cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The concept of stewardship in health policy

There is widespread agreement that both the configuration and the application of state authority in the health sector should be realigned in the interest of achieving agreed policy objectives. The desired outcome is frequently characterized as a search for good governance serving the public interest. The present paper examines the proposal in The World Health Report 2000 that the concept of stewardship offers the appropriate basis for reconfiguration. We trace the development of stewardship from its initial religious formulation to more recent ecological and sociological permutations. Consideration is given to the potential of stewardship for encouraging state decision-making that is both normatively based and economically efficient. Various dilemmas that could impede or preclude such a shift in state behaviour are examined. We conclude that the concept of stewardship holds substantial promise if adequately developed and effectively implemented.
The possible role of peroxynitrite in Alzheimer's disease: a simple hypothesis that could be tested more thoroughly

Abstract Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the development of a degenerative condition in the elderly, associated with dementia. Upon pathological examination, cerebral amyloid plaques are found which contain denatured protein or peptide material. The process of denaturation of protein requires the presence of excessive heat, organic solvents, or oxidizing acids (OA). It seems that only OA could produce these effects since the other two are not present in the disease. Macrophages can produce the anion of an oxidizing acid known as peroxynitrite (OONO) − . This material is formed from two free radical gases, namely superoxide anion (·O 2 ] − and nitric oxide (⊎N=0). Although (OONO) − is very reactive (1000 times more oxidizing than hydrogen peroxide), its half life in solution is only 1 to 2 seconds. Therefore, when it oxidizes a substance (such as protein) peroxynitrite disappears. The brain contains cells called microglia which are produced from monocytes in the same way as other types of macrophages from the lung and liver etc. The macrophages from the lung (alveolar) and liver (Kupfer cells) produce large amounts of peroxynitrite when activated by particles (silica) or infectious agents (lipopolysaccharide or interferon). Microglia produce highly oxidizing substances as well, but no one has ever measured production of peroxynitrite from these cells. Assuming that microglia produce peroxynitrite, or other similar oxidants, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory drugs should be helpful in treatment of early forms of the disease. In addition, large doses of anti-oxidant vitamin C and vitamin E might be helpful to people with Alzheimer's disease.
Visualization of intracellular pathways of engineered baculovirus in mammalian cells

Baculoviruses are a promising gene delivery vector. They have the ability to express large transgenes in mammalian cells without displaying pathogenicity in humans; however, little is known about their transduction mechanisms in target cells. In this study, we use colocalization and live-cell imaging studies to elucidate the internalization and intracellular trafficking pathways of baculoviruses through direct visualization of VP39-GFP-labeled viral particles and various endocytic structures within target cells. Drug inhibition and confocal microscopy results suggested that baculoviruses enter the cells via clathrin-mediated endocytosis in a dynamin-dependent manner. Viral particles were shown to traffic through early endosomes, triggering a low-pH-dependent endosomal fusion process of viruses. Suppressed autophagy activity enhanced viral transduction and overexpression of autophagosomes reduced viral transduction, suggesting that autophagy is involved in degradation process of viral particles. Actin filaments were involved in the viral transduction, while microtubules negatively regulated viral transduction by facilitating the fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes to form autolysosomes, where degradation of viral particles occurs. These results shed some light on the essential cellular factors limiting viral transduction, which can be used to improve the use of baculoviral vectors in cell and gene therapy.
Polar sea ice mapping using SeaWinds data

Microwave remote sensing provides an excellent means for mapping polar ice extent. In this study, a new algorithm for polar sea ice mapping is developed for use with the SeaWinds instrument. The approach utilizes a priori information within the framework of Bayes detection to produce sea ice extent maps. Statistical models for sea ice and ocean are represented in histograms which are filtered using a principal component (PC) based filtering technique. Spatial a priori information is incorporated through the loss terms associated with Bayes risk. Sea ice extent maps produced by the algorithm correlate well with the Remund-Long algorithm.
Dermatologists, Imiquimod, and Treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum in Children: Righting Wrongs

