cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Collection of Gaseous and Aerosolized Samples Using Microfluidic Devices With Gas–Liquid Interfaces

We demonstrated methods for collecting gaseous samples and aerosolized particles into microfluidic channels. Gas-liquid interfaces created by surface tension permit analytes to transfer from the environment into a microfluidic channel. In one structure of our design, hydrophobic-hydrophilic boundaries created a channel of liquid confined by gas-liquid interfaces in which analytes were collected. In another structure, circular air pillars within microfluidic channels were created by surface tension forces for analytes collection. A multileveled structure could be formed by the air pillar design with a simple process, enabling it to collect and separate multiple analytes at a time. Both structures were tested with ammonia as a gaseous sample and Kool-Aid as aerosolized particles. The sample acquisition capabilities of the devices were demonstrated by extensive testing with gaseous NH3, using Nessler's reagent as the collecting fluidic stream, and with aerosolized Kool-Aid particles, using deionized (DI) water as the collecting fluidic stream. Increasing the exposed fluidic surface area to the environment effectively increased collection efficiency of the devices. This was confirmed by a resistance study between different sets of designs of both structures. Real-time analysis potential was also demonstrated through measurement of DI water resistance by collecting varying concentrations of gaseous NH3.
High damping poly (vinyl chloride)/polyurethane blends by tailoring the molecular structure of polycaprolactone‐based polyurethanes

Because a blend of limited miscibility level produces high damping characteristics in a composite, copolyurethanes of different molecular structure were synthesized to achieve a desired level of miscibility in PVC. A study of the viscoelastic properties of blends of a 50-to-50 weight ratio of polyurethanes and PVC showed a steady decrease in miscibility on replacement of polyurethanes synthesized from polycaprolactone diols with a molecular weight of 2000, with polyurethanes synthesized by poly(ethylene oxide) diols, up to 80 mol percent, whereupon the polyurethanes became immiscible. The temperature range of damping for a particular polyurethane could be controlled by adjusting the ratio of PVC to the polyurethane. More polyurethane in the blend shifts the damping range toward lower temperature, and vice versa.
Comments on absolute and convective instabilities

The paper puts into question the tenability of a critique by Oscarsson and Roennmark (1986) regarding the theory of absolute and convective instabilities. The space-time evolution of instabilities is reviewed with attention given to the two categories of time-asymptotic evolution. It is mentioned that the notion of time-asymptotics does not simply refer to t approaching infinity and that the evolution of the arbitrary initial perturbation at t = 0 is obtained by convolving the Green's function. The examples used in the previous critique describe instabilities that evolve in time only and are concluded to be nongeneric for continuous media, and the corresponding treatment of a time-asymptotic limit is characterized by imprecision. The original authors respond by suggesting that nondispersive waves are physically legitimate as in common plasma-wave modes and Alfven waves and can be described by their dispersion relation. A dispersive term is added to the relation so that it can be applied to ion-acoustic waves and other phenomena.
Ethylene: a gaseous signal molecule in plants.

▪ Abstract Ethylene regulates a multitude of plant processes, ranging from seed germination to organ senescence. Of particular economic importance is the role of ethylene as an inducer of fruit rip...
Assessing the validity of appraisal-based models of emotion

We describe an empirical study comparing the accuracy of competing computational models of emotion in predicting human emotional responses in naturalistic emotion-eliciting situations. The results find clear differences in models' ability to forecast human emotional responses, and provide guidance on how to develop more accurate models of human emotion.
The business of bodies: Ethical perspectives on for-profit body donation companies

Human cadavers are a scarce resource that have educational, research and clinical value. While the tissues have great value, it is illegal in many countries to pay for them. In the United States, a number of for-profit body acquisition companies have been established over the past decade. These companies obtain bodies which were freely donated by the individuals or their families. The companies distribute the specimens to surgical training organizations, researchers and educational institutions. These businesses do not charge the receiving organizations for the bodies; they do, however, charge a fee that covers the transport, handling and other services which creates a profit for their companies. These types of businesses are described and analyzed as to whether they constitute an ethically appropriate mechanism to obtain and distribute bodies. The role of organizations and governments in establishing policies and regulations for the appropriate treatment of human remains is addressed. Recommendations are given for best practices in the ethical use and regulation of willed bodies.
Multimodality imaging of cardiothoracic lymphoma

