cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors that contribute to caregiver burden for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

—Peter G. Gombosi T here is growing awareness regarding caregiver burden for families raising adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), particularly as they transition into adulthood. In this issue of the Journal, Cadman et al. focus on the increased recognition that both ASD and attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are associated with significant mental and emotional burdens to caregivers. Previous research has focused primarily on caregivers of young children, but there have been very few studies to date focusing on caregiver burden as young people with ASD and ADHD transition into adulthood. The investigators conducted an observational study of 192 families caring for youth 14 to 24 years of age with a childhood diagnosis of ASD or ADHD in the United Kingdom (n 101 or 91, respectively). The parents and affected youth were interviewed face to face and completed questionnaires. A modified stress-appraisal model was used to investigate the correlates of caregiver burden, such as family background (parental education), primary stressors (symptoms of ASD or ADHD, learning disability, and psychiatric comorbidities), a primary appraisal (a measurement of need), and resources (use of services).This was modified from the stress-appraisal model of Yates et al., which had five components: primary stressors (level and type of disability), primary appraisal (caregiver’s subjective appraisal of care need), resources (individual and societal resources that may
Biaxially oriented films prepared from poly(vinyl chloride)/poly(methyl methacrylate co imide) blends

A study was conducted of blends of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) with a poly(methyl methacrylate co imide). The latter polymer was found to be miscible in PVC and to raise the glass transition temperature of the blend. Blends of all compositions could be oriented, but the processing temperature increased in proportion with Tg. For a given blend composition, orientation increased with increasing stretch ratio and strain rate and with decreasing stretch temperature. Increasing copolyimide content and increasing orientation generally lead to improved mechanical properties, though the blends containing high levels of copolyimide exhibited low ductilities.
Successful palliation of primary pulmonary hypertension by atrial septostomy.

Abstract Primary pulmonary hypertension is an idiopathic disease characterized by a progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance with consequent pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular failure and death. 1 Several series have suggested that the findings of right ventricular failure manifested by high right ventricular filling pressures and decreased cardiac output imply a poor prognosis with death in less than a year. 2,3 We describe a patient who had rapidly progressive primary pulmonary hypertension and hemodynamic parameters suggestive of a poor prognosis who underwent successful atrial septostomy with marked clinical improvement.
Datagram routing algorithm for LEO satellite networks

Satellite networks provide global coverage and support a wide range of services. Low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellites provide short round-trip delays and are becoming increasingly important. One of the challenges in LEO satellite networks is the development of specialized and efficient routing algorithms. In this work, a datagram routing algorithm for LEO satellite networks is introduced. The algorithm generates minimum propagation delay paths. The performance of the algorithm is evaluated through simulations and finally robustness issues are discussed.
Integrated product engineering: a hybrid evolutionary framework

Abstract The systematic identification of new materials for specific engineering applications with optimal values of thermophysical, mechanical and/or biological properties is a key technical challenge with obvious commercial applications. The design of these new materials consists of two components: (i) the forward problem, which involves the prediction of how changes in the basic compositional units give rise to various engineering property and (ii) the inverse problem, which involves discovery of viable formulations that are predicted to possess desired performance characteristics. This situation is however complicated by the fact that in many industrial design situations, data are both sparse and noisy, the fundamental understanding of the system is limited and time and resource constraints are stringent. Thus, a synergistic approach employing first principle chemistry/physics modeling and statistical techniques like Neural networks seems promising for the forward problem. The inverse problem is addressed using ideas from evolutionary algorithms. Two widely different industrial product-design problems are considered in this paper and the applicability of this new methodology is demonstrated.
Research Note: Genetic Stocks of White Leghorn Type Differ in Relative Productivity When Beaks are Intact Versus Trimmed

Abstract Pullets of three genetic stocks derived from commercial White Leghorn-type chickens differed in relative productivity when they were beak trimmed or not and kept in 6-hen cages in a well-lighted house. An important part of the apparent discrepancy in rankings among stocks was associated with differences in mortality from injuries inflicted by beaks.
Magnified Real-Time Tomographic Reflection

Real Time Tomographic Reflection (RTTR) permits in situ visualization of ultrasound images so that direct hand-eye coordination can be employed during invasive procedures. The method merges the visual outer surface of a patient with a simultaneous ultrasound scan of the patient's interior. It combines a flat-panel monitor with a half-silvered mirror such that the image on the monitor is reflected precisely into the proper location within the patient. The ultrasound image is superimposed in real time on the patient merging with the operator's hands and any invasive tools in the field of view. We aim to extend this method to remote procedures at different scales, in particular to real-time in vivo tomographic microscopic imaging modalities such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and ultrasound backscatter microscopy (USB). This paper reports our first working prototype using a mechanically linked system to magnify ultrasound-guided manipulation by a factor of four.
Asymptotic Analysis and Numerical Simulation of Deformation Processing of Porous Metals