“Halfofwhatwe’reteachingyouiswrong,”oneofmymedical school deans would often say. “The problem,”hewouldcontinue,“isthatwedon’tknowwhichhalf.”The dean was wise. Consider the case of imi-quimod, long widely considered beneficial for treat-mentofmolluscumcontagiosum.Itactuallyisnot,as2large randomized clinical trials (RCTs) showed.
Monetary crisis: A 2012 update

The authors of this article, both professors of finance, have taken a new look at the ongoing monetary crisis. The trends they see are very sobering. They predict that 2012 will be viewed as a pivotal point in history—when rational business planning, based on macroeconomic trends and data, became nearly impossible. The normal business cycle has been replaced by a sustained pattern of high unemployment and abnormally slow growth—combined with a lurking threat of either a full-blown depression or hyperinflation. And political gridlock in Washington and Europe means governments cannot develop a long-term solution. To help companies safely navigate these choppy seas, the authors carefully evaluate what is knowable, what businesses should expect, and what should be done. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modeling Spatially Variant Processes in Plug-Flow-Like Activated Sludge Reactors

AbstractThe nonideal segregated flow (SF) model was adapted for modeling single-sludge carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand (cBOD) reduction and nitrification within a plug-flow-like bioreactor. Principles associated with the CMFRs (complete-mix flow reactors) in series (also called continuous-flow stirred tank reactors, CFSTRs, in series, or simply tanks in series, TiS) and plug-flow with dispersion (PFD) models were combined with the SF model to develop a powerful modeling approach with the capability to predict reactant and product concentrations and process rates as a function of position along the reactor flow path. The single CMFR, plug-flow (PF), TiS, and SF models were then used to simulate the steady-state performance of a hypothetical activated sludge bioreactor to compare capabilities to predict spatial process variation. All simulations were forced to a common target effluent ammonia-nitrogen concentration, yielding unique sets of predicted performance parameters from each of the models. Pre...
Outcomes and Use of Laparoscopic Versus Open Gastric Resection

Background and objectives The advantages of laparoscopy over open surgery are well established. Laparoscopic resection for gastric cancer is safe and results in equivalent oncologic outcomes when compared with open resection. The purpose of this study was to assess the use of laparoscopy to treat gastric cancer and the associated outcomes. Methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP) dataset was queried for patients with gastric cancer (ICD-9 Code 151.0-151.9) from January 2005 through December 2012. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the 30-day morbidity and mortality of open gastrectomy (CPT code 43620-2, 43631-4) versus that of the laparoscopic procedure on the stomach (CPT code 43650), while adjusting for preoperative risk factors. Results A total of 4116 patients with gastric cancer were identified and divided by surgical approach into 2 groups: open gastrectomy (n = 3725; 90.5%) and laparoscopic procedure on the stomach (n = 391; 9.5%). After adjustment for preoperative risk factors, complications were significantly fewer in laparoscopic versus open gastric resection (odds ratio [OR] 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.45-0.82; P = .001). After adjusting for preoperative risk factors, there was no statistically significant difference in mortality with laparoscopic compared to open gastric resection (OR 0.74; 95% CI = 0.32-1.72; P = .481). Conclusions Laparoscopy is underused in the treatment of gastric cancer. Given that laparoscopic gastric resection has a lower morbidity in comparison to open resection, steps should be made toward advancing the use of laparoscopy for gastric cancer.
Natural Law and Civilizations: Images of “Nature,” Intracivilizational Polarities, and the Emergence of Heterodox Ideals

