cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cis-diamminedichloroplatinum II in advanced urothelial cancer.

Abstract Thirteen patients with advanced urothelial cancer received a minimum of 2 courses of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum II. Of these patients 6 (46 per cent) achieved a partial response with an average duration of more than 6 months. One patient has received cis-diamminedichloroplatinum for more than 1 year and has no clinical evidence of tumor (complete response in lung metastasis plus excision of local recurrence). The routine administration of intravenous fluids and mannitol immediately before cis-diamminedichloroplatinum prevented the nephrotoxicity associated with this drug. An outpatient setting was well tolerated in most instances. This report confirms the activity of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum in urothelial cancer and suggests its use as an adjuvant to operation and/or radiotherapy in selected cases.
Interferon-alpha. Amarillo Biosciences.

Amarillo Biosciences is developing low-dose oral interferon-alpha (IFNalpha; Veldona) as a potential treatment for primary Sjogren's syndrome, oral mucositis in cancer patients, hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV) infections, and bone marrow disorders. The company is also developing a topical formulation of IFNalpha for the potential treatment of genital warts. The product is registered in Ghana for the treatment of HBV infection. In October 2001, Amarillo licensed rights to its low-dose oral IFNalpha to Atrix Laboratories for the Orphan indications of oral papillomavirus and Behcet's disease.
Acute resistance exercise using free weights on aortic wave reflection characteristics.

Summary Aortic wave reflection characteristics such as the augmentation index (AIx), wasted left ventricular pressure energy (ΔEw) and aortic haemodynamics, such as aortic systolic blood pressure (ASBP), strongly predict cardiovascular events. The effects of acute resistance exercise (ARE) using free-weight exercises on these characteristics are unknown. Therefore, we sought to determine the effects of acute free-weight resistance exercise on aortic wave reflection characteristics and aortic haemodynamics in resistance-trained individuals. Fifteen young, healthy resistance-trained (9 ± 3 years) individuals performed two randomized sessions consisting of an acute bout of free-weight resistance exercise (ARE) or a quiet control (CON). The ARE consisted of three sets of 10 repetitions at 75% one repetition maximum for squat, bench press and deadlift. In CON, the participants rested in the supine position for 30 min. Measurements were made at baseline before sessions and 10 min after sessions. A two-way ANOVA was used to compare the effects of condition across time. There were no significant interactions for aortic or brachial blood pressures. Compared to rest, there were significant increases in augmentation pressure (rest: 5·7 ± 3·0 mmHg; recovery: 10·4 ± 5·7 mmHg, P = 0·002), AIx (rest: 116·8 ± 4·2%; recovery: 123·2 ± 8·4%, P = 0·002), AIx normalized at 75 bpm (rest: 5·2 ± 7·6%; recovery: 27·3 ± 13·2%, P<0·0001), ΔEw (rest: 1215 ± 674 dynes s cm−2; recovery: 2096 ± 1182 dynes s cm−2, P = 0·008), and there was a significant decrease in transit time of the reflected wave (rest: 150·7 ± 5·8 ms; recovery 145·5 ± 5·6 ms, P<0·001) during recovery from ARE compared to CON. These data suggest that ARE using free-weight exercises may have no effect on aortic and brachial blood pressure but may significantly alter aortic wave reflection characteristics.
Human and environmental analysis of wearable thermal energy harvesting

Abstract In considering wearable energy harvesting, one must recognize the wide array of factors that lead to variations of energy harvesting. The objective of this work is to define analytical methods to study the effect of environmental and human factors on thermal energy generator (TEG) performance in a variety of use case scenarios. A test method for evaluating the performance of a TEG in a wearable form is developed and demonstrated using both in-lab and out-of-lab procedures. The fabrication procedure of an energy harvesting wearable device demonstrates a method of integrating rigid devices into a flexible substrate. The wearable device is used in a human trial which covered a series of activities in different environmental conditions. The results of these trials demonstrate the significant effect of movement, or convection, on thermal energy harvesting. Humidity levels do not have a significant correlation to power; however, wet bulb temperature must be taken into consideration due to the additional cooling effect of evaporation on temperature. The data collected indicates that while dry-bulb temperature does not have the greatest effect on TEG power generation, wet-bulb temperature is indicative of TEG performance. Additionally, user generated movement is the main consideration when designing a wearable device with TEGs as it had the largest effects on power generation. The results of this work quantify how a wearable device will perform throughout daily activities, allowing the definition of an operational scenario of a self-powered wearable device while choosing the most appropriate design for a particular application. This work also provides a foundation for exploring how textiles can enable the design of unique wearable devices. This will lead to further investigation into quantifying the effect that the construction of a textile has on TEG performance as well as on consumer comfort.
Association of Preoperative Calcium and Calcitriol Therapy With Postoperative Hypocalcemia After Total Thyroidectomy.

Importance Hypocalcemia is the most common complication after total thyroidectomy and can result in prolonged hospital admissions and increased hospital charges. Objective To determine the effectiveness of preoperative calcium and calcitriol supplementation in reducing hypocalcemia following total thyroidectomy. Design, Setting, and Participants A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care center in 65 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy by a single surgeon. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those receiving preoperative as well as postoperative supplementation with calcium carbonate, 1000 to 1500 mg, 3 times daily and calcitriol, 0.25 to 0.5 µg, twice daily, and those receiving only postoperative supplementation with those agents at the same dosages. Data on patients who underwent surgery between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2011, were acquired, and data analyses were conducted from March through June 2012, and from October through December 2016. Interventions Calcium and calcitriol therapy. Main Outcomes and Measures Postoperative serum calcium levels and development of postoperative hypocalcemia. Results Of the 65 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy 27 (42%) were men; mean (SD) age was 49.7 (16.7) years. Thirty-three patients received preoperative calcium and calcitriol supplementation, and 32 patients received only postoperative therapy. In the preoperative supplementation group, 15 of 33 (45%) patients underwent complete central compartment neck dissection and 11 of 33 (33%) had lateral neck dissection, compared with 16 of 32 (50%) and 12 of 32 (38%), respectively, patients without preoperative supplementation. The mean measured serum calcium level in those without preoperative supplementation vs those with supplementation are as follows: preoperative, 9.6 vs 9.4 mg/dL (absolute difference, 0.16; 95% CI, −0.12 to 0.49 mg/dL); 12 hours postoperative, 8.3 vs 8.6 mg/dL (absolute difference, −0.30; 95% CI, −0.63 to 0.02 mg/dL); and 24 hours postoperative, 8.4 vs 8.5 mg/dL (absolute difference, −0.13; 95% CI, −0.43 to 0.16 mg/dL). In patients not receiving preoperative supplementation, 5 of 32 (16%) individuals became symptomatically hypocalcemic vs 2 of 33 (6%) in the preoperative supplementation group; an absolute difference of 10% (95% CI, −6.6% to 26.3%). Compared with the group not receiving preoperative supplementation, the mean [SD] length of stay was significantly shorter in the preoperative supplementation group (3.8 [1.8] vs 2.9 [1.4] days; absolute difference, −0.9; 95% CI, −1.70 to −0.105 days). Preoperative supplementation resulted in an estimated $2819 savings in charges per patient undergoing total thyroidectomy. Conclusions and Relevance Preoperative calcium and calcitriol supplementation, in addition to routine postoperative supplementation, was associated with a reduced incidence of symptomatic hypocalcemia, length of hospital stay, and overall charges following total thyroidectomy.
Abstract 19483: Vitronectin Increases Vascular Permeability by Promoting Ve-Cadherin Internalization at Cell Junctions

Background: Cross-talk between integrins and cadherins regulates cell function. We tested the hypothesis that vitronectin (VN), a multi-functional adhesion molecule present in extracellular matrix and plasma, regulates vascular permeability via effects on VE-cadherin (VE-Cad), a critical regulator of endothelial cell (EC) adhesion. Methods: We used confocal fluorescence microscopy, an in vitro permeability assay, and in vivo experiments involving wild-type (WT) and VN-deficient ( Vn −/− ) mice to study the role of VN in regulating VE-cad trafficking in EC monolayers and endothelial cell barrier function. Results: Addition of multimeric VN (10 μg/mL) significantly increased VE-cadherin internalization in human umbilical vein EC (HUVEC) monolayers. This effect was blocked by anti-α V β 3 antibody and pharmacological inhibition and knockdown of Src kinase. Surprisingly, blockade of α V β 3 integrin and Src kinase after VN treatment triggered rapid translocation of internalized VE-Cad back to the cell surface, demonstrating the reversible nature of VE-Cad trafficking. In contrast to multimeric VN, monomeric VN did not trigger VE-Cad internalization. In a modified Miles assay, VN deficiency impaired vascular endothelial growth factor-induced permeability. Furthermore, ischemia-induced enhancement of vascular permeability, expressed as the ratio of FITC-dextran leakage from the circulation into ischemic and non-ischemic hindlimb muscle, was significantly greater in WT mice than in Vn −/− mice (1.64x10 5 ± 0.09 vs. 1.05x10 5 ± 0.15, respectively, n=6/group; p=0.02). Similarly, ischemia-induced angiogenesis and macrophage infiltration were significantly reduced in Vn −/− mice vs. WT controls. Conclusions: VN plays a previously unrecognized role in regulating endothelial permeability via conformational- and integrin-dependent effects on VE-Cad trafficking. VN regulates vascular permeability in vivo. These results have important implications regarding the regulation of endothelial function and angiogenesis by VN under normal and pathological conditions.
Contemporary Pakistani Fiction in English : Idea, Nation, State

Looking at a wide selection of Pakistani novels in English, this book explores how literary texts imaginatively probe the past, convey the present, and project a future in terms that facilitate a sense of collective belonging. The novels discussed cover a range of historical movements and developments, including pre-20th century Islamic history, the 1947 partition, the 1971 Pakistani war, the Zia years, and post-9/11 Pakistan, as well as pervasive themes, including ethnonationalist tensions, the zamindari system, and conspiracy thinking. The book offers a range of representations of how and whether collective belonging takes shape, and illustrates how the Pakistani novel in English, often overshadowed by the proliferation of the Indian novel in English, complements Pakistani multi-lingual literary imaginaries by presenting alternatives to standard versions of history and by highlighting the issues English-language literary production bring to the fore in a broader Pakistani context. It goes on to look at the literary devices and themes used to portray idea, nation and state as a foundation for collective belonging. The book illustrates the distinct contributions the Pakistani novel in English makes to the larger fields of postcolonial and South Asian literary and cultural studies.
DOA-based localization algorithms under NLOS conditions