Plane strain extrusion of porous metals is analyzed using asymptotic techniques. The asymptotic expansions are based on a small parameter є defined to be the ratio of the height reduction to the length of the die in the reduction region. Gurson’s plasticity model is used to describe the constitutive behavior of the material. It is shown that the effects of porosity enter as an O(є) correction. The effects of strain hardening of the matrix and friction at the die-metal interface are accounted for. The asymptotic solutions developed are verified using detailed finite element calculations.
Abstract 15954: Both Tetrahydrobiopterin Depletion and eNOS S-Glutathionytion Contribute to eNOS Uncoupling in Coronary Disease Patients

Background: Vascular endothelial dysfunction (VED) is associated with increased oxidative stress due to eNOS uncoupling with increased superoxide (•O2-) production and has important prognostic clinical implications for subsequent cardiovascular events. Our recent studies in hypertensive rats revealed a novel redox-regulated pathway through which eNOS is uncoupled due to S-glutathionylation. However, its role in human vascular disease remains unclear. Hence, we studied eNOS S-glutathionylation and uncoupling and in aortic tissue from patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery and heart transplantation (N=25). Methods: Studies were performed using vessels from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), control WKY rats and aortic tissue from patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery. S-glutathionylation was determined with anti-glutathione and anti-eNOS, and an antibody specific for eNOS S-glutathionylation at C689 (anti-eNOS Cys689-SG). •O2- was measured using fluorescent probe DHE in the absence/presence of the NOS inhibitor, L-NAME, DTT, or the SOD mimetic, MnTBAP. The NOS cofactor, BH4, was measured by HPLC. Results & Conclusion: S-glutathionylation of eNOS (eNOS-SG) was evident by immunohistology in SHR vessels compared to respective WKY control rat vessels. Similarly, immune assays of the aortic samples from vascular disease patients (VD) showed an increase in eNOS-SG protein when compared to no-disease control tissues (ND) and increased •O2- production was detected. Addition of DTT or β-ME decreased the levels of eNOS-SG with decreased •O2- generation. BH4 content was markedly decreased in the vessels of patients with coronary disease. BH4:BH2 ratio was decreased by over 5-fold also contributing to eNOS uncoupling. This provides the first evidence for an association of both eNOS S-glutathionylation and BH4 depletion leading to eNOS uncoupling with loss of endothelial dependent vasodilation in vessels of coronary disease patients. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Characterization and Targeting of Human Leukemia Stem Cells

PL01-03 Multiple forms of human cancer are now thought to arise from relatively rare and specialized cancer-initiating cells, more commonly known as “cancer stem cells” or CSCs. Specifically, cancers of blood, breast, brain, head and neck, and colon demonstrate clear evidence of CSCs, with rapidly emerging data on numerous other cancer types. To date, studies are most advanced in leukemia, where a well-defined population of leukemia stem cells (LSC) is clearly evident. Intriguingly, the behavior and biological features of LSCs appear to mirror many aspects of normal stem cells. LSCs undergo self-renewal and give rise to hierarchically organized tissues that depend on LSCs for maintenance of the population. In addition, the expression of at least a subset of cell surface markers found on normal stem cells is also typically conserved in LSCs. Given the potentially crucial role of malignant stem cells in the genesis and perpetuation of tumors, they of course represent an exciting potential target for cancer therapy. However, several challenges must be overcome in order to develop effective strategies. First, LSCs are generally found at low frequency within malignant cell populations, and thus represent a potentially difficult target to detect. Second, significant evidence now indicates that LSCs possess biological properties that are quite distinct from bulk tumor tissue, which may render them resistant to therapies commonly employed for bulk tumor tissue. For example, LSCs appear to be largely quiescent, much like their normal hematopoietic counterparts. Thus, effective targeting will require a better understanding of biological features found uniquely in malignant stem cells. In addition, defining properties specific to LSCs, and not normal tissue, will provide opportunities for less toxic intervention. Currently evolving strategies include: 1) inhibition of self-renewal mechanisms, 2) antibody-based targeting of cell surface antigens, and 3) inhibition of LSC-specific survival pathways. While all of the approaches above are still in preclinical phases of development, the increasing availability of clinically approved reagents relevant to multiple components of LSC biology will facilitate translational studies in the near future. Going forward, a significant challenge will be to develop and validate clinical endpoints that define specific eradication of LSCs in vivo. In most cases, traditional methods that assess overall tumor volume will not be sufficient to measure effects against relatively rare LSCs. Thus, new laboratory correlates, more sensitive clinical endpoints, and modified trial design will likely be important for the evaluation of candidate LSC-specific agents.
A Narrative Synthesis of the Components of and Evidence for Patient- and Family-Centered Care:

A narrative synthesis was conducted to determine typical patient- and family-centered care (PFCC) components and their link to outcomes in pediatric populations. 68 studies with PFCC interventions and experimental designs were included. Study features were synthesized based on 5 core PFCC components (i.e., education from the provider to the patient and/or family, information sharing from the family to the provider, social-emotional support, adapting care to match family background, and/or s decision-making) and 4 outcome categories (health status; the experience, knowledge, and attitudes of the patient/family; patient/family behavior; or provider behavior). The most common PFCC component was education; the least common was adapting care to family background. The presence of social-emotional support alone, as well as educational interventions augmented with shared decision-making, social-emotional support, or adaptations of care based on family background, predicted improvements in families' knowledge, attitudes, and experience. Interventions that targeted the family were associated with positive outcomes.
Relationship between estradiol and parathyroid on retention of Ca45 in bone and blood serum of rats.