This article focuses on the role played by key civilizational categories, especially images of "nature, " "natural law, " the "state of nature, " and several related notions in the gestation of heterodox ideals and movements in different civilizations. It focuses on the tensions and balances struck within the civilizational settings of Europe, China, and India between "major" (or orthodox) currents of ideas and institutions and "minor" (or heterodox) ones. The conflicting outcomes derived from Stoic-Christian natural law in Europe (as described by Troeltsch) are compared with the structurally similar, yet differently composed and articulated, tensions in China between Confucian and Taoist ideals, while the altogether different outcomes in India (noted by Weber) are used as a third negative reference point. Similar problems in the Russian setting are briefly discussed as a fourth point of comparison. This paper concludes with theoretical reflections drawn from Marx, Toennies, and the Durkheim school on the explanation of such intracivilizational structures and processes. The central issue examined in this essay concerns the evident existence in all complex societies and civilizations of "major" and "minor" themes that represent competing ideals of life or alternative visions of the proper way to realize the ultimate values of the civilization. These "polarities" - to adapt Robert Hertz's term (1973) - are bound together within more comprehensive structures of consciousness. Although they often represent contradictory viewpoints, they co-exist in one or another complex tension, balance or imbalance, in Turner's (1969) words, as "structure" and "antistructure." A second related problem area points to the investigation of the composition and orchestration of fundamental "categories" (Mauss, 1966:333-34) or "unit ideas" (Lovejoy, 1936) of civilizations seen as a perennial source of ideals and forms of thought from which both the "major" and "minor" tendencies draw renewed sustenance.
Successful Closure of an Esophagopleural Fistula With an Amplatzer Occluder Sealed With Liquid Copolymer, With 3-Year Follow-Up and Review of Literature

Esophageal perforations may recur, and/or develop a mature fistulous tract to the pleura, despite prompt surgical management. Treatment of a chronic esophageal fistula is challenging and may requir...
Fabrication of Organic Thin Films for Copper Diffusion Barrier Layers using Molecular Layer Deposition

Device scaling predicts that copper barrier layers of under 3 nm in thickness will soon be needed in back-end processing for integrated circuits, motivating the development of new barrier layer materials. In this work, nanoscale organic thin films for use as possible copper diffusion barrier layers are deposited by molecular layer deposition (MLD) utilizing a series of self-limiting reactions of organic molecules. MLD can be used to tailor film properties to optimize desirable barrier properties, including density, copper surface adhesion, thermal stability, and low copper diffusion. Three systems are examined as copper diffusion barriers, a polyurea film deposited by the reaction of 1,4-phenylene diisocyanate (PDIC) and ethylenediamine (ED), a polyurea film with a sulfide-modified backbone, and a polythiourea films using a modified coupling chemistry. Following deposition of the MLD films, copper is sputter deposited. The copper diffusion barrier properties of the film are tested through adhesion and annealing tests, including 4-point bend testing and TEM imaging to examine the level of copper penetration. The promise and challenges of MLD-formed organic copper diffusion barriers will be discussed.
An overview of research from a high elevation landscape: the Niwot Ridge, Colorado Long Term Ecological Research programme

Background: There is a paucity of information for mountain catchments, and in particular a lack of long-term data collection in alpine areas.Aims: The focus of this special issue is to synthesize alpine research undertaken in the last 20 years at high altitude research sites that comprise the Niwot Ridge Long Term Ecological Research (NWT LTER) programme. It is a timely update of the benchmark volume on alpine ecology by Bowman and Seastedt (2001) that presented a summary of work carried out over 40 years on the structure and functioning of the NWT LTER alpine terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.Methods: We introduce and synthesize both the individual manuscripts in this monograph, along with insights from non-LTER investigators.Results and conclusions: Mountain areas are sentinels of climate change. We are seeing those effects today. Furthermore, these ecosystem changes we report are occurring in mountain areas before they occur in downstream ecosystems. Thus, the sensitivity of mountain ecosystems to cha...
Abstract 3258: Development of novel ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors: A story from structural analysis to preclinical study