Lymphoma is the most common hematologic malignancy and represents approximately 5.3% of all cancers. The World Health Organization published a revised classification scheme in 2008 that groups lymphomas by cell type and molecular, cytogenetic, and phenotypic characteristics. Most lymphomas affect the thorax at some stage during the course of the disease. Affected structures within the chest may include the lungs, mediastinum, pleura, and chest wall, and lymphomas may originate from these sites as primary malignancies or secondarily involve these structures after arising from other intrathoracic or extrathoracic sources. Pulmonary lymphomas are classified into one of four types: primary pulmonary lymphoma, secondary pulmonary lymphoma, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related lymphoma, and post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorders. Although pulmonary lymphomas may produce a myriad of diverse findings within the lungs, specific individual features or combinations of features can be used, in combination with secondary manifestations of the disease such as involvement of the mediastinum, pleura, and chest wall, to narrow the differential diagnosis. While findings of thoracic lymphoma may be evident on chest radiography, computed tomography has traditionally been the imaging modality used to evaluate the disease and effectively demonstrates the extent of intrathoracic involvement and the presence and extent of extrathoracic spread. However, additional modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging of the thorax and (18)F-FDG PET/CT have emerged in recent years and are complementary to CT in the evaluation of patients with lymphoma. Thoracic MRI is useful in assessing vascular, cardiac, and chest wall involvement, and PET/CT is more accurate in the overall staging of lymphoma than CT and can be used to evaluate treatment response.
Introduction to the Symposium: Antarctic Marine Biology

“We have added a great deal of knowledge of life in the pack from observations of the whales, seals, penguins, birds and fishes as well as of the pelagic beasts which are caught in tow-nets. Life in one form or another is very plentiful in the pack, and the struggle for existence here as elsewhere is a fascinating subject of study.”—Robert F. Scott, Scott's Last Expedition: The Journals of Captain R. F. Scott , 1913 The history of antarctic exploration, which now dates back over two full centuries, is rich with adventure, discovery and tragedy. In the early nineteenth century, the first documentations of the abundant marine life that characterized antarctic waters were revealed through the eyes of those hunting for seals including Nathaniel Palmer and James Weddell. Numerous expeditions followed these early sealers and contributed significant information on the diversity and distribution of antarctic marine life, perhaps most notably the Challenger expedition (1872–1876) led by Sir Charles Wyville Thomson. Arguably, it was the 1901–1904 British National expedition of Robert Scott that can be credited with the first true studies of antarctic marine biology. For here among Scott's men were intrepid naturalists such as Edward Wilson and Thomas Hodgson who braved the brutal …
Heavy quark and J/ψ production at RHIC/PHENIX

Single electrons from open heavy quarks and di-leptons from J/ψ mesons have been studied systematically at RHIC/PHENIX using data from p+p, d+Au and Au+Au collisions at √sNN = 62.4 GeV, 130 GeV and 200 GeV. From the single electron study, the charm quark yield is found to scale with the number of binary collisions. This scaling has recently been confirmed using Au+Au collisions at 62.4 GeV. A new analysis shows that a high pT suppression of single electrons is observed in Au+Au collisions at 200 GeV. This suppression suggests that heavy quarks lose significant energy in the medium. A weak rapidity dependence is seen in J/ψ yields from d+Au data, which can be interpreted as a cold matter effect. We report also the results of a measurement of the spin alignment of the J/ψ in the pT range around 1.5 GeV/c.
Motor neuron inhibition-based gene therapy for spasticity

Spasticity is a condition resulting from excess motor neuron excitation, leading to involuntary muscle contraction in response to increased velocity of movement, for which there is currently no cure. Existing symptomatic therapies face a variety of limitations. The extent of relief that can be delivered by ablative techniques such as rhizotomy is limited by the potential for sensory denervation. Pharmacological approaches, including intrathecal baclofen, can be undermined by tolerance. One potential new approach to the treatment of spasticity is the control of neuromuscular overactivity through the delivery of genes capable of inducing synaptic inhibition. A variety of experiments in cell culture and animal models have demonstrated the ability of neural gene transfer to inhibit neuronal activity and suppress transmission. Similarly, enthusiasm for the application of gene therapy to neurodegenerative diseases of motor neurons has led to the development of a variety of strategies for motor neuron gene delivery. In this review, we discuss the limitations of existing spasticity therapies, the feasibility of motor neuron inhibition as a gene-based treatment for spasticity, potential inhibitory transgene candidates, strategies for control of transgene expression, and applicable motor neuron gene targeting strategies. Finally, we discuss future directions and the potential for gene-based motor neuron inhibition in therapeutic clinical trials to serve as an effective treatment modality for spasticity, either in conjunction with or as a replacement for presently available therapies.
Unravelling Species Relationships and Diversification within the Iconic California Floristic Province Sages (Salvia Subgenus Audibertia, Lamiaceae)

Abstract In the California Floristic Province (CA-FP) and nearby deserts, 19 species of Salvia (Lamiaceae, Mentheae) form a small radiation but an important component of the chaparral and desert communities. Traditionally, two groups within these Californian Salvia have been recognized (usually treated as sections), but relationships within each, to each other, and to other Salvia are unclear. Phylogenetic relationships of all species, with multiple accessions for most, were obtained using chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) and nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) markers. Ancestral character state reconstruction of both vegetative and floral features was done on the resulting nrDNA tree. Biogeographical analysis of the groups within the CA-FP and adjacent floristic provinces was done in BioGeoBEARS and species diversification assessed with BAMM. Significant conclusions drawn from the study include: 1) California Salvia should be classified into two monophyletic sections, Audibertia (15 species) and Echinosphace, (four spe...
The History of Home Hemodialysis: A View From Seattle.

Home hemodialysis was first used for the treatment of end-stage renal disease in the early 1960s, primarily as a means of reducing the cost of treatment. It was soon found to be an effective form of treatment that provided patient independence, greater opportunity for rehabilitation, and better survival. In 1973, when the Medicare End-Stage Renal Disease Program began, some 40% of all U.S. dialysis patients were on home hemodialysis, but since then the percentage of patients on this treatment has steadily decreased. There are several reasons for this, one in particular being the lack of availability of suitable equipment. There is now renewed interest in home hemodialysis sparked by the knowledge that new equipment specifically designed for this is being developed, that this is the modality with the best survival rate, greatest opportunity for adequate dialysis and best quality of life, and an interest in the use of daily (or nightly) home hemodialysis. Consequently, more than 30 years later, it appears that home hemodialysis may again become the preferred treatment for many more patients.
Dietary Supplements for Obesity and the Metabolic Syndrome

Obesity is recognized as a public health threat that is engulfing the nation and the world. Since it is associated with a number of adverse health consequences, losing weight is often needed. This can be accomplished through a variety of interventions, ranging from surgery, to prescribed diet and exercise plans, to consuming over-the-counter supplements available for weight loss. Most individuals would be delighted to find a relatively effortless way to lose weight in “weight-loss pills.” People are attracted by the prospect of over-the-counter diet pills in part due to ease of access. The present review examines the scientific evidence concerning various weight-loss agents that are available over the counter or in food stores. The review provides a starting point to make informed choices, as well as advice for incorporating healthy alternatives in the diet.
The Educational Efforts of Rabindranath Tagore

In this paper, the author looks at Rabindranath Tagore as an educator. A poet, and not strictly a nationalist, Tagore was an outstanding humanist and used his imagination and his own personal experience to feed into his educational venture. The essay initiates a hermeneutic study of his writings, as well as a discursive comparison of his ideas with those of modernity and educators located in modern contexts, such as those of Europe and America, attempting to decode the implications of Tagore’s many educational choices, such as of buildings, curricula, teachers’ training, and rituals in his school. The author’s conclusion highlights the possibilities and failures of Tagore’s educational philosophy and practice, leading to further insights into a definition of success and what is needed for an educational venture in modern India to succeed in progressive terms.
Climate Forecasting for Pastoralists

A survey was conducted during 2001 among 323 pastoral and agro-pastoral households in northernKenya and southern Ethiopia to assess the use and value of “modern” versus “traditional” forms ofseasonal climate forecasts in remote areas. Conventional wisdom suggests that forecast informationshould be very useful for pastoral risk management since accurate predictions could help herders movestock and hedge household risks in a timely fashion. Modern forecasts were received by about 20% ofhouseholds and this was largely via radio. The vast majority (80%), however, received forecasts generatedfrom various traditional methods, and respondents noted they typically had a high degree of confidencein these predictions. There were several forecast variables of importance to our respondents, but knowingthe start date for the rainy season was regarded as most valuable. They said that forecasts are mostuseful if they could be received with from four to 10 weeks lead-time. Traditional forecasts for rainfallvolume for the long rains of 2001 varied from the modern forecasts of the Nairobi-based DroughtMonitoring Centre. The Ethiopians tended to be more pessimistic than the Kenyans. Despite a statedconfidence in traditional forecasts, few respondents appeared to act on the basis of any rainfall predictions.Cultivators were more likely to respond to predictions of above-normal rainfall, while herders tended toact in response to resource-based, eyewitness scouting reports. There has been a recent upsurge in interestamong donors and development agents in improved forecasting and dissemination of seasonal climateinformation, but our evidence suggests that the anticipated impact of such interventions in pastoralareas may be less than is commonly assumed.
What’s Cooking in the MOOC Kitchen: Layered MOOCs

During several panel presentations at the AECT Annual Convention in Indianapolis in November 2015, concerns with MOOCs were raised. In this paper the authors discuss a few of those concerns of extra interest, and explain the relatively new customizable dual-layer MOOC course design. This new paradigm of MOOC design holds promise to alleviate some of the concerns with open global MOOCs.
Focus on "contrasting effects of cPLA2 on epithelial Na+ transport".

the amiloride-sensitive epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) plays a central role in the reabsorption of salt and fluids across Na+-reabsorbing epithelia such as the distal nephron, distal colon, lungs, and ducts of the exocrine glands. ENaC is rate limiting for net Na+ reabsorption because it mediates
Case Report: Spectral Overlap Artifact During Dual Isotope Imaging with Tc-99m and In-111

Case Report: A fifty-year-old male was referred to nuclear medicine for liver-spleen imaging in order to rule out hepatic abscess following abdominal surgery. Five mCi Tc-99m sulfur colloid was administered and 500k count images were obtained using a large field-of-view scintillation camera with a low energy high resolution collimator. One lesion was seen on the anterior image (Fig. lA) and two lesions on the right lateral image. An In-Ill leukocyte study (2 ,3) was then requested to confirm hepatic abscess. Imaging was performed twenty-four hours after intravenous administration of0.5 mCi In-llllabeled autologous leukocytes. A large field-of-view gamma camera with a medium energy parallel hole collimator was used to acquire 500k count (or 10 minute) images (Fig. 1B) from two 20% windows centered around the 173 and 247 keY In-111 photopeaks. A Tc-99m sulfur colloid image subtraction technique was then performed using 2 mCi ofTc-99m sulfur colloid to subtract liver tissue from the ln-111 image (1). Upon reviewing the In-111 and 2 mCi Tc-99m subtraction images, the nuclear medicine physician then requested an additional In-111 image in the right anterior oblique position (Fig. 1C). The In-111 image contained discrete "hot spots" resem-
Use of a Medicaid database to analyze pharmaceutical services in long-term-care facilities

A profile of Wisconsin pharmacies that provide services to Medicaid recipients in long-term-care facilities (LTCFs) was developed, and the relationships among pharmacy characteristics and drug use and reimbursement for pharmaceutical services in these pharmacies were studied. Computer-generated reports of Medicaid claims of all pharmacies that had received $1000 or more for services provided to LTCFs from July through September 1984 were included in the study; these claims were submitted by 255 pharmacies on behalf of 32,410 recipients. The reports contained the following individual pharmacy data: geographic location, total dollar payments, total number of Medicaid recipients served, percentage of recipients residing in LTCFs, total number of payments from Medicaid for prescriptions, amount paid to the pharmacy for LTCF recipients as a percentage of total payments, percentage of prescriptions paid at the unit dose rate, and average number of prescriptions and cost per LTCF recipient. An average of $137.30 per recipient was reimbursed, representing an average of 12.3 prescriptions per recipient. The average number of prescriptions per recipient did not vary among pharmacies on the basis of unit dose or traditional distribution system, vendor-consultant status of the pharmacist, location of the pharmacy, or the proportion of LTCF claims to total Medicaid prescription claims. The average amount paid per recipient was related to the average number of prescriptions per recipient, the use of a unit dose system, and the proportion of nursing home claims to total claims submitted. A Medicaid database can be useful for characterizing pharmaceutical services and drug use in LTCFs.
Stopping the Drama Gendered Influence in a Network Field Experiment

Drawing on theories of social norms, we study the relative influence of female and male students using a year-long, network-based field experiment of an anti-harassment intervention program in a hi...
Aggressive Biting Behavior and Seizures

The biting behavior (BB) and other aggressive gestures in a group of 11 patients (8 male; 3 female) with drug-resistant seizures were studied in presurgical evaluations using video-EEG/SEEG monitoring at University of Bologna; Niguarda Hospital, Milan; and University of Modena, Italy.
Enhancement of spreading cortical depression by a dialyzing technic.

SummaryExposure of the rhesus monkey's cerebral cortex to a flowing 9.95% sucrose solution significantly increases the incidence of the spreading depression reaction evoked by electrical stimulation.
Stratification of Fullerenes

Dodecylated C60 (Do)nC60(H)n and butylated C60 (Bu)nC60(H)n were synthesized. Spectroscopic and thermal methods, mass spectrometry, XPD, have been employed to characterize the products. X-ray Powder Diffraction (XPD) results reveal that the facecentered- cubic (fcc) structure of C60 expands to a primitive hexagonal structure upon butylation and to a layered structure upon dodecylation. Butylated C60 diffraction pattern has been indexed as a primitive hexagonal structure with ao = 11.5 angstroms and axial ratio = 1.169. The dodecylated C60 also shows sidechain melting behavior with a transition temperature of around 25°C. The paraffinic crystals are produced by the interdigitation of the sidechains. Butylated C60 does not show any sidechain melting.
Exploration on management of high value medical consumable

Objective:To put forward to the incremental materials,especially for the idea on regular process monitoring management of high value consumables,consummate and establish a high value consumables manage mode on normalization,standardization,and routine for some drawbacks existed in medical consumable's management of increase in hospital.Methods:Through the whole integrated management with planned purchase,warehouse entry inspection,department allocate,patient employment,financial settlement and etc.Results:To ensure the dosage of high value consumables,the number of use registration check with the hospital fees in quantity,reduce the hospital turnover funds,reduce the backlog,avoid the waste.Make sure the safety of clinical use,put an end to mistake occurrence,which can improve the work efficiency,improve transparency and both responsibility.Conclusion:With the rapid development of medical science and technology,the dosage of high value medical consumables is increasing at an astonishing rate by every year,possess hospital capital flow and the proportion of hospital's gross income is rising year by year.Explore a viable high value consumables management mode is imperative,and to improve the management level of the hospital materials.
Distinct promoter activation mechanisms modulate noise-driven HIV gene expression

Latent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections occur when the virus occupies a transcriptionally silent but reversible state, presenting a major obstacle to cure. There is experimental evidence that random fluctuations in gene expression, when coupled to the strong positive feedback encoded by the HIV genetic circuit, act as a ‘molecular switch’ controlling cell fate, i.e., viral replication versus latency. Here, we implemented a stochastic computational modeling approach to explore how different promoter activation mechanisms in the presence of positive feedback would affect noise-driven activation from latency. We modeled the HIV promoter as existing in one, two, or three states that are representative of increasingly complex mechanisms of promoter repression underlying latency. We demonstrate that two-state and three-state models are associated with greater variability in noisy activation behaviors and we find that Fano factor (defined as variance over mean) proves to be a useful noise metric to compare variability across model structures and parameter values. Finally, we show how three-state promoter models can be used to qualitatively describe complex reactivation phenotypes in response to therapeutic perturbations that we observe experimentally. Ultimately, our analysis suggests that multi-state models more accurately reflect observed heterogeneous reactivation and may be better suited to evaluate how noise affects viral clearance.
Enrichment and preparation of plasma membrane proteins from Arabidopsis thaliana for global proteomic analysis using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

The plasma membrane proteins are critical components in cellular control and differentiation and thus are of special interest to those studying signal transduction mechanisms in all organisms. When conducting proteomic studies on membrane components of cells and tissues, the complexity is not simply confined to the large number of proteins present in the sample but also to the highly hydrophobic nature of membrane proteins containing multiple transmembrane domains. Consequently, these proteins are more difficult to analyze by mass spectrometry, particularly if protein sequence coverage is to be established. This chapter contains a method for extraction, solubilization, alkylation, proteolysis, and identification of hydrophobic integral plasma membrane proteins for large-scale proteomic analysis using strong cation exchange chromatography (SCXC) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). In our approach, microsomes are isolated from plant tissue and then subjected to a two-phase extraction procedure to enrich for plasma membranes. Proteins are extracted and solubilized from the membrane using a methanol-aqueous buffer system that allows for effective reduction, cysteinyl alkylation, and tryptic digestion for subsequent SCXC-LC/MS/MS analysis. Our protocol is also amenable to isotope labeling methods to quantify integral membrane protein expression and post-translational modifications. In addition to plants, the method can be applied to other systems quite readily; thus, we anticipate that it will be of general interest to those characterizing plasma membrane proteins of any organism.
Postoperative Risk of Hepatic Decompensation after Orthopedic Surgery in Patients with Cirrhosis.

Background and Aims: Previous studies have shown increased hepatic decompensation in patients with cirrhosis undergoing surgery. However, there are little data available in cirrhotics undergoing orthopedic surgery compared to cirrhotics who did not undergo surgery. The aim of this study was to examine the demographics, comorbid conditions, and clinical factors associated with hepatic decompensation within 90 days in cirrhotics who underwent orthopedic surgery. Methods: This is a retrospective matched cohort study. Inclusion criteria were cirrhosis diagnosis, age > 18 years, ≥ 6 months continuous health plan membership, and a procedure code for orthopedic surgery. Up to five cirrhotic controls without orthopedic surgery were matched on age, gender, and cirrhosis diagnosis date. Data abstraction was performed for demographics, socioeconomics, clinical, and decompensation data. Chart review was performed for validation. Multivariable analysis estimated relative risk of decompensation. Results: Eight hundred fifty-three orthopedic surgery cases in cirrhotics were matched with 4,263 cirrhotic controls. Among the cases and matched controls, the mean age was 60.5 years, and 52.2% were female. Within 90 days after surgery, cases had more decompensation compared to matched controls (12.8% vs 4.9%). Using multivariable analysis, orthopedic surgery, a 0.5 g/dL decrease in serum albumin, and a 1-unit increase in Charlson Comorbidity Index were associated with a significant increase in decompensation within 90 days of surgery. Diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and chronic kidney disease were seen with increased frequency in cases vs. matched controls. Conclusions: Cirrhotics who underwent orthopedic surgery had a significant increase in hepatic decompensation within 90 days of surgery compared to matched controls. An incremental decrease in serum albumin and an incremental increase in the Charlson Comorbidity Index were significantly associated with hepatic decompensation after surgery.
Association Between the 2014 Medicaid Expansion and US Hospital Finances.

Importance The Affordable Care Act expanded Medicaid eligibility for millions of low-income adults. The choice for states to expand Medicaid could affect the financial health of hospitals by decreasing the proportion of patient volume and unreimbursed expenses attributable to uninsured patients while increasing revenue from newly covered patients. Objective To estimate the association between the Medicaid expansion in 2014 and hospital finances by assessing differences between hospitals in states that expanded Medicaid and in those states that did not expand Medicaid. Design and Setting Observational study with analysis of data for nonfederal general medical or surgical hospitals in fiscal years 2011 through 2014, using data from the American Hospital Association Annual Survey and the Health Care Cost Report Information System from the US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Multivariable difference-in-difference regression analyses were used to compare states with Medicaid expansion with states without Medicaid expansion. Hospitals in states that expanded Medicaid eligibility before January 2014 were excluded. Exposures Medicaid expansion in 2014, accounting for variation in fiscal year start dates. Main Outcomes and Measures Hospital-reported information on uncompensated care, uncompensated care as a percentage of total hospital expenses, Medicaid revenue, Medicaid as a percentage of total revenue, operating margins, and excess margins. Results The sample included between 1200 and 1400 hospitals per fiscal year in 19 states with Medicaid expansion and between 2200 and 2400 hospitals per fiscal year in 25 states without Medicaid expansion (with sample size varying depending on the outcome measured). Expansion of Medicaid was associated with a decline of $2.8 million (95% CI, −$4.1 to −$1.6 million; P P = .008) in mean annual Medicaid revenue per hospital, relative to hospitals in states without Medicaid expansion. Medicaid expansion was also significantly associated with improved excess margins (1.1 percentage points [95% CI, 0.1 to 2.0 percentage points]; P = .04), but not improved operating margins (1.1 percentage points [95% CI, −0.1 to 2.3 percentage points]; P = .06). Conclusions and Relevance The hospitals located in the 19 states that implemented the Medicaid expansion had significantly increased Medicaid revenue, decreased uncompensated care costs, and improvements in profit margins compared with hospitals located in the 25 states that did not expand Medicaid. Further study is needed to assess longer-term implications of this policy change on hospitals’ overall finances.
Qualification and Verification of Protein Biomarker Candidates

The importance of biomarkers has long been recognized by the public, scientific community, and industry. Yet despite extensive efforts and funding investments in biomarker discovery, only 109 protein biomarkers in plasma or serum were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration throughout 2008 (Anderson NL. Clin Chem 56:177-185, 2010), and even fewer protein biomarkers are currently used routinely in the clinic. In recent years, the introduction of new protein biomarkers approved by the US Food and Drug Administration has fallen to an average of 1.5 per year (a median of only 1 per year) (Anderson NL. Clin Chem 56:177-185, 2010). The low efficiency of biomarker development is due to several reasons, including the poor quality of clinical samples, the gap between subjective clinical definition of a disease and objective protein measurements, and high false discovery rate of differentially expressed proteins identified in the initial discovery phase (Rifai N, Gillette MA, Carr SA. Nat Biotechnol 24:971-983, 2006). It has become clear that the vast majority of differentially expressed proteins identified in the discovery phase will ultimately fail as useful clinical biomarkers, and only few true positive candidates can move through the biomarker development pipeline. Isolation of true biomarkers from the large pool of differentially expressed proteins identified in the discovery phase becomes the greatest challenge and the bottleneck in most biomarker pipelines. To succeed, after the initial discovery study (see Chap. 20 ), the authenticity of biomarker candidates need to be tested in a pilot study with high throughput, high accuracy and reasonable cost. This essential process is addressed by qualification and verification phase of the biomarker development pipeline.
DNA polymerases in immunity: profiting from errors.

Multiple error-prone DNA polymerase appear to contribute to immunoglobulin somatic hypermutation. Genetic and biochemical data now indicate that DNA polymerase η may be responsible for the generation of some of the strand-biased hotspot A mutations in the immunoglobulin loci.
Lessons Learned From an Interactive Educational Computer Game About Concurrent Programming: (Abstract Only)

In parallel programming, there is a shift away from the single execution path of sequential programming to situations where non-deterministic operation force consideration of multiple paths of execution. Compared to the substantial computer science education literature on helping students to learn sequential programming, there are fewer studies of the cognitive difficulties that students follow when learning parallel programming. To address this, we created a computer game, Parallel involving concurrent situations. The game is an abstract representation of concurrency problems where players are asked to solve a progression of puzzles involving arrows moving concurrently on tracks. Play does not require coding. The goals of our research were to 1) explore how students acquire skills in the design of solutions with parallelism, and 2) explore how interactive games can substitute or compliment conventional parallel programming courses. Through two user studies of the game (n=7) where students played the game and used a talk-aloud protocol alongside a researcher, three major themes emerged, that of non-determinism where students were able to make the connection of non-deterministic behavior in parallel programming to the game, self-efficacy where students were stating they felt their knowledge of parallel programming increased after playing the game, and expertise where researchers learned that expertise was important to successful connection of the game to parallel programming concepts These findings show that students are beginning to see the connection between the game/s presentation of concurrency to programming concepts such as non-determinism.
Phylogenetic analysis of eyeworm (Oxyspirura petrowi) in northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) based on the nuclear 18S rDNA and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 gene (COX1)

Oxyspirura petrowi is a heteroxenous nematode found in northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) of the Rolling Plains ecoregion of Texas. Despite its impact on this popular gamebird, genetic level studies on O. petrowi remain relatively unexplored. To accomplish this, we chose the previously studied nuclear rDNA 18S region as well as the mitochondrial COX1 gene region of O. petrowi to investigate phylogenetic relations between O. petrowi and other nematode species. In this study, we generate primers using multiple alignment and universal nematode primers to obtain a near-complete 18S and partial COX1 sequence of O. petrowi, respectively. Phylogenetic trees for O. petrowi’s 18S and COX1 gene regions were constructed using the Maximum Likelihood and Maximum Parsimony method. A comparative analysis was done based on the nuclear and mitochondrial region similarities between O. petrowi and other nematode species that infect both humans and animals. Results revealed a close relation to the zoonotic eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda as well as a close relation with filarial super family (Filarioidea) such as the human eyeworm Loa loa and Dirofilaria repens eyeworm of dog and carnivores.
Keeping Public Use Relevant in Stadium Eminent Domain Takings: The Massachusetts Way

As the sports industry has grown into a multi-billion dollar enterprise, cities have increasingly faced the decision of whether to fund expensive stadium projects to attract or keep franchises. These projects commonly include using public funds and the government’s eminent domain power under the Public-Use Clause of the Fifth Amendment. Unlike traditional public uses such as infrastructure and utilities, multipurpose stadiums present a unique challenge for courts. The Second Circuit in Goldstein v. Pataki handled the public-use analysis by allowing any amount of traditional public-use justification to shield a stadium project from pretext challenges. This Note argues that by broadening the publicuse analysis, the Goldstein court effectively foreclosed any feasible pretext claim against a stadium project, which always has a traditional public-use justification. It proposes that in general, the Massachusetts legislature’s approach to public-use analysis for stadium construction provides a strong starting point in protecting public use from improper private benefits. In Massachusetts, the government grants public funding and land condemnation for the portions of a stadium project that satisfy the traditional public-use analysis, while the government requires teams to pay for any portions that only benefit the franchise. In doing so, the state has struck a stronger balance between protecting the public from unconstitutional takings while ensuring the viability of future stadium projects.
Role of cytokines and growth factors in glomerulonephritis: a chance for future therapeutic intervention.

Recent studies using experimental models of glomerular disease have not only elucidated the pathophysiologic basis of glomerular disease, but have also identified potential new treatments. In this review, we will provide examples of how cytokines and cytokine antagonists may be used in the future treatment of glomerular disease. Treatments will be presented for each of the pathophysiologic phases of disease, beginning with the etiology, the development of a nephritogenic immune response, the mechanisms by which glomerular injury occurs, the response of the glomerulus to injury that results in cell proliferation and matrix expansion, and the factors that lead to healing or scarring. Special emphasis is placed on the cytokines interleukin 1 beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha, which are proinflammatory cytokines that potentiate neutrophil-and monocyte-mediated glomerular injury, and on the growth factors platelet-derived growth factor and transforming growth factor beta, which are involved in cell proliferation and matrix expansion that occur as glomerular cells respond to injury. The identification of the specific mediators involved in glomerular disease should provide new therapies that are more specific and less toxic than current conventional immunosuppressive regimens.
Steam line break and station blackout transients for proliferation-resistant hexagonal tight lattice boiling water reactor

Safety analyses of a proliferation-resistant, economically competitive, high-conversion boiling water reactor (HCBWR) fueled with fissile plutonium and fertile thorium oxide fuel elements, and with passive safety systems, are presented here. The HCBWR developed here is characterized by a very tight lattice with a relatively small water volume fraction in the core that therefore operates with a fast reactor neutron spectrum and a considerably improved neutron economy compared to the current generation of light water reactors. The tight lattice core has a very narrow flow channel with a hydraulic diameter less than half of the regular boiling water reactor (BWR) core and, thus, presents a special challenge to core cooling because of reduced water inventory and high friction in the core. The primary safety concern when reducing the moderator-to-fuel ratio and when using a tightly packed lattice arrangement is to maintain adequate cooling of the core during both normal operation and accident scenarios.In the preliminary HCBWR design, the core is placed in a vessel with a large chimney section, and the vessel is connected to the isolation condenser system (ICS). The vessel is placed in containment with the gravity driven cooling system (GDCS) and passive containment cooling system (PCCS) in amore » configuration similar to General Electric's simplified BWR (SBWR). The safety systems are similar to those of the SBWR; the ICS and PCCS are scaled with power. An internal recirculation pump is placed in the downcomer to augment the buoyancy head provided by the chimney since the buoyancy provided by the chimney alone could not generate sufficient recirculation in the vessel as the tight lattice configuration results in much larger friction in the core than with the SBWR.The constitutive relationships for RELAP5 are assessed for narrow channels, and as a result the heat transfer package is modified. The modified RELAP5 is used to simulate and analyze two of the most limiting events for a tight pitch lattice core: the station blackout and the main-steam-line-break events. The results of the analyses indicate that the HCBWR system will be safely brought to the shutdown condition for these transients.« less
Detection of coliphages and human adenoviruses in a subtropical estuarine lake.

