cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence-based assessment of ERCP in the treatment of pancreatitis

This article reports the results of an evidencebased assessment of ERCP for the treatment of pancreatitis.1 Pancreatitis encompasses a number of distinct entities with differing etiologies, clinical expression, and treatment options. Each is addressed separately to the extent allowed by the available literature. Also, there are a number of different endoscopic techniques used for varying clinical situations. For the purposes of this paper, “ERCP” will refer to the spectrum of interventional endoscopic techniques that are used in the treatment of pancreatitis. METHODS The methods used in the systematic review are summarized in the Methods article included in this supplement2 and are described in detail in the fullevidence report.1 The protocol for this systematic review prospectively defined study objectives; search strategy; patient populations of interest; study selection criteria; outcomes of interest; data elements to be abstracted and methods for abstraction; and methods for study quality assessment. Briefly, the initial selection criteria for this systematic review were full-length reports of comparative studies published in English in peer-reviewed journals. A minimum of 25 patients per treatment arm were required. Assessment of study quality was adapted from that of the U.S. Preventive Health Services Task Force.3 Outcomes of interest included measures of technical success, clinical success, resource utilization, and procedure-related morbidity. Because of a paucity of literature, especially the lack of comparative trials, very few studies on the treatment of recurrent or chronic pancreatitis met the initial selection criteria. Therefore, the selection criteria were relaxed so that this question could be examined. Concurrently controlled studies comparing ERCP to a therapeutic alternative were included regardless of sample size. Single-arm observational studies (subject serves as own control) of ERCP treatment of chronic pancreatitis with a minimum of 25 patients were included if the study selected a well-defined population and used appropriate outcome measures. Baseline evaluation and 6-month follow-up data were required. Single-arm studies of an ERCP in pancreas divisum were also included subject to the above conditions, but regardless of sample size.
In vivo liver shear wave motion detection and shear wave speed comparison between fundamental and harmonic imaging

Quantification of liver elasticity is a major application of shear wave elasticity imaging (SWEI) to non-invasively assess liver fibrosis stages. SWEI measurements can be highly affected by ultrasound image quality. Ultrasound harmonic imaging has shown a significant improvement in ultrasound image quality as well as for SWEI measurements. This has been previously demonstrated in cardiac SWEI. The purpose of this study was to evaluate liver shear wave motion detection and shear wave velocity (SWV) measurements with fundamental and harmonic ultrasound imaging. In a cohort of 14 subjects with no history of liver disease, a 2.5 fold increase in maximum shear wave motion and 0.08 m/s decreases in overall interquartile range and median of SWV, as well as a 14.3% increase in the success rate of SWV measurements was found when using harmonic imaging instead of fundamental imaging.
Improving DNA Vaccine Potency by Linking Marek's Disease Virus Type 1 VP22 to an Antigen

We have previously employed an intercellular spreading strategy using herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) VP22 protein to enhance DNA vaccine potency because DNA vaccines lack the intrinsic ability to amplify in cells. Recently, studies have demonstrated that the protein encoded by UL49 of Marek's disease virus type 1 (MDV-1) exhibits some degree of homology to the HSV-1 VP22 protein and features the property of intercellular transport. We therefore generated a DNA vaccine encoding MDV-1 VP22 linked to a model antigen, human papillomavirus type 16 E7. We demonstrated that compared with mice vaccinated with DNA encoding wild-type E7, mice vaccinated with MDV-1 VP22/E7 DNA exhibited a significant increase in number of gamma-interferon-secreting, E7-specific CD8+-T-cell precursors as well as stronger tumor prevention and treatment effects. Furthermore, our data indicated that the antitumor effect was CD8 dependent. These results suggested that the development of vaccines encoding VP22 fused to a target antigen might be a promising strategy for improving DNA vaccine potency.
Wearable Sensing for Dynamic Management of Dense Ubiquitous Media

Most visions of ubiquitous computing anticipate a world permeated by a dense sampling of sensors, many of which will be capable of capturing, analyzing, and transmitting personally relevant and potentially privacy-sensitive media, such as video, audio, and identification information. This paper describes a set of sensor platforms that we have designed to experiment with personalization, interaction, and control in such dense media capture environments.
Experimental Study on Freon 113 Decomposition Under Inert and Reducing Conditions

Abstract An experimental study of reactions and stable products from pyrolysis of Freon 113 (1,1,2-trichloro trifluoro ethane) under inert and hydrogen rich conditions has been performed over the temperature range 923-1098 K. A tubular flow reactor was fed a mixture of 2% Freon 113 with the balance helium or helium/hydrogen mixtures. Results show this chlorofluorocarbon to be relatively stable to decomposition in n inert atmosphere, requiring temperatures in excess of 1048 K to achieve greater than 99% conversion to products for 2 seconds reaction time. Products of self reaction include CF2Cl2, C2F3Cl, C2F3Cl, and CF3CCl3. Addition of small amounts of H2 was shown to dramatically accelerate decomposition and shift the reaction products to a complex mixture of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC's), hydrofluorocarbons (HFC's) and hydrocarbons (HC's). At 923 K and 2 seconds reaction time, a mixture of 2% Freon 113 in helium results in less than 10% conversion, however, the addition of hydrogen at a mole ratio to...
Gtsi Corporation: Mission Impossible? (A)

This undisguised case is appropriate for graduate-level organizational behavior, strategy, and leadership courses. Readers will be put in the shoes of a seasoned change agent hired to transform a publicly owned company on the brink of bankruptcy. With a 50% attrition rate, low employee morale, stock market delisting notice, failed ERP system, bank default, new credit facility search, forbearance agreements, and a going-concern opinion, the new CEO faced a significant crisis. The A case describes the situation and raises questions about the firm’s viability when James Leto becomes CEO. Several key leaders in the organization push to move the company’s core competency away from the reseller business toward an enterprise solutions and services business.
Role of pulmonary C fibers in adenosine-induced respiratory inhibition in anesthetized rats

Kwong, Kevin, Ju-Lun Hong, Robert F. Morton, and Lu-Yuan Lee. Role of pulmonary C fibers in adenosine-induced respiratory inhibition in anesthetized rats. J. Appl. Physiol. 84(2): 417–424, 1998.—Th...
Hermite expansion and estimation of monotonic transformations of Gaussian data

This paper describes a semiparametric method for estimating a generic probability distribution using a basis expansion in . We express the given distribution as a monotonic transformation of the Gaussian cumulative distribution function, expanded in a basis of Hermite polynomials. The coefficients in the basis expansion are functionals of the quantile function, and can be consistently estimated to give a smooth estimate of the transformation function. For situations in which the estimated function is not monotone, a projection approach is used to adjust the estimated transformation function to guarantee monotonicity. Two applications are presented which focus on the analysis of model residuals. The first is a data example which uses the residuals from the 2012 Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates model. The Hermite estimation method is applied to these residuals as a graphical method for detection of departures from normality and to construct credible intervals. The second example analyses residuals fr...
Satellite Cell Heterogeneity in Skeletal Muscle Homeostasis

The cellular turnover required for skeletal muscle maintenance and repair is mediated by resident stem cells, also termed satellite cells. Satellite cells normally reside in a quiescent state, intermittently entering the cell cycle to fuse with neighboring myofibers and replenish the stem cell pool. However, the mechanisms by which satellite cells maintain the precise balance between self-renewal and differentiation necessary for long-term homeostasis remain unclear. Recent work has supported a previously unappreciated heterogeneity in the satellite cell compartment that may underlie the observed variability in cell fate and function. In this review, we examine the work supporting this notion as well as the potential governing principles, developmental origins, and principal determinants of satellite cell heterogeneity.
Structural analysis of the dodecameric proteasome activator PafE in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

The human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) requires a proteasome system to cause lethal infections in mice. We recently found that proteasome accessory factor E (PafE, Rv3780) activates proteolysis by the Mtb proteasome independently of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Moreover, PafE contributes to the heat-shock response and virulence of Mtb. Here, we show that PafE subunits formed four-helix bundles similar to those of the eukaryotic ATP-independent proteasome activator subunits of PA26 and PA28. However, unlike any other known proteasome activator, PafE formed dodecamers with 12-fold symmetry, which required a glycine-XXX-glycine-XXX-glycine motif that is not found in previously described activators. Intriguingly, the truncation of the PafE carboxyl-terminus resulted in the robust binding of PafE rings to native proteasome core particles and substantially increased proteasomal activity, suggesting that the extended carboxyl-terminus of this cofactor confers suboptimal binding to the proteasome core particle. Collectively, our data show that proteasomal activation is not limited to hexameric ATPases in bacteria.
Chemical vapor deposition of aminopropyl silanes in microfluidic channels for highly efficient microchip capillary electrophoresis-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry

We describe a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method for the surface modification of glass microfluidic devices designed to perform electrophoretic separations of cationic species. The microfluidic channel surfaces were modified using aminopropyl silane reagents. Coating homogeneity was inferred by precise measurement of the separation efficiency and electroosmotic mobility for multiple microfluidic devices. Devices coated with (3-aminopropyl)di-isopropylethoxysilane (APDIPES) yielded near diffusion-limited separations and exhibited little change in electroosmotic mobility between pH 2.8 and pH 7.5. We further evaluated the temporal stability of both APDIPES and (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) coatings when stored for a total of 1 week under vacuum at 4 °C or filled with pH 2.8 background electrolyte at room temperature. Measurements of electroosmotic flow (EOF) and separation efficiency during this time confirmed that both coatings were stable under both conditions. Microfluidic devices with a 23 ...
Industrial Value Chain Research of Our Eighth Generation Liquid Crystal Line——Taking IBM "Smarter Planet" as an Example

The purpose of IBM putting forward "Smarter Planet,Win in China" is to "put" China at the lower part of the global value chains.The profits outflow of the key parts in industrial value chain is our major obstacle to the development of high-tech industries.In order to develop the next generation of information and communication technology,it is vital to make a scientific plan for the establishment of the eighth generation liquid crystal line industrial zone,upgrade the important industrial value chains of the lower and medium levels and build up the high level platform of global innovation networks and public technology service.Mastering the key technology of the eighth generation liquid crystal line and realizing its industrialization is essential for us to transform from "technology breakthrough-based" strategy to "product industrialization-based" strategy.
Development Review and Technical Verification of Network Switch in Smart Substations

With the promotion of IEC61850, substations are getting smarter and secondary equipment is moving towards networking. This paper divides the development of network switch in smart substations into three stages and discusses the technical needs of each stage. The bearer service and characteristics of network architecture of the smart substation is analyzed, the jitter of network transmission sampling values is tested and studied. This paper introduces the features of the dedicated network switch(3rd generation) in smart substations and presents a verification method and results of timestamp accuracy and stability test at last. It also forecasts the feasibility of networking smart substation.
Determination of Gastrodin in Food by HPLC

A method for the determination of gastrodin in food by HPLC had developed. The separation was performed on ZORBAX SB-C18 (5μm,4.6×250mm) column with methanol-0.2% H_3PO_4(1∶99) as mobile phase, and UV detection wave length was at 221nm. The average recovery was 98.6%(RSD=0.87%,n=6),with good linear relationship(r=0.99993). The method was simple, accurate, and reproducible, and it could be used for the quality control of gastrodin in food.
Survey of Antimicrobial Susceptibility of S.Pneumonia in Children

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the situation of antibiotic resistance of S.pneumoniae(Sp)of clinical isolates from children in Guangzhou.METHODS:The authors cultured,isolated and identified the Sp strains from nasopharyngeal secretion of patients who visited Guangzhou children's hospitals because of upper respiratory tract infections in2000and2001.The paper strip method and E-Test of antibiotic susceptibility were done for157isolates.RESULTS:The penicillin resistant Sp(PRSP)isolates accounted for53.5%.PRSP isolates showed a higher resistance to otherβ-lactam antimcrobal,erythromycin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole as compared to penicillin susceptible Sp(PSSP)isolates.More than90%of PRSP were mulˉtidrug resistant strains.The strains of Sp were susceptible to amoxicillin/clavulamic acid and ceftriaxone.Strains had decreaced susceptibility(59%)to cefuroxime.In2001,the rate of cefaclor resistance was56%.The prevalence of erythromycin resistant Sp in this study was up to78%.The rate of tetra-cycline resistance were87.9%.Trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole(TMP/SMX)resistant rate was as high as69%.The chloramphenicol resistant isolats were in stable low levels(33.3%).CONCLUSI_ ON:The resistant Sp isolated from children with respiratory tract infections in this area would be a severe problem.PRSP rate was increased and was characterized by a multi-resistance to erythromycin,tetracycline and TMP/SMX.
Quantifying Glaucoma Medication Adherence: The Relationship Between Self-Report, Electronic Monitoring, and Pharmacy Refill

Abstract Purpose: Glaucoma medications reduce the risk of progressive visual field loss, but adherence to these medications is often poor. A better understanding of the appropriate metrics for quantifying glaucoma medication adherence is needed. We describe and compare different means of quantifying glaucoma medication adherence. Methods: Adults with glaucoma were enrolled in a prospective 2-site study. Participants completed a self-report instrument and received electronic medication monitors to use for ∼3 months. Pharmacy records were queried regarding requested refills over the monitoring period; medication possession ratio (MPR) was calculated. Results: Of the 137 total participants, those who answered “Very confident” to the question, “How confident are you that you always remember to use your glaucoma medications?” and “No” to the question, “In the past 4 weeks, did you ever forget to take your medicine?” were more likely [odds ratio (OR) 2.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19–6.52] to take ≥80% of...
In the family home: roots tourism among Greek second generation in Italy

This paper attempts to make a contribution to the niche area of roots tourism and the broader nexus of tourism and migration, in particular to the literature on roots tourism among second generation, which has only recently attracted scholarly attention. Despite a gradual increase in scientific contributions on roots tourism, most of the literature has focused on the experiences of the first, second and later generations as a single phenomenon. The principal originality of this work lies in the analysis on roots tourism in an under-explored geographical/ethnic context, that is Greek second generation in Italy. The purpose of this study, which is based on an analysis method that combines structured questionnaire data with life stories collected through in-depth interviews, is to analyse the relationship between second-generation Greek migrants’ attachment to the birth-country of their parents and their homeland travel. Specifically, frequency and reasons for their travelling, self-perception during their s...
A Genome-Wide Assessment of Inherited Genetic Variants and the Risk of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis

Introduction: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a disease characterized by inflammatory lesions including pathologic CD207+ dendritic cells. Clinically, LCH is highly variable ranging from single lesions to highly aggressive, disseminated disease involving multiple organs and requiring intensive chemotherapy. Recent data support a model of pathogenesis in which activating somatic mutations in MAPK pathway genes arise in myeloid DC precursors. However, little is known about genetic susceptibility to this condition. Therefore, we conducted a genome-wide association study to characterize the role of inherited genetic variants on disease risk. Methods: We utilized a case-parent trio approach, which is immune to the effects of population stratification bias. Specifically, this allows for the inclusion of individuals regardless of genetic ancestry. LCH case-parent trios (n=134) were recruited from Texas Children9s Cancer Center. Genotyping was performed using the Illumina Omni-5 Quad BeadChip. Genetic ancestry was determined using the bioinformatics algorithm STRUCTURE. To inform this algorithm, a set of 12,898 autosomal ancestry informative markers specifically identified to infer population substructure was extracted from the study trios. Estimated genomic ancestral proportions were then used to classify each study participant as either of European ancestry, Amerindian ancestry, or of African ancestry. For the association analysis, we focused on the role of common variants (i.e., minor allele frequency ≥5%). The association analysis was conducted utilizing the PREMIM-EMIM algorithm, an established, multinomial log-likelihood approach for assessing case-parent trios GWAS data. This method allows for the inclusion of "incomplete" trios (e.g., mother-case duos). We applied a genome-wide statistical significance cutoff of p -5 . Results: In this GWAS, LCH cases were predominantly male (54%), and based on the genetic ancestry analysis, 60% were of European ancestry, 36% Amerindian ancestry, and 4% African ancestry. Among the 343 individuals included in the analysis, 1,672,105 SNPs autosomal SNPs were assessed and an overview of the results is displayed using a Manhattan plot. We identified five potential inherited genomic regions associated with LCH susceptibility. The strongest associations between inherited SNPs and childhood LCH were seen in SMAD6 on chromosome 15 (p-value = 2.38x10 -7 ) and in ECE1 on chromosome 1 (p-value = 2.15x10 -6 ). Conclusions: In this genome-wide assessment of the role of inherited genetic variation on the risk of LCH, we identified SNPs with significant effects in genes implicated in diverse pathways including embryogenesis and cellular division. Among the proteins encoded by the regions identified, SMAD6and ECE1 have both been reported to impact ERK activation, a critical feature of LCH pathogenesis. These findings support potential for inherited genetic variants to influence risk of developing LCH. Disclosures Allen: NovImmune: Consultancy, Other: unpaid; Roche: Consultancy, Other: unpaid.
Maintaining the provenance of microscopy metadata using OMERO.forms software

The creation of datasets that are findable, accessible, interoperable and reproducible (the FAIR standard) requires that data provenance be maintained. Provenance is particularly important for microscopy data, whose interpretation is dependent on the biological context (e.g.cell state) and detection reagent (e.g. antibody.) This paper describes a new software tool, OMERO.forms, that extends the OMERO microscopy data management system to simplify and enhance metadata entry and provenance tracking.
Weaponized sex: Defensive pseudo-erotic aggression in the service of safety

ABSTRACTProblematic sexual behaviors are frequently encountered in the treatment of patients suffering Dissociative Identity Disorder and related forms of dissociative disorders. These may include unfortunate patterns of ready acquiescence or submission to overtly or potentially aggressive or sexual approaches/encounters, subtle and/or overt seductive signaling and behaviors, and even overt sexually provocative patterns of verbalizations and actions. This paper discusses the possibility that in some instances, sexual behavior has become weaponized; that is, deployed in circumstances under which assertiveness and/or aggression or other self-protective measures might be expected, probably because such behaviors were not within the range of the possible or were not understood as potentially successful for some victims of trauma. Clinical manifestations are described and discussed. An animal model in which sexual behaviors substitute for aggressive behaviors is described. A speculative hypothesis is offered, ...
Tritium Production in Secondary Neutron Sources in Pressurized Water Reactors

AbstractCurrently there are large uncertainties associated with the source of tritium in a Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) Reactor Coolant System (RCS). The measured amount of tritium in the coolant cannot be separated out empirically into its individual sources. Therefore, all sources of tritium in the RCS of a PWR must be understood theoretically. One potential source of tritium in the RCS is due to tritium production in secondary sources. Neutron sources provide a flux of neutrons that are used to support reactor startup. Primary startup neutron source rods made of 252Cf are inserted into the reactor during the first cycle of a new nuclear reactor. The primary neutron sources are used to produce enough neutrons through spontaneous fission to create a sufficient neutron flux to be seen by the ex-core neutron detectors and facilitate reactor startup. Antimony-Beryllium secondary startup neutron sources are also inserted in the first reactor cycle to provide a neutron source for startups in future cycles....
HemaApp IR: noninvasive hemoglobin measurement using unmodified smartphone cameras and built-in LEDs

We propose a standalone demo prototype of HemaApp, a smartphone application that noninvasively monitors the hemoglobin concentration in the blood. A previous version HemaApp using a supplemental light attachment combined with an unmodified camera has been presented at Ubicomp 2016, however the current version is an improvement from the 2016 system demonstrating no external attachments. In this paper, we present the newest version of HemaApp, which combines the unmodified smartphone's camera, white LED flash, and IR sensor on the phone's laser autofocus system.
Face cooling reveals a relative inability to increase cardiac parasympathetic activation during passive heat stress.

NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? Does passive heat stress attenuate the increase in cardiac parasympathetic stimulation, vascular resistance and blood pressure evoked by face cooling? What is the main finding and its importance? Passive heat stress attenuates the capacity to increase cardiac parasympathetic activation and impairs the ability to increase vascular resistance during sympathoexcitation, which ultimately results in a relative inability to increase blood pressure. These findings cast doubt on the efficacy of face cooling at augmenting blood pressure during orthostasis while heat stressed. ABSTRACT We tested the hypothesis that passive heat stress attenuates the increase in cardiac parasympathetic stimulation, vascular resistance and blood pressure evoked by face cooling. During normothermia and when intestinal temperature was elevated by 1.0 ± 0.2°C, 10 healthy young adults underwent 3 min of face cooling. Face cooling was accomplished by placing a 2.5 litre bag of ice water (0 ± 0°C) over the cheeks, eyes and forehead. Primary variables included forehead skin temperature, mean arterial pressure and systemic, forearm and cutaneous vascular resistances. Indices of heart rate variability in the time domain provided an index of cardiac parasympathetic activity. The magnitude of reduction in forehead skin temperature during face cooling was slightly greater during normothermia (-17.6 ± 1.9 versus -16.3 ± 3.0°C, P = 0.03). Increases in heart rate variability evoked by face cooling were attenuated during heat stress. Changes in systemic, forearm and cutaneous vascular resistances during face cooling were virtually abolished during heat stress (P < 0.01). However, when forearm and vascular data were reported as conductance, differences between normothermia and heat stress were not apparent (P ≥ 0.62). Nevertheless, the increase in mean arterial pressure was attenuated during heat stress with face cooling (at 3 min: 2 ± 7 mmHg) compared with normothermia (at 3 min: 19 ± 7 mmHg, P < 0.01). These data indicate that passive heat stress attenuates face cooling-evoked increases in cardiac parasympathetic activation, vascular resistance and blood pressure. However, they also indicate that changes in indices of vascular resistance do not always reflect equivalent changes in conductance.
The Counseling of Sids Parents

The fundamental objectives in the management of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), as well as a brief historical review of SIDs with a description of the socioeconomic variables, are presented. The general patterns of reactions of parents of SIDS victims to the death of their child are discussed as is the role of the physician in counseling. Current problems, especially the relationship of SIDS to child abuse is discussed. A short list of major SIDS resource centers from which information and publications may be obtained is presented.
Statistical Process Monitoring and Disturbance Isolation in Multivariate Continuous Processes

Abstract Quick detection of out-of-control status and diagnosis of disturbances leading to the abnormal process operation are crucial in minimizing product quality variation. Multivariate statistical techniques are used in developing methodology for detection of abnormal process behavior and diagnosis of disturbances causing poor process performance. The methodology is illustrated by monitoring the Tennessee Eastman plant simulation benchmark problem. Twenty-one different disturbances are introduced to the plant. Most of the disturbances can be diagnosed correctly, the success rate being higher for step and ramp disturbances than noise disturbances.
Treatment strategies for reducing the burden of menopause-associated vasomotor symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common and often preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States, with a widespread economic impact. OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence, morbidity, mortality, and risk factors associated with VTE; adherence rates to evidence-based guidelines for VTE prophylaxis and treatment; efforts to raise awareness to address the VTE problem, including strategies to promote VTE prophylaxis; and the optimal treatment of VTE. SUMMARY: An increased risk for VTE may be present in the early post-discharge period after brief hospitalization for medical and surgical patients. Adequate prophylaxis is the key to preventing VTE, recurrent VTE, post-thrombotic syndrome, and VTE-related death. Evaluation of clinical results indicates that there is considerable room for improvement in VTE prophylaxis use in hospitalized surgical and medical patients and in adherence to guidelines for VTE treatment. The heterogeneity of the patient population at risk for VTE is among the possible reasons for failure to institute pharmacologic or mechanical prophylaxis. National consensus standards for VTE prevention and treatment are applicable from hospitals to home care. Combinations of strategies are more effective than a single strategy in reducing VTE rates. In patients with VTE, the use of lowmolecular-weight heparin facilitates early hospital discharge and outpatient treatment. Opportunities to minimize the hospital length of stay and costs by discharging patients with VTE while they are receiving overlapping parenteral and oral anticoagulation therapy are often missed. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacists’ efforts to increase VTE awareness, ensure VTE prophylaxis, and recommend appropriate VTE treatment can have a favorable clinical and economic impact.
CYP-Mediated Therapeutic Protein-Drug Interactions

Therapeutic proteins (TPs) may affect the disposition of drugs that are metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, as is evident from a review of data in recently published literature and approved Biologic License Applications. Many TPs belonging to the cytokine class appear to differentially affect CYP activities. Cytokine modulators may affect CYP enzyme activities by altering cytokine effects on CYP enzymes. The alteration in CYP enzyme activities seems to result from changes in transcription factor activity for CYP enzyme expression or changes in CYP enzyme stability, which have been observed during altered immunological states such as infection and inflammation. Human growth hormone also appears to differentially affect CYP activities through unknown mechanisms. Because TP-drug interaction research is an evolving area, limited information is available during drug development on TP-drug interactions mediated by CYP inhibition or induction. The authors of this review suggest that effort be made to understand TP-drug interactions for the safe and effective use of TPs in combination with small-molecule drugs.
Women's radicalization to religious terrorism: an examination of ISIS cases in the United States

American women joining Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) have increased and their roles evolved beyond auxiliary and domestic provisions, demonstrating both agency and tenacity for pursuing, r...
Multi-scale computational modeling of lightweight aluminum-lithium alloys

Abstract The present study addresses the multi-scale computational modeling of a lightweight Aluminum-Lithium (Al-Li) 2070 alloy. The Al-Li alloys display significant anisotropy in material properties because of their strong crystallographic texture. To understand the relationships between processing, microstructural textures at different material points and tailored material properties, a multi-scale simulation is performed by controlling the texture evolution during deformation. To achieve the multi-scale framework, a crystal plasticity model based on a one-point probability descriptor, Orientation Distribution Function (ODF), is implemented to study the texture evolution. Next, a two-way coupled multi-scale model is developed, where the deformation gradient at the macro-scale integration points is passed to the micro-scale ODF model and the homogenized stress tensor at the micro-scale is passed back to the macro-scale model. A gradient-based optimization scheme which incorporates the multi-scale continuum sensitivity method is utilized to calibrate the slip system parameters of the alloy using the available experimental data. Next, the multi-scale simulations are performed for compression and tension using the calibrated crystal plasticity model, and the texture data is compared to the experiments. With the presented multi-scale modeling scheme, we achieve the location-specific texture predictions for a new generation Al-Li alloy for different deformation processes.
A Framework for Quantifying Energy and Productivity Benefits of Smart Manufacturing Technologies

Abstract The transformative possibilities of smart manufacturing, which is defined by digitization, enhanced connectivity, advanced analytics, and integrated cyber-physical systems in manufacturing processes and systems, have been extensively discussed in the literature. Potential benefits underscored include cost reduction, production flexibility, shorter product times-to-market, energy efficiency, environmental impact reduction, and increased productivity. Scant attention has been given to formal methods for quantifying and analyzing energy productivity to aid a broad range of manufacturing industries in evaluating the merits of adoption. Here we present a strategic analysis framework to estimate cost-effective improvements in energy efficiency and productivity that may be realized through smart manufacturing. The framework uses the cost of conserving energy (CCE) as a complementary measure to determine the feasibility of a set of smart manufacturing interventions in the context of a specific factory, firm, or entire industry. Guided by a function-driven approach based on key performance indicators, the CCE measure accounts for system-wide changes in direct and indirect costs and total energy use relative to the same manufacturing system without smart manufacturing interventions. These changes include cost of cyber-physical systems, which include components such as sensors, controllers, smart equipment, and information and communication technology (ICT) equipment. Additionally, cost and savings are accounted from changes in primary and intermediate inputs, production time, off-spec production, and waste. Energy calculations include upstream energy use of the cyber-physical systems. For complex processes with significant circularity and/or feedbacks, we propose the use of input-output models to characterize elements of the CCE. The framework is discussed in the context of recent efforts in craft breweries to use smart manufacturing for reducing energy intensity and increasing product yield.
Cosmovisiones indígenas y construcciones sobre la interculturalidad en la educación bilingüe

Since its beginnings in the 1990s, intercultural bilingual education (IBE) has been fueled by global policy which promotes cultural pluralism and education access for Indigenous populations as a response to the need of furthering their access to quality education that addresses Indigenous languages, knowledges and cultural practices. IBE constitutes part of national policy in different Andean countries with diverse local implementation experiences. The conceptualization of interculturality in Peru has remained as an abstract educational principle with a denied pedagogical perspective. The absence of opportunities for teacher professional development in intercultural pedagogy has forced and, at the same time, has allowed teachers to intuitively interpret IBE in practice. This has resulted in uneven pedagogies as well as in lost opportunities of educational innovation. This article examines the implementation of an IBE program in three schools in the rural South of the Andes. Based on an ethnographic study of IBE teachers, the present article analyzes teachers’ interpretations about interculturality. In as much as exposing the challenges of IBE, the article aims at emphasizing the potential of a pedagogy that centers on critical knowledge that affirms diversity and that promotes quality education for all. In this perspective, the study aims at presenting a reflexive analysis of IBE not only as pedagogic alternative for Indigenous communities, but also as an approach that considers the pedagogical and political implications of intercultural education beyond the rural setting.
Preoperative Portal Vein Embolization Is Not Associated with Increased Postoperative Complications After Major Hepatectomy: a Study of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Database.

Preoperative portal vein embolization (PVE) is selectively performed to induce hypertrophy of the future liver remnant prior to major liver resection. The primary aim of this study was to determine the association of PVE with liver-specific and overall postoperative morbidity. A retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent major hepatectomy from 2014 to 2016 within the ACS-NSQIP hepatectomy-specific module was performed. Of the 3912 patients identified, 9.9% (N = 388) underwent PVE. Patients who underwent PVE were older (59.1 vs. 57.7 years). Most patients in the PVE cohort underwent right hepatectomy (51.8%, N = 201) or trisectionectomy (46.1%, N = 179), compared with right (49.3%, N = 1738) and left hepatectomy (29.6%, N = 1042) in the non-PVE cohort (p < 0.001). Median operative time was longer in the PVE group (310 vs. 276 min, p < 0.001). Post-hepatectomy liver failure was more common among patients undergoing PVE (18.6% (N = 72) vs. 9.9% (N = 350), p < 0.001), as was bile leak (17.3% (N = 67) vs. 12.2% (N = 428), p = 0.005). Overall complication rates were higher among patients who underwent PVE (45.9% (N = 178) vs. 34.0% (N = 1199), p < 0.001). However, on multivariable analysis controlling for patient and technical factors, PVE remained associated with an increased risk of liver-specific complications (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.01–1.74) but not with overall complications (OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.92–1.50). Within a national cohort, patients treated with PVE are older and undergo a more extensive liver resection. When controlling for patient and technical factors, PVE is neither associated with an increase in overall morbidity nor mortality, suggesting that PVE can be safely used in appropriate patients undergoing major hepatectomy.
Structural and electronic properties of Fe-doped silver delafossites: AgAl1−xFexO2 and AgGa1−xFexO2 (x = 1–5%)

Abstract Delafossite materials have been studied for a long time for photovoltaic and catalytic applications due to their wide band gaps and bipolar conductivities. These systems have forbidden fundamental band gaps which are much smaller than their apparent optical gaps. Making optical transitions permissible across the fundamental gap allows photocatalytic reactions to harness solar light in the visible region. Recently, it has been shown that B site doping can break the inversion symmetry of these delafossites allowing light absorption across the fundamental gap. We study structural and electronic properties of two Fe-doped delafossites, AgAl1−xFexO2 and AgGa1−xFexO2 (x = 1–5%) using high-throughput calculations. Preferable Fe dopant locations in both these systems are studied using two metrics. Based on the electronic density of states and unfolded band structures, we find that Fe impurities mainly affect the valence band edges of both these systems. New Fe states at the Г point can result in lower energy optical transitions compared to the undoped delafossites. The estimated reductions in the direct band gap at the Gamma point are 1.3 eV and 0.5 eV for AgAl1−xFexO2 and AgGa1−xFexO2 respectively. Hence, Fe doped silver delafossites are possible candidates to be tested as catalysts under visible light.
Tuning Nanoparticle Interactions with Ovarian Cancer through Layer-by-Layer Modification of Surface Chemistry

Nanoparticle surface chemistry is a fundamental engineering parameter that governs tumor-targeting activity. Electrostatic assembly generates controlled polyelectrolyte complexes through the process of adsorption and charge overcompensation utilizing synthetic polyions and natural biomacromolecules; it can yield films with distinctive hydration, charge, and presentation of functional groups. Here, we used electrostatic layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly to screen 10 different surface chemistries for their ability to preferentially target human ovarian cancer in vitro. Our screen identified that poly-l-aspartate, poly-l-glutamate, and hyaluronate-coated LbL nanoparticles have striking specificity for ovarian cancer, while sulfated poly(β-cyclodextrin) nanoparticles target noncancerous stromal cells. We validated top candidates for tumor-homing ability with a murine model of metastatic disease and with patient-derived ovarian cancer spheroids. Nanoparticle surface chemistry also influenced subcellular trafficking, indicating strategies to target the cell membrane, caveolae, and perinuclear vesicles. Our results confirm LbL is a powerful tool to systematically engineer nanoparticles and achieve specific targeting.
Effects of Peer-Assisted Multimedia Vocabulary Instruction for High School English Language Learners.

In this study, researchers evaluated the effects of peer-assisted multimedia vocabulary instruction, which was designed to address the goal of building knowledge of discipline-specific definitions ...
Poly(Caprolactone Fumarate) and Oligo[Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Fumarate]: Two Decades of Exploration in Biomedical Applications

The past few decades have seen a significant interest in the fumarate-based polymers for biomedical applications. Poly(caprolactone fumarate) (PCLF) and oligo[poly(ethylene glycol) fumarate] (OPF) ...
Use of panel time-series data with cross-section dependence in evaluating farmland valuation: a cautionary note

The note highlights how misspecification of cross-section dependence structure in panel time-series data can lead to erroneous conclusions on farmland valuation. Combining the sample information fr...
Feasibility and preliminary outcomes of an integrated pediatric sickle cell disease and pulmonary care clinic for children with sickle cell disease.

BACKGROUND In children with sickle cell disease (SCD), comorbid asthma is associated with increased disease severity and morbidity, but it remains underdiagnosed and optimal management paradigms are not well defined. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and preliminary outcomes of an integrated pediatric SCD and pulmonary care clinic in children with SCD. METHODS We implemented a pre-post quality improvement (QI) project in our pediatric hematology clinic between 2017 and 2019. Guided by the chronic care model, patients who were ages 2-18 years, diagnosed with SCD and suspected pulmonary comorbidities, received care in an interdisciplinary clinic. We examined feasibility and compared clinical outcomes to 24 months prior (2015-2017) to the implementation of the integrated care model. RESULTS Twenty-four patients were included in the QI project: 88% (n = 21) received pulmonary function testing, 92% (n = 22) were diagnosed with asthma, and 33% (n = 8) with obstructive sleep apnea. Adherence to pulmonary appointments was increased by 81% (mean difference [MD] = 1.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.71-1.92; P < .001). Unplanned acute health care utilization was reduced by 59% (MD = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.14-4.69; P < .01) and packed red blood cell transfusion was reduced by 81% (MD = 1.38, 95% CI = 0.71-2.04; P < .001). CONCLUSION Asthma is prevalent in children with SCD, and interdisciplinary clinics can improve access to subspecialty pulmonary care and reduce unplanned acute care. Additional patients and a longer follow-up period are required to determine the true treatment effect.
piRNAs as Modulators of Disease Pathogenesis

Advances in understanding disease pathogenesis correlates to modifications in gene expression within different tissues and organ systems. In depth knowledge about the dysregulation of gene expression profiles is fundamental to fully uncover mechanisms in disease development and changes in host homeostasis. The body of knowledge surrounding mammalian regulatory elements, specifically regulators of chromatin structure, transcriptional and translational activation, has considerably surged within the past decade. A set of key regulators whose function still needs to be fully elucidated are small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs). Due to their broad range of unfolding functions in the regulation of gene expression during transcription and translation, sncRNAs are becoming vital to many cellular processes. Within the past decade, a novel class of sncRNAs called PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) have been implicated in various diseases, and understanding their complete function is of vital importance. Historically, piRNAs have been shown to be indispensable in germline integrity and stem cell development. Accumulating research evidence continue to reveal the many arms of piRNA function. Although piRNA function and biogenesis has been extensively studied in Drosophila, it is thought that they play similar roles in vertebrate species, including humans. Compounding evidence suggests that piRNAs encompass a wider functional range than small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), which have been studied more in terms of cellular homeostasis and disease. This review aims to summarize contemporary knowledge regarding biogenesis, and homeostatic function of piRNAs and their emerging roles in the development of pathologies related to cardiomyopathies, cancer, and infectious diseases.
Decision Making and Culturally Diverse Individuals with IDD and Their Families: A Call for Research

Decision making is an essential skill that allows a person to exercise autonomy and express their needs and wants. For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) from racial/ethnic minority backgrounds, decision making may not match the literature of decision making among individuals without disabilities or individuals from the majority, white culture. In this chapter, we consider decision making and its process, examine the cultural factors that might affect the opportunities and experience of decision making, and present findings from a scoping review that addressed decision making among culturally diverse individuals with IDD and their families. Our review of these articles suggests that our understanding of the role of culture in decision making remains limited. We propose the Socio-Ecological Model of Decision Making in Culturally Diverse Individuals with IDD as a conceptual model to understand the complex interactions between culture, individuals with IDD, families, and decision making. We conclude with recommendations for future research and practice to address the gaps in our understanding of decision making in culturally diverse individuals with IDD and their families.