The goal of this project is to develop new class inhibitors for Ribonucleotide Reductase (RR), a key enzyme for DNA synthesis. These inhibitors are more effective than existing small molecule therapies, and can overcome resistance from Hydroxyurea (HU), the only FDA approved drug for targeting RR-based cancers. In addition, this new class of inhibitors will ameliorate the severe iron chelating side effects associated with 3-Aminopyridine-2-Carboxaldehyde Thiosemicarbazone (3-AP, Triapine®), a compound that is currently been testing in human phase II clinic trials. A lead compound, COH29 (US Patent No. 54435.8056.US01) with sub-micro molar range inhibition was developed through modification of a hit identified from screening a diverse compound library from NCI Developmental Therapeutics Program (DTP). COH29 demonstrated 90.2% inhibitory activity of recombinant human RRM2/RRM1 enzyme complex at 9 µM in vitro. Moreover, examine the cytotoxicity of COH29 in a NCI broad panel of 60 human cancer cell lines in vitro by 5 doses MTT cytotoxicity assay indicated COH29 show a good inhibition against cancer cells special to leukemia and ovarian cancer cells. Importantly, COH29 shows less toxicity to human normal fibroblast cells as compared to 3-AP. Results from computer modeling and biophysical measurements suggest that COH29 interferes with the radical transfer pathway at the interface between RRM1 and RRM2. This represents a unique binding mechanism that is completely different from existing known inhibitors. Biacore binding analysis, computer docking, as well as NMR Saturation Transfer Difference (STD) studies have been performed and identified COH29 binding is specific to RRM2. These studies further confirm a V-shaped binding pocket of RRM2 with COH29. Preliminary data suggest that COH29 represents a promising new class of RR inhibitors with the advantages of (a) a unique mechanism and target specificity that interferes with the radical transfer pathway at the RRM1-RRM2 interface, (b) greater potency than HU in the sub-µM range of IC50, and (c) avoiding iron chelating-related side effects compared to 3-AP. Therefore, our objectives are to optimize the properties of COH29 into a viable candidate as a future anticancer drug targeting over expressed RR based cancers. (This project was supported by NIH grant CA 127541) Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3258. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3258
Monitoring Localized Initial Atmospheric Corrosion of Alkanethiol-Covered Copper Using Sum Frequency Generation Imaging Microscopy: Relation between Monolayer Properties and Cu2O Formation

In order to evaluate the interfacial monolayer order on copper surfaces in two-dimensions, the tilt angle distribution and orientation-conformation correlation maps were investigated using sum frequency generation imaging microscopy (SFGIM). In this paper, these methods of analyses were further utilized in evaluating the effect of the formation of a thin oxide film on the monolayer order of octadecanethiol (ODT) deposited on Cu. By chemically stripping the native oxide of the copper surface using amidosulfonic acid (ASA), the spontaneous atmospheric oxidation of Cu from an initial reduced state was observed as a change in the nonresonant phase response of the sum frequency generation (SFG) spectral line shape obtained from the SFGIM setup configured with a 1064 nm probe beam. Statistical calculations and contour maps for the CH-stretch modes of the terminal methyl and methylene group showed the overall decrease in the mean tilt angle and increase in the amount of alkyl gauche defects as a result of the ox...
Analysis of HIV Screening and Infection Among Patients with Tuberculosis

Objective To investigate the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) infection and the risk factors influencing HIV screening among tuberculosis(TB) patients. Methods All newly registered TB patients in 16 counties of Yunnan Province during September and December in 2007 were offered HIV screening. Results Among 993 TB patients,921(92.75%) received HIV testing,and 11 TB patients were HIV positive,with the positive rate of 1.19%.All patients with TB and HIV co-infection(TB/HIV) were aged 20 to 40 years,72.73% were male,63.64% came from countryside,91% were poorly educated,and 72.72% were from HIV/AIDS high burden area.HIV screening rate was significantly higher for TB patients from rural area(ORadjusted=5.26,P0.01),with lower-degree education(ORadjusted=3.99,P0.01),with initiative visiting(ORadjusted=2.18,P0.05),with sputum smear negative/without sputum test(ORadjusted=2.38,P0.05) and from low HIV/AIDS burden area(P0.01). Conclusions TB patients are at higher risk of being infected with HIV at high HIV/AIDS burden area,especially those who are poorer,younger and living at rural regions,thus HIV screening should be offered as early as possible to detect TB/HIV patient in time.
Change of the Level of Serum Leptin in Children with Primary Nephritic Syndrome Treated with Glucocorticosteroid

