cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radiosynthesis of [131I]IAZGP via nucleophilic substitution and its biological evaluation as a hypoxia marker — is specific activity a factor influencing hypoxia-mapping ability of a hypoxia marker?

INTRODUCTION: The hypoxia marker IAZGP, 1-(6-deoxy-6-iodo-beta-d-galactopyranosyl)-2-nitroimidazole, has been labeled with (123)I/(124)I/(125)I/(131)I via iodine-radioiodine exchange, which gives the radiotracer in a specific activity of 10-90 MBq/micromol. We synthesized the same radiotracer possessing several hundred to thousand times higher specific activity (high-SA IAZGP) via nucleophilic substitution and compared its biological behavior with that of conventionally produced IAZGP (low-SA IAZGP) to determine if specific activity is a factor influencing cell uptake kinetics, biodistribution and intratumor microregional localization of the radiotracer. METHODS: High-SA [(131)I]IAZGP was prepared by substitution of the tosyl functionality with [(131)I]iodide. In vitro uptake of high- and low-SA [(131)I]IAZGP by HCT8 and HT29 cells was assessed in normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Biodistribution and intratumor localization of high- and low-SA [(131)I]IAZGP were determined by injection into HT29 tumor-bearing mice. RESULTS: The nucleophilic substitution reaction proceeded efficiently in acetonitrile at 150 degrees C, giving the final product in an average yield of 42% and an average specific activity of 30 GBq/micromol. In vitro, high-SA [(131)I]IAZGP was incorporated into the tumor cells with similar kinetics and oxygen dependence to low-SA [(131)I]IAZGP. In HT29 tumor-bearing mice, biodistributions of high- and low-SA [(131)I]IAZGP were equivalent. Ex vivo autoradiography revealed heterogeneous intratumor localization of high-SA [(131)I]IAZGP corresponding closely to distributions of other exogenous and endogenous hypoxia markers. Comparable microregional distribution patterns were observed with low-SA [(131)I]IAZGP. CONCLUSIONS: Radiolabeled IAZGP produced via nucleophilic substitution is validated as an exogenous hypoxia marker. Specific activity does not appear to influence the in vivo hypoxia-mapping ability of the radiotracer.
Examining the "Social Turn" in Postsecondary Literacy Research and Instruction: A Retrospective View of "JCRL" Scholarship, 2005-2013.

AbstractThis article describes the results of a research synthesis that analyzed more than 60 articles published in the Journal of College Reading and Learning (JCRL) between 2005 and 2013. The goal for the research was to gain understanding about the extent to which the social turn in literacy studies is impacting postsecondary pedagogy and research. One primary research question guided the study: What pedagogical practices are being emphasized to support the literacy learning and development of college-aged readers? A secondary question—What theoretical frameworks are being employed by postsecondary researchers to interpret and support study findings and conclusions?—was used to gain additional insight into the pedagogical trends identified in the dataset. Findings indicate that although JCRL regularly publishes articles that use social constructivist, social learning, and social cognitive theoretical frameworks to interpret data, the overall instructional focus conceptualizes literacy as an individual ...
Jude 22–23: A Note on the Text and Translation

The numerous variants for Jude 22-23 can be divided into two groups: (1) those in which Jude 22-23 comprises three verbal clauses (for example, the text of A: ous £V £X£7X£T£ 61aKplVO£V0D5, 0D5 6£ @4£T£ £K ZDpO5 apZa4OVT£5, 0D5 6£ £X££1T£ £V 00T@) and (2) those in which Jude 22-23 comprises only two verbal clauses (for example, the text of C: ous £V £X£7X£T£ 61aKplVO£V0D5, 0D5 6£ @4£T£ £K ZDpO5 apZa4OVT£5 £V QO,^@). The text of B (ou5 ,U£V £X£aT£ 61aKplVO,U£V0D5 @4£T£ £K ZDPO5 aPZaGOVT£5, 0D5 6£ £X£aT£ £V O,AC0), a combination of the twoand three-clause variants, is clearly erroneous.1
Fermi momentum in an electron fluid

The Fermi momentum of an electron fluid with Coulomb interaction is determined as a function of density and temperature. Due to the many body interaction, the actual Fermi momentum decreases withrs faster than the case without interaction, wherers is the electron radius measured in the units of the Bohr radius. This depression effect is enhanced at lower temperatures.
On Higher-Order and Free-Floating Chances

Marc Lange ([2006]) considers what I call free-floating chances-objective chances that obtain at a given time despite the fact that their values are not determined by the laws of nature together with the full history of non-chancy facts up to that time. I offer an intuitive example of this phenomenon, and use it to argue that free-floating chances are indeed possible. Their possibility violates three quite widely held principles about chances: the lawful magnitude principle, the principle that chances evolve by conditionalization and a version of David Lewis' principal principle. I argue that we should reject common formulations of each of these principles, though I offer revised understandings of each which retain much of the intuitive attractiveness of the originals and are consistent with the possibility of free-floating chances. I conclude by arguing that, while considerations of free-floating chances are important, they will not sustain the extravagant conclusions Lange attempts to draw from them.
Variability in duration and intensity of euphausiid spawning off central Oregon, 1996–2001

Abstract We tracked the duration and intensity of the euphausiid spawning season through biweekly sampling along a transect off Newport, OR (latitude 44°40′N) over a six year period from 1996 to 2001. Our sampling consisted of vertical plankton tows, CTD casts, and collection of water for determination of chlorophyll a . Here, we report on data collected from two stations, 5 and 15 nautical miles (9.3 and 27.8 km) offshore. The density of euphausiid eggs in our samples was highly variable spatially and temporally; we saw the most striking differences in egg densities and length of the spawning season, when we compared spawning before and after 1999. This year corresponded to the time when the Pacific Decadal Oscillation switched from warm phase (pre-1999) to cool phase (1999–present). The years 1996 and 1997 were characterized by one large, late summer peak in egg density at our inshore station. 1998, an El Nino year, followed this pattern for our offshore station, but eggs were nearly absent at our inshore station. Starting in 1999, we saw multiple peaks in egg density and found that the spawning season extended from spring through early fall. For example, in spring (March–May) at the inshore station, the abundance of eggs increased from an average of 0.4 m −3 (1996–1998) to 51.3 m −3 (1999–2001), and for summer (July–September), 27.8 m −3 to 132.6 m −3 for the same time period. At the offshore station, egg abundances doubled over the same two time periods: 7 m −3 versus 11 m −3 (spring) and 55 m −3 versus 186 m −3 (summer). Peaks in egg densities were often associated with phytoplankton blooms, but not in a predictable way. Peaks in egg densities often followed cold-water upwelling events, especially at the inshore station. It is not yet clear whether this connection is due to changes in advection or changes in upwelling-induced productivity.
Absorbing phase transitions and dynamic freezing in running active matter systems

We examine a two-dimensional system of sterically repulsive interacting disks where each particle runs in a random direction. This system is equivalent to a run-and-tumble dynamics system in the limit where the run time is infinite. At low densities, we find a strongly fluctuating state composed of transient clusters. Above a critical density that is well below the density at which non-active particles would crystallize, the system can organize into a drifting quiescent or frozen state where the fluctuations are lost and large crystallites form surrounded by a small density of individual particles. Although all the particles are still moving, their paths form closed orbits. The average transient time to organize into the quiescent state diverges as a power law upon approaching the critical density from above. We compare our results to the random organization observed for periodically sheared systems that can undergo an absorbing transition from a fluctuating state to a dynamical non-fluctuating state. In the random organization studies, the system organizes to a state in which the particles no longer interact; in contrast, we find that the randomly running active matter organizes to a strongly interacting dynamically jammed state. We show that the transition to the frozen state is robust against a certain range of stochastic fluctuations. We also examine the effects of adding a small number of pinned particles to the system and find that the transition to the frozen state shifts to significantly lower densities and arises via the nucleation of faceted crystals centered at the obstacles.
City lights bookstore: “A finger in the dike”

Lawrence Ferlinghetti est un libraire et un editeur independant qui, depuis les annees 1950, oeuvre pour la liberte de discours et a su porter la vision de la culture Beat, avec sa librairie et maison d'edition City Lights installee a San Francisco. Il notamment publie Allan Ginsberg.
Linkage disequilibrium -understanding the evolutionary past and mapping the medical future

Linkage disequilibrium — the nonrandom association of alleles at different loci — is a sensitive indicator of the population genetic forces that structure a genome. Because of the explosive growth of methods for assessing genetic variation at a fine scale, evolutionary biologists and human geneticists are increasingly exploiting linkage disequilibrium in order to understand past evolutionary and demographic events, to map genes that are associated with quantitative characters and inherited diseases, and to understand the joint evolution of linked sets of genes. This article introduces linkage disequilibrium, reviews the population genetic processes that affect it and describes some of its uses. At present, linkage disequilibrium is used much more extensively in the study of humans than in non-humans, but that is changing as technological advances make extensive genomic studies feasible in other species.
Measurement of the angular variation of light scattered from single aerosol droplets

Abstract An instrument was constructed to measure the intensity of light scattered at various angles from a single droplet of dioctyl phthalate of about one micron radius or larger, illuminated by radiation of 436 millimicrons wavelength. The general principle of the measurement is to suspend a charged particle between two electrostatic plates, illuminate it with a parallel beam of monochromatic light, and measure with a sensitive photometer the light scattered at various angles from the incident beam. Scattering curves for four particles varying in size from 0.7 to 1.5 microns radius are presented and compared with curves calculated from Mie's electromagnetic theory. In general the agreement is satisfactory.
Nucleoside analogue substitutions in the trinucleotide DNA template recognition sequence 3'-(CTG)-5' and their effects on the activity of bacteriophage T7 primase.

Bacteriophage T7 primase catalyzes the synthesis of the oligoribonucleotides pppACC(C/A) and pppACAC from the single-stranded DNA template sites 3‘-d[CTGG(G/T)]-5‘ and 3‘-(CTGTG)-5‘, respectively. The 3‘-terminal deoxycytidine residue is conserved but noncoding. A series of nucleoside analogues have been prepared and incorporated into the conserved 3‘-d(CTG)-5‘ site, and the effects of these analogue templates on T7 primase activity have been examined. The nucleosides employed include a novel pyrimidine derivative, 2-amino-5-(β-2-deoxy-d-erythro-pentofuranosyl)pyridine (d2APy), whose synthesis is described. Template sites containing d2APy in place of the cryptic dC support oligoribonucleotide synthesis whereas those containing 3-deaza-2‘-deoxycytidine (dc3C) and 5-methyl-6-oxo-2‘-deoxycytidine (dm5oxC) substitutions do not, suggesting that the N3 nitrogen of cytidine is used for a critical interaction by the enzyme. Recognition sites containing 4-amino-1-(β-2-deoxy-d-erythro-pentofuranosyl)-5-methyl-2,6[1...
Parameter estimation using sensitivity points: tutorial and experiment

Presented in this paper are a tutorial and experimental results for an iterative offline parameter identification scheme. The scheme utilizes the concept of sensitivity points to generate the gradient information that is used in the steepest descent estimation method. An experiment is conducted to identify parameters of a motor drive system in which the motor and load are connected by a compliant element. Estimated parameter values are also used in a position control experiment in which measured and designed responses are compared.
Minimum Distraction Gap: How Much Ankle Joint Space is Enough in Ankle Distraction Arthroplasty?:

Background The success of ankle distraction arthroplasty relies on the separation of the tibiotalar articular surfaces.
Effect of thermal damage on the in vitro optical and fluorescence characteristics of liver tissues

Thermal energy generated by radio-frequency current or other means may be employed in treating liver tumors by means of thermal coagulation when conventional resection is impossible. Currently, these thermal energy-based therapeutic procedures suffer from the lack of an adequate feedback control system, making it difficult to determine the optimal therapeutic endpoint. In this study, the potential of optical spectroscopy to provide such an objective endpoint for these procedures is presented. Freshly harvested canine liver samples were exposed to 50/spl deg/C, 60/spl deg/C, and 70/spl deg/C water baths for times ranging from 0 to 60 min. Transmission and reflectance were measured from each sample using an integrating sphere and the optical properties of each sample were accordingly derived. Excitation-emission matrices were recorded from the samples using a spectrofluorometer to identify the intrinsic fluorescence characteristics of native and thermally coagulated liver tissues. In addition, fluorescence and diffuse reflectance spectra were separately obtained from the samples prepared using a portable spectroscopic system. Results of this study show that fluorescence and optical properties of liver tissues exhibit clear and consistent changes through the thermal coagulation process. Specifically, the primary peak in the fluorescence spectra from liver tissues shifts from 480 nm in the native state to 510 nm in the fully coagulated state. In addition, a three- to fourfold increase in the absolute intensity of the diffuse reflectance spectra is observed upon complete coagulation of liver tissues. These dynamic spectral features indicate that fluorescence and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy may provide a direct measure of the biochemical and structural changes associated with tissue thermal damage in the liver.
Altering physical properties of pharmaceutical co-crystals in a systematic manner

Systematic structure–property studies on a series of co-crystals of potential cancer drugs with aliphatic dicarboxylic acids were undertaken. This study reveals that systematic changes to the molecular nature of the co-crystallizing agent combined with control over the way individual building blocks are organized within the crystalline lattice makes it possible to establish predictable links between molecular structure and macroscopic physical properties, such as melting behaviour and aqueous solubility. However, it is not possible to find any notable correlation between physical properties and chemical compositions in the absence of structural consistency.
Routing and congestion control in common channel Signaling System No.7

The routing and congestion control function of Signaling System No.7 (SS7) are described. The elements of the SS7 protocol functional division include message transfer part (MTP), signaling correction control part (SCCP), ISDN user part (ISUP), and transaction capabilities (TC). The routing function, which takes place at the MTP and SCCP, and the congestion control function, which is present in multiple layers, are discussed. This includes MTP level 2, MTP level 3 by signaling traffic flow control procedures, and flow control for connection-oriented services of SCCP. To illustrate the unique capabilities present in SS7, the routing and congestion control functions in SS7 are compared to other common connectionless network layers. Performance considerations in routing and congestion control are discussed. >
Interaction Styles in Minority Caregivers Implications for Intervention

This article describes caretaker interactive and communicative behaviors in various minority cultures in the context of independent/interdependent dimensions of the social world. Attention regulation, pragmatic input, and object engagement and play exemplify how caretakers from minority cultures interact with children differently than caretakers from American and European cultures. Understanding these behaviors can assist therapists in planning language-facilitation interventions for children with language delay or impairment.
Comparison of US accredited and non-accredited rural critical access hospitals

Background US critical access hospitals play an integral role in rural healthcare. Accreditation may be helpful in assuring that these hospitals provide high-quality care. Objective To determine whether quality measures used in the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Hospital Compare database differed for critical access hospitals based on Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations accreditation status. Research design Cross-sectional with t -test statistics computed on weighted data to ascertain statistically significant differences ( P ≤ 0.01). Main outcome measure Differences between accredited and non-accredited rural critical access hospitals on quality care indicators related to acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical infection. Subjects US critical access hospitals. Results The differences between accredited and non-accredited rural critical access hospitals for 4 out of 16 hospital quality indicators were statistically significant ( P ≤ 0.01) and favored accredited hospitals. Also, accredited hospitals were more likely to rank in the top half of hospitals for 6 of the 16 quality measures. Conclusions The results indicate that in the setting of critical access hospitals, external accreditation appears to result in modestly better performance.
BIST controlled variable sense amp timing for 90nm embedded SRAM

Embedded compilable SRAMs, using set sense amp (SSA) timing circuits with variable delays that can be selected during built-in self-test (BIST), are described. The primary purpose of the variable delays is to detect weak cells and AC defects during self test by reducing the "set sense-amp" (SSA) delay, and thereby reducing the signal margin. The weak cells can then be permanently replaced by redundant cells. The variable delay feature is also a powerful characterization tool for new array designs.
The continuing importance of children in relieving elder poverty: evidence from Korea

The population of South Korea is ageing rapidly and government provision for older people is meagre. Hence the erosion of traditional family support for older people is of much concern. Yet relatively little is known about the actual financial status of elderly Koreans or the amount of economic support they receive from children. This paper addresses these issues using data from the 2006 Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing. We find that almost 70 per cent of Koreans aged 65 or more years received financial transfers from children and that the transfers accounted for about a quarter of an average elder's income. While over 60 per cent of elders would be poor without private transfers, children's transfers substantially mitigate elder poverty, filling about one-quarter of the poverty gap. Furthermore, children's transfers tend to be proportionally larger to low-income parents, so elder income inequality is reduced by the transfers. Over 40 per cent of elders lived with a child and co-residence helps reduce elder poverty. By showing that Korean children still play a crucial role in providing financial old-age security, we demonstrate how important it is for the Korean government to design old-age policies that preserve the incentives for private assistance. This snapshot of today's Korea also has implications for other rapidly changing Asian countries that are following a similar trajectory.
Heritability of plasma sex hormones and hormone binding globulin in adult male twins.

Plasma sex hormone concentrations have been used as biomarkers in epidemiological studies of many conditions including cancer, obesity, bone density, and coronary heart disease. The objective of this analysis was to estimate genetic and nongenetic influences on endogenous sex hormones (testosterone, estradiol, estrone, and SHBG) in a large sample of 532 adult white male twins (134 monozygotic and 132 dizygotic twin pairs) from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Twin Study. Participants were aged 59–70 yr at the time of plasma collection, and hormone concentrations were determined with RIA. Genetic models were fitted by the method of maximum likelihood. Testosterone and SHBG concentrations have substantial genetic variation, with additive genetic factors accounting for 57 and 68% of the total phenotypic variation, respectively. In contrast, variation in estrone (37% shared environmental and 63% individual specific environmental effects) and estradiol concentrations (25% genetic effect, 44% shared environmental effects, and 31% individual specific environmental effects) were largely influenced by nongenetic factors. Assessment of the relative contribution of genetic and nongenetic influences on hormone concentrations may help in the search for genes underlying variation and covariation in complex traits affected by plasma sex hormone concentrations. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 90: 3653–3658, 2005)
Determinants of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope glycoprotein activation by soluble CD4 and monoclonal antibodies.

Infection by some human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) isolates is enhanced by the binding of subneutralizing concentrations of soluble receptor, soluble CD4 (sCD4), or monoclonal antibodies directed against the viral envelope glycoproteins. In this work, we studied the abilities of different antibodies to mediate activation of the envelope glycoproteins of a primary HIV-1 isolate, YU2, and identified the regions of gp120 envelope glycoprotein contributing to activation. Binding of antibodies to a variety of epitopes on gp120, including the CD4 binding site, the third variable (V3) loop, and CD4-induced epitopes, enhanced the entry of viruses containing YU2 envelope glycoproteins. Fab fragments of antibodies directed against either the CD4 binding site or V3 loop also activated YU2 virus infection. The activation phenotype was conferred on the envelope glycoproteins of a laboratory-adapted HIV-1 isolate (HXBc2) by replacing the gp120 V3 loop or V1/V2 and V3 loops with those of the YU2 virus. Infection by the YU2 virus in the presence of activating antibodies remained inhibitable by macrophage inhibitory protein 1β, indicating dependence on the CCR5 coreceptor on the target cells. Thus, antibody enhancement of YU2 entry involves neither Fc receptor binding nor envelope glycoprotein cross-linking, is determined by the same variable loops that dictate enhancement by sCD4, and probably proceeds by a process fundamentally similar to the receptor-activated virus entry pathway.
Effect of zinc deficiency on intestinal transport triglyceride in the rat.

Ultrastructural and biochemical changes in the intestinal epithelium during the process of active triglycA©ride absorption were studied in rats fed a zinc-deficient diet as compared with those of pair-fed and ad libitum-fed zinc-supplemented controls. The rate of triglycA©ride absorp tion markedly decreased in zinc-deficient rats. Despite a significant reduc tion in pancreatic lipase activity, the digestion of triglycA©rides proceeded normally in the zinc deficient rats, as evidenced by no apparent signs of diarrhea ( or steatorrhea ) and by the appearance of the hydrolytic products such as free-fatty acids and monoglycerides in the intestinal mucosa. The mucosa uptake of digested lipids and resynthesis of triglycA©ridesin the mucosa from deficient rats were normal. Ultrastructural and Chromato graphie analysis of the mucosal lipids indicated a massive accumulation of lipid droplets, predominantly in the form of triglycA©rides.The primary defect in lipid absorptive processes in zinc-deficient rats occurred in the formation of chylomicrons. The lipid droplets in the mucosa of deficient rats were physically unstable. This instability was shown by coalescence of droplets which did not appear to be membrane-bound. Coalescing lipid droplets ranged from 2.0 to 4.0 /*.in diameter. The absorptive cells were not able to discharge lipid droplets of this size into the intercellular spaces and hence into the lamina propria, resulting in the accumulation of the large droplets within the mucosa. This exit block to the movement of lipid drop lets out of the mucosal cell appeared to be due to the failure, in zinc- deficiency, of the mucosal synthesis of proteins required for the formation of chylomicrons. Ultrastructural observations demonstrated changes in the subcellular organdA­es related to protein synthesis, including a marked reduction in granular endoplasmic reticulum and a quiescent appearance of the Golgi-complex. J. Nutr. 107: 909-919, 1977.
Solution-state dynamic nuclear polarization at high magnetic field.

The goal of dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) is to enhance NMR signals by transferring electron spin polarization to the nuclei. Although mechanisms such as the solid effect and thermal mixing can be used for DNP in the solid state, currently, the only practical mechanism in solutions is the Overhauser effect (OE), which usually arises due to dipolar relaxation between electrons and the nuclei. At magnetic fields greater than ∼1 T, dipolar relaxation does not result in a useful enhancement and therefore the conventional wisdom is that DNP should not work in solutions at high magnetic fields. However, scalar relaxation due to time-dependent scalar couplings has a different magnetic field dependence and can lead to substantial OE enhancements. At room temperature and at a magnetic field of 5 T (211 MHz for protons, 140 GHz for electrons), we have observed that scalar relaxation between electrons and nuclei results in NMR signal enhancements of 180, 42, −36, and 8, for 31P, 13C, 15N, and 19F, respectively.
Neuroimaging in Deteriorating Patients With Cerebellar Infarcts and Mass Effect

Background and Purpose—The decision to proceed with surgery in cerebellar infarct with mass effect (CIMASS) in deteriorating patients is based on clinical features. The potential role of neuroimaging in predicting deterioration has not been systematically studied. In this study we determine the role of neuroimaging in predicting deterioration in CIMASS. Methods—We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and neuroimaging features in 90 patients with cerebellar infarcts. We selected for detailed analysis CIMASS in 35 patients. Results—Eighteen patients remained stable and 17 deteriorated. Of these 17 patients, 8 were treated conservatively and 9 had surgery. Radiological features indicative of progression were more common in deteriorating patients compared with stable patients: fourth ventricular shift (82.3% versus 50%, P=0.075, OR=4.67), hydrocephalus (76.5% versus 11.1%, P=0.0001, OR=26), brain stem deformity (47% versus 5.6%, P=0.0065, OR=15.1), and basal cistern compression (35.3% versus 0%, P=0.0076, OR...
Vernalization-mediated VIN3 induction overcomes the LIKE-HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN1/POLYCOMB REPRESSION COMPLEX2-mediated epigenetic repression.

VERNALIZATION INSENSITIVE3 (VIN3) induction by vernalization is one of the earliest events in the vernalization response of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). However, the mechanism responsible for vernalization-mediated VIN3 induction is poorly understood. Here, we show that the constitutive repression of VIN3 in the absence of the cold is due to multiple repressive components, including a transposable element-derived sequence, LIKE-HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN1 and POLYCOMB REPRESSION COMPLEX2. Furthermore, the full extent of VIN3 induction by vernalization requires activating complex components, including EARLY FLOWERING7 and EARLY FLOWERING IN SHORT DAYS. In addition, we observed dynamic changes in the histone modifications present at VIN3 chromatin during the course of vernalization. Our results show that the induction of VIN3 includes dynamic changes at the level of chromatin triggered by long-term cold exposure.
Brain-computer interface research at the Wadsworth Center

Studies at the Wadsworth Center over the past 14 years have shown that people with or without motor disabilities can learn to control the amplitude of /spl mu/ or /spl beta/ rhythms in electroencephalographic (EEG) activity recorded from the scalp over the sensorimotor cortex and can use that control to move a cursor on a computer screen in one or two dimensions. This EEG-based brain-computer interface (BCI) could provide a new augmentative communication technology for those who are totally paralyzed or have other severe motor impairments, Present research focuses on improving the speed and accuracy of BCI communication.
Cognitive and Functional Decline in Patients With Mild Alzheimer Dementia With or Without Comorbid Diabetes

Abstract Purpose Although diabetes is recognized as a risk factor for the development of cognitive impairment and for accelerated progression to Alzheimer disease (AD), it is unclear whether patients with diabetes who have already progressed to AD have a different rate of cognitive and functional decline compared with that in those without diabetes. This post hoc exploratory analysis compared cognitive and functional decline over an 18-month period in patients with mild AD dementia with and without comorbid diabetes. Decline in quality of life was assessed as a secondary objective. Methods In a post hoc exploratory analysis, we analyzed data from the placebo groups of three 18-month, randomized, placebo-controlled trials of solanezumab and semagacestat in patients with AD. Data from patients with mild AD dementia (Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE] score, 20–26) and comorbid diabetes at baseline were compared with data from patients with mild AD dementia without diabetes at baseline. Cognition was assessed using the 14-item AD Assessment Scale–Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog 14 ) and the MMSE. Functioning was assessed with the AD Cooperative Study–Activities of Daily Living Inventory (instrumental subset) (ADCS-iADL). Quality of life was assessed using the European Quality of Life–5 Dimensions scale, proxy version (proxy utility score and visual analog scale score), and the Quality of Life in AD scale, self-report and proxy (caregiver) versions. Group comparisons of changes from baseline to 18 months in cognitive, functional, and quality-of-life measures employed a repeated-measures model adjusted for propensity score, study, baseline cognition score (functional or quality of life), age, sex, level of education, genotype of the apolipoprotein E gene, and concurrent use of an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor or memantine. Findings At baseline, patients with mild AD dementia with and without diabetes did not significantly differ on the cognitive measures, but those without diabetes were functioning at a significantly higher level. At 18 months, compared with patients without diabetes, those with diabetes showed a numerically but statistically nonsignificantly lesser cognitive decline (least squares mean between-group differences: ADAS-Cog 14 score, 1.61 [ P = 0.21]; MMSE score, –0.40 [ P = 0.49]) and a statistically significantly lesser functional decline (least squares mean between-group difference in ADCS-iADL score, –3.07; P = 0.01). The 2 groups did not differ on declines in the quality-of-life measures. Implications The present findings suggest that diabetes may influence the rate of functional decline among patients with mild AD dementia. These results require replication in studies that address the limitations of the present post hoc exploratory analysis and that explore the potential causes of the observed differences.
Hope Encounters: Consecrated Life for Our Times

As a lens for considering the calls to consecrated life at this time, this essay opens up dimensions of both hope and encounter ( encuentro ), recognizing that encounter is a key marker of hope, and that the layers of encounter are important, with one layer in particular calling us at this time for our attentiveness and action. Hope is defined and four marks of hope are identified. Encounter is then developed and four layers of encounter are examined, with particular emphasis on the fourth and emerging layer of encounter. The essay closes with two specific invitations or calls to consecrated life for these times.
Querying Safety Cases

Querying a safety case to show how the various stakeholders' concerns about system safety are addressed has been put forth as one of the benefits of argument-based assurance (in a recent study by the Health Foundation, UK, which reviewed the use of safety cases in safety-critical industries). However, neither the literature nor current practice offer much guidance on querying mechanisms appropriate for, or available within, a safety case paradigm. This paper presents a preliminary approach that uses a formal basis for querying safety cases, specifically Goal Structuring Notation (GSN) argument structures. Our approach semantically enriches GSN arguments with domain-specific metadata that the query language leverages, along with its inherent structure, to produce views. We have implemented the approach in our toolset AdvoCATE, and illustrate it by application to a fragment of the safety argument for an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) being developed at NASA Ames. We also discuss the potential practical utility of our query mechanism within the context of the existing framework for UAS safety assurance.
Transverse incision transvaginal rectocele repair combined with levatorplasty and biological graft insertion: technical details and case series outcomes

The purpose of this report is twofold: first, to detail our operative approach to rectocele repair, and second, to report on the outcomes. Transverse incision transvaginal rectocele repair combined with levatorplasty and biological graft placement is detailed using hand-drawn sketches and intraoperative photographs. All patients with symptoms of functional constipation and non-emptying rectocele operated on from May 2007 to March 2013 at our institution were enrolled in this study. Data from a prospectively maintained database were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative and postoperative functional outcomes were studied using a validated 31-point obstructed defecation (OD) scoring system. Follow-up was 1 year. Twenty-three patients underwent the procedure. The mean age of patients was 55 years (range 28–79 years). The OD severity score improved from the preoperative mean of 21.6 to postoperative mean of 5.5 (p = 0.001). Three out of four patients with initial symptoms of dyspareunia (75 %) reported significant improvement in dyspareunia, while 2 out of 19 patients without initial symptoms of dyspareunia (11 %) reported mild dyspareunia following the repair. One patient (4 %) required operative drainage of a hematoma. Another patient (4 %) developed symptomatic recurrence which was confirmed radiologically. In properly selected patients, the technique described leads to significant improvement in symptoms of OD and low recurrence without an increased rate of dyspareunia.
Exploring mechanisms of a tropospheric archetype: CH3O2 + NO

Methylperoxy radical (CH3O2) and nitric oxide (NO) contribute to the propagation of photochemical smog in the troposphere via the production of methoxy radical (CH3O) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). This reaction system also furnishes trace quantities of methyl nitrate (CH3ONO2), a sink for reactive NOx species. Here, the CH3O2 + NO reaction is examined with highly reliable coupled-cluster methods. Specifically, equilibrium geometries for the reactants, products, intermediates, and transition states of the ground-state potential energy surface are characterized. Relative reaction enthalpies at 0 K (ΔH0K) are reported; these values are comprised of electronic energies extrapolated to the complete basis set limit of CCSDT(Q) and zero-point vibrational energies computed at CCSD(T)/cc-pVTZ. A two-part mechanism involving CH3O and NO2 production followed by radical recombination to CH3ONO2 is determined to be the primary channel for formation of CH3ONO2 under tropospheric conditions. Constrained optimizations of the reaction paths at CCSD(T)/cc-pVTZ suggest that the homolytic bond dissociations involved in this reaction path are barrierless.
Predictors of poor outcome after carotid intervention

Background A variety of patient factors are known to adversely impact outcomes after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid artery stenting (CAS). However, their specific impact on complications and mortality and how they differ between CEA and CAS is unknown. The purpose of this study is to identify patient and hospital factors that adversely impact outcomes. Methods Patients who underwent CEA or CAS between 1998 and 2012 (N = 1,756,445) were identified using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality National Inpatient Sample and State Ambulatory Services Databases. A multivariate analysis was completed to evaluate the impact of demographics, patient factors, type of symptoms (transient ischemic attack or cerebrovascular accident), volume of cases (3 per year vs 1-2 interventions), and interventions upon outcomes, perioperative complications (stroke, myocardial infarction, and bleeding), duration of stay, inpatient mortality, and cost. Significant factors were then used as part of a multivariate regression analysis to determine odds ratios. A subgroup analysis using propensity matching evaluating 1:1 risk-matched asymptomatic and symptomatic patients was completed. Patient cohorts were matched on the basis of Charlson scores. Results Over the study period a total of 1,583,614 asymptomatic CEA, 7317 asymptomatic CAS, 162,362 symptomatic CEA, and 3149 symptomatic CAS patients were included. Symptomatic disease portends a worse outlook after either CEA or CAS. Costs of the procedure increased with complications with stroke adding the most significant cost burden. For risk-matched asymptomatic and symptomatic patients, female gender ( P P P P P P P P P Conclusions Higher rates of postoperative stroke and inpatient mortality for women undergoing CAS is an unexpected finding, and may indicate that this population is vulnerable to complications after endovascular management. Low volume is a predictor of complications and subsequent mortality primarily for CAS. Patients who undergo CEA continue to have superior outcomes compared with matched cohorts who undergo CAS.
Nurses’ Attitudes, Clinical Experience, and Practice Issues With Use of Physical Restraints in Critical Care Units

Background Physical restraints are more likely to be used in critical care units than in other hospital units because use of invasive procedures and mechanical ventilation is more common in critical care units. Initiation and maintenance of physical restraint devices is largely a nursing responsibility. Previous clinical experience is a variable often suggested to be related to intensive care nurses' use of physical restraints. Objective To examine the relationships between registered nurses' clinical experience, their practice issues (nurses' actions while caring for patients who are physically restrained), and their attitudes toward the use of physical restraints (feelings about use of restraints and about caring for patients who are restrained) in critical care units. Methods In a descriptive correlational study, data were collected online via the Physical Restraint Questionnaire. Participants' (n = 413) clinical experience was classified by using Patricia Benner's novice to expert framework. Results No strong correlation was found to explain any variance between attitudes toward use of physical restraints in critical care and clinical experience in nursing in general, clinical experience in critical care, and nursing practice issues with use of physical restraints. However, nurses with more clinical experience were more likely to have learned about use of physical restraints in their basic nursing curriculum. Conclusions The reported lack of content addressing use of physical restraints in today's nursing curricula is a concern, as physical restraints are commonly used in critical care units.
A Nonlinear Integer Programming Approach to Solving the Robust Parameter Design Optimization Problem

Robust parameter design is a widely implemented design methodology for continuous quality improvement by identifying optimal factor level settings with minimum product variation. However, apparent flaws surrounding the original version of robust parameter design have resulted in alternative approaches, of which response surface methodology using the central composite design, in particular, has drawn a great deal of attention. There is a large number of practical situations in which some or all of variables must be integers; however, the design space associated with the traditional central composite design is typically a bounded convex feasible set involving real numbers. The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, we discuss why the Box–Behnken design may be preferred over the central composite design and other three-level designs when maintaining constant or nearly constant prediction variance associated with a second-order model is crucial to integer-valued robust parameter design problems. Second, we lay out the foundation to show how the Box–Behnken design is transformed into a nonlinear integer programming framework. In this paper, we develop Box–Behnken design embedded nonlinear integer programming models, using the sequential quadratic integer programming and the Karush–Khun–Tucker conditions. Comparison studies of the proposed models and traditional counterparts are also conducted. It is believed that the proposed models have the potential to impact a wide range of engineering problems, ultimately leading to process and quality improvement. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Abelian points on algebraic varieties

We attempt to determine which classes of algebraic varieties over $\Q$ must have points in some abelian extension of $\Q$. We give: (i) for every odd $d>1$, an explicit family of degree $d$, dimension $d-2$ diagonal hypersurfaces without $\Q^{\ab}$-points, (ii) for every number field $K$, a genus one curve $C_{/\Q}$ with no $K^{\ab}$-points, and (iii) for every $g \geq 4$ an algebraic curve $C_{/\Q}$ of genus $g$ with no $\Q^{\ab}$-points. In an appendix, we discuss varieties over $\Q((t))$, obtaining in particular a curve of genus $3$ without $\Q((t))^{\ab}$-points.
CCC-NHC Pincer Zr Diamido Complexes: Synthesis, Characterisation, and Catalytic Activity in Hydroamination/Cyclisation of Unactivated Amino-Alkenes, -Alkynes, and Allenes

2-(1,3-Bis-3′-butylimidazol-1′-yl-2′-ylidene)phenylene)bis(dimethylamido) iodo zirconium(iv) (3) and 2-(1,3-bis-3′-butylimidazol-1′-yl-2′-ylidene)phenylene)bis (dimethylamido) bromo zirconium(iv) (4), have been prepared via a modification of the solvent and stoichiometry from the previously reported methodology. The reactivity of 3 and 4 in hydroamination/cyclisation is reported. Both diamido complexes have been found to improve catalytic activity as compared with the previously reported mono-amido analogues. Complexes 3 and 4 were observed to be selective for primary amines over secondary amines in hydroamination/cyclisation. The lack of reactivity with secondary amines is consistent with a mechanism involving requisite formation of a Zr-imido intermediate.
Analysis of Vasoactive Optical Imaging of Breast Cancer

We describe analysis of data acquired with near infrared transillumination imaging of breast cancer during inhalation of vasoactive gases. Detailed contrast signatures are obtained from multiwavelength cw image sets versus time.
Analyzing Changing Consumption Patterns with Cohort Analysis

Cohort analysis is used to analyze the effects of aging and cohort succession on consumption of a product class. Cohort analysis is explained and a consumption study is reported. Strong cohort diff...
Emergency care of the pregnant traumatized patient.

SUMMARY In dealing with the traumatized pregnant patient, certain special factors must be kept in mind, as follows: 1. Remember you are dealing with two lives, the mother and her developing fetus. 2. Be aware of the anatomic and physiologic changes that occur during pregnancy and be able to take them into account in treating the injured pregnant patient while using the ABCs of trauma care. 3. Particular emphasis must be placed on prevention of fetal anoxia by maintenance of the mother's respiratory status. Frequent blood gas measurements are required. 4. A careful history of the course of the patient's present and previous gestational history will help the emergency room physician from arriving at erroneous conclusions regarding his patient's vital signs. 5. Use diagnostic tests as indicated, but try to avoid or minimize the use of radiology in favor of ultrasonography. 6. Obstetric consultation should be obtained as quickly as possible for the traumatized pregnant patient to help deal with the special bodily changes involved. Observance of the points covered in this article will bring about improved maternal and fetal survival in the traumatized patient.
Response to Letter Regarding Article, "MiR-125b Is Critical for Fibroblast-to-Myofibroblast Transition and Cardiac Fibrosis"

We appreciate Li and colleagues for their interest in our recent publication on miR-125b and cardiac fibrogenesis.1 In their letter, the authors commented that “it is not known whether miR-125b is cell specific.” In fact, miR-125b is a highly conserved microRNA throughout diverse species from nematodes to humans and is expressed in different types of organs. Notably, we have previously reported upregulation of miR-125b in cardiac endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, demonstrating that miR-125b is indeed not fibroblast specific.2 The authors were also concerned about potential side effects of inhibition of miR-125b in cardiomyocytes. We reported that miR-125b was upregulated during cardiac fibrosis, and the primary focus of our study was to normalize the levels of …