cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Facilitating Clinical Outcomes Assessment through the automated identification of quality measures for prostate cancer surgery.

Objectives: The College of American Pathologists (CAP) Category 1 quality measures, tumor stage, Gleason score, and surgical margin status, are used by physicians and cancer registrars to categorize patients into groups for clinical trials and treatment planning. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of an application designed to automatically extract these quality measures from the postoperative pathology reports of patients having undergone prostatectomies for treatment of prostate cancer. Design: An application was developed with the Clinical Outcomes Assessment Toolkit that uses an information pipeline of regular expressions and support vector machines to extract CAP Category 1 quality measures. System performance was evaluated against a gold standard of 676 pathology reports from the University of California at Los Angeles Medical Center and Brigham and Women's Hospital. To evaluate the feasibility of clinical implementation, all pathology reports were gathered using administrative codes with no manual preprocessing of the data performed. Measurements: The sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of system performance were measured for all three quality measures. Performance at both hospitals was compared, and a detailed failure analysis was conducted to identify errors caused by poor data quality versus system shortcomings. Results: Accuracies for Gleason score were 99.7%, tumor stage 99.1%, and margin status 97.2%, for an overall accuracy of 98.67%. System performance on data from both hospitals was comparable. Poor clinical data quality led to a decrease in overall accuracy of only 0.3% but accounted for 25.9% of the total errors. Conclusion: Despite differences in document format and pathologists' reporting styles, strong system performance indicates the potential of using a combination of regular expressions and support vector machines to automatically extract CAP Category 1 quality measures from postoperative prostate cancer pathology reports.
Mapping Literacy, Mapping Lives: Teachers Exploring the Sociopolitical Context of Literacy and Learning

In this article the authors explore a language and literacy community mapping project carried out by public school teachers in southern California. They chronicle the knowledge produced by teachers about the depth and diversity of language and literacy resources present in the neighborhoods surrounding their various urban school sites.
Targeting maspin in endothelial cells to induce cell apoptosis

The diseases of cancer remain as some of the leading causes of death in the industrialised world, although there are a multitude of technologies being used in the field of medical oncology to combat these diseases and scientific research continues to make discoveries to improve patient outcomes. Some of this research has focused on the maspin gene and protein. Maspin is predicted to be a unique serpin with tumour suppressor activity. Recent studies have explored the use of maspin as a therapeutic agent against cancer. In one study, maspin was found to inhibit cancer growth and metastasis in a breast cancer mouse model through a maspin DNA-liposome therapy. A separate study showed the ability of maspin to induce apoptosis in tumour-specific endothelial cells. Taken together, these studies demonstrate the potential use of maspin as a viable anticancer therapeutic agent.
Media and the Israeli disability rights legislation: progress or mixed and contradictory images?

This article reviews and analyzes disability rights conceptualization and policy as reflected in the Israeli media after the enactment of the Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities Law of 1998. Media coverage is examined through review of studies conducted on the subject in Israel. A comprehensive review of the research literature reveals a discrepancy between the purposes of anti‐discrimination legislation and policy and media reflections of disability, in which portrayal is primarily via a deviance lens. The discussion is based on the analysis of universal genesis of negative perceptions of disability, as well as on particularized culture bound meaning of disability within the Israeli symbolic framework.
Designing a First-Year Project Course to Engage Freshman Software Engineers: An Experience Report

This paper describes a software engineering project course for freshman. The course has been designed to engage and motivate software engineering students at the beginning of their matriculation, while at the same time providing solid software engineering content. Student teams use a simple software process based on extreme programming to complete a semester-long project in computer animation. Course motivation, structure, and implementation are described
The Three-Day Week of 1974 and Measurement Error in the FES and NCDS Data Sets

In the first three months of 1974, a drastic energy policy on the part of the British government limited the workweek to three days. Workers responding to income surveys during this period may report a “three-day week” wage rather than their usual weekly (five-day) income. The National Child Development Study (NCDS) and the Family Expenditure Survey (FES) questionnaires do not make clear which figure the respondents should have given. This study uses responses during and after the three-day week policy period to determine the magnitude of the measurement error in these two national surveys. It appears that very few respondents gave an “incorrect” three-day figure. In the FES, the estimated fraction of misreports is no larger than 3.2%; in the NCDS, the best estimate is zero.
A VLSI architecture for real-time edge linking

A real-time algorithm and its VLSI implementation for edge linking is presented. The linking process is based on the break points' directions and the weak level points. The proposed VLSI architecture is capable of outputting one pixel of the linked edge map per clock cycle with a latency of 11n+12 clock cycles, where n is the number of pixel columns in the image.
Lost Foreign Body in the Ear

A 5-year-old female presented to the emergency department with a foreign body (FB) sensation to her right ear. On examination, a 3-mm spherical earring was identified. An emergency medicine attending physician attempted to remove the object with tweezers under direct visualization and without local anesthetic. The object was grasped with the tweezers, at which point the patient moved her head back, allowing the FB to slip out of the grip of the tweezers. Afterward, the FB was no longer visualized. Radiographs confirmed the presence of the FB in the ear. Computed tomography scan further assisted in localizing the earring and subsequently guiding removal (Figures 1, 2, and 3). The patient was taken to the operating room for extraction under sedation by an otolaryngologist using forceps and suction (Figure 4).
Radiogenic Isotope Constraints on Relationships between Carbonatites and Associated Silicate Rocks-a Brief Review

The diversity of silicate rocks in alkaline–carbonatite complexes isotopic similarities to ocean island basalts (OIBs), and cannot be attributed to differentiation of parent magmas operating that parental melts to most carbonatites are generated under closed chemical conditions. Constraints imposed by Nd, Pb from an isotopically depleted mantle. However, debate and Sr isotope data require discrete partial melting events coupled, continues about the origin of carbonatites and their in some cases, with open-system behaviour that involves mixing relationship to associated silicate rocks. Models proposed either with other mantle melts or sources, or with lower continental for the origin of carbonatites include: (1) melting of crust. Patterns shown by isotope ratio diagrams for carbonatites carbonate-bearing mantle to generate a primary carand some nephelinites from East Africa indicate mixing dominated bonatitic melt (e.g. von Eckermann, 1948; Sweeney, by two mantle end-members (broadly similar to HIMU and EMI), 1994), (2) fractional crystallization of a carbonated first recognized in oceanic basalts. Mixing is on a scale sufficient alkaline silicate liquid (e.g. King & Sutherland, 1960; to generate: (1) coherent but variable ratios in carbonatites from Lee & Wyllie, 1994), and (3) immiscible separation from much of East Africa, and (2) variable isotope ratios among some a carbonated silicate melt (e.g. Koster van Groos & of the silicate rocks from the same eruptive centre (e.g. Oldoinyo Wyllie, 1963; Kjarsgaard & Hamilton, 1989). Although Lengai, Shombole). Overlapping isotope ratios between carbonatites melting experiments have now shown that carbonatitic and some nephelinites from complexes from East Africa and elsewhere melts can be produced in different ways, what are lacking are consistent with magmatic differentiation (crystal fractionation, are robust criteria that can be used to separate primary liquid immiscibility), or the melting of the same or isotopically carbonatitic melts from those produced by differentiation similar sources. The wide isotopic variation shown by the ijolites, of a parent silicate melt. phonolites, syenites and even some of the nephelinites requires the The occurrence of carbonatites and associated silicate involvement of other mantle components and/or continental crust. rocks as flows, plugs, dykes, cone sheets, and sills, lends overall support to a magmatic origin for both groups of rocks. Although the volume of carbonatite in most complexes is relatively small, normally <10%, most of
Global Evidence for a Biopsychosocial Understanding of Refugee Adaptation

Early research on refugee mental health and adaptation has largely proceeded from a life-events/biomedical framework. That approach has helped elucidate the relationship between life events and psychiatric symptoms, but has been criticized as reductionistic or exclusionary. This article argues that the complexity of the social domain of refugee experience and the causal interactions among biological, psychological and social domains make individual effects difficult to study in isolation. A biopsychosocial approach could complement the more focal research to move the field forward. Evidence in support of this position is marshaled from new analyses conducted on a meta-analytic data set of five decades of the worldwide empirical literature on refugee mental health, reflecting data derived from 67,294 primary study participants (Porter & Haslam, 2005). Results demonstrate the importance of higher-order interactions between distal and proximal social variables, as well as associations among biological, psychological and community-level social functioning in refugees. Interdisciplinary research and novel analytic methods can complement more focal research. The presumed benefits of returning refugees to their country of origin are questioned in light of the important effects of social variables on refugee adaptation.
A re-examination of proliferation and differentiation of type A spermatogonia in the adult rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta)

conclusions: The results are not entirely consistent with earlier models of spermatogonial proliferation and differentiation in the monkey. Most notably, our findings suggest that in any one cycle of the seminiferous epithelium only a fraction of Ap spermatogonia is mitotically active.
Analysis and design of perforated-plate matrix transformers

The perforated-plate matrix power transformer is analyzed to assess its suitability for low-profile applications. Finite-element simulation suggests that this type of transformer may be approximated as a collection of weakly coupled toroidal cores. Thus, it is possible to derive closed-form expressions relating typical performance parameters, such as magnetizing inductance and losses, to the hole radius, identified as a meaningful design parameter. High peak flux density around the holes appears to be a problem. Nevertheless, it is possible to design a perforated-plate matrix transformer with acceptable magnetizing inductance, efficiency, and power density. >
Alcohol, Neuron Apoptosis, and Oxidative Stress

The aim of this chapter is to present a contemporary overview of ethanol-induced apoptosis in the brain, with a focus on the potential role of oxidative stress and some new concepts related to glia-mediated neuroprotection and selective vulnerability of neurons to ethanol. While ethanol-related oxidative stress and neuron apoptotic death have been documented in the adult brain, the vast majority of reports have centered on the developing organ (Schenker et al., 1990). We address both settings and offer several potential explanations for the high sensitivity of the fetal brain to these toxic responses to ethanol. Of note is that neurotoxic responses to ethanol have been recognized for several decades yet the mechanisms underlying these often devastating effects remain controversial. The following material abundantly illustrates that the setting is multifactorial with multiple ethanol-related perturbations at play, likely with each impacting to different degrees on various brain areas as well as on different neuron and glia populations. Finally, neuron survival and functions are intimately connected to the glia with which neurons are commingled. Such interactions may often be essential to neuron survival and we include a brief overview of recent studies addressing ethanol effects on neuroprotective glia/neuron interactions.
Survival Processing and the Stroop Task Does the Survival Advantage Depend on Deeper Processing During Encoding

This study was designed to investigate the impact of survival processing with a novel task for this paradigm: the Stroop color-naming task. As the literature is mixed with regard to task generaliza...
GENETIC VARIATION IN PLANT-INSECT ASSOCIATIONS: SURVIVAL OF LEPTINOTARSA DECEMLINEATA POPULATIONS ON SOLANUM CAROLINENSE.

Populations of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), from the east coast of the United States differ in their ability to survive on a wild host, Solanum carolinense (Solanaceae), but not on their most important cultivated host, Solanum tuberosum. On the wild host, the North Carolina population survived best, while populations from Virginia, New Jersey, and Connecticut exhibited uniformly low survival. Formal genetic studies of populations from Connecticut and North Carolina demonstrated heritable variation in the ability to survive on S. carolinense both between and within populations; the North Carolina population had the higher heritability for this trait. Overall, there was no genetic variation between populations or within the North Carolina population for survival on S. tuberosum, but such variation existed within the Connecticut population. Hybrids and backcrosses between these two lines all survived at intermediate levels, although survivorship did not appear to be inherited additively. Differences in survival were greater than differences in adult weight at emergence and development time of the survivors. Leptinotarsa decemlineata was first reported from North Carolina less than 100 years ago. The rapid expansion of L. decemlineata's host range in North Carolina is attributed to the poor syn- chrony between the insect and S. tuberosum compared to more northerly locations. In contrast to the prediction of a strong negative correlation in fitness on different host species, the ability of L. decemlineata to survive on S. carolinense was not correlated with that on S. tuberosum. Adult weight and female development time were significantly positively correlated across hosts. Our results are in accord with most previous studies in which strong negative correlations in fitness of specialized phytophagous insects feeding on different hosts were expected, sought, but not found.
IGFBPs and neoplastic models. New concepts for roles of IGFBPs in regulation of cancer cell growth.

The insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) are a family of seven structurally homologous proteins that bind insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and IGF-II with high affinity, thereby modulating the actions of IGFs. Several lines of recent evidence from various cell systems have suggested that IGFBPs, especially IGFBP-3, may play more active, IGF-independent, roles in growth regulation of cancer cells. In support of this hypothesis, the author has recently shown that IGFBP-3 binds specifically and with high affinity to the surface of various cell types and directly inhibits monolayer growth of these cells in an IGF-independent manner, presumably by specific interaction with cell membrane proteins that function as an IGFBP-3 receptor. The author’s current studies demonstrate that a new class of IGFBP, IGFBP-7, constitutes a low affinity member of the IGFBP family, but primarily functions as a modulator of cell growth in an IGF-independent manner, similar to the action observed with IGFBP-3 in breast cancer cells. The author’s studies on the mechanisms of action of the low affinity IGFBPs will provide insight into the IGF-independent actions of the classical high affinity IGFBPs and their impact on cancer cell growth.
Cloning of cDNA encoding the bifunctional dehydroquinase.shikimate dehydrogenase of aromatic-amino-acid biosynthesis in Nicotiana tabacum.

Nicotiana tabacum cDNA encoding a bifunctional protein having catalytic domains for dehydroquinase and shikimate dehydrogenase was cloned and sequenced. Complementation of Escherichia coli aroD and aroE auxotrophs was successful. Amino acid sequencing located the N-terminus of the mature protein. The two catalytic domains exhibited greater amino acid identity with prokaryote homologues than with yeast and fungal homologues.
Analysis on Reliability of UHVAC and UHVDC Transmission Systems

Based on the structure of 1 000 kV/±800 kV UHVAC/UHVDC transmission system, a determinacy index based reliability model of series-parallel power transmission system is built and a reliability assessment method, in which the reliability of the two kinds of power transmission system is assessed by actual operational reliability indices of related components and sub-systems, is proposed. The features of the reliability of the two kinds of power transmission systems are compared and analyzed; the comparative analysis on impacts of the forced outage of the two kinds of transmission systems on power grid operation stability as well as the economy of the measures to maintain operation stability of power grid are discussed. Analysis results show that the reliability of high-capacity long-distance 1 000 kV AC transmission system is obviously higher than that of ±800 kV DC transmission system; when 1 000 kV AC transmission system is operated in double circuit mode and ±800 kV DC transmission system is operated in practical available capacity mode, the power grid stability can be evidently improved by use of linked modulation under monopole blocking.
The pathway management in communication between nurses and hospitalized patients

Objective:Application of clinical nursing pathway(CNP) to implement the special work for inpatients in nurse-patient communication.Methods:Randomly sample of 8 inpatient wards as the CNP group,8 inpatient wards as the control group.The control group generally makes use of the ordinal system of nurse-patient communication,and the CNP group,based on clinical care path,in the root of disease types of hospitalized patients,fomulate and employ the chart of nurse-patient communication path,and implement the responsibility system of nurse-patient communication and the system of patient certification.The two groups of hospitalized patients in the results of communication,the score of care quality-control,and the nurse-satisfaction of department′s nurse-patient communication were compared.Results:In the results of eight communication items(primary nurses,system,security),nurses were familiar with the condition in children and timely informed the related treatment,active guidance nurses do check items,children on the nurses operation technology,active and enthusiastic,with nurse nurse will ask and care for children,children feel on nurses′ trust nurse-patient communication result,there was significant difference between the two groups(P0.01).The two groups was not statistically significant difference of nursing quality score(P0.05).Nurses in nurse-patient communication in the department work satisfaction rate,the path group was 94.74%,the normal group was 87.77%,the difference was statistically significant(P0.05).Conclusion:The application of the path management in nurse-patient communication is the effective management tool to implement the nurse-patient communication.
Progress of Preparation and Characteristics of Molecularly Imprinted Polymeric Microspheres

As a new polymer material,molecularly imprinted polymeric microspheres(MIPMs) have attracted great interest for peculiar molecular recognition.MIPMs have a series of advantages,such as excellent selectivity,high adsorption,high efficiency in chromatography and easy design.MIPMIS can be used in some high technology fields,for instance solid-phase microextraction and chiral separations of pharmaceutical etc.In this article,the main methods of preparation of MIPMs were introduced,the advantages and disadvantages of these methods were also summarized.The effects of the methods on the properties of MIPMs were discussed.The characteristics methods of structure and performance were also introduced in detail.On the base of these reviews,the problems need to be resolved and the trends of development were discussed.
Application of Net Gap in Social Security Information System

It is necessary to transfer informations safely and in real-time between the inner net and outer net of the Social Security Information System. In this paper, the"physical separation"principle of the net gap is presented. On the base of net gap, a net security scheme for the Social Security Information System is designed.It is demonstrated this scheme has the advantages of simple, fully separation and fast transmission.
Will o’the Wisp: Augmented Reality Navigation for Hikers

In this study we discuss the design of a non-intrusive navigational aid for amateur hikers and evaluate issues of trust and efficiency. We conceptualized an augmented reality interaction to project on-demand GPS directions in front of the hiker, and integrated the system into a hiking stick. We implemented an Arduino-powered prototype to evaluate the concept, interactions, and form factor. Evaluation methods include heuristic evaluations with an expert panel, followed by a round of design iteration. This was proceeded by task-based usability testing with amateur hikers. Our results confirm that hikers adapted easily to the new interaction, though trust in the device was less forthcoming. Data also confirms the efficiency of the projected cues compared to a traditional paper map.
A Study of Interpulse Instability in Gallium Nitride Power Amplifiers in Multifunction Radars

The incorporation of gallium nitride (GaN) power amplifiers (PAs) into future high-power aperture radar systems is certain; however, the introduction of this technology into multifunction radar systems will present new challenges to radar engineers. This paper describes a broad investigation into amplitude and phase transients produced by GaN PAs when they are excited with multifunction radar waveforms. These transients are the result of self-heating electrothermal memory effects and are manifested as interpulse instabilities that can negatively impact the coherent processing of multiple pulses. A behavioral model based on a Foster network topology has been developed to replicate the measured amplitude and phase transients accurately. This model has been used to develop a digital predistortion technique that successfully mitigates the impact of the transients. The moving target indicator improvement factor and the root mean square pulse-to-pulse stability are used as a metric to assess the impact of transients on radar system performance and to test the effectiveness of a novel digital predistortion concept.
Isolation and characterization of γ DNA of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract DNA isolated from purified intact nuclei of Saccharomyces cerevisiae contains both the major band, α (ρ= 1.699 g/cm3) and a dense satellite, γ (ρ=1.705 g/cm3). These two species can be separated by centrifugation on Hg2+/Cs2SO4 density gradients, α renatures only partially after heat denaturation, but γ renatures almost completely indicating considerable homogeneity. The two α strands do not separate in alkaline CsCl but those of γ do, having a density difference of 0.015 g/cm3.γ DNA contains the ribosomal cistrons since γ, but not α, hybridizes with yeast ribosomal RNA. Although γ DNA cannot be distinguished as a separate species when the molecular weight of the purified nuclear DNA exceeds 80 × 106 daltons, it gradually appears as a distinct band when the size of the nuclear DNA is reduced by controlled shearing. We have calculated from the shearing data that the 140 ribosomal cistrons in yeast are grouped together in clusters of 10 to 32 and that these cistrons are probably located on more than one chromosome.
Current treatments, determinants of use, and survival for patients with hepatoma in the United States from 1998–2002

4138 Background: Multiple case series have described the use of current therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but recent estimates of treatment utilization in the general population and the...
A “Healthy-Contingencies” Behavioral Intervention

Interventions based on functional analyses may result in better treatment outcomes than those using arbitrary reinforcers. However, functional analyses may be impractical in some situations, or an immediate intervention may be necessary while a functional analysis is being conducted. In these situations, delivering the social reinforcers most commonly identified by functional analyses (attention, access to tangibles, and escape from demands) following appropriate behavior and withholding these events following problem behavior may improve behavior. We assessed the extent to which this type of intervention would improve child behavior with three participants. All participants engaged in moderate to high rates of problem behavior and very little appropriate requesting during baseline, and high rates of appropriate requests and reduced rates of problem behavior during treatment.
Pediatric robotic rehabilitation: Current knowledge and future trends in treating children with sensorimotor impairments

Background Robot-aided sensorimotor therapy imposes highly repetitive tasks that can translate to substantial improvement when patients remain cognitively engaged into the clinical procedure, a goal that most children find hard to pursue. Knowing that the child's brain is much more plastic than an adult's, it is reasonable to expect that the clinical gains observed in the adult population during the last two decades would be followed up by even greater gains in children. Nonetheless, and despite the multitude of adult studies, in children we are just getting started: There is scarcity of pediatric robotic rehabilitation devices that are currently available and the number of clinical studies that employ them is also very limited. Purpose We have recently developed the MIT's pedi-Anklebot, an adaptive habilitation robotic device that continuously motivates physically impaired children to do their best by tracking the child's performance and modifying their therapy accordingly. The robot's design is based on a multitude of studies we conducted focusing on the ankle sensorimotor control. In this paper, we briefly describe the device and the adaptive environment we built around the impaired children, present the initial clinical results and discuss how they could steer future trends in pediatric robotic therapy. Conclusions The results support the potential for future interventions to account for the differences in the sensorimotor control of the targeted limbs and their functional use (rhythmic vs. discrete movements and mechanical impedance training) and explore how the new technological advancements such as the augmented reality would employ new knowledge from neuroscience.
The Role of the Hippocampus in Cocaine Responses

Experiences generate sensory information that is processed in the cortex then transmitted through the hippocampus, where memories of these experiences are formed, consolidated, and modified. The hippocampus is critical for drug–environment associations, which can underlie relapse to abuse, and control of the mesolimbic dopamine circuitry, which mediates the rewarding effects of the drug. Cocaine regulates hippocampal activity in human addicts and animal models of addiction, and long-term exposure to cocaine changes molecular, structural, and functional properties of hippocampal neurons. Of particular interest are changes in the molecules underlying synaptic plasticity (i.e., long-term potentiation), and associated changes in hippocampal synapse number and strength that accompany exposure to and withdrawal from cocaine. Emerging data indicate that cocaine-driven changes in hippocampal synaptic function, neuronal birth, and projections to other regions may drive key aspects of addiction, and manipulations of these pathways may represent important targets for future therapeutic intervention in cocaine addiction.
A comparative analysis of firm co-location behaviour in the Detroit metropolitan area

Multinational enterprises (MNEs) now exhibit knowledge-seeking behaviours which are critical to maintain or gain a competitive advantage. Emerging work about the interaction between MNEs, space and...
Mixing in Fermentation Processes

Publisher Summary Mixing in the fermentation industry involves a large number of different kinds of operations. There are many kinds of laboratory mixing requirements, mixing involved in seed tanks, and the agitation involved in the typical large size fermentation tanks in the production plant. Besides this, there are many auxiliary tanks, a few of which are involved in changing pH in the harvesting and recovery steps, and the many types of mixing operations that are carried out auxiliary to the main fermentation system. The fermentations themselves have many different characteristics, from the traditional mycelial fermentation to the many viscous type processes and the low viscosity bacterial type. This chapter discusses the general use of mixing in all these operations and some of the basic principles involved that apply to a wide variety of fermentation characteristics. It presents a summary of some concepts regarding the mechanisms of flow and fluid shear and discusses their applications. It shows a typical velocity from a radial flow impeller blade as measured by a high frequency response probe, such as a hot wire velocity meter, hot film velocity meter, or a laser doppler velocity meter.
Mechanism of Protein Carbonylation in Glutathione-Depleted Rat Brain Slices.

This study was conducted to further our understanding about the link between lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation in rat brain slices incubated with the glutathione (GSH)-depletor diethyl maleate. Using this in vitro system of oxidative stress, we found that there is a significant lag between the appearance of carbonylated proteins and GSH depletion, which seems to be due to the removal of oxidized species early on in the incubation by the mitochondrial Lon protease. Upon acute GSH depletion, protein carbonyls accumulated mostly in mitochondria and to a lesser degree in other subcellular fractions that also contain high levels of polyunsaturated lipids. This result is consistent with our previous findings suggesting that lipid hydroperoxides mediate the oxidation of proteins in this system. However, these lipid hydroperoxides are not produced by oxidation of free arachidonic acid or other polyunsaturated free fatty acids by lipooxygenases or cyclooxygenases. Finally, γ-glutamyl semialdehyde and 2-amino-adipic semialdehyde were identified by HPLC as the carbonyl-containing amino acid residues, indicating that proteins are carbonylated by metal ion-catalyzed oxidation of lysine, arginine and proline residues. The present findings are important in the context of neurological disorders that exhibit increased lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
The multiplicity of roles for (bi)carbonate in photosystem II operation in the hypercarbonate-requiring cyanobacterium Arthrospira maxima

Arthrospira maxima is unique among cyanobacteria, growing at alkaline pH (<11) in concentrated (bi)carbonate (1.2 M saturated) and lacking carbonic anhydrases. We investigated dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) roles within PSII of A. maxima cells oximetrically and fluorometrically, monitoring the light reactions on the donor and acceptor sides of PSII. We developed new methods for removing DIC based on a (bi)carbonate chelator and magnesium for (bi)carbonate ionpairing. We established relative affinities of three sites: the water-oxidizing complex (WOC), non-heme iron/QA–, and solvent-accessible arginines throughout PSII. Full reversibility is achieved but (bi)carbonate uptake requires light. DIC depletion at the non-heme iron site and solvent-accessible arginines greatly reduces the yield of O2 due to O2 uptake, but accelerates the PSII–WOC cycle, specifically the S2→S3 and S3→S0 transitions. DIC removal from the WOC site abolishes water oxidation and appears to influence free energy stabilization of the WOC from a site between CP43-R357 and Ca2+.
The Evolution of Eye Surgery

As an introduction to the history of eye surgery consider this; there is almost 5,000 years of documented history related to eye care, and specifically to cataract surgery—as far back as 2700 BC in Upper Egypt. As you might imagine, over all of the following centuries advances in technology and techniques did improve outcomes and now, in the twenty-first century, the promise to restore natural vision has pretty much been met. But, remarkably, 90 % of that progress took place only in the past 60 years!
Abstract 3374: Predictors of Clinically Relevant Atrial Flutter Following Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Background: While catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) can be highly effective in eliminating atrial fibrillation, aggressive intervention can be followed by the occurrence of atrial flutter (AFL) during the blanking period which is clinically irrelevant. In long term, it would be of enormous utility to predict who would or wouldn’t develop clinically significant AFL. The predictors of significant atrial flutter have not been established. Methods: We studied 371 patients undergoing ablative intervention at Mayo Clinic with 12.5+/− 8.3 months. 35 (9%) had clinically significant AFL and 93 (25%) had clinically significant AF, 12(3%) had both AFL and AF over long term follow-up, 243(66%) had no arrhythmia. The baseline characteristics of this patient population were 306 (82%) were male with age of 55 ± 11, LA size 44 ± 4, LV EF 58 ± 10, AF duration 6.5 ± 5.8. Of these patients 74 underwent Pulmonary Vein Isolation (PVI) and 297 underwent a Wide area circumferential ablation (WACA). Results: Predictors of clinically significant AFL in long term follow-up were Persistent/Permanent AF HR 2.04 CI (1.02 − 4.06) p=0.04, WACA 8.49, with CI (2.00–36.93), p=0.004, inducible AFL with HR 2.18 CI (1.06 − 4.48) and reduced ejection fraction (LVEF) HR 0.97 CI (0.94 − 1.00) p=0.05. Age, history of AFL prior to ablation and LA size were not associated with clinically significant AFL. Multivariate analysis revealed that WACA was the only significant predictor of clinically significant AFL. Conclusion: Clinically significant AFL in long term follow up is predicted by the procedure type. Once adjusting for procedure type, inducible AFL, persistent AF and low LVEF are not related to developing AFL in the follow-up period. WACA is an independent predictor of clinically significant AFL.
First-Order Differential Equations

In the scientific investigation of any phenomenon, mathematical models are used to give quantitative descriptions and to derive numerical conclusions. These models can take many forms, and one of the most basic and useful is that of a differential equation, that is, an equation involving the rate of change of a quantity. For example, the rate of decrease of the mass of a radioactive substance, such as uranium, is known to be proportional to the present mass.
Tobacco and cannabis co-use and interrelatedness among adults

Abstract Cannabis and tobacco co-use is prevalent, but consensus regarding the reasons for co-use among adults and the degree of interrelatedness between these substances is lacking. Reasons for co-use have been explored with younger users, but little data exists for more experienced users with entrenched patterns of co-use. The goal of this study was to examine characteristics and patterns of cannabis-tobacco co-use among adults in the Southeastern United States (US), where there is a legal landscape of generally restrictive cannabis legislation coupled with more permissive tobacco control compared to other US regions. Participants (N = 432) were regular cannabis users recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk. Measures included demographics, patterns of cannabis and tobacco use, and reasons for co-use. Within this sample, 42% were current users of tobacco (n = 182). Cannabis-tobacco co-users were older and had more years of cannabis use than cannabis-only users. Among the co-using sub-sample, there was little consistency in the reasons for co-use, suggesting individual differences in the use of both substances. High levels of cannabis-tobacco interrelatedness (i.e., temporally concurrent use) were associated with smoking more cigarettes (tobacco) per day and greater nicotine dependence scores when compared to users with low levels of interrelatedness. Though these results are limited by a small sample size and generalizability issues, there were individual differences in cannabis-tobacco relatedness, which may be of importance when considering treatment strategies for cannabis, tobacco, or both. With additional research, personalized strategies adapted to cannabis-tobacco relatedness profiles among co-users may be warranted as a treatment strategy.
Gender assignment to Spanish-English mixed DPs: Singleton vs. multiword switches

Abstract Previous studies on gender assignment to Spanish-English mixed Determiner Phrases (DPs) have noticed a tendency to default to the masculine gender (e.g. el store). However, some studies have revealed that other factors such as the gender of the Spanish translation equivalent (analogical criterion) are also relevant, particularly in written discourse (e.g. la conference). Further, it has been hypothesized that feminine-marked mixed DPs in oral discourse, which are viewed as exceptions to the default gender strategy, should be highly restricted to singleton switches (Valdes Kroff 2016). This paper investigates if feminine-marked mixed DPs are restricted to singleton switches in written discourse by analyzing a mixed-language text, which contains both types of switches (singleton and multiword). The results confirm the importance of the analogical criterion in written discourse and show that feminine-marked DPs are not restricted to singleton switches, and that the analogical criterion is relevant to both singleton and multiword switches.
Building Peace Through Ubuntu in the Aftermath of Electoral Violence in Divided African Societies

Elections held to promote liberal democracy in divided African societies have often led to major political violence. The winner-takes-all outcomes associated with such elections increase the level of uncertainty for losing ethnic or religious groups. The violent rejection of electoral results becomes a means to force acceptance to the policy process. The intervention of international agents to stop political violence almost invariably relies on a conflict resolution approach that generates peace only in a short run. This chapter analyzes a conflict transformation approach that relies on indigenous culture to build an enduring peace. In divided African societies, international assistance should be about supporting rival groups in the process of crafting democratic institutions rooted in the philosophy of Ubuntu.
Hybrid Pair Programming - A Promising Alternative to Standard Pair Programming

Pair programming has been widely adopted as an effective pedagogical tool in CS1/2. The successful execution of pair programming depends on each partner contributing similar amounts of work. However, anecdotes from past research observed that some student pairs can contribute a drastically unequal amount towards their assignments. We address this through a pilot of a hybrid pair programming model. Here, students complete two halves of the assignment as independent programmers and then in partnerships. We conducted a randomized experiment on this model in a CS1 class and found that while pairs generally performed better than solo students in the checkpoint, pairs in the second stage who had worked independently during the checkpoint portion tend to be more resistant to sudden increases in difficulty. We found no significant difference on selected exam problems between the control and experiment groups. We identified lower contributors within pairs and these students showed improved scores on most exam questions directly related to their independent checkpoint work. Survey feedback on hybrid pair programming is positive. The hybrid model is easily adopted in CS classes and positions students to better face the obstacles presented by the assignment while allowing them to benefit from pair programming.
Estimating Interception from Near-Surface Soil Moisture Response

Abstract. Interception is the storage and subsequent evaporation of rainfall by above-ground structures, including canopy and groundcover vegetation and surface litter. Accurately quantifying interception is critical for understanding how ecosystems partition incoming precipitation, but it is difficult and costly to measure, leading most studies to rely on modeled interception estimates. Moreover, forest interception estimates typically focus only on canopy storage, despite the potential for substantial interception by groundcover vegetation and surface litter. In this study, we developed an approach to quantify total interception losses (i.e., including forest canopy, understory, and surface litter layers) using measurements of shallow soil moisture dynamics during rainfall events. Across 36 pine and mixed forest stands in Florida (USA), we used soil moisture and rainfall data to estimate the interception storage capacity (βs), a parameter required to estimate total annual interception losses (Ia) relative to rainfall (R). Estimated values for βs (mean βs = 0.30 cm; 0.01 ≤ βs ≤ 0.62 cm) and Ia/R (mean Ia/R = 0.14; 0.06 ≤ Ia/R ≤ 0.21) were consistent with reported literature values for these ecosystems and were significantly predicted by forest structural attributes (leaf area index and percent groundcover), as well as other site variables (e.g., water table depth). The best-fit model was dominated by LAI and explained nearly 80 % of observed βs variation. These results suggest that whole-forest interception can be measured using a single near-surface soil moisture time series and highlight the variability in interception losses across a single forest type, underscoring the need for expanded empirical measurement. Potential cost savings and logistical advantages of this method relative to conventional, labor-intensive interception measurements may improve empirical estimation of this critical water budget element.
Postprandial glucose response moderation by cardiorespiratory fitness following short exercise bouts.

BACKGROUND Previous reports indicate that postprandial glucose (PPG) responses to exercise may depend on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), such that less fit individuals have greater reductions in PPG with exercise. Our aim was to investigate moderating effects of CRF on PPG response following exercise of progressively shorter durations and sedentary rest. METHODS Thirty-four participants (14 female) completed a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at seated rest. On three subsequent visits, participants completed additional OGTT with either 1, 3, or 10 minutes of stair-climbing. Fingerstick blood glucose measurements were taken every 15 minutes for 1 hour. CRF was determined using a treadmill ramp test. RESULTS There was a main effect of condition F(3, 93)=13.07, P<0.001, ηp2=0.30. Stair-climbing reduced PPG iAUC compared to control by -3±27% (P=0.546), -11±29% (P=0.091), and -28±22% (P<0.000) for the 1, 3 and 10 min bouts, respectively. There was no trial by CRF interaction for glucose iAUC F(2.4, 73.8)=0.69, P=0.532, ηp2=0.02. Linear mixed model regression analysis revealed that CRF was not significantly associated with glucose iAUC, b=-14 (-45, 16), P=0.339. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to previous reports CRF did not moderate PPG responses for either sedentary or exercise conditions in healthy men and women. Short, single-bout stair stepping exercise at a self-selected pace is equally efficient for all fitness levels.
Integrating Surveillance Data to Estimate Race/Ethnicity-specific Hysterectomy Inequalities Among Reproductive-aged Women: Who's at Risk?

Background Inequalities by race and ethnicity in hysterectomy for noncancerous conditions suggest that some subgroups may be shouldering an unfair burden of procedure-associated negative health impacts. We aimed to estimate race- and ethnicity-specific rates in contemporary hysterectomy incidence that address three challenges in the literature: exclusion of outpatient procedures, no hysterectomy prevalence adjustment, and paucity of non-White and non-Black estimates. Methods We used surveillance data capturing all inpatient and outpatient hysterectomy procedures performed in North Carolina from 2011 to 2014 (N = 30,429). Integrating data from the Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System and US Census population estimates, we calculated prevalence-corrected hysterectomy incidence rates and differences by race and ethnicity. Results Prevalence-corrected estimates show that non-Hispanic (nH) Blacks (62, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 61, 63) and nH American Indians (85, 95% CI = 79, 93) per 10,000 person-years (PY) had higher rates, compared with nH Whites (45 [95% CI = 45, 46] per 10,000 PY), while Hispanic (20, 95% CI = 20, 21) and nH Asian/Pacific Islander rates (8, 95% CI = 8.0, 8.2) per 10,000 PY were lower than nH Whites. Conclusion Through strategic surveillance data use and application of bias correction methods, we demonstrate wide differences in hysterectomy incidence by race and ethnicity. See video abstract at, http://links.lww.com/EDE/B657.
Queuing approximations for capacity planning under common setup rules

We consider the problem of estimating the resulting utilization and cycle times in manufacturing settings that are subject to significant capacity losses due to setups when switching between differ...