Objective To study the change of the level of serum leptin in children with primary nephritic syndrome(PNS)treated with glucocorticosteroid.Methods Totally 30 PNS patients and 26 healthy children in whom were a matchable age,sex and body mass index(BMI)with the PNS patients were recruited in this study.The PNS patients were treated with prednisone in middle-term or long-term coure of treatment.Serum leptin and BMI of PNS patients were abserved before treatment,after 2,6 months treatment and in the end.The se-rum total cholesteroc(TC)and triglyeride(TG)were abserved in PNS patients after 2,6 months treatment and in the end.Results The se-rum leptin level was(2.75±2.29)μg/L in the PNS patient before treatment and control group was(2.65±2.22)μg/L.There was not significantly different between the PNS patient and control group.The level of serum leptin after 2 months treatment was(9.29±7.19)μg/L and BMI was(18.12±1.90)kg/m2.They were higher than that in control group,6 months treatment and in the end(Pa0.001).With glucocorticosteroid reducing,the level of serum leptin and BMI were down.The level of serum leptin after 6 months treatment was(3.77±3.49)μg/L and BMI was(17.23±2.30)kg/m2,there were no staistical significance between before treatmaet and 6 months treatment in PNS.The level of serum leptin in the treatment end was(3.30±2.74)μg/L and BMI was(16.96±1.65)kg/m2,there were no staistical significance between the before treatment and the treatment end in PNS.The level of TG and TC in blood serum were normal after 2,6 months treatment and in the treatment end.Conclusions Using the sufficient glucocorticosteroid for long time can improve the serum leptin level in PNS patients.
Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor and Related Skeletal Disorders

Osteochondrodysplasias are a heterogeneous group of disorders. To date, more than 450 skeletal conditions have been characterized. Many of the skeletal dysplasias arise during the prenatal period and are able to be diagnosed by ultrasonography. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling, including the ligands and their receptors, plays an important role in the function of chondrocytes and osteocytes that contribute to bone patterning. Two of the most common types of skeletal dysplasias are achondroplasia and thanatophoric dysplasia, emphasizing the importance of FGF signaling in skeletal development. This chapter focuses on the many distinct skeletal disorders arising from mutations in the FGF receptor (FGFR) family of genes that are responsible for forms of syndromic and non-syndromic craniosynostosis and chondrodysplasias.
Ovulation and Reproductive Hormones following Steroid Pretreatment, Calf Removal and GnRH in Postpartum Suckled Beef Cows

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of calf removal, steroid pretreatment and treatment with gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) on subsequent reproductive hormone secretion and ovulation. In the first experiment, GnRH was administered to postpartum beef cows at two levels (100 and 250 microgram) and in two carrier vehicles (saline and carboxymethylcellulose [CMC]). Although peak luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations were similar for all cows, the interval from treatment to peak LH release and the duration of the LH release was prolonged (P .10). Ovulation occurred in all cows (100%) that were separated from their calves and given GnRH, whereas only 67% of cows not subjected to calf removal ovulated following GnRH treatment. Although the ovulation responses differed (P .10).
The institutionalized adolescent: the pediatrician's role as youth advocate.

In addition to dealing with health problems that an adolescent may contract before institutionalization, the pediatrician should be concerned with conditions arising from the institutional setting itself that can affect the adolescent's health or impede the development of adolescent "tasks."
Multiple Running Speed Signals in Medial Entorhinal Cortex.

Grid cells in medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) can be modeled using oscillatory interference or attractor dynamic mechanisms that perform path integration, a computation requiring information about running direction and speed. The two classes of computational models often use either an oscillatory frequency or a firing rate that increases as a function of running speed. Yet it is currently not known whether these are two manifestations of the same speed signal or dissociable signals with potentially different anatomical substrates. We examined coding of running speed in MEC and identified these two speed signals to be independent of each other within individual neurons. The medial septum (MS) is strongly linked to locomotor behavior, and removal of MS input resulted in strengthening of the firing rate speed signal, while decreasing the strength of the oscillatory speed signal. Thus, two speed signals are present in MEC that are differentially affected by disrupted MS input.
Experimental demonstration of spatial-mode-selective frequency up-conversion in a multimode χ (2) waveguide

Using a PