperatures. It was shown that such a regime resulted in mature, sixth-instar larvae that were unable to pupate until exposed to a more favorable temperature regime (about 20°C). If the simulated autumnal temperatures had not fallen below an approximate threshold of a daily average of about 8.5°C before the middle of the sixth stadium, the larvae would attain the pupal stage even in the presence of the otherwise prohibitively low thermoperiodic regime. The results of this study suggest that the black cutworm may survive many months of at least mildly cold conditions as larvae in a state of nondiapause dormancy.
Improving Contact Interfaces in Fully Printed Carbon Nanotube Thin-Film Transistors.

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) printed into thin films have been shown to yield high mobility, thermal conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and chemical stability as semiconducting channels in field-effect, thin-film transistors (TFTs). Printed CNT-TFTs of many varieties have been studied; however, there has been limited effort toward improving overall CNT-TFT performance. In particular, contact resistance plays a dominant role in determining the performance and degree of variability in the TFTs, especially in fully printed devices where the contacts and channel are both printed. In this work, we have systematically investigated the contact resistance and overall performance of fully printed CNT-TFTs employing three different printed contact materials—Ag nanoparticles, Au nanoparticles, and metallic CNTs—each in the following distinct contact geometries: top, bottom, and double. The active channel for each device was printed from the dispersion of high-purity (>99%) semiconducting CNTs, and all pr...
Outcomes of the Remplissage Procedure and Its Effects on Return to Sports: Average Five-Year Follow Up

Background Short-term outcomes for patients with large, engaging Hill-Sachs lesions who underwent remplissage have demonstrated good results. However, limited data are available for longer term outcomes. Purpose To evaluate the long-term outcomes of remplissage and determine the long-term rate of return to specific sports postoperatively. Study design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods This was a retrospective review of patients treated with the remplissage procedure from 2007 to 2013. All underwent preoperative magnetic resonance imaging demonstrating large Hill-Sachs lesions by the Rowe criteria and glenoid bone loss Results A total of 50 patients (51 shoulders) were included in the study. The average patient age at surgery was 29.8 years (range, 15.0-72.4 years), and the average follow-up time was 60.7 months (range, 25.5-97.6 months); 20.0% of patients underwent previous surgery on their shoulder. The average postoperative WOSI score was 79.5%, and the average ASES score was 89.3. Six shoulders had dislocation events (11.8%) postoperatively: 3 were traumatic, and 3 were atraumatic. Increased preoperative dislocations led to a greater risk of a postoperative dislocation (P Conclusion The redislocation rate after remplissage was 11.8% at an average of 5 years, with 95.5% of patients returning to full sports at an average of 7 months. For throwing sports, 65.5% of patients complained of decreased range of motion during throwing. The results should be considered preoperatively in candidates for remplissage who are engaged in throwing sports.
Money Supply, Class Power, and Inflation Monetarism Reassessed

Recent sociological work shows that pro-market neoliberal policies across advanced capitalist countries are due to distributional struggle between classes in the 1970s and 1980s. The orthodox monetarist view, alternatively, sees neoliberal reform as a nonpolitical attempt to end the stagflation crisis of the 1970s. From this perspective, monetary and fiscal expansions brought high inflation, and central bank discipline and government austerity is the solution; but the recent trend of low inflation despite accelerating money growth and government spending contradicts this view. Analyses of time-series cross-section data for 23 OECD countries from 1960 to 2009 support the thesis that the rise and fall of inflation is more about distribution of power between labor and capital than about monetary and fiscal discipline. Inflation in the 1970s originated from a strong working class and hurt capital more than it did workers, while neoliberal repression of workers’ power has kept inflation low from the 1980s onwa...
[The criteria of early detection of biotinidase deficiency-based epilepsy].

OBJECTIVE An analysis of clinical and paraclinical symptomatology of three cases of infant epilepsy due to biotinidase deficiency is presented. MATERIAL AND METHODS The diagnosis took 4 months in the first case and 1 day in the last one. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION It is emphasized that early diagnosisbased on knowing the reference signs of this inherited metabolic disease provides an opportunity to avoid patient's disability or death.
Abstract 35: Evolution of resistance to glucocorticoid receptor agonists

Chemotherapy resistance is a major obstacle to curing cancer patients. Over 90% of metastatic tumors are resistant to chemotherapy, leading to treatment failure. Although glucocorticoid receptor agonists (GRAs) are a very commonly used class of component drugs in front-line combination chemotherapies for hematopoietic cancer, our understanding of its mechanism(s) of action and resistance are very limited. Here using a preclinical murine model of Burkitt9s lymphoma, we investigated the mechanism of resistance to the glucocorticoid receptor agonist dexamethasone. Dose responses of dexamethasone on the parental E μ -myc; Arf-null cell line revealed a consistently small population of persistent survivors, suggesting a pre-existing subpopulation with innate dexamethasone resistance. To further address the evolution and selection of these survivors in the presence of GRAs, we derived resistant cell lines in vitro by treating the parental cell line with dose escalating concentrations of dexamethasone. These resistant cell lines were expectedly cross-resistant to other GRAs. However, loss of expression of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) was not observed – ruling out one possible resistance mechanism. To explore alternative or downstream pathways that may be implicated, we subsequently acquired dose responses against a broad set of targeted kinase inhibitors, and observed modest sensitivity to the HSP90 inhibitor 17-AAG. This suggests that the resistance mechanism could be related to HSP909s role of holding ligand-free glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in the cytoplasm. We are now re-evolving the parental populations, and deriving clonal populations to confirm this phenotype. A better understanding of how hematopoietic cancer cells evolve resistance to GCAs will lead to improved design of drug combinations for prolonged survival. Citation Format: Simona Dalin, Boyang Zhao, Michael T. Hemann. Evolution of resistance to glucocorticoid receptor agonists. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Precision Medicine Series: Integrating Clinical Genomics and Cancer Therapy; Jun 13-16, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2016;22(1_Suppl):Abstract nr 35.
Silver nanoparticle-enhanced hybrid photosensitizer for photoinactivation of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

In recent years, multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become one of the main bacteria associated with serious diseases in both hospital and the community. Herein we report that a type of hybrid photosensitizers consisting of silver nanoparticles and photosensitizing molecules display outstanding photodynamic inactivation capability against MRSA, with an enhanced killing efficacy of up to ∼6 orders of magnitude under the experimental conditions. The results support that such hybrid photosensitizers can be used for photodynamic inactivation of MRSA without involving antibiotics.
SELF-DIFFERENTIATION OF THE BASIC PATTERNS OF COORDINATION

Experiments are described in which the method of transplantation of muscles and nerves was used to analyze the origin and, in certain regards, the operation of motor coordination in amphibians. The results support a preformistic concept of coordination in these forms. A basic repertoire of primary motor patterns develops during the developmental phase. These arise essentially by self-differentiation within the central nervous system, independent of the benefits of sensory control and guidance by experience. They are so predesigned that, when later projected into an anatomically normal peripheral effector system, they produce biologically adequate effects. If confronted, however, with an anatomically disarranged periphery, they produce correspondingly distorted effects without signs of corrective adjustment. The relation of these facts to the phenomenon of “plastic” coordination observed in man and higher mammals, and their bearing on the theories of coordination is discussed.
A bit of history

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the MacTutor History of Mathematics archive using the definitive biography of Boole called “George Boole: His Life and Work,” by Desmond MacHale and the biography written by O’Connor and Robertson. George Boole was the son of a lower class tradesman born in Lincoln, England. He got his first mathematics lesson from his father. His powers in higher mathematics did not show until he was 17 years old. The works of Boole are contained in about 50 articles and a few other publications. Boole's work on mathematical logic was criticized and ignored by his contemporaries, except for an American logician, Charles Sanders Peirce. Peirce spent more than 20 years working on these ideas and their applications in electronic circuitry; ultimately, he designed a theoretical electrical logic circuit. Boolean algebra and Peirce's work remained mostly unknown and unused for (too) many years, until the 1940s, when a young student by the name of Claude Elwood Shannon picked up Boole's and Peirce's works and recognized their relevance to electronics design. His Master's thesis “A Symbolic Analysis of Relay and Switching Circuits” is an (successful) attempt to use Boole's algebra to analyze relay-switching circuits, while his doctoral thesis deals with population genetics.
Chromosomal aneusomy in sputum predicts for lung cancer in nested case-control study

7201 Background: Lung cancer usually is disseminated at diagnosis and prognosis is poor for most patients. Heavy smokers are known to be at high risk factor for lung cancer and are target populatio...
Placement of metam potassium in combination with dimethyl disulfide, chloropicrin, and 1,3-dichloropropene for Cyperus rotundus L. and broadleaf weed control in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Abstract Registered fumigants tend to provide poor or inconsistent Cyperus rotundus L. and broadleaf weed control. Dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) is generally considered more effective on Cyperus species than chloropicrin (Pic) or 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) whereas metam potassium is generally considered more effective on broadleaf weeds. The objective of the experiment was to determine if the use of metam potassium in conjunction with other fumigants would enhance C. rotundus and broadleaf weed control in tomato. 1,3-D + Pic caused low level crop damage in spring 2014, increased crop height in fall 2014, and had no effect on crop growth in spring 2015. In every case, differences in crop damage or height did not result in yield differences. The most effective C. rotundus control was achieved with 131 kg ha −1 1,3-D + 200 kg ha −1 Pic, 340 kg ha −1 of DMDS + 90 kg ha −1 Pic, or 392 kg ha −1 of DMDS + 195 kg ha −1 metam potassium. Metam potassium improved C. rotundus control when applied alone or in conjunction with DMDS but not when applied in conjunction with DMDS + Pic or 1,3-D + Pic. All fumigants evaluated reduced broadleaf weed density compared with non-fumigated treatments. No consistent differences in total revenues or net benefit were observed among fumigants when applied without metam potassium. The use of metam potassium increased costs per hectare although DMDS + metam potassium was cheaper then 1,3-D + Pic but not DMDS + Pic. DMDS + Pic had the lowest estimated total cost of the three best C. rotundus treatments.
Experiential Avoidance: An Examination of the Construct Validity of the AAQ-II and MEAQ

Abstract Experiential avoidance (also referred to as acceptance or psychological flexibility) is a core construct of third-wave behavior therapies. It is the tendency to avoid uncomfortable thoughts or feelings, even when doing so has negative long-term consequences. In order for developments in experiential avoidance and third-wave behavior therapies to continue, it is imperative to examine the construct validity of the most widely used measures of this construct, the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire–II (AAQ-II) and the Multidimensional Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (MEAQ). In Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (N = 1,052) and college (N = 364) samples, we evaluated the construct validity of these measures. The AAQ-II demonstrated suboptimal patterns of convergent and discriminant validity with measures of neuroticism/negative affect (Big Five Inventory, Big Five Aspects Scale, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule), the MEAQ, and mindfulness (Five Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire). In contrast, the MEAQ demonstrated optimal convergent and discriminant validity. Factor analyses at the scale, subscale, and item levels demonstrated that the AAQ-II loads with indicators of neuroticism/negative affect and not with other constructs at the core of third-wave behavior therapies. In contrast, the MEAQ loads on factors with mindfulness or forms its own factors. These findings suggest the AAQ-II functions as a measure of neuroticism/negative affect, whereas the MEAQ functions as an indicator of experiential avoidance. These findings have substantial implications for research on experiential avoidance and third-wave behavior therapies. Therefore, in order to improve the theory, research, and practice of third-wave behavior therapies, we recommend using the MEAQ to assess experiential avoidance.
Successful Retrograde Intubation After Failed Fiberoptic Intubation and Percutaneous Cricothyrotomy.

Abstract Background An obstructive neck lesion presents an airway challenge for any emergency physician. Retrograde intubation is an infrequently used airway alternative that can be employed in the difficult airway algorithm that requires little training and is less invasive than surgical cricothyrotomy. Case Report We report a case of a 31-year-old male patient who presented with respiratory distress progressing to respiratory failure from upper airway obstruction. The patient had significant tracheal thickening at the level of the thyroid gland based on a computed tomography report from 3 weeks prior to his presentation. Awake upright fiberoptic intubation and subsequent percutaneous cricothyrotomy were unsuccessful secondary to obstructive neck mass. We performed a retrograde intubation via tracheal approach and secured the airway via manipulation of a small-diameter endotracheal tube over the guidewire using visualization with video laryngoscopy. This case describes a combination of difficult airway techniques utilizing retrograde intubation with a Glidescope (Verathon Inc., Bothell, WA) as a rescue maneuver for a difficult airway secondary to a tracheal obstruction and supraglottic and subglottic stenosis. Follow-up confirmed the patient's diagnosis as granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? In cases of supraglottic and subglottic narrowing or mass lesions, retrograde intubation can be a life-saving technique that is an important consideration in the difficult airway algorithm. This technique may be combined with other difficult airway techniques and is especially relevant and potentially life-saving for patients in whom an open cricothyrotomy is undesirable, such as patients with a potentially vascular neck mass, subglottic stenosis, localized neck trauma, or morbid obesity.
Image Analysis and the Method Moments

I would like to start this chapter by stressing an important distinction between pattern recognition and image analysis. As their etymologies show, recognition means “perception of identity as already known”, while analysis means “resolution of components parts”; therefore by pattern recognition I mean the identification of an observed pattern with a preestablished pattern, while by image analysis I mean the discovery on unknown patterns; of course the two problems have a number of features in common, and some of the methods employed are similar, but their philosophies are quite different. In the following pages I shall try to emphasize this distinction.
Globalization and the Erosion of Liberal Democracy

The rise of outsourcing, the deepening and lengthening of global value chains, and rise of superstar exporting firms hits a particular segment of the middle classes in the developed world most severely. The political consequences of this hollowing out of the moderately (but not necessarily the lowest) skilled segment of the labor force leads not only to the rise of right wing populism/authoritarianism, but puts electoral accountability, and democracy at greater risk than ever before. Given that leaders, once in office, will do whatever they can to enhance their survival, they may be willing to adjust and sometimes even subvert the democratic institutions that put them there in the first place. In this new world of a hollowed middle class, and rising authoritarians achieving office, we are likely to see democratically elected leaders engage in further erosions of the institutions of democratic accountability.
Outcomes After Off-Label Use of the Pipeline Embolization Device for Intracranial Aneurysms: A Multicenter Cohort Study.

Objective To examine outcomes of Pipeline embolization device (PED) use for treatment of intracranial aneurysms outside of U.S. Food and Drug Administration–approved indications. Methods Data from patients with aneurysms treated with off-label use of PED were pooled from 4 centers in a retrospective multicenter cohort study. Primary endpoints were decline in modified Rankin Scale score by at least 1 point and angiographic aneurysm occlusion at follow-up. Results The study cohort comprised 109 patients. Mean aneurysm size was 8.4 ± 7.4 mm, 20.2% of aneurysms were located in the posterior circulation, and 11.9% of aneurysms were ruptured. The most common reasons for off-label use were aneurysm size (50.5%), aneurysm location (25.7%), and both size and location (10.1%). Mean follow-up was 9 months. Complete occlusion was achieved in 82.5% of cases at last angiographic follow-up. Modified Rankin Scale score decline was found in 18.8% of cases. On univariate analysis, age, aneurysm size, aneurysm morphology, aneurysm location, reason for off-label use, and rupture status were not associated with clinical decline or aneurysm occlusion on angiography. On multivariate analysis, treatment of a ruptured aneurysm with PED was found to be an independent predictor of postoperative decline in modified Rankin Scale score, and size as the only reason for off-label PED use was found to be an independent predictor of complete occlusion on final angiography. Conclusions Off-label use of PED has a reasonable risk-to-benefit profile for appropriately selected aneurysms. Posterior circulation location and fusiform morphology do not appear to be associated with worse clinical or angiographic outcomes.
Large-Scale Mine Water Geothermal Applications with Abandoned Mines

This paper reports on the first large-scale project in the U.S. for utilizing water from abandoned mines for geothermal applications. This project proved the high potential of turning water in deep abandoned mines into a renewable energy resource, which is safer, greener, and more abundant than other conventional low-enthalpy geothermal applications. In this paper, a real demonstration project is introduced for recovering geothermal energy from the mine water for heating and cooling to a 1022 m2 building in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. A field test in a mine shaft with a depth of 1219.2 m is then presented to show the key issue in the use of the mine water as a geothermal resource: the temperature distribution. Complex multiphysics simulation with unique non-isothermal hydrodynamics is conducted to provide a physical explanation for the data obtained in the field test. Simulation results shed light on the scientific myth regarding water stratification and energy flow observed in the field study.
Variational Transition State Theory Calculations of Concerted Hydrogen Atom Tunneling in Water Clusters and Formaldehyde/Water Clusters

The direct participation of water molecules in aqueous phase reaction processes has been postulated to occur via both single-step mechanisms as well as concerted hydrogen atom or proton shifts. In the present work, simple prototypes of concerted hydrogen atom transfer processes are examined for small hydrogen-bonded water clusters – cyclic trimers and tetramers – and hydrogen-bonded clusters of formaldehyde with one and two water molecules. Rate constants for the rearrangement processes are computed using variational transition state theory, accounting for quantum mechanical tunneling effects by semiclassical ground-state adiabatic transmission coefficients. The variational transition state theory calculations directly utilize selected information about the potential energy surface along the minimum energy path as parameters of the reaction path Hamiltonian. The potential energy information is obtained from ab initio electronic structure calculations with an empirical bond additivity correction (the BACMP4 method). Tunneling is found to be very important for these concerted rearrangement processes – the semiclassical ground-state adiabatic transmission coefficients are estimated to be as high as four orders of magnitude at room temperature. Effects of the size of the cluster (number of water molecules in the cyclic complex) are also dramatic – addition of a water molecule is seen to change the calculated rates by orders of magnitude.
Promoting the Emotional Development of Preschoolers.

This paper looks at evidence pertaining to the emotional development of preschoolers. The issues talked about include a synopsis of emotional expression, emotional understanding, the regulation of emotions, and their developmental significance. Furthermore, the role of the caregiver–child relationship as indicated by the security of attachment is provided. It is argued that caregivers influence the emotional development of children as they model, coach, and contingently respond to children. The implications of emotional development and the quality of the caregiver–child relationship for teachers as they pertain to affective displays, negotiation skills, affect regulation, and expectancies of children are discussed. Finally, some strategies for enhancing emotional development are suggested.
The Cocaine-Addicted Patient

Cocaine (benzoylmethylecgonine, C17H21NO4), a natural alkaloid, is derived from Erythroxylon coca, a plant indigenous to parts of South America, Mexico, the West Indies, and Indonesia. It is a pharmacologically diverse drug with local anesthetic, central nervous system stimulant, and sympathomimetic properties. As a readily available herb, it has been used and abused for over 5,000 years. Initially ingested by the Andean people to treat high-altitude fatigue in South America, it had application also as a topical local anesthetic, for spinal anesthesia, and as a dilator of the pupil for cataract surgery [1]. In 1914, the Harrison Narcotic Act limited its medical use in the United States. Over the past 20 years, the abuse of cocaine has grown enormously because of ubiquitous availability and reduction in cost (When adjusted for inflation, cocaine is now approximately 20% of the 1980s street price) [2].
Morphine During Pregnancy in the Rat

Fetal exposure to morphine, heroin or methadone can produce long-lasting effects on physiological systems that are regulated by endogenous opiates. The mechanism leading to these long-term effects is not clear, but numerous studies have documented both physiological and behavioral changes in adulthood resulting from such perinatal exposure (1-4). Although the nervous system shows numerous long term effects, it is probably not the only organ system affected, especially considering the intimate structural and functional interrelationships existing between the nervous, endocrine and immune systems. Little is known about how early exposure to drugs of abuse affects the immune system. Prenatal cocaine (5,6) and alcohol (7) exposure have been shown to affect later immune parameters in animal models, and there is some evidence that lymphocyte abnormalities may occur in infants of drug-abusing mothers (8). Since many children in our society are born to mothers addicted to morphine or heroin, or who are on methadone therapy, it could prove clinically useful to explore how immunity is altered by early exposure to opiates. To address this question, we examined cellular immune parameters in the offspring of mother rats exposed to different levels of morphine during the last third of pregnancy.
Nuclear Developments in North Korea

Four years ago, Pyongyang expelled the international inspectors from its Yongbyon nuclear complex and abandoned the Six-Party talks. The crisis atmosphere on the Korean peninsula sparked by Pyongyang’s military actions in 2010 turned into diplomatic calm in 2011, but Pyongyang continued to expand its nuclear program. It conducted a second nuclear test in 2009, unveiled a modern, sophisticated uranium centrifuge facility, and rolled out a road-mobile intermediate-range ballistic missile in 2010. Its cooperation in missile technologies with Iran continued and nuclear cooperation is suspected. Beijing protected Pyongyang from crippling sanctions while Washington and Seoul remained reluctant to engage having been burned by Pyongyang’s unveiling of its clandestine uranium enrichment program. Prospects for resolution of the North Korean nuclear crisis looked grim. Then, surprisingly in December 2011, just before the death of Kim Jong-il, American and North Korean diplomats nearly reached a deal to return to the negotiating table. Even more surprisingly, the new Kim regime agreed to take initial steps with Washington in February. In this paper, I describe the troubling nuclear developments in 2011 and suggest targets for the upcoming negotiations to further reduce the nuclear risks while the parties resume the long road toward eventual denuclearization and normalization of relations on the Korean peninsula.
Nitric Oxide-Dependent Penile Erection in Mice Lacking Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase

Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated as a mediator of penile erection, because the neuronal isoform of NO synthase (NOS) is localized to the penile innervation and NOS inhibitors selectively block erections. NO can also be formed by two other NOS isoforms derived from distinct genes, inducible NOS (iNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS). To clarify the source of NO in penile function, we have examined mice with targeted deletion of the nNOS gene (nNOS− mice). Mating behavior, electro-physiologically induced penile erection, isolated erectile tissue isometric tension, and eNOS localization by immunohistochemistry and Western blot were performed on nNOS− mice and wild-type controls. Both intact animal penile erections and isolated erectile tissue function are maintained in nNOS mice, in agreement with demonstrated normal sexual behaviors, but is stereospecifically blocked by the NOS inhibitor, L-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME). eNOS is abundantly present in endothelium of penile vasculature and sinusoidal endothelium within the corpora cavernosa, with levels that are significantly higher in nNOS− mice than in wild-type controls. eNOS mediates NO-dependent penile erection in nNOS− animals and normal penile erection. These data clarify the role of nitric oxide in penile erection and may have implications for therapeutic agents with selective effects on NOS isoforms.
Implications of Lewis’ “A Priori Analytical” Justification of Induction

Referring to his Principle A, Lewis says, “What I wish to point out is, first, that this single requirement satisfies everything which is necessary, in the way of order in experience or reality, for the validity of empirical generalizations, based on past experience and applicable to the future; and second, that although this has the appearance of a limitation of the possibility of experience it has in the end no alternative.”1 Before dealing with Lewis’ first point in this passage, I shall attempt first to justify his second point on the basis of PA which states that we can apply concepts to any given experience unless nothing exists. That this is a consequence of PA should be obvious from the following analysis.
S N Ar stands corrected.

Dynamic covalent chemistry combines the error-correcting behaviour of supramolecular chemistry with the robustness of covalent bonding, but relies on a somewhat limited set of reactions. Now, the classic nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) reaction has been shown to be reversible and self-correcting.
Methods for Investigating the Larval Period and Metamorphosis in Xenopus

Anuran metamorphosis resembles postembryonic development in mammals, a period around birth when many organs/tissues mature into their adult form as circulating thyroid and stress hormone levels are high. Unlike uterus-enclosed mammalian embryos, tadpoles develop externally and undergo the dramatic changes of hormone-dependent development totally independent of maternal influence, making them a valuable model in which to study vertebrate postembryonic organ development and maturation. Various protocols have been developed and/or adapted for studying metamorphosis in Xenopus laevis and X. tropicalis, two highly related and well-studied frog species. Here, we introduce some of the methods for contemporary cell and molecular studies of gene function and regulation during metamorphosis.
Performance Analysis of Flapping Foil Flow Energy Harvester Subjected to Non-Sinusoidal Pitching Motion

Two-dimensional flow simulation study is carried out to investigate the aerodynamic performance and efficiency of Fully Active flapping foil flow energy harvesters subjected to non-sinusoidal pitching motion. The device comprises of NACA0015 airfoil mounted on a translational spring and damper system. The airfoil is subjected to nonsinusoidal pitching and sinusoidal heaving motion through external excitation. The impact of non-sinusoidal pitching motion and airfoil thickness is studied, using simulations in Ansys Fluent ®, on the performance of such energy harvesters. Airfoil motion is accommodated by allowing the use of sliding meshes. The User Defined Functions(UDFs) are used to induce airfoil and mesh motion. Heaving motion is realized by reference frame motion. Different non-sinusoidal profiles are tested and their effect of energy extraction performance is investigated. It is found that the major part of energy extraction obtained by heaving motion. The non-sinusoidal pitching motion helps improve the formation and development of leading edge vortex, synchronization of vertical force and vertical velocity by increasing the peak value of vertical force. This results in an improved energy extraction performance. The maximum power extraction efficiency of 39.12% is achieved for NACA at Re=1100 for selectively tuned parameters.
Ethics, Morality, and Freedom in the Era of Divisive Governing & Fake News: Is a New Quasi Paradigm in the Make?

This paper explores the implications of ethics and morality in the government and how top officials and decision makers view their ethical principles both in theory and action. Elements that this paper will focus on are key definitions and principles of morality, ethics, ethical decision making and their impacts on justice, social equity, and citizens' rights. This will be followed by a review of the present political scene and policy decision making in major areas influenced by misguided propaganda and "Fake News" and the so called alternative reality. The paper will also look at how personal and party interests that have dominated the actions of those in high offices instead are placed ahead of putting the interests of the country and its citizens and the long-term prosperity of the country, Finally the paper examines if this dysfunctional trend is going to be just a passing fad or an unfortunate emerging quasi-paradigm that will permeate the political and administrative scenes for years to come.
Incidence of acute kidney injury among pediatric hematology/oncology patients receiving vancomycin in combination with piperacillin/tazobactam or cefepime

There is mounting evidence that combination of antibiotic therapy with vancomycin and piperacillin/tazobactam (pip/tazo) is associated with acute kidney injury (AKI). To determine whether vancomycin plus pip/tazo is associated with higher rates of AKI compared to vancomycin plus cefepime among pediatric hematology/oncology (heme/onc) patients, we examined 121 heme/onc patients receiving at least two consecutive days of therapy with vancomycin and either pip/tazo or cefepime. Rate of AKI was higher in the pip/tazo than the cefepime group (4/27 [14.8%] vs 2/94 [2.1%], P = 0.022).
Introduction: The Quest for a Political Philosophy of Ihsan

This chapter introduces the book. It explains the goals and the interdisciplinary methodology of this book. The chapter explains how social science, theology and political philosophy converge, in this book, to advance a philosophy of good governance based on the Islamic concept of Ihsan. The chapter also argues the merits of providing an alternate way of thinking about Islamic governance.
In-Service Teachers’ Training Program: A step towards quality Education

Teachers are the key factor in promoting quality of education at grass root level. They ought to be kept themselves abreast with the modern approaches in promoting quality of education and get acquainted with professional training for the effective teaching-learning process. The primary aim of the study was to explore the effectiveness of in-service teacher training programs on professional excellence of teachers in promoting quality of education. A total of 75 respondents constitute the sample of the study. A close-ended questionnaire with five point Likert scale was designed and subjected for data collection. The collected data was treated with chi-square statistics. Result indicated that the objectives of the in-service teacher programs were not clearly articulated to teachers, teachers we problem-solving to enroll in in-service teacher programs, the institutes offering in-service teacher training programs lacks the provision of physical facilities, majority of the courses fails to ensures creativity among in-service teachers regarding problem solving approach, A.V. aids were not subjected in teaching-learning process, in-service teachers were not involved in transactional approaches during the training, and organization among theory and practice were lacking. In the light of results, it was recommended that proper articulation of objectives of the program ought to be done to all in–service teachers, proper allocation of funds may be elicited to avoid lacks of physical facilities, and gaps between theory and practice may be removed that the actual crux of the program may be achieved in real sense.
Life stress, sense of belonging and sleep in American Indian college students

Abstract Objectives In a sample of 90 American Indian (AI) college students (Age M(SD) = 21.47(3.02), 61.1% female), we investigated relationships between stress (perceived psychological stress and recent negative life events), sense of belonging to the university community and tribal community and sleep. We hypothesized that belonging and stress would associate with sleep. Methods Participants wore a wrist accelerometer for 7 nights and answered surveys during an in-lab visit. Results Sense of belonging to the university community associated with actigraphy-measured wake after sleep onset (WASO) (β = −.45, t(80) = −3.98, P Conclusions Stress and sense of belonging associate with sleep in AI college students. Future research should investigate whether life stress and belonging may affect health in this population by affecting patterns of sleep and investigate psychosocial resources that may moderate the relationships between stress, belonging and sleep.
Electronic Modulation of Near-Field Radiative Transfer in Graphene Field Effect Heterostructures.

Manipulating heat flow in a controllable and reversible manner is a topic of fundamental and practical interest. Numerous approaches to perform thermal switching have been reported, but they typically suffer from various limitations, for instance requiring mechanical modulation of a submicron gap spacing or only operating in a narrow temperature window. Here, we report the experimental modulation of radiative heat flow by electronic gating of a graphene field effect heterostructure without any moving elements. We measure a maximum heat flux modulation of 4 ± 3% and an absolute modulation depth of 24 ± 7 mW m–2 V–1 in samples with vacuum gap distances ranging from 1 to 3 μm. The active area in the samples through which heat is transferred is ∼1 cm2, indicating the scalable nature of these structures. A clear experimental path exists to realize switching ratios as large as 100%, laying the foundation for electronic control of near-field thermal radiation using 2D materials.
t(15; 17) associated with primary myelofibrosis: a case report of an unusual clinical presentation and diagnostic dilemma.

Background primary myelofibrosis (PMF) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm which is associated with clonal molecular and cytogenetic abnormalities (CA) and varied clinical manifestations. While various CA have been previously described, t(15; 17) has not been reported in association with this condition. Case presentation A 69-year-old male presented with constitutional symptoms, cytopenias and bone marrow biopsy revealed immature blasts with fibrosis. Cytogenetic analysis showed a t(15;17) which initially suggested a diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). However, flourescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) studies were negative for transcripts promyelocytic leukemia (PML) gene and retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARA) or PML-RARA fusion. Along with these results, a second review of bone marrow histology, flowcytometry and the detection of a calreticulin gene (CALR) mutation helped with the correct diagnosis of PMF. Patient was then treated with ruxolitinib, a JAK (Janus kinase) 1 and 2 inhibitor, and eventually proceeded to receive a matched unrelated reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) allogeneic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and has been doing well at the 6-month follow up. Conclusions Our case highlights two points, that the t(15;17) is diagnostic of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) in most cases, there are exceptions and it can be associated with other malignancies without causing any APL like features, as noted in this case. Also, that t(15; 17) by itself is never sufficient to diagnose APL without confirmation by other methods and relying solely on cytogenetics without timely confirmatory tests can lead to risks of delay in diagnosis and appropriate management.
Image Artifact Management for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging on a 7 T Scanner Using Single-Channel Radiofrequency Transmit Mode.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this work was to devise mitigation strategies for addressing a range of image artifacts on a clinical 7 T magnetic resonance imaging scanner using the regulatory-approved single-channel radiofrequency transmit mode and vendor-supplied radiofrequency coils to facilitate clinical scanning within reasonable scan times. MATERIALS AND METHODS Optimized imaging sequence protocols were developed for routine musculoskeletal knee and neurological imaging. Sources of severe image nonuniformities were identified, and mitigation strategies were devised. A range of custom-made high permittivity dielectric pads were used to compensate for B1 and B1 inhomogeneities, and also for magnetic susceptibility-induced signal dropouts particularly in the basal regions of the temporal lobes and in the cerebellum. RESULTS Significant improvements in image uniformity were obtained using dielectric pads in the knee and brain. A combination of small voxels, reduced field of view B0 shimming, and high in-plane parallel imaging factors helped to minimize signal loss in areas of high susceptibility-induced field distortions. The high inherent signal-to-noise ratio at 7 T allowed for high receiver bandwidths and thin slices to minimize chemical shift artifacts. Intermittent artifacts due to radiofrequency inversion pulse limitations (power, bandwidth) were minimized with dielectric pads. A patient with 2 implanted metallic cranial fixation devices located within the radiofrequency transmit field was successfully imaged, with minimal image geometric distortions. CONCLUSIONS Challenges relating to severe image artifacts at 7 T using single-channel radiofrequency transmit functionality in the knee and brain were overcome using the approaches described in this article. The resultant high diagnostic image quality paves the way for incorporation of this technology into the routine clinical workflow. Further developmental efforts are required to expand the range of applications to other anatomical areas, and to expand the evidence- and knowledge-base relating to the safety of scanning patients with implanted metallic devices.
Unexpected effects of incident radiant energy on evaporation of Water condensate

Abstract While water evaporation and condensation are of fundamental importance to our environment, many features remain under investigation. In this study, we explored the water-condensation circle (WCC) formed on the inner surface of Petri dish lids covering containers of water. We found that they progressively diminished in diameter. Surprisingly, the diminution rate could be affected by objects placed beneath the bottom of the container. For systems that were not in thermal equilibrium with the environment (i.e., warm water in the Petri-dish container), thermal conductivity of the materials played the dominant role. Heat transfer from the water in the container to the material beneath affected the temperature of the water and thus the water evaporation, which changed the humidity in the Petri dish and hence the WCC diminution rate. Yet, when no temperature differences existed between the system and the environment, radiant energy emitted by the materials placed beneath the container was a determining factor. This is unexpected. Common materials placed outside chambers of water are not expected to impact evaporation rates.