cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Control of heparin therapy in open-heart surgery.

The widespread use of heparin in heart surgery has introduced the need for accurate tests to evaluate the blood clotting mechanism. In this study we compared three such methods: the Lee-White clotting time, the activated plasma partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and the blood activated recalcification time (BART). We found the BART to be a valuable adjunct in the management of heparinized patients. With this test, it is possible to control more accurately the degree of heparinization and to determine more precisely the amount of protamine that will be required. Furthermore, results of the BART can be obtained quickly and are reproducible.
Weaving a Tapestry from Threads Spun by Geneticists: The Series Perspectives on Genetics, 1987-2008.

The Perspectives column was initiated in 1987 when Jan Drake, Editor-in-Chief of GENETICS, invited Jim Crow and William Dove to serve as coeditors of “Anecdotal, Historical, and Critical Commentaries.” As the series evolved over 21 years, under the guidance of Crow and Dove, the input of stories told by geneticists from many countries created a panorama of 20th-century genetics. Three recurrent themes are visible: how geneticists have created the science (as solitary investigators, in pairs, or in cooperative groups); how geneticists work hard, but find ways to have fun; and how public and private institutions have sustained the science of genetics, particularly in the United States. This article ends by considering how the Perspectives series and other communication formats can carry forward the core science of genetics from the 20th into the 21st century.
Gay Men and Men Who Have Sex with Men: Intersectionality and Syndemics

This chapter reviews literature regarding health disparities affecting gay men and men who have sex with men (MSM). Specific attention is granted to HIV/AIDS as a contributor to a series of potential syndemics—intertwining and compounding disease and social states. This review reflects on potential syndemics from an intersectional perspective. I argue there may be a number of syndemics at work among gay men and MSM due to variations between the social and health context of gay men and MSM. An intersectional lens also problematizes a dominant narrative referencing gay men and MSM as a “risk group,” suggesting, or at least leaving the impression they are a monolithic and cohesive population. Much of the literature informing gay men and MSM’s disproportionate relationship with HIV/AIDS considers distinct factors that contribute to risk and disease progression. What this literature highlights is the enhanced state of risk and/or progression among particular networks of gay men/MSM, e.g. drug users, not all gay men/MSM. Gay men and MSM live different oppressions, privileges, and resiliencies that produce various contexts, thus outcomes. To address health disparities, we must consider these intersecting social and personal positions as causal and mediating influences. The paths underlying synergistically interacting conditions that produce excessive burdens of disease involve distal and proximal factors that interact based on social position, and these factors can and do come and go over the life course. Ultimately we must understand risk as intersectional to better grasp how (and why) various conditions are impacting networks of gay men/MSM.
The search for cell-bound antibodies: on the influence of dogma

This chapter highlights the cell bound antibodies on the influence of dogma. Sociologists of science point out that the great advances of one generation may often retard progress in the next. This is because each advance may induce a mindset in the scientist that slants the interpretation of data and may inhibit new speculations. Every science can point to earlier, overly dogmatic commitments that interfered with progress. The commitment to antibody as the sole basis for the exercise of immunologic specificity is but one of several that have involved immunology. Its study carries an important lesson; one must take care always to question preconceptions, rather than taking the easier path of designing experiments to confirm them.
De-politicizing Westoxification: The Case of Bonyad Monthly

AbstractThis article studies materials published in the Bonyad Monthly, a journal sponsored by the Pahlavi state. It was published for two years (1977–78), just prior to the 1979 Revolution in Iran. Bonyad Monthly’s mission was to engage in the ongoing intellectual debates at the time in Iran’s encounter with modernity. It primarily published articles, interviews and translations, with the aim of exposing the cultural and moral perils of modern western culture. The writers of Bonyad Monthly cast the modern world as morally soulless, culturally debased, politically imperial and arrogant. The Journal also depicted Iranian culture as the mirror image of the modern west, and part of the rising “Eastern spiritual” resurrection. More specifically, Bonyad Monthly helped invert and de-politicize the notion of Gharbzadegi (Westoxification). The Gharbzadegi discourse, a powerful rhetorical device, had been used by oppositional intellectuals to condemn the Pahlavi modernization programme. It was now ironically claim...
Glutamate excitotoxicity — a mechanism for axonal damage and oligodendrocyte death in Multiple Sclerosis?

Glutamate excitotoxicity mediated by the AMPA/kainate-type of glutamate receptors is known not only to damage neurons but also the myelin-producing cell of the central nervous system (CNS), the oligodendro­cyte. In Multiple Sclerosis (MS), myelin, oligodendrocytes and axons are lost or damaged as a result of an inflammatory attack on the CNS. Activated immune cells produce glutamate in large quantities by deamidating glutamine via glutaminase. Thus, we hypothesized that during inflammation in MS, glutamate excitotoxicity may contribute to the lesion. This was addressed by treating mice sensitized to develop acute experimental autoimmune encepha­lomyelitis (EAE) with an AMPA/kainate antagonist, NBQX. Treatment resulted in substantial amelioration of disease, increased oligodendrocyte survival and reduced axonal damage, as indicated by the levels of dephospho­rylated neurofilament-H. Despite the clinical differences, NB QX-treatment had no effect on lesion size and did not reduce the degree of CNS inflammation. In addition, NBQX did not alter the proliferative activity of antigen-primed T cells in vitro, further indicating a lack of effect at the level of the immune system. In separate studies, infiltrating immune cells present in perivascular cuffs, commonly the site of entry for invading immune cells, were found to express glutaminase in abundance, supporting the production of glutamate in inflammatory lesions. Thus, glutamate excitotoxicity appears to be an important mechanism in autoimmune demyelination and its prevention with AMPA/kainate antagonists may prove to be an effective therapy for MS.
Flood mapping in the lower Mekong River Basin using daily MODIS observations

In flat homogenous terrain such as in Cambodia and Vietnam, the monsoon season brings significant and consistent flooding between May and November. To monitor flooding in the Lower Mekong region, the near real-time NASA Flood Extent Product NASA-FEP was developed using seasonal normalized difference vegetation index NDVI differences from the 250 m resolution Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer MODIS sensor compared to daily observations. The use of a percentage change interval classification relating to various stages of flooding reduces might be confusing to viewers or potential users, and therefore reducing the product usage. To increase the product usability through simplification, the classification intervals were compared with other commonly used change detection schemes to identify the change classification scheme that best delineates flooded areas. The percentage change method used in the NASA-FEP proved to be helpful in delineating flood boundaries compared to other change detection methods. The results of the accuracy assessments indicate that the −75% NDVI change interval can be reclassified to a descriptive ‘flood’ classification. A binary system was used to simplify the interpretation of the NASA-FEP by removing extraneous information from lower interval change classes.
Quantitative imaging of intracellular signaling for personalized pancreatic cancer therapy in an in vivo avatar (Conference Presentation)

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) are notoriously difficult to treat and in general, molecular targeted therapies have failed even when the targeted protein is overexpressed in the tumor tissue. Genetic mutations in extracellular receptors and downstream signaling proteins (i.e., RAS signaling pathway) and convoluted intracellular cross-talk between cell signaling pathways are likely reasons that these promising therapies fail. Monitoring the complex relationship between intracellular protein signaling is difficult and to-date, standard techniques that are used (Western blot, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, etc.) are invasive, static and do not accurately represent in vivo structure-function relationships. Here, we describe the development of an in ovo avatar using patient derived tumors grown on the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and the novel fluorescence-based Quantitative Protein Expression Tracking (QUIET) methodology to bridge the gap between oncology, genomics and patient outcomes. Previously developed paired-agent imaging, was extended to a three-compartment model system in QUIET, which utilizes three types of imaging agents: novel fluorophore conjugated cell permeable targeted and untargeted small molecule paired-agents, in addition to a tumor perfusion agent that is not cell membrane permeable. We have demonstrated the ability to quantify the intracellular binding domain of a trans-membrane protein in vitro using cell permeable fluorescent agents (erlotinib-TRITC and control isotype-BODIPY FL). In addition, we have demonstrated imaging protocols to simultaneously image up to 6 spectrally distinct organic fluorophores in in ovo avatars using the Nuance EX (Perkin Elmer) and established proof-of-principle intracellular and extracellular protein concentrations of epidermal growth factor receptor using QUIET and traditional paired-agent imaging.
Chylothorax: A review of current management strategies

ABSTRACT: The most common causes of chylothorax are neoplasm- particularly lymphoma-and trauma. The usual presenting symptom is dyspnea resulting from the accumulation of pleural fluid. The diagnosis of chylothorax is established by measuring triglyceride levels in the pleural fluid; a triglyceride level of greater than 110 mg/dL supports the diagnosis. The initial approach to management involves chest tube drainage of the pleural space. The administration of medium-chain triglycerides as a source of fat is often useful. If drainage remains unchanged, parenteral alimentation should be started. Surgical intervention is indicated if conservative management is not successful or if nutritional deterioration is imminent. If chylothorax persists after ligation of the thoracic duct, options may include percutaneous embolization, pleuroperitoneal shunt, and pleurodesis. (J Respir Dis. 2008;29(8):325-333)
Atomicity of batches in stream processing

Stream processing is about processing continuous streams of data by programs in a workflow. Continuous execution is discretized by grouping input stream tuples into batches and using one batch at a time for the execution of programs. As source input batches arrive continuously, several batches may be processed in the workflow simultaneously. Ensuring correctness of these concurrent executions is important. We apply (database) transaction concept for the correctness. A general requirement is that each batch be processed completely in the workflow. That is, all the programs triggered by the batch, directly and transitively, in the workflow must be executed successfully. We say that a batch is executed atomically if it is processed completely, independently of the processing of other batches, and, if needed, the processing can be compensated without affecting the processing of other batches. The batches which can be executed atomically are called atomic batches. If batches are processed in isolation in the workflow, ensuring atomicity is fairly straightforward. However, when they are split, merged or overlapped along the workflow computation, ensuring atomicity becomes complicated. In some cases, several source input batches can be combined to form an atomic batch. In some other cases, execution can be prompted to yield atomic batches. In this paper, we study these issues.
Freeze injury and repair of cerebral microvessels.

The endothelium of cerebral microvessels with tight junctions (zonula occludentes), sparce pinocytosis and absent pores or fenestrations, is an essential component of the blood-brain barrier (1,2). Freeze-injury has been one of several methods used to disrupt this barrier and to study the passage of tracer substances from the vascular to the extravascular compartment (3–10). With injury, egress of tracer is associated with disruption of endothelial membranes within the lesion and increased pinocytosis and/or canaliculus formation in viable cells at the edge of the lesion (1–3). Rarely, opening of tight junctions has been demonstrated in this and other types of injury (3).
Workers and nationalism: Czech and German social democracy in Habsburg Austria, 1890–1918

Over the past 15 or so years, historians of Central and Eastern Europe have been profoundly influenced by the idea of national indifference. The pioneering work of scholars such as Jeremy King, Pie...
Three-month post-treatment PSA as a biomarker of treatment response in intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy and radiotherapy.

99Background: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) measurement after definitive radiation therapy (RT) and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for localized prostate cancer (PC) has been proposed as an early prognostic biomarker. We investigate the association between 3-month post-RT PSA and biochemical progression-free survival (bPFS), prostate cancer-specific survival (PCSS), and overall survival (OS). Methods: We identified 5,783 patients with intermediate- or high-risk localized PC diagnosed between 2000-2015 and treated with RT and ADT from Veterans Affairs data. Patients were divided into groups based on 3-month post-RT PSA values: < 0.10 ng/mL, 0.10-0.49 ng/mL, and ≥0.50 ng/mL. The effect of 3-month PSA group on bPFS, PCSS, and OS were evaluated in multivariable Cox models adjusting for potential confounders. Results: There were 2,651 intermediate risk and 3,132 high risk patients; 11% had a 3-month PSA of ≥0.50 ng/mL. Higher 3-month PSA was strongly associated with each outcome; compared to the < 0.10 n...
The Complement Alternative Pathway and Preeclampsia

Significant and intricate immune adaptations are essential for the establishment and maintenance of normal pregnancy. Preeclampsia is a morbid, potentially life-threatening disease for both mother and neonate that occurs uniquely in pregnancy, at least in part, due to maternal immune maladaptation. We aim to review the literature that focuses on case reports, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies for disorders of the complement alternative pathway (CAP) as related to preeclampsia. There is evidence of complement dysregulation in preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome, similar to that observed in a few rare types of thrombotic microangiopathies. Complement dysregulation may be identified with functional laboratory testing as well as genetic testing. Increased utilization of a standardized diagnostic approach to establish whether persistent and/or severe cases of preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome are complement-mediated may lead to development of future treatment strategies, such as complement-targeted therapy.
Microfinance Programs and Contraceptive Use: Evidence from Indonesia

This study examines the relationship between microfinance programs and contraceptive use with data from the 1997 and 2000 waves of the Indonesia Family Life Survey. Community and individual fixed-effects models are used to control for nonrandom program placement and program participation selection bias. Given wide availability of contraceptive services at low costs in Indonesia, the hypothesized mechanism linking microfinance programs to contraceptive use is the desire to stop childbearing. I conclude that microfinance program availability is associated with increased contraceptive use, with a stronger effect at lower levels of community resources. The effect is also conditioned on desire for no more children. At the individual level, microfinance borrowing is not associated with increased contraceptive use at any level of household resources. Among women who report wanting no more children, microfinance borrowing is associated with lower odds of ever-use of contraception.
Evaporate facies recognition using an unsupervised artificial neural network in the northern Arabia Plate

The carbonate–evaporite depositional combination of Late Jurassic age, incorporates the most prolific oil-producing intervals in the world and forms many giant fields. The succession is the top member of four upwards-shoaling carbonate–anhydrite cycles of Upper Kimmeridgian age, and is overlain by the impermeable anhydrite in northern Arabia. The weak depositional contrasts in carbonate ramp settings make the lateral seal configurations subtle and tough to recognize. Multiple attribute analyses based on an artificial neural network (ANN) can delineate the internal character of the reservoir and seal in a consistent way. In order to recognize the sedimentary facies and characterize stratigraphic traps within this reservoir interval, multiple seismic attributes were input to an unsupervised ANN. Unsupervised ANN offers a powerful means of classification, implemented here using a single-layer perceptron network. The network is trained by comparing the neurons to the input vectors using competitive-learning techniques. Once a neuron migrates to the centre of a class, the network stabilizes, training is finished and the neuron is assigned to a representative class. Without prior information, the unlabelled class is calibrated and analysed by lithofacies generated from log and core data. Further sedimentary facies are recognized by integrating local geological knowledge. The depositional environments in the study area are well characterized by the unsupervised ANN, and the recognized sedimentary facies are consistent with the drilled wells and the resulting geological model. Lagoonal deposits of the inner-ramp, ramp-crest shoal and proximal deposits of the middle ramp are recognized within the study area. The widespread ramp crest with peloid and oolitic grainstones provides good reservoirs, whereas the lagoonal deposits distributed between the shoals have a greater abundance of tight limestone with low porosity and permeability, thereby forming a good lateral seal. The selected study area, covering the Rimthan Arch is considered a favorable area for the presence of stratigraphic traps. The sedimentary facies recognition helps to define potential areas for favourable prospect definition and hence prospect ranking.
Growing up in the digital age: Early learning and family media ecology.

Media is so pervasive that it should no longer be considered a nuisance variable that could affect development; rather, it should be seen as a fundamental part of the context in which development o...
HoloLens Integration into a Multi-Kinect Tracking Environment

The Microsoft HoloLens is one of the latest headsets that facilitates mixed and augmented reality (AR) applications. It has a high potential to leverage AR applications in many domains. However, the first version also comes with several limitations such as the limited battery lifetime and the small field of view. An important one is the lack of high-fidelity depth data which would facilitate object detection and tracking research; a capability imperative for many applications. To mitigate this limitation, we integrated the HoloLens into a point cloud-based tracking system. Our system uses several Kinect range cameras to obtain a point cloud and to detect and track real assets of interest in this point cloud. The pose data for all objects is forwarded to the HoloLens, which can then render 3D models from the right perspective. However, this system is not free of tolerances and tracking errors, which mandates calibration. This poster explains how the system was set-up and verifies the feasibility of a system such as this for 3D model registration using the HoloLens as a display device.
Intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy increases the incidence of anastomotic leakage after anterior resection of rectal tumors.

Intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy increases the incidence of anastomotic leakage after anterior resection of rectal tumors
Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement reduces opioid craving among individuals with opioid use disorder and chronic pain in medication assisted treatment: Ecological momentary assessments from a stage 1 randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) is an efficacious form of medication assisted treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), yet many individuals on MMT relapse. Chronic pain and deficits in positive affective response to natural rewards may result in dysphoria that fuels opioid craving and promotes relapse. As such, behavioral therapies that ameliorate chronic pain and enhance positive affect may serve as useful adjuncts to MMT. This analysis of ecological momentary assessment (EMA) data from a Stage 1 randomized clinical trial examined effects of Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) on opioid craving, pain, and positive affective state. Methods Participants with OUD and chronic pain (N = 30) were randomized to 8 weeks of MORE or treatment as usual (TAU). Across 8 weeks of treatment, participants completed up to 112 random EMA measures of craving, pain, and affect, as well as event-contingent craving ratings. Multilevel models examined the effects of MORE on craving, pain, and affect, as well as the association between positive affect and craving. Results EMA showed significantly greater improvements in craving, pain unpleasantness, stress, and positive affect for participants in MORE than for participants in TAU. Participants in MORE reported having nearly 1.3 times greater self-control over craving than those in TAU. Further, positive affect was associated with reduced craving, an association that was significantly stronger among participants in MORE than TAU. Conclusion MORE may be a useful non-pharmacological adjunct among individuals with OUD and chronic pain in MMT.
Misalignment Resilient, Near Field Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) Antennas using Anchor Shape

In this paper, a near-field coupled resonator antenna element is presented for power transfer applications. We propose an anchor shaped geometry that represents a combination of electric dipole and magnetic loop to realize stronger coupling over misaligned distances between the source and receiver antenna. The resonator was prototyped on textile substrate for wearable applications. A full-wave simulation of the power transfer efficiency is presented and compared with single-loop of the same size. The lateral misalignments are studied, and it is demonstrated that anchor-shaped resonators offer 80-90 % power transfer efficiency for misalignments as large as 70% of antenna lateral size. Simulation studies and measurement results are presented.
The psychobiological consequences of child separation at the border: lessons from research on attachment and emotion regulation

In the spring of 2018, the Attorney General of the United States issued a memorandum declaring a "zero tolerance policy" under which all adults entering the United States illegally would be criminally prosecuted, and, if traveling with minor children, forcibly separated from their children. Although the government was ordered to reunite the children with their parents it is still unclear how many children have been or remain separated. Given the high risk of permanent harm to a vulnerable population, and the fact that this risk may continue into the near future, we present a review of what nearly eight decades of scholarly research has taught us about the damaging impact of deprivation and separation from parents. The article briefly reviews the origins of attachment theory as well as empirical studies that examine the psychobiological impact on children who experienced parental deprivation or separation. The paper concludes with recommendations, for future research.
Ketamine-induced changes in [11C]ABP688 binding in healthy human subjects

526 Objectives Ketamine, an N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist that leads to a surge in brain glutamate, induces a rapid antidepressant effect that lasts for several days or weeks in individuals with treatment-resistant depression. Here, we established a novel paradigm to image the effect of ketamine on brain metabotropic glutamatergic receptors subtype 5 (mGluR5), which were shown to be compromised in depression. Methods Six healthy nonsmokers (34±12yo) participated in two [11C]ABP688 PET scans on the same day - one before (scan 1) and one during i.v. ketamine administration (0.23mg/kg over 1min, then 0.58mg/kg over 1h; scan 2). [11C]ABP688 was injected as a bolus (621±56MBq scan 1; 529±107MBq scan 2) and PET emission data were acquired for 90min. Input functions were obtained through arterial blood sampling with metabolite analysis. Time-activity curves were generated and an unconstrained two-tissue compartment model was used to fit TACs and estimate distribution volume, VT. Results We observed a reduction in [11C]ABP688 VT at scan 2: anterior cingulate 13±17%, amygdala 18±13%, dorsolateral cortex 11±17%, hippocampus 12±17%, medial frontal cortex 15±14%, thalamus 13±15%. There was a significant difference in confusion and vigor scores 10min after ketamine initiation (p Conclusions We show that [11C]ABP688 binding is vulnerable to ketamine-induced changes in brain neurochemistry. [11C]ABP688 binds to an allosteric modulator site on mGluR5 (and not the glutamatergic site), thus change in binding is likely not due to direct competition with glutamate, but a change in ligand affinity due to increases in glutamate. Although, further examination is required to understand the high individual variation in ketamine response, this paradigm can further our understanding of its mechanism of action and aid in the development of novel antidepressants that target the glutamatergic system. Research Support K01 MH092681 (Esterlis), K01MH091354 (DeLorenzo), VA NCPTSD.
ERDHEIM-CHESTER DISEASE (ECD): A RARE DISEASE PRESENTING AS CARDIAC TAMPONADE

ECD is a very rare multisystem disease with ~500 cases reported. It is a non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis in which foamy histiocytes infiltrate the skeleton, nervous system, kidneys, skin and cardiovascular system (57% of cases). We describe a unique case of ECD presenting as cardiac tamponade. A
Advanced Technology and the Rural Surgeon.

Advanced technology has resulted in major changes in surgery and medicine over the past three decades. There are many barriers to the adoption of advanced technologies, which can be more prevalent in rural hospitals and surgical practices. Despite barriers to implementation of new technologies in rural communities, many rural hospitals have endorsed and invested in these technologies for the benefit of the hospital and community. The rural surgeon is often the driving force in evaluating and deciding on new technologies for their surgical program. This article discusses advantages, challenges, and limitations in the use of advanced technologies in rural locations.
Patterns of cognitive-motor dual-task interference post stroke: an observational inpatient study at hospital discharge.

Background Many ambulatory stroke survivors are discharged to community settings where they will confront highly attention-demanding mobility situations. Very little is known about cognitive-motor interference during walking in acutely rehabilitating stroke survivors. Aim To examine the magnitude and patterns of cognitive-motor dual-task interference at hospital discharge post stroke and explore the characteristics associated with distinct interference patterns. Design Observational study. Setting Acute care and inpatient rehabilitation centers. Population 47 adults with hospital admission for stroke who were being discharged to home. Mean age was 59.5 years (SD=11.7) and median days post stroke was 14 (IQR=7-21). Methods Gait and cognitive (category naming task) performance were assessed under singleand dual-task conditions at hospital discharge. Dependent variables were gait speed, stride duration, stride duration variability, stride length, cadence, and correct response rate. Single and dual-task values were compared to assess the effects of dual-tasking on gait and category naming. Relative dual-task effects on gait speed and cognitive performance were plotted to identify patterns of dual-task interference. Exploratory analysis compared clinical characteristics between subgroups defined by pattern of interference. Results There were significant dual-task declines in gait speed, with corresponding dual-task effects on stride length, cadence, and stride duration, but no dual-task effects on stride duration variability or correct response rate. Dual-task effects on the category naming task were not significant due to large between-subject variability. Three predominant patterns of cognitivemotor interference were evident: mutual interference (37% of participants), gait interference (30% of participant), and cognitive-priority trade-off (22% of participants) - these patterns reflect the consistently observed negative dual-task effect on gait speed with positive, negative, or null effects on category naming. Participants who demonstrated cognitive-priority trade-off pattern of interference had significantly worse single-task category-naming performance, while those with mutual interference had greater overall stroke severity. Conclusions Cognitive-motor dual-task interference on gait speed is highly prevalent in ambulatory stroke survivors with mild cognitive-linguistic impairments at hospital discharge. Variability in cognitive-task performance under dual-task conditions has implications for the reliability of dual-task assessment after stroke. Clinical rehabilitation impact Assessment of dual-task walking is feasible as a predischarge evaluation of attention-demanding mobility function after stroke.
Multilingual multiliteracies of Emergent Bilingual families: Transforming teacher’s perspectives on the “literacies” of family engagement

Emergent Bilingual families interact with their children across their shared languages and resources, creating unique literacy activities. As a form of family engagement, teachers can observe these...
Another Jackpot (In)Justice: Verdict Variability and Issue Preclusion in Mass Torts

If there are no prior inconsistent verdicts, non-mutual offensive issue preclusion generally allows a finding by a single jury to bar relitigation, in future cases, of the issue by the defendant who lost in the prior case. This approach, however, ignores the possibility that the first verdict delivered may have been an outlier if further verdicts were permitted to be delivered. In mass tort litigation, such a flawed approach may result in critical issues such as defect or negligence being resolved by only six jurors, whose potentially outlier verdict is then applied to resolve the cases of thousands, perhaps bankrupting a company or an industry when most juries would not so hold. Focusing on mass tort litigation, this article presents the growing empirical evidence of verdict variability and then critiques the use of issue preclusion, whose downside is applied only against defendants, not plaintiffs, because only defendants were parties to the prior action. As a result, the article argues that courts should exercise their discretion to deny issue preclusion in mass tort litigation. Instead, courts should join the emerging consensus of mass tort management that ultimately better serves the goals of efficiency and public respect supposedly underlying issue preclusion: allow multiple verdicts to unfold a more balanced view of liability that will frequently be used for well-informed and far-reaching settlements.
High molecular weight sodium hyaluronate improves survival of syndecan-1-deficient septic mice by inhibiting neutrophil migration

Methods Sepsis was induced by cotton smoke inhalation followed by intranasal administration of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in female (> 6 months) Balb/c and syndecan-1 knockout mice. Survival of mice, lung capillary endothelial glycocalyx integrity, lung water content, and vascular hyper-permeability were determined with or without HMW-SH treatment in these mice. Effects of HMW-SH on endothelial permeability and neutrophil migration were tested in in vitro setting. Results In septic wildtype mice, we found a severely damaged pulmonary microvascular endothelial glycocalyx and elevated levels of shed syndecan-1 in the circulation. These changes were associated with significantly increased pulmonary vascular permeability. In septic syndecan-1 knockout mice, extravascular lung water content was higher, and early death was observed. The administration of HMW-SH significantly reduced mortality and lung water content in septic syndecan-1 knockout mice, but not in septic wildtype mice. In in vitro setting, HMW-SH inhibited neutrophil migration and reduced cultured endothelial cell permeability increases. However, these effects were reversed by the addition of recombinant syndecan-1 ectodomain. Conclusions HMW-SH reduced lung tissue damage and mortality in the absence of syndecan-1 protein, possibly by reducing vascular hyper-permeability and neutrophil migration. Our results further suggest that increased shed syndecan-1 protein levels are linked with the inefficiency of HMW-SH in septic wildtype mice.
Designing Random FM Radar Waveforms with Compact Spectrum

Spectrally-shaped random FM (RFM) waveforms have recently been shown to greatly expand radar design freedom, provide good spectral containment, and are amenable to physical implementation in high-power transmitters. A key design factor involves ways of enforcing a Gaussian spectral density via optimization, which leads to a Gaussian autocorrelation that theoretically has no range sidelobes. However, the gradual roll-off for this spectrum means that, for fixed transmitter bandwidth, the passband component must be narrower than for classical linear FM (LFM), thereby trading achievable range resolution. Here we examine the impact of using the family of super-Gaussian spectra to serve as alternative design templates. Using the temporal template error (TTE) RFM design scheme to generate physical waveforms in this context, radar performance trade-offs are examined to assess practical viability.
Perinatal Patients with Psychotic Disorders

Health disparities impacting those with schizophrenia spectrum illnesses also affect reproductive health. This chapter will explore issues unique to those growing their families while living with these severe and persistent mental illnesses (SPMI), framed in a reproductive health perspective.
Overcurrent and Short-circuit Capability Experimental Investigation for GaN HEMT at Cryogenic Temperature

Recent research reveals that gallium nitride (GaN) devices achieve significantly reduced on-state resistance and faster switching speed operating at cryogenic temperature. These characteristics enable GaN-based power converter to achieve higher efficiency and power density and make GaN device an excellent candidate for cryogenic power electronics applications. However, overcurrent and short-circuit capability of GaN device at cryogenic temperature have not been evaluated. This paper characterizes a 650V-30A enhancement-mode GaN high-electron mobility transistor (HEMT) and experimentally evaluated the overcurrent and short-circuit capability at cryogenic temperature. Testing results show that this GaN HEMT achieves >5X conduction loss reduction and 30% switching loss reduction at cryogenic temperature. Moreover, GaN HEMT is capable of operating at around 4X of rated current at cryogenic temperature. The short-circuit capability at cryogenic temperature is similar to that at room temperature. Both the device failure threshold dc voltage and short-circuit withstand time are almost unchanged at cryogenic temperature.
Diagnostic testing after positive results on cell free DNA screening: CVS or Amnio?

Objective The positive predictive values of cell free DNA (cfDNA) and rates of confined placental mosaicism (CPM), imprinting and other factors vary by chromosome. Methods We sought to review the literature for each of these features for each chromosome and provide recommendations on chorionic villus sampling (CVS) versus amniocentesis after an abnormal cfDNA result. Results For chromosomes with high rates of CPM (trisomy 13, monosomy X and rare autosomal trisomies [RATs]), an amniocentesis should be considered if the first trimester ultrasound is normal. For monosomy X on cfDNA with an unaffected fetus, maternal karyotyping should be considered after normal fetal diagnostic testing. In cfDNA cases with a trisomy involving a chromosome with imprinted genes (6, 7, 11, 14, 15 and 20), CVS should be considered, followed by amniocentesis if abnormal. If the fetus is unaffected, methylation studies should be considered given the risk of uniparental disomy. A third trimester growth ultrasound should be considered for patients with a positive cfDNA screen for a RAT and an unaffected fetus, especially in the case of trisomy 16. For patients with multiple aneuploidy results on cfDNA, a work-up for maternal malignancy should be considered. Conclusions Clinicians should consider rates of CPM, imprinting, ultrasound findings and maternal factors when considering whether to recommend amniocentesis or CVS after an abnormal cfDNA result.
A Spatial Model of Hepatic Calcium Signaling and Glucose Metabolism Under Autonomic Control Reveals Functional Consequences of Varying Liver Innervation Patterns Across Species

Rapid breakdown of hepatic glycogen stores into glucose plays an important role during intense physical exercise to maintain systemic euglycemia. Hepatic glycogenolysis is governed by several different liver-intrinsic and systemic factors such as hepatic zonation, circulating catecholamines, hepatocellular calcium signaling, hepatic neuroanatomy and the CNS. Of the factors regulating hepatic glycogenolysis, the extent of lobular innervation varies significantly between humans and rodents. While rodents display very few autonomic nerve terminals in the liver, nearly every hepatic layer in the human liver receives neural input. In the present study, we developed a multi-scale, multi-organ model of hepatic metabolism incorporating liver zonation, lobular scale calcium signaling, hepatic innervation, and direct and peripheral organ-mediated communication between the liver and the CNS. We evaluated the effect of each of these governing factors on the total hepatic glucose output and zonal glycogenolytic patterns within liver lobules during simulated physical exercise. Our simulations revealed that direct neuronal stimulation of the liver as well as an increase in circulating catecholamines increases hepatic glucose output mediated by mobilization of intracellular calcium stores and lobular scale calcium waves. Comparing simulated glycogenolysis between human-like and rodent-like hepatic innervation patterns (extensive versus minimal) suggested that propagation of calcium transients across liver lobules acts as a compensatory mechanism to improve hepatic glucose output in sparsely innervated livers. Interestingly, our simulations suggested that catecholamine-driven glycogenolysis is reduced under portal hypertension. However, increased innervation coupled with strong intercellular communication can improve the total hepatic glucose output under portal hypertension. In summary, our modeling and simulation study reveals a complex interplay of intercellular and multi-organ interactions that can lead to differing calcium dynamics and spatial distributions of glycogenolysis at lobular scale in the liver.
Studies on carbohydrate metabolism in rat kidney slices: I. Metabolism of glycerol and pyruvate☆

Abstract The metabolism of glycerol and pyruvate, singly or together, in rat kidney slices in vitro has been studied under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The aerobic data were in substantial agreement with the results obtained in similar experiments with rat liver slices which have been reported previously. The anaerobic results provided suggestive evidence that the dismutation of pyruvate furnished high-energy phosphates and hydrogen acceptors for the metabolism of glycerol. A possible explanation has been discussed.
Multinational corporations and the challenge of global advertising: What do US headquarters consider important in making media‐selection decisions?

Purpose – Despite the increasing volume of scholarly work in international advertising, media selection has received very little attention. This study seeks to address three fundamental issues in media selection for non‐domestic markets: the relative importance of cultural factors, the relationships between organization structure, and the relative weight that executives place on cultural and non‐cultural factors in their media selection, and the relationships between cultural orientations of advertising executives and their perceptions of specific non‐domestic factors of media selection.Design/methodology/approach – A mail survey of executives for US consumer durable manufacturers operating internationally was conducted. The sample involved managers responsible for media selection in 106 firms listed in the Fortune directory of the 500 largest industrial multinational corporations (MNCs). Three waves of the same questionnaire were sent. Of the selected executives, 84 returned the questionnaire, making the...
Effects of Early Experience Upon Adaptiveness of Horses

The early rearing management of horses varies greatly. Whereas most breeding farms handle horses on a practically continuous basis, many horses reared on the working ranches of the southwestern United States may have experienced minimal contact with humans prior to being trained. Indeed, rearing horses with conspecifics in holding ranges which may be several hundred, or even several thousand, acres in extent mimics the habitat of the feral horse. Extensive contact with humans frequently occurs only following two to three years of free grazing, thus the subsequent process of training as work animals entails considerable stress both on horses and their human owners. An additional concern with this type of rearing is the high level of attrition of stock due to accidental injury, predation, etc. Death losses of greater than 10% are not uncommon.
Formation of Flood Plain Lands

Alluvial rivers migrate laterally and longitudinally and, incident thereto, generate new flood plain lands. Four types of lands are thus formed: sheet accretion, point bar accretion, eddy accretion and back-swamp accretion. The type of flood plain land generated is determined by the nature of the local river migration or movement. Incident to river migration, caving banks are formed, and under certain conditions, the caves can be very sudden, extensive, and dangerous to man, should the area involved be developed or urban. Studies of river migrations and the resulting flood plain lands represent the most generalized aspect of river hydraulics and sedimentation studies. In the present studies, mode of formation is the controlling criterion, and such matters as nature of sediment, types of soil, kind of stratification or other detailed concerns, are of no moment.
Hepatocyte Growth Factor/Scatter Factor Is a Neurotrophic Survival Factor for Lumbar But Not for Other Somatic Motoneurons in the Chick Embryo

Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) is expressed in the developing limb muscles of the chick embryo during the period of spinal motoneuron (MN) programmed cell death, and its receptor c-met is expressed in lumbar MNs during this same period. Although cultured motoneurons from brachial, thoracic, and lumbar segments are all rescued from cell death by chick embryo muscle extract (CMX) as well as by other specific trophic agents, HGF/SF only promotes the survival of lumbar MNs. Similarly, treatment of embryos in ovo with exogenous HGF/SF rescues lumbar but not other somatic MNs from cell death. Blocking antibodies to HGF/SF (anti-HGF) reduce the effects of CMX on MN survival in vitro and decrease the number of lumbar MNs in vivo. The expression of c-met on MNs in vivo is regulated by a limb-derived trophic signal distinct from HGF/SF. HGF/SF is a potent, select, and physiologically relevant survival factor for a subpopulation of developing spinal MNs in the lumbar segments of the chick embryo.
Bridge building within the province of proactivity

Summary The research questions posed in this study highlight the importance of valuing proactivity in both prompting an individual to engage in proactive behavior and encouraging the expression of that behavior. We integrate a variety of constructs from the proactivity literature to gain a deeper understanding of proactive behavior as it relates to proactive motivation and supervisory performance evaluations. First, we draw upon self-determination theory, expectancy–value theory, and the recent integration of the proactive motivation literature to hypothesize that proactive behavior is predicted by the interaction of “can do” and “reason to” proactive motivational states. Second, on the basis of performance theory, we hypothesize that the relationship between proactive behavior and performance depends upon the extent to which the supervisor values proactivity. Specifically, we argue that supervisors with proactive personalities are more likely to value and reward subordinate proactive behavior than passive supervisors. Results provide support for both of our hypotheses. Interestingly, results show that proactive behavior did not result in negative consequences but rather that there was a cost (i.e., lower performance rating) for not taking charge for employees with proactive supervisors. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.