Localization schemes based on direction of arrival (DOA) in none-line-of-sight (NLOS) environments are developed. The proposed kernel-based machine learning method is innovative and can provide accurate position estimation under none-line-of sight (NLOS) conditions. The proposed kernel-based method is compared with the Weighted K-nearest neighborhood (WKNN) fingerprinting method using simulated DOA data in practical rural environment. It shows that the kernel-based method gives more accurate localization results.
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy with Children

In 1957, Levitt concluded from a review of research that “there is no evidence to indicate that child psychotherapy is effective” (Eysenck, 1965; Levitt, 1957a). In 1988, Tuma, reviewing a set of studies published from 1953 to 1986, concluded that “two-thirds of the studies [reviewed] find treatment effects showing that treated children achieve positive changes over control children” (Tuma, 1988). The first task of this chapter will be to elucidate these different conclusions and to suggest that both are based on the review of incomplete data. As Tuma (1988) indicated, there are too few well-described and executed studies to group them in a manner that allows generalization.
Vasopressin in the Kidney—Historical Aspects

Abstract In the past century, scientific research has made great strides and has unraveled the pathophysiology for water homeostasis and its dysregulation in certain disease processes such as nephrogenic diabetes insipidus and hyponatremia. In the mid-20th century, experimental infusion of a pituitary gland extract was noted to cause antidiuresis and concentrated urine leading to the discovery of the antidiuretic hormone, ADH. The ADH was found to be produced in the hypothalamus neurons and stored and secreted by the pituitary gland and resulting in a downstream effect on the “shuttling” of water channels to luminal surface in the toad bladder and in the collecting duct. In the latter half of the 20th century with advancements in molecular biology and immunohistochemistry, vasopressin receptors, urea transporters, and aquaporins (water channels) were identified as well as their various roles in water homeostasis. The V2 (vasopressin) receptor was isolated in the distal nephron tubules and determined to be responsible for water balance while V1a and V1b receptors were not. Similarly, two of the six isoforms of urea transporters, UT-A1 and UT-A3, were localized in the inner medullary collecting ducts; both of these are stimulated by vasopressin and have an important role in maintenance of the countercurrent system. Of the 13 aquaporins identified, 3 were localized in the collecting ducts; aquaporin 2, 3, and 4, with only aquaporin 2 regulated by vasopressin and “shuttled” to luminal membrane. These various discoveries, translating from bench research to clinical studies, have given us the opportunity to treat various disease states such as chronic hyponatremia, adult polycystic kidney disease, central diabetes insipidus, and genetic and acquired nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.
Abstract 397: Systematic functional annotation of somatic mutations in cancer

Recent sequencing studies have identified thousands of unique somatic mutations across patient tumors. However, the functional impact of the vast majority of these mutations remains unknown, representing a critical knowledge gap for implementing precision oncology. Here, we report the development of a moderate-throughput functional genomic platform consisting of efficient mutant open reading frame generation, sensitive viability assays using two growth factor-dependent cell models, and functional proteomic profiling of downstream signaling effects for select aberrations. We apply the platform to annotate >1,000 genomic aberrations, including gene amplifications, point mutations, indels, and gene fusions, potentially doubling the number of driver mutations characterized in clinically actionable genes. We show that our platform has higher sensitivity for characterizing weak drivers than pooled screening. Our data are accessible through the user-friendly, open-access data portal we created. Our study will facilitate the discovery of novel biomarkers, improvement of existing prediction algorithms, and development of new therapeutic approaches. Citation Format: Han Liang, Patrick Kwok-Shing Ng, Jun Li, Kang Jin Jeong, Yiling Lu, Song Yi, Nidhi Sahni, Gordon Mills. Systematic functional annotation of somatic mutations in cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 397.
Strain in a single wrinkle on an MoS2 flake for in-plane realignment of band structure for enhanced photo-response.

Since 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) exhibit strain-tunable bandgaps, locally confining strain can allow lateral manipulation of their band structure, in-plane carrier transport and optical transitions. Herein, we show that a single wrinkle (width = 10 nm–10 μm) on an MoS2 flake can induce confined uniaxial strain to reduce the local bandgap (40–60 meV per % deformation), producing a microscopic exciton funnel with an enhancement in photocurrent over flat MoS2 devices. This study also shows that wrinkles can spatially reconfigure the distribution of dopants and enhance the light absorption in the MoS2 layer via Fabry–Perot interference in its nanocavity. In the field-effect transistor studies on the MoS2 flat–wrinkle-flat device-structure, a higher carrier mobility and an improvement in the on/off ratio were exhibited in the devices with a single wrinkle. This phenomenon is attributed to the built-in potential induced by the bandgap reduction at the wrinkle site and the change in doping of the suspended wrinkle. The wrinkle-induced tunability of the local bandgap and manipulation of the spatial transport barriers, and the enhanced light absorption can enable development of next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices guided by in-plane deformation of 2D nanomaterials.
The effects of emotions on cognitive effort while processing mediated stadium-embedded advertising: a dynamic motivational systems approach.