SummaryAdministration of estrogen to normal male rats increased the radioactivity of blood serum following Ca45 injection, whereas bone remained unchanged. Parathyroid extract depressed radioactivity of both bone and blood serum but when estrogen was given in addition radioactivity was increased in both. Parathyroidectomy depressed the radioactivity of bones and serum but estrogen again increased the radioactivity of bones slightly and serum significantly. These data indicate that estrogen plays a role in calcium metabolism independent of the parathyroid hormone in aiding retention of calcium.
Distillers’ Dried Solubles as a Vitamin Supplement in Chick Rations

Abstract THE value of distillery by-products in animal nutrition has been recognized for many years, and recently a new distillery by-product, distillers’ dried solubles, has been shown to be of value as a source of vitamins for the growing chick and laying hen. Henry (1900) reported an experiment carried out by a Finn in 1893 comparing distillers’ dried grains with oats for milk and butter production of cows. It was found that the cows on distillers’ dried grains produced about 12 percent more milk and 9 percent more butterfat than those fed oats. Insko et al. (1937) and Buckner and co-workers (1938) found that as much as four–fifths of the corn in rations for growing chicks could be replaced by distillery thick stillage. Allman and Branion (1938) stated that corn distillers’ dried grains, when added to a slow growing chick starting ration, improved growth and feather development. D’Ercole et al. . . .
Nutrition of Pleurotus Sapidus: Effects of Lipids

The growth of Pleurotus sapidus was stimulated by addition of corn oil to the medium. The stimulation was particularly great in shake cultures, but there was also increased growth in agar cultures. Growth in a molasses and salt medium was less affected by oil than growth in media containing deproteinated juices of soybean or alfalfa. The constituents of oil: fatty acids, glycerol, and unsaponifiables were all inhibitory to growth of the mycelium. However, the mixed ethyl esters of corn oil fatty acids and ethyl palmitate were somewhat stimulatory. Tripalmitin was also stimulatory.
Overview of therapeutic drug monitoring and biotechnologic drugs.

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is the science that combines measurement of serum drug concentrations with clinical pharmacokinetics. Biotechnological drugs may be obtained by recombinant DNA technology, monoclonal antibody technology, polymerase chain reaction, gene therapy, nucleotide blockade, peptide technology, and carbohydrate technology. Examples of biotechnological drugs include antisense drugs, clotting factors, hematopoietic factors, hormones, interferons, interleukins, monoclonal antibodies, tissue growth factors, and vaccines. For drugs that are physiological peptides used for substitution therapy, TDM is not indicated. For other biotechnological drugs, the criteria developed for monitoring of classical therapeutic agents should be used on an individual basis to determine whether there is a role for TDM.
Compactness of infinite dimensional parameter spaces

We provide general compactness results for many commonly used parameter spaces in nonparametric estimation. We consider three kinds of functions: (1) functions with bounded domains which satisfy standard norm bounds, (2) functions with bounded domains which do not satisfy standard norm bounds, and (3) functions with unbounded domains. In all three cases we provide two kinds of results, compact embedding and closedness, which together allow one to show that parameter spaces defined by ak·ks-norm bound are compact under a normk·kc. We apply these results to nonparametric mean regression and nonparametric instrumental variables estimation.
Surgical Management of Pulmonary Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma Associated With Light-Chain Deposition Disease

A 52-year-old woman presented with a right middle lobe (RML) lung nodule suspicious for malignancy. Thoracoscopic middle lobectomy was performed. The pathology report revealed a pulmonary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma in association with light-chain deposition disease (LCDD). Pulmonary MALT lymphoma and LCDD are unusual disorders presenting in the lung, and the association between these 2 conditions is even more uncommon. The optimal management for these patients is controversial, although surgical resection of localized well-circumscribed lesions may represent an effective therapeutic approach.
Patients with KCNJ11-related diabetes frequently have neuropsychological impairments compared with sibling controls.