Abstract Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) have been used to assess fecal contamination in recreational water. However, enteric viruses have been shown to be more persistent in the environment and resistant to wastewater treatment than bacteria. Recently, U.S Environmental Protection Agency has proposed the use of coliphages as viral indicators to better protect against viral waterborne outbreaks. This study aimed to detect and determine correlation between coliphages (F-specific and somatic), fecal indicator bacteria (enterococci and fecal coliforms), and human enteric viruses (human adenovirus) in a subtropical brackish estuarine lake. Water samples were collected from 9 estuarine recreation sites on Lake Pontchartrain in southeast Louisiana. Water samples (n = 222, collected weekly) were analyzed for coliphages and fecal indicator bacteria using culture-based methods and large volume water samples (n = 54, collected monthly) were analyzed for human adenovirus using quantitative PCR. Somatic coliphage and F-specific coliphage were found in 93.7 and 65.2% of samples with geometric mean concentrations of 30 and 3 plaque forming units (PFU) per 100 mL, respectively. Enterococci, fecal coliforms, and adenovirus were found in all samples with geometric mean concentrations of 27 most probable number (MPN), 77 MPN, and 3.0 × 104 gene copies per 100 mL, respectively. Watersheds in suburban areas exhibited significantly higher concentrations of coliphages and fecal indicator bacteria, indicating potential fecal contamination from septic systems. There was no significant correlation (p > 0.05) observed between the presence of adenoviruses and fecal indicator bacteria and coliphages. The presence of human adenovirus in Lake Pontchartrain poses a significant public health problem for both recreational use and seafood harvesting as it increases exposure risks. This study demonstrated the lack of relationship between fecal indicators and human viral pathogen in Lake Pontchartrain supporting an alternative microbial surveillance system such as direct pathogen detection.
Identification of functionally distinct fibro-inflammatory and adipogenic stromal subpopulations in visceral adipose tissue of adult mice.

Fat tissue, also known as white adipose tissue, specializes in storing excess calories. Much of this storage happens under the skin, but fat tissue can also build up inside the abdomen and surround organs, where it is known as ‘visceral’ fat. When visceral fat tissue is unhealthy, it may help diseases such as diabetes and heart disease to develop. Unhealthy fat tissue contains enlarged fat cells, which may die from overwork. The stress this places on the surrounding tissue activates the immune system, causing inflammation and the build-up of collagen fibers around the cells (a condition known as fibrosis). Not all people develop this type of unhealthy fat tissue, but we do not yet understand why. In many tissues, blood vessels serve as a home for several types of adult stem cells that help to rejuvenate the tissue following damage. To identify these cells, Hepler et al. analyzed the genes used by more than 3,000 cells living around the blood vessels in the visceral fat of adult mice. Recent work had already revealed that stem cells called adipocyte precursor cells live in this region. Hepler et al. now reveal the presence of a second group of cells, termed fibro-inflammatory progenitor cells (or FIPs for short). To investigate the roles of each cell type in more detail, Hepler et al. developed a new technique to isolate the adipocyte precursor cells from other cell types. When grown in the right conditions in petri dishes, the adipocyte precursor cells were able to form new fat cells. They could also make new fat cells when transplanted into mice that lacked fat tissue. By contrast, the FIPs can suppress the activity of adipocyte precursor cells and activate immune cells. They may also help fibrosis to develop. It is not yet clear whether FIPs are present in human fat tissue. But, if they are, understanding them in greater detail may suggest new ways to treat diabetes and heart disease in obese people.
Related treatment issues: how to address sleep, toilet training, social skills, and learning problems and when to consider medication for comorbid disorders

Abstract Oppositional defiant disorder commonly cooccurs with many other developmental problems including problems with independent sleep and toilet training and learning and social skills problems. Behavioral strategies for managing independent sleep and toilet training problems are detailed. Social skills training for improving child social skills is described. Strategies for interacting with school personnel and advocating for child academic concerns are discussed. Finally, medication options for comorbid problems are discussed. Relevant online and text resources are provided.
Dynamic mode decomposition based analysis of flow over a sinusoidally pitching airfoil

Abstract Dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) has proven to be a valuable tool for the analysis of complex flow-fields but the application of this technique to flows with moving boundaries is not straightforward. This is due to the difficulty in accounting in the DMD formulation, for a body of non-zero thickness moving through the field of interest. This work presents a method for decomposing the flow on or near a moving boundary by a change of reference frame, followed by a correction to the computed modes that is determined by the frequency spectrum of the motion. The correction serves to recover the modes of the underlying flow dynamics, while removing the effect of change in reference frame. This method is applied to flow over sinusoidally pitching airfoils, and the DMD analysis is used to derive useful insights regarding flow-induced pitch oscillations of these airfoils.