Research question: While emotional responses to sporting events could have a residual effect on the processing of in-stadium signage that appears to the television audience, limited research has fo...
Patient attitudes toward novel glaucoma drug delivery approaches.

Purpose Understanding patients' attitudes toward novel therapeutic options can help guide providers in personalizing treatment regimens for glaucoma patients. This study aimed to determine factors associated with acceptance of new drug delivery options among glaucoma patients. Methods A total of 199 patient volunteers participated in an interviewer-administered survey from June to August 2016 at the Glaucoma Service of Massachusetts Eye and Ear. The questionnaire was designed to determine acceptance of 6 drug delivery approaches: (1) triple combination eye drop, (2) microdose eye spray, (3) drug-eluting contact lens, (4) drug-eluting periocular ring insert, (5) injectable subconjunctival drug insert, and (6) injectable anterior chamber implant. Other factors analyzed included self-reported demographics, disease severity, and prior ocular history. Results The average respondent age was 63.2 ± 15.1 years; 48% were female. For approaches 1-6 listed above, overall acceptance rates were, respectively, 85%, 54%, 31%, 43%, 32%, and 30%. Patients with greater disease severity and prior incisional glaucoma surgery were more likely to pursue alternatives to traditional eye drops. Conclusions There is limited acceptance of alternatives to traditional eye drop medications among glaucoma patients. Understanding motivating factors and potential barriers to patient acceptance of novel drug delivery approaches is important in how providers will incorporate these glaucoma treatment options into practice.
Minimally Invasive Mitral Repair: Direct Aortic Cannulation Via Right 2nd Intercostal Space.

AbstractThe right 2nd interspace minithoracotomy has advantages over femoral arterial cannulation providing an alternative that should be in the arsenal of the minimally invasive surgeon; we describe here the method, the advantages, and the pitfalls.
Inheritance of an Albino-Virescent Leaf Mutant in the Cultivated Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

ABSTRACT An Albino-Virescent Leaf mutant was recently found in an advanced Georgia peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) breeding line, GA 082524. This breeding line was derived from the cross of ‘Georgia-0...
Anne Bradstreet's War Upon Tyranny

In matters of religion, Puritans in the Massachusetts Bay Colony had to tread carefully. If they strayed from orthodox beliefs, they ran the risk of reproach and even excommunication. This was especially true of women. Ann Hutchinson is a prime example. She was initially highly popular for her home meetings, but she began to draw notice from the powerful men in the colony. Hutchinson was preaching that people could speak to God directly, essentially disempowering the church and the clergy. To one Puritan leader, John Winthrop, this kind of message was a direct threat to their power; therefore, Winthrop made it his mission to bring Hutchinson to trial and banish her from the colony. She was not the only unfortunate female that fell victim to the stone-like oppression of the Patriarchy. Anne Bradstreet’s sister, Sarah Keayne, suffered a similar fate. She spoke out publicly against the injustices the Patriarchy committed against women. However, she failed to keep her social image intact. Winthrop and the other leaders stepped in to assert their authority against Keayne. As a result, Sarah Keayne was rejected by her husband and excommunicated from the church. Due to the fate of both women, the Puritan community was fearful that they, too, would become the next victims of the Patriarchy. Ann Hutchinson’s and Sarah Keayne’s social demise weighed heavily on Bradstreet’s mind. Given that Anne Bradstreet’s father and husband served on the court of magistrates that convicted Hutchinson, Bradstreet would have been all too aware of the dangers of criticizing the Patriarchy. Even though she was aware of these dangers, she did it anyway. But Bradstreet needed to be careful to remain well liked by her community, by both men and women. One social misstep would lead to her own excommunication, and women would be left with no one to fight for their basic rights. As Wendy Martin notes in An American Tritych, Bradstreet was a protofeminist who sought to change the power disparity between men and women to break the bonds of oppression for all women. This is particularly evident in the poems Martin does not examine. In “To Her Father with Some Verses,” Bradstreet acknowledges that women are indebted to the Patriarchy but turns this debt to her advantage by making the Patriarchy acknowledge her value as a female writer.
Renal Arteriovenous Fistula in a Renal Transplant Recipient: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Background Renal arteriovenous fistula (rAVF) is a rare complication after a total nephrectomy, with only 72 cases reported in the last literature review published in 1997. AVF has never been described in a renal transplant recipient, and the possible consequences of hemodetournement on the graft function are unknown. Methods We hereby reported the first case of rAVF occurring in a renal transplant recipient and analyzed all cases of postnephrectomy rAVF reported between 1997 and 2017. Results A 75-year-old woman who underwent a right nephrectomy and kidney transplant 16 years earlier, and complaining of mild exercise dyspnea, was discovered with a lumbar continuous murmur. Echocardiography showed a moderate to severe dilatation of the left ventricle, with a decreased ejection fraction. Serum creatinine was slightly raised but returned to normal value with hydration. An injected computed tomography scan demonstrated a communication between the stump of the right renal artery and inferior vena cava. Total occlusion of the rAVF was obtained with Amplatzer plug and coils placed in the distal renal stump, just upstream of rAVF. Exercise dyspnea disappeared immediately, and regression of left ventricular dilatation was objectified at 6-month echocardiography follow-up. Conclusions Postnephrectomy rAVF is rare, frequently diagnosed late, and may be responsible for high-output heart failure by left-to-right shunt, with abdominal/lumbar bruit being the only manifestation. Renal complications concern 15% of the patients. Endovascular procedure is nowadays the treatment of choice. Occluding rAVF permits cardiac hemodynamic features and heart failure symptoms resolution.
Immunological detection of Zika virus: A summary in the context of general viral diagnostics