Aims KCNJ11-related diabetes is the most common form of permanent neonatal diabetes and has been associated with a spectrum of neurodevelopmental problems. We compared neurodevelopmental outcomes in patients with KCNJ11 mutations and their sibling controls. Methods Through our Monogenic Diabetes Registry (http://monogenicdiabetes.uchicago.edu/), we evaluated 23 patients with KCNJ11 mutations with (n = 9) and without (n = 14) global developmental delay successfully treated with sulfonylurea and 20 healthy sibling controls, using a battery of targeted neuropsychological and behavioural assessments with scaled scores that are comparable across a wide range of ages. Results Patients with KCNJ11-related diabetes without global developmental delay had significant differences compared with sibling controls on a range of assessments including IQ, measures of academic achievement and executive function. KCNJ11 patients with global delay exhibited significant differences in behavioural symptoms with a tendency to avoid social contact and displayed a reduced ability to adapt to new circumstances. Parents reported more immature behaviour, gross mood swings, bizarre thoughts, other unusual and severe behaviours, and there were also significant deficits in all subdomains of daily living skills. Conclusions This series represents the largest and most comprehensive study of neuropsychological and behavioural dysfunction of individuals with KCNJ11 diabetes and is the first to compare outcome with sibling controls. Our data demonstrate the variety of neurodevelopmental problems seen in those with KCNJ11 mutations, even in those without recognized global developmental delays. These data can be used to counsel families and guide structured neurodevelopmental assessments and treatments based on the initial genetic diagnosis in patients with neonatal diabetes.
Imaging of Pediatric Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors

Brain tumors are the most common solid pediatric tumors and are the leading cause of death in children from solid tumors [1]. The estimated incidence of all childhood primary brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumors is 4.8 per 100,000 person-years [2]. Approximately 4,150 new cases of childhood primary nonmalignant and malignant brain and CNS tumors will be diagnosed in the United States in 2011 [3]. In neonates, infants, and children up to the age of 3 years, supratentorial tumors are more common.
Bottom of the Pyramid, Marketing and Global Markets: Multidisciplinary Discourses and Emerging Literature

In marketing and social sciences, the literature on the bottom of the pyramid (BOP) is rich, multidisciplinary, and uniquely diverse regarding its contents and contributions. Since the publication of Prahalad’s (1998, 2002, 2006) seminal works on this topic, a wide array of writings and investigations have appeared in this area that represent multidisciplinary discourses and new contents. This paper revisits and reviews the topic of the BOP and its multidisciplinary investigations (2002–2014) that relate to marketing. The paper’s major contribution is to lay the foundation for other review-based studies that may be seeking multidisciplinary discourses and analysis. Future academic research can benefit by looking at those issues that provide opportunities for future research and practice.
Surgical treatment of infective endocarditis in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY Infective endocarditis (IE) is a devastating complication in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis (HD). The study aim was to reveal the characteristics and outcomes of surgically managed IE in chronic HD patients. METHODS Between April 1998 and August 2011, a total of 119 patients underwent surgery to treat IE. Of these patients, 16 were receiving chronic HD preoperatively. A comparison between non-HD patients (n = 103) and HD patients (n = 16) was conducted with regards to perioperative variables and postoperative morbidity and mortality. A survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS Preoperatively, a greater proportion of HD patients had diabetes mellitus than did non-HD patients (44% versus 16%, p = 0.015). Staphylococcus spp. (56%) and Enterococcus spp. (25%) were the predominant microorganisms in HD patients, while Staphylococcus spp. (37%) and Streptococcus spp. (21%) were predominant in non-HD patients. The most affected valve position was the aortic valve, followed by the mitral and the tricuspid in both groups. An annular reconstruction was performed in 56% of HD patients and in 30% of non-HD patients (p = 0.039). The HD patients had a higher incidence of perioperative use of intra-aortic balloon pump placement (25% versus 6.9%, p = 0.042), postoperative open-chest management (38% versus 9.8%, p = 0.009), and prolonged ventilation (63% versus 33%, p = 0.025). The operative mortality was 9.7% in non-HD patients and 38% in HD patients (p = 0.008). Survival at one year was 82% in the non-HD group and 34% in the HD group (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis revealed that chronic HD is an independent predictor of operative and long-term mortality. CONCLUSION The operative outcome after endocarditis in HD patients remains poor, and the importance of preventing endocarditis in chronic HD patients is further emphasized.
Differentiating between live and dead Mycobacterium smegmatis using autofluorescence

While there have been research efforts to find faster and more efficient diagnostic techniques for tuberculosis (TB), it is equally important to monitor a patient's response to treatment over time, especially with the increasing prevalence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) and extensively-drug resistant (XDR) TB. Between sputum smear microscopy, culture, and GeneXpert, only culture can verify viability of mycobacteria. However, it may take up to six weeks to grow Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), during which time the patient may have responded to treatment or the mycobacteria are still viable because the patient has MDR or XDR TB. In both situations, treatment incurs increased patient costs and makes them more susceptible to host-drug effects such as liver damage. Coenzyme Factor 420 (F420) is a fluorescent coenzyme found naturally in mycobacteria, with an excitation peak around 420 nm and an emission peak around 470 nm. Using Mycobacterium smegmatis, we show that live and dead mycobacteria undergo different rates of photobleaching over a period of 2 min. These preliminary experiments suggest that the different photobleaching rates could be used to help monitor a patient's response to TB treatment. In future studies, we propose to describe these experiments with Mtb as both M. smegmatis and Mtb use F420.
Cutaneous nerve biomarkers in transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy

Objective To determine the utility of skin biopsies as a biomarker of disease severity in subjects with amyloid neuropathy. Methods Five groups of patients were studied: (1) transthyretin (TTR) familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP; n = 20), (2) TTR mutation carriers without peripheral neuropathy (TTR-noPN; n = 10), (3) healthy controls (n = 20), (4) diabetic neuropathy disease controls (n = 20), and (5) patients with light-chain (AL) amyloid (n = 2). All subjects underwent neurological examination and 3mm skin biopsies. Sections were stained with anti-PGP9.5, anti-TTR, and Congo red. Intraepidermal (IENFD), sweat gland (SGNFD), and pilomotor nerve fiber densities (PMNFD) were measured. Correlations between the amount of amyloid present (amyloid burden), fiber subtype, and Neuropathy Impairment Score in the Lower Limbs (NIS-LL) were evaluated. Results IENFD, SGNFD, and PMNFD were all significantly reduced in TTR-FAP patients versus healthy controls, whereas TTR-noPN subjects had intermediate reductions. Lower nerve fiber densities were associated with NIS-LL (p < 0.001). Congo red staining revealed brilliant red amyloid deposits confirmed by apple-green birefringence within dermal collagen, sweat glands, and arrector pili that engulfed axons. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity to detect amyloid in skin were 70% and 100%. Both AL amyloidosis and 2 of 10 TTR-noPN subjects were Congo red–positive. Amyloid burden correlated with IENFD (r = −0.63), SGNFD (r = −0.67), PMNFD (r = −0.50), and NIS-LL (r = −0.57). Wild-type TTR staining was less prominent in TTR-FAP patients. Interpretation Cutaneous amyloid was detected in 70% of TTR-FAP and 20% of TTR-noPN subjects. Amyloid burden correlated strongly with reductions in IENFD, SGNFD, PMNFD, and NIS-LL. Skin is an attractive tissue to establish an amyloid diagnosis, and amyloid burden has potential as a biomarker to detect treatment effect in TTR-FAP drug trials. Ann Neurol 2017;82:44–56
Contributions of Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Gastroenterological Practice: MRIs for GIs

MRI has transformed from the theoretical, investigative realm to mainstream clinical medicine over the past four decades and has become a core component of the diagnostic toolbox in the practice of gastroenterology (GI). Its success is attributable to exquisite contrast and the ability to isolate specific proton species through the use of different pulse sequences (i.e., T1-weighted, T2-weighted, diffusion-weighted) and exploiting extracellular and hepatobiliary contrast agents. Consequently, MRI has gained preeminence in various GI clinical applications: liver and pancreatic lesion evaluation and detection, liver transplantation evaluation, pancreatitis evaluation, Crohn’s disease evaluation (using MR enterography) rectal cancer staging and perianal fistula evaluation. MR elastography, in concert with technical innovations allowing for fat and iron quantification, provides a noninvasive approach, or “MRI virtual liver biopsy” for diagnosis and management of chronic liver diseases. In the future, the arrival of ultra-high-field MR systems (7 T) and the ability to perform magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the abdomen promise even greater diagnostic insight into chronic liver disease.
Small-molecules that bind to the ubiquitin-binding motif of REV1 inhibit REV1 interaction with K164-monoubiquitinated PCNA and suppress DNA damage tolerance

Abstract REV1 protein is a mutagenic DNA damage tolerance (DDT) mediator and encodes two ubiquitin-binding motifs (i.e., UBM1 and UBM2) that are essential for the DDT function. REV1 interacts with K164-monoubiquitinated PCNA (UbPCNA) in cells upon DNA-damaging stress. By using AlphaScreen assays to detect inhibition of REV1 and UbPCNA protein interactions along with an NMR-based strategy, we identified small-molecule compounds that inhibit the REV1/UbPCNA interaction and that directly bind to REV1 UBM2. In cells, one of the compound prevented recruitment of REV1 to PCNA foci on chromatin upon cisplatin treatment, delayed removal of UV-induced cyclopyrimidine dimers from nuclei, prevented UV-induced mutation of HPRT gene, and diminished clonogenic survival of cells that were challenged by cyclophosphamide or cisplatin. This study demonstrates the potential utility of a small-molecule REV1 UBM2 inhibitor for preventing DDT.
Using Computer-Based “Experiments” in the Analysis of Chemical Reaction Equilibria

The application of the Reaction Monte Carlo (RxMC) algorithm to standard textbook problems in chemical reaction equilibria is discussed. The RxMC method is a molecular simulation algorithm for studying the equilibrium properties of reactive systems, and therefore provides the opportunity to develop computer-based “experiments” for the analysis of a wide range of chemical reactions. As the conditions of the reaction can be precisely controlled in these simulations, students can rather easily perform “virtual experiments”, and then compare the resulting compositions, extents of reaction, etc. with the predictions obtained using the relations of macroscopic thermodynamics. Students can also use these “experiments” to directly test the guidelines suggested by Le Châtelier’s principle, and even study situations in which exceptions to these guidelines are known to occur. These computer-based analyses can therefore be used as the basis of various useful and instructive homework assignments, or group projects, wh...
Effect of targeted erythrocytes coated with recombinant human interleukin 2 on T-lymphocyte proliferation in vitro

Mouse red blood cells (RBC) were incubated with recombinant human interleukin 2 (rIL 2) in protein-free media. Of the added cytokine, about 20% was bound to the cells. Dissociation of rIL 2 from RBC commenced when the carrier cells were transferred into fresh media. The release from the RBC vehicle was enhanced in the presence of soluble protein. When rIL 2-coated RBC (RBC-IL2) were incubated in protein-containing media for 24 h to release the majority of bound rIL 2, and then were subsequently incubated in fresh media with an IL 2-dependent cytotoxic T cell line (CTLL), residual bound rIL 2 was still released as demonstrated by CTLL proliferation. RBC were covalently coupled to specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) towards the lymphocyte cell-surface marker Thyl.2, coated with rIL 2, subsequently exposed to the target CTLL cells, then evaluated for CTLL/RBC rosette formation. The attachment of mAb to the RBCs surface did not markedly change the succeeding rIL 2 adsorption, and the bound rIL 2 did not impair antigen recognition by the mAb. At higher rIL 2 concentrations (1200-1500 i.u./10(8) cells), RBC-IL2 plus Thy1.2 mAb provided higher CTLL response than when RBC-IL2 plus non-specific mAb was used thus demonstrating enhancement by targeting. However, the targeting effects were not seen with lower rIL 2 concentrations (80-110 i.u./10(8) cells).
High-accuracy individual identification using a “thin slice” of the functional connectome

Connectome fingerprinting—a method that uses many thousands of functional connections in aggregate to identify individuals—holds promise for individualized neuroimaging. A better characterization o...
Disentangling topographic contributions to near-field scanning microwave microscopy images.

Abstract We develop empirical models to predict the contribution of topographic variations in a sample to near-field scanning probe microwave microscopy (NSMM) images. In particular, we focus on |S11| images of a thin Perovskite photovoltaic material and a GaN nanowire. The difference between the measured NSMM image and this prediction is our estimate of the contribution of material property variations to the measured image. Prediction model parameters are determined from either a reference sample that is nearly free of material property variations or directly from the sample of interest. The parameters of the prediction model are determined by robust linear regression so as to minimize the effect of material property variations on results. For the case where the parameters are determined from the reference sample, the prediction is adjusted to account for instrument drift effects. Our statistical approach black is fully empirical black and thus complementary to current approaches based on physical models that are often overly simplistic.
Fructosamine and diabetes as predictors of mortality among Hispanic and non-Hispanic white breast cancer survivors

Epidemiologic studies have found that elevated insulin levels and chronic hyperglycemia among breast cancer (BC) survivors are associated with poor prognosis; few of these studies have included Hispanic women in whom diabetes is highly prevalent. We examined the associations between circulating fructosamine-a biomarker of hyperglycemia and blood glucose control, self-reported diabetes, and risk of BC-specific and all-cause mortality among Hispanic and non-Hispanic white (NHW) women diagnosed with invasive BC. A total of 399 BC survivors (96 Hispanic, 303 NHW) contributed baseline data and plasma samples. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models. After a median follow-up time of 13 years, a total of 134 deaths occurred, of which 56 deaths were from BC. Diabetes was associated with BC-specific (HR, 2.89; 95% CI 1.27–6.60) and all-cause (HR, 2.10; 95% CI 1.24–3.55) mortality. Associations were stronger among women with clinically high fructosamine levels (>285 µmol/L) (BC-specific: HR, 4.25; 95% CI 1.67–10.80; all-cause: HR, 2.32; 95% CI 1.30–4.14) compared to women with normal levels (≤285 µmol/L). In mediation analysis, fructosamine explained 47% of the association between diabetes and all-cause mortality and 41% of BC-specific mortality; the largest attenuation was among Hispanics for all-cause mortality (56%). Our results demonstrate that poor glycemic control explains a large extent of the relationship between diabetes and mortality among women with invasive BC, particularly among Hispanic women. The associations we observed for BC mortality should be confirmed in larger studies of ethnically diverse BC patients. Diabetes and poor blood sugar control significantly increase a woman’s odds of dying from invasive breast cancer. A team led by Avonne Connor from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, tracked the fate of 399 survivors of breast cancer, 96 of whom were Hispanic, an underrepresented ethnicity in many biomedical studies. After a median follow-up of 13 years, the researchers found that women with diabetes had a nearly 3-fold higher risk of dying from their breast cancer and more than a two-fold greater risk for all-cause mortality. Poor glycemic control, as measured by elevated levels of a common blood biomarker called fructosamine, explained a large extent of the relationship between diabetes and cancer-linked mortality, especially among Hispanic women. The findings suggest that better glucose management could improve outcomes for breast cancer survivors with diabetes.
Expanded New World Distributions of Genera in the Termite Family Kalotermitidae

The New World Kalotermitidae constitute about one-fourth of all termite species in this region. The geographic distributions of all fifteen kalotermitid genera are updated based on records in the University of Florida Termite Collection and in the literature. Range-appropriate exotic records of four pest species are also given. New distribution records are presented on maps, and representative soldier photographs are provided for each genus.
Women Elders' Life Stories of the Omaha Tribe, Macy, Nebraska, 2004-2005

Review of: " Women Elders' Life Stories of the Omaha Tribe, Macy, Nebraska, 2004-2005," by Wynne L. Summers.
Institutions of higher education

Abstract Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) as communities are susceptible to disasters and other dangers. The Department of Education provided a grant in 2008, 2009, and 2010 for emergency management programs to 61 IHE. Since this time, resilience has come to the forefront of emergency management. In determining if these grants increased the positive perception of the level of resilience at IHE that received these grants, a study was done using Likert-type and open-ended questions. Through a mixed-methods analysis, including correlational studies and qualitative analysis, most IHE do not honestly look at “resilience” when disaster planning, they are more concerned with the continuity of their facility. By understanding how IHE perceive their levels of resilience, a plan can begin to be formulated on how to guide them toward being resilient.
Engaging students using a simple electronic daily response journal

This paper describes and analyzes a simple mechanism designed to enhance learning by encouraging meaningful class attendance, engaging students inside the classroom, and encouraging critical thinking outside the classroom. A web-based method for a simple journal system is presented that solves some of the logistical problems that occur with paper journals. Each day after class students respond to course material by submitting two important lecture points and one unresolved question via a web form. A simple CGI script ensures a valid submission and places it into a course specific text file with other student responses. Prior to the next class, a processing script is run to convert the responses into a web page accessible to all students. The responses are reviewed anonymously in the following class, providing rapid feedback on important concepts. The daily response journal encourages students to think critically and reflect about their questions, and it promotes discussion that better includes introverted and reflective students. This review time also serves as a focused review of the previous class and provides a nice transition between course topics. Daily responses are posted and available throughout the semester for student reference and review. Students from three courses were given a questionnaire related to the effectiveness of the daily response journal. The results indicate students found the daily response helpful overall. In particular, this format improved clarification and feedback on difficult concepts, facilitated classroom discussion, fostered an inquisitive attitude, gave them a voice in class, made it easier to ask questions, and stimulated their thinking outside the classroom. This method can be easily employed in a wide variety of settings to promote student engagement in the learning process.
Exit strategies of farmer co-operatives in the United States: A competing risks analysis

Abstract Farmer co-operatives in the United States in general outlive other types of business organisations, yet the overall population has been declining for decades. We address the paradox with survival analysis of 2260 farmer co-operatives in the United States from 2004 through 2017. Using a competing risks scenario, we estimate the cumulative incidence of (i) mergers and acquisitions and (ii) liquidations and dissolutions in relation to demographic, financial, and strategic firm-level characteristics. We observe both expected relationships, such as the high incidence of liquidations and dissolutions in case of high leverage, as well as unexpected relationships, including the relatively high incidence of mergers and acquisitions among larger farmer co-operatives. Based on our results, we advise academics to continue to conceptualize the failure of farmer co-operatives as a multi-dimensional construct. However, we also recommend an alternative perspective of mergers and acquisitions as survival strategies as opposed to exit strategies.
White Identity Politics

Jardina, an assistant professor of political science at Duke University, challenges the assessment by most social scientists that white racial identity in the United States is little more than a fo...
Calvinists and Catholics during Holland's Golden Age: Heretics and Idolaters

Introduction 1. War and peace 2. Priests and preachers 3. Persecution and toleration 4. Converts and apostates 5. Kith and kin Conclusion.
Unexpected radiographic lucency following grafting of bone defects with calcium sulfate/tricalcium phosphate bone substitute.

To report the development of unexpected radiographic lucency (URL) corresponding to the use of a commercially available calcium sulfate/tricalcium phosphate composite used to treat benign osseous lesions. This is a retrospective comparative study of patients with and without URL after treatment with curettage and grafting with calcium sulfate/tricalcium phosphate. The charts of 87 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were reviewed for demographic, clinical, and radiographic data. The group with URL was compared to those with more typical patterns of graft incorporation. Thirteen of 87 cases (15 %) showed URL. There was no difference with respect to the pathologic subtype, anatomic location, or specific bone for the presence of URL. Of patients with URL, one (7.7 %) required reoperation and regrafting, whereas among patients without URL, five (6.7 %) had clinical complications, with one requiring reoperation and regrafting, and one requiring radiofrequency ablation. The majority of patients treated with calcium sulfate/tricalcium phosphate cementing after curettage of low-grade bone lesions go on to uneventful healing in our series. In a minority of patients, URL occurs in lieu of the more typical pattern of centripetal incorporation. However, there is no increase in complications associated with URL. Based on these findings, patients should be informed of the possibility of this risk, although there appears to be little risk of clinically relevant adverse consequences. Physicians should be aware of this complication in order to avoid mistaking it for recurrence of the primary lesion.
Meeting a powertrain verification challenge

We present the verification of a benchmark powertrain control system using the hybrid system verification tool C2E2. This model comes from a suite of benchmarks that were posed as a challenge problem for the hybrid systems community, and to our knowledge, we are reporting its first verification. For this work, we implemented the algorithm reported in [10] in C2E2, to automatically compute local discrepancy (rate of convergence or divergence of trajectories) of the model. We verify the key requirements of the model, specified in signal temporal logic (STL), for a set of driver behaviors. Open image in new window
Electron Paramagnetic Resonance-detectable Electron Acceptors in Beef Heart Mitochondria REDUCED DIPHOSPHOPYRIDINE NUCLEOTIDE UBIQUINONE REDUCTASE SEGMENT OF THE ELECTRON TRANSFER SYSTEM

Abstract The EPR-detectable (≥4.2 K) electron acceptors of the DPNH-ubiquinone reductase segment of the electron transfer system of beef heart mitochondria were studied in preparations of varying complexity. Four distinct iron-sulfur centers associated with this segment of the electron transfer system were identified. They occur in approximately equal concentrations, and this concentration approximates that of the bound flavin of DPNH dehydrogenase. Quantitative reductive titrations with DPNH and dithionite showed that the order of the oxidation-reduction potentials of the ironsulfur centers is: Center 3 ≥ 2 >> 4 g 1, indicating that there are two centers of high and two of low potential. Complex I accepts approximately 20 electron neq per mg of protein from DPNH. In rapid reaction studies using the freeze-quench method the rates of reduction of the iron-sulfur centers by DPNH could not be resolved. With acetylpyridine DPNH, however, the rates of appearance of the signals were in this sequence: Center 2 g 3 + 4 g 1.
Development and Adaptation of Protein Digestion

Protein digestion is a complex process in which most aspects have a developmental pattern of activity. Gastric pH and intestinal peptide and amino acid transport as well as the activities of pepsinogen, trypsin, chymotrypsin, enterokinase and intestinal dipeptidases vary during development. No one species has been assessed for all these aspects and it is not possible to present an integrated developmental view of protein digestion. The following developmental changes, however, have been observed. Gastric pH declines, and peptic and pancreatic proteases exhibit increasing activity in pigs and rats after birth. The increase in pigs is gradual over several weeks starting at birth, whereas the increases in the rat begin at 2 wk, just prior to the time of weaning. The activities of dipeptidases in the rat and pig, peptide transport systems in the guinea pig and rabbit and amino acid transport systems in the rat, rabbit, guinea pig and chicken, however, appear (with few exceptions) to be active in the small intestine at the time of birth. Frequently, these activities peak in the neonate and decline during the postnatal period. In the rat, dietary protein tends to increase the activities of pancreatic proteases and intestinal peptidases and to increase the rate of uptake of amino acids by the intestinal epithelium. Individual dietary amino acids also influence amino acid transport systems. The data indicate that most processes in protein digestion undergo marked changes during prenatal and postnatal development and are influenced by the level of feeding and composition of the diet.
Clustered Disclosures by Competing Firms: The Choice of Reporting Periods

In some industries firms schedule their disclosure at about the same time, usually around the end of the business cycle, whereas in others such disclosures are more dispersed over time. This paper examines a firm s choice of a fiscal year-end (and hence of disclosure timing) relative to the business cycle and to the timing chosen by other firms in the industry. We model a stochastic setting in which the periodic closing of books yields information that is relevant for subsequent managerial decisions. The results show that while it is business seasonality that is the primary determinant of reporting period choice, competitive forces in the form of information transfer effects and proprietary disclosure costs have the ability to make firms' fiscal years deviate from the business cycle. Such deviations are more likely when auto-correlation in firms' annual costs is low, when within-season variations in business conditions are low, when uncertainty is primarily about industry-wide rather than firm-specific factors, and/or when affordable opportunities exist for collecting information that the year-end closing of books typically provides. Further, if incumbent firms are already reporting at the end of the business season, newer firms may have a greater inclination to make a different choice. The results also offer a novel rationale for why the end of the business cycle is an attractive fiscal year-end. The desire to receive information at an opportune time, rather than the ease of collecting information or any other factors, makes the end of business cycle an attractive year-end in our setting.