Abstract Zika virus (ZIKV) captured mass public attention in 2014–16 due to its potentially devastating teratogenic effects in unborn babies. Although recent years show a decline in disease activity as ZIKV settles into endemic New World cycles, the significant challenges that originally complicated its diagnosis remain, and linkages to foetal microcephaly make safe, accurate, and timely detection especially important. The present chapter seeks to define current direct and indirect immunological detection methods for ZIKV in the context of cross-reactive viral relatives, and will consider the utility and difficulties associated with each practice in resource-rich and resource-poor settings. A synthesis of general diagnostic approaches will more specifically cover immunological techniques spanning from serology to antigen-based immunoassay against the backdrop of common luminescent, fluorescent, and colorimetric output signal types. This analysis uses the diagnostic landscape of Zika virus as a ready template for the classification and contextual understanding of many methods within viral diagnostics.
Multiscale photoacoustic tomography from MIR to UV (Conference Presentation)

Photoacoustic tomography (PAT), in the forms of computed tomography or microscopy, provides in vivo functional, metabolic, molecular, and histologic imaging. PAT has the unique strength of high-resolution multiscale imaging across organelles, cells, tissues, organs, and small-animal organisms with consistent optical absorption contrast. The wavelength of the excitation laser can be broadly tuned to target various endogenous or exogenous molecules. PAT has the potential to empower omniscale biology and accelerate trans-scale clinical translation. Potential medical applications include imaging of the breast, brain, thyroid, muscle, joint, skin, vascular system, lymphatic system, prostate, esophagus, colon, cervix, bladder, and uterus.
Pseudoaneurysm as a devastating complication of pancreatic pseudocyst following pheochromocytoma resection

Abstract Pancreatic pseudocysts are uncommon complications of pancreatic injury in the pediatric population. A rare but devastating complication of pseudocyst development is pseudoaneurysm formation. We report the case of a 13-year-old patient with a pheochromocytoma who developed a pancreatic pseudocyst postoperatively with subsequent catastrophic bleeding from an undetected pseudoaneurysm rupture. The patient underwent emergent exploratory laparotomy requiring initiation of the massive transfusion protocol followed by multiple reoperations. This case illustrates the potential consequences of an unrecognized pseudoaneurysm. Although in this case there were no symptoms prior to hemodynamic instability, other cases may demonstrate signs or symptoms that should not be ignored.
Ethical Challenges in Advance Care Planning During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic in the United States catalyzed the development of institutional triage protocols for the allocation of scarce medical resources. Fortunately, few communities have had to imple...
A Quantitative Analysis of Mindfulness Practice as Self-Care for Social Workers in an Urban Setting

This study examines the relationship between mindfulness and secondary traumatic stress (STS) amongst licensed social workers in New York City. The research that was conducted was a quantitative analysis. Participants consisted of 154 social workers that were employed in a variety of agency based or private practice settings. Participants were asked to complete an electronic survey that included: (1) a questionnaire of professional characteristics and demographic information; (2) Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale - Revised (CAMS-R); (3) Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ); (3) Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS). The data was analyzed by the use of SPSS. The multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that higher level of mindfulness is related to an increase in job satisfaction ( B =1.13, SE=.09, β=.73, p <.001) and lower STS for social workers ( B =-.66, SE=.11, β=-.49, p <.001).
Comparative structural stiffness: Exploiting 3D-printing

The teaching of structural stiffness is one of the keystones of the undergraduate curriculum in mechanics and the strength of materials. Standard linear theory, going back to Hooke's law, has proven to be very successful in predicting the performance of elastic structures under load. Many courses in basic mechanics have a conventional laboratory component often involving a universal testing machine and extensometer. However, the advent of 3D printing presents an appealing pedagogical opportunity mid-way between theory and a formal lab experience. The material contained in this paper focuses on using the 3D printing of relatively simple, flexible cantilever structures. The relatively high resolution of modern 3D printers facilitates the production of slender (elastically deformable) structures, and thus provides an opportunity to exploit geometric parametric variations to enhance a practical understanding of fundamental mechanics concepts such as stiffness. This approach has proved successful in initial inclusion in both the classroom via demonstration models, as well as in the lab in which elementary facilities can be utilized to acquire data. The boundary conditions associated with a cantilever, and the application of a point force are especially simple to produce in practice, and provide an effective tactile demonstration of the influence of geometrical changes on the relation between force and deflection, i.e., stiffness.
Socioeconomic and Demographic Disparities in Early Surgical Stabilization Following Emergency Department Presentation for Shoulder Instability.

Purpose To describe which patients are the most likely to undergo surgical management within the same calendar year as their emergency department visit for anterior shoulder instability. Methods The State Emergency Department Databases and State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Databases from Florida were used. All patients presenting to the emergency department for anterior shoulder subluxation or dislocation between January 1 and September 30, 2017, were selected. Bivariate analysis was performed for associations with demographic variables. A binary logistic regression was performed with all significant factors to assess which were predictors of undergoing surgery the same calendar year. Results While controlling for all significant factors, we found that patients with recurrent dislocations were 3.14 times more likely to have surgery within the same year (P = .037). Patients younger than 40 years were also 2.04 times more likely to have surgery than those aged 40 years or older (P < .001). White patients were 2.47 times more likely to have surgery than black patients (P < .001). On bivariate analysis, there was an association between greater income quartile and higher odds of undergoing surgery within 30 days. Conclusions Following an emergency department visit for acute shoulder instability, the following variables were associated with undergoing surgical stabilization within the same calendar year: previous dislocation, age younger than 40, and white race. Patients living in the greatest income quartile of patients had a significantly greater percentage of patients having surgery within 30 days. This demonstrates that disparities and barriers to care may exist for patients with shoulder instability. Level of Evidence Level III, Retrospective Comparative Study.
Thinking outside the (temporal) box to explain protracted intrastate conflict

Conflict duration has been one of the central and enduring questions driving civil war literature. Still not enough attention has been given to the interdependency of conflict duration dynamics. In...
A 5-100V Input Low-Profile Adaptive Delay Compensated Hysteretic LED Driver with Enhanced Current Accuracy

Nowadays, miniaturized DC-DC LED drivers that can support 10s of output LEDs are essential in different high-brightness LED lighting systems. Instead of multiple LED strings [1],[2], driving a single LED string avoids the current mismatch issue, but it incurs challenges in the design of the LED driver to simultaneously achieve high power efficiency, low profile via using small inductance, and high current accuracy. For power efficiency consideration, previous hard-switching (HS) HV LED drivers operate at a relatively low switching frequency $(\mathrm{F}\mathrm{s}\mathrm{w})$ of 100s-of-kHz to limit its switching power loss, thereby using large-value inductors of $\geq 47\mu \mathrm{H}[3],$ [4]. Although the soft-switching (SS) LED driver was repoited to minimize the switching power loss [5], it adopts a traditional hysteretic current controller (HCC) to regulate the average LED current. Specifically, the circuit delays (TDH and TDL) for controlling high- and low-side power FETs MH and ML shown in Fig. 1 would result in unequal peak and valley current deviations ($\Delta 1_{\mathrm{L},\mathrm{E}\mathrm{P}\mathrm{K}}$ and $\Delta 1_{\mathrm{L},\mathrm{E}\mathrm{V}\mathrm{Y}}$) and thus the LED current error $(\Delta 1_{\mathrm{L}\{\mathrm{E}\mathrm{R}\mathrm{R}\}})$, when regulating both peak and valley sensed inductor currents. In case the inductor current slopes (SH $\varepsilon_{\mathrm{t}}$ SL) increase due to higher input and output voltages, and both delays TDH and TDL occupy a larger portion at a higher frequency $\mathrm{F}\mathrm{s}\mathrm{w}($where a smaller-value inductor is used), $\Delta 1_{\mathrm{L}(\mathrm{E}\mathrm{R}\mathrm{R})}$ would be significantly increased. Hence, $\Delta 1_{\mathrm{L}(\mathrm{E}\mathrm{R}\mathrm{R})}$ in [5] is ± 25% of a nominal $350\mathrm{m}\mathrm{A}$ LED current with a $10\mu \mathrm{H}$ inductor and 1. $6\mathrm{M}\mathrm{H}\mathrm{z}$ maximum $\mathrm{F}\mathrm{s}\mathrm{w}$.
Gestational triclosan exposure and infant birth weight: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Background Exposure to triclosan, an antimicrobial chemical used in some personal care and cleaning products, has been associated with reduced birth weight in some, but not all epidemiological studies. Objectives We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to characterize the relation of gestational triclosan exposure with infant birth weight and identify sources of heterogeneity between studies. Methods We identified original studies measuring urinary triclosan concentrations during pregnancy and reporting their association with infant birth weight, gestational age (GA) adjusted birth weight (g), or GA-standardized birth weight z-scores. Using a random effects model, we estimated differences in these outcomes per 10-fold increase in triclosan concentrations and considered triclosan levels and infant sex as sources of heterogeneity. Using Navigation Guide Methods, we evaluated risk of bias within individual studies and across the body of evidence. Results Among thirteen studies, median triclosan concentrations varied by almost 2-orders of magnitude (0.6–29 ng/mL), with higher concentrations in North American and some European studies compared to Asian ones. Associations between triclosan and birth weight ( β :-20 g; 95% CI:-65, 26; n = 6) were stronger than those for GA-adjusted birth weight ( β :-12 g; 95% CI:-29, 5; n = 9). Triclosan was not associated with GA-standardized birth weight z-scores ( β :-0.04; 95% CI:-0.16, 0.07; n = 5). The association between triclosan and GA-adjusted birth weight was stronger in studies with median triclosan values ≥ 10 ng/mL compared to studies with median values β :-27 g; 95% CI:-61, 7; n = 4 vs. β :6g; 95% CI:-20, 31; n = 5). With a limited number of studies, we observed suggestive evidence that inverse associations were more apparent in studies with ≥ 2 prospective triclosan measures compared to those with one measure. Discussion Available evidence, with “low” risk of bias, provides limited evidence that triclosan exposure and reduces infant birth weight. We observed stronger inverse associations between triclosan concentrations and birth weight in populations with higher triclosan exposure.
Ensuring Compliance With Quarantine by Undocumented Immigrants and Other Vulnerable Groups: Public Health vs. Politics

A successful quarantine requires a high rate of compliance by individuals with potential exposure to a communicable disease. Many individuals would be reluctant to comply with a quarantine because they fear that contact with government officials will place them in legal, personal, or economic jeopardy. These include undocumented immigrants and individuals with a substance use disorder. For a quarantine to succeed, individuals must be granted temporary immunity from arrest, deportation, or similar adverse consequences, but doing so will be politically unpopular. We argue that public health considerations must take precedence over politics in protecting the health of the public.
Intranasal immunization with a chimeric influenza antigen delivered by detoxified anthrax toxin induces broad spectrum immunity against influenza viruses (TECH2P.756)

Influenza remains to be a significant public health problem worldwide, despite the heavy campaign for flu vaccination in many countries. The conventional influenza vaccines are based on stimulating immune responses against hemagglutinin by virus attenuation or inactivation. However, they must be reformulated annually because of antigenic shift and drift of circulating influenza viral strains. These seasonal vaccines do not always match the circulating strains, and there is the ever-present threat that avian influenza viruses may adapt to be transmitted in humans. Development of a broadly protective or universal influenza vaccine would have a significant impact on public health. We constructed a new chimeric influenza antigen, which is composed of the relatively conserved matrix protein 2 (M2) and stem region of hemagglutinin (HA2) of influenza A viruses in combination with a detoxified anthrax edema toxin delivery system. This vaccine candidate has been shown to elicit T cell and humoral responses against influenza antigens and cross-strain protective immunity against influenza viruses, when it is intranasally delivered to mice. In addition, the vaccination of CD4 + and CD8 + T cell knock out mice do not protect against influenza virus infection. Thus, this novel vaccine strategy induces the CD4 + and CD8 + memory T cell responses which play an important role in cross-strain protection against influenza viruses.
Coronary ostial embolus and mitral vegetation simulating a left atrial myxoma: A case of probable cryptococcal valvulitis

A 56 year old man died with disseminated cryptococcosis after immunosuppressive therapy for a hematologic disorder of unknown etiology. The immediate cause of death was cardiogenic shock, probably resulting from a large right coronary ostial embolus and subsequent ischemic myocardial injury. The embolus originated from a bulky mitral vegetation (possibly cryptococcal) demonstrated ante mortem by echocardiography and cardiac angiography, and at autopsy. The differential diagnosis of such an echocardiographic pattern is discussed.
Responsible Investors: Who They Are, What They Want

This article by a long-time partner in Domini Social Investments, a well-known socially responsible investment firm, begins by describing four different approaches that institutional investors have currently adopted as they account for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations in their investment decisions: (1) the incorporation of internationally accepted ESG norms and standards (as set forth in, for example, the FTSE4Good Indexes); (2) the use of industry-specific ESG ratings and rankings (such as those used for the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes); (3) the integration of ESG considerations into stock valuation (as advocated, for example, in the Principles of Responsible Investment); and (4) the identification of companies whose business models successfully address the most pressing societal needs (often referred to as 'impact investing'). The article then seeks to answer the question: what corporate ESG programs and policies can be most effectively used by managers seeking to attract institutional investors using these different approaches? The author describes three kinds of corporate ESG programs. In one approach, corporate managers focus on strengthening relations with non-investor stakeholders, including employees, the environment, and local communities. In the second approach, corporations seek to create 'shared value' by emphasizing products and services that help address society's most pressing needs. The third approach focuses on identifying and addressing the firm's industry-specific ESG performance indicators (KPIs) that are most material to stockholders and other stakeholders. Given institutional investors' growing commitment to the incorporation of ESG concerns, corporate managers should understand the range of investors' approaches to ESG and how to account for them in their strategic planning. At the same time, they are encouraged to develop comprehensive ESG policies and goals, devote adequate resources to their implementation, and communicate efforts effectively to these investors and to the public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Reliability Investigation of a Hybrid Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Powered by Downsized Fuel Cells

Fuel cell electric vehicles are mostly relying on operation of their fuel cell and battery system. Single power source systems use battery units as backup; however, in heavy loads or instances with low State Of Charge (SOC) levels, there is a need for other mechanisms to provide reliable energy for the system. This paper investigates the natural enhanced reliability of operation in an advanced system configuration with two downsized fuel cells. The two fuel cell configuration brings high fuel efficiency by economic load sharing between two fuel cells. The reliability of this system configuration is investigated and compared with conventional designs of hybrid fuel cell vehicles.
An Essential Histidine in the Catalytic Activities of 3-Phosphoglyceraldehyde Dehydrogenase

Abstract Photooxidation of 3-phosphoglyceraldehyde dehydrogenase in the presence of rose bengal did not effect the rate or extent of acetylation of the enzyme with p-nitrophenyl acetate; however, the rate of deacetylation of the S-acetyl-enzyme was selectively inhibited by 50 to 60%. Amino acid analysis of the photooxidized enzyme showed about 1 histidine residue per monomer was destroyed. No other changes in amino acid content were found. Peptide mapping studies showed that a specific histidine was photooxidized. The sequence of the tetradecapeptide containing the photosensitive histidine is as follows: Val-Asp-Val-Val-Ala-Ile-Asn-Asp(Pro,Phe)Ile-Asp-Leu-His Photooxidation also inhibited oxidation of 3-phosphoglyceraldehyde by 50 to 60% suggesting that the histidine residue is involved in the principal physiological reaction carried out by the enzyme. At high dye to enzyme ratios, rose bengal in the dark also inhibited the esterase and dehydrogenase activities. Rose bengal was a competitive inhibitor with respect to DPN and arsenate, but a noncompetitive inhibitor with respect to 3-phosphoglyceraldehyde or p-nitrophenyl acetate. The effects of photooxidation produced a permanent change in the enzyme whereas the dark inhibitions were completely reversed by removal of the dye from the enzyme surface with charcoal treatment. The role of histidine in the various reactions catalyzed by the enzyme is discussed.
Crystal Stability and Three‐Body Interactions

Structural stabilities of simple crystals (h.c.p., f.c.c., and b.c.c.) are investigated using both, two-body and three-body interactions. A parametrical analysis is performed. The results emphasized the importance of multibody forces to explain structures such as b.c.c. Furthermore, calculations predict that, in general, the stability of crystals changes as h.c.p. f.c.c. b.c.c. with increasing intensity of three-body interactions. For selected cases the possibility of structural transformations (such as b.c.c. f.c.c.) are discussed. Die Strukturstabilitat von einfachen Kristallen (h.d.p., k.f.z. und k.r.z.) wird sowohl mittels Zwei-Korper- als auch mittels Drei-Korper-Wechselwirkungen untersucht. Eine parametrische Analyse wird durchgefuhrt. Die Ergebnisse stellen die Bedeutung von Vielkorperkraften fur die Erklarung solcher Strukturen wie k.r.z. heraus. Daruberhinaus sagen die Rechnungen voraus, das im allgemeinen die Stabilitat der Kristalle sich wie h.d.p. k.f.z. k.r.z. mit steigender Intensitat der Drei-Korperwechselwirkungen andert. Fur ausgewahlte Falle wird die Moglichkeit von Strukturubergangen (wie k.r.z. k.f.z.) diskutiert.
Thermal buckling of silicon sheet

Results of buckling analyses for three closely related thermal profiles are discussed. They come from the same basic furnace design but reflect changes that occur in the thermal profile when different pull speeds are used to produce wider or thicker ribbon. It is shown that the three profiles differ near the solid-melt interface. Details of the calculation procedure for the in-plane stresses are also given. The shapes associated with the first three modes for each profile are shown. The shape of the first mode for each thermal profile is different. This is primarily due to differing geometry associated with the different pull speeds. >
Cardiac Development and Congenital Heart Disease

The heart is a dynamic organ that pumps more than two billion beats in the average lifetime. It is the first organ to develop during embryogenesis and requires a complex interaction of signaling factors, transcriptional networks, and microRNAs to regulate discrete stages of cardiac specification, differentiation, chamber formation, and growth. Spontaneous genetic mutations in humans and engineered molecular mutations in model systems have improved our understanding of cardiac development in both the human and nonprimate heart. While congenital heart disease (CHD) is relatively common and can be life-threatening, emerging therapies including catheter-based interventions, surgical repair, cellular repair, and cell therapy are improving survival and resulting in increased numbers of adults living with heart disease. Better understanding the mechanisms that govern cardiac development can clarify the pathology of CHD and help develop new therapies for this patient population.
The Effects of Assessment Feedback on Rapport- Building and Self-Enhancement Processes.

An experiment was conducted to test the effects of assessment feedback on rapport and self-enhancement. After adult participants (N = 83) completed the Millon Index of Personality Styles, the experimental group was given personalized assessment feedback; the control group received only general information about the inventory. After the session, all rapport-related scores (positive evaluations of examiner and session) and most of the self-enhancement-related scores (accurate mirroring, self-esteem, self-competence, and self-understanding) were significantly higher in the group that received assessment feedback. These results suggest that both processes are mechanisms by which the provision of assessment feedback produces positive change. Implications for mental health counselors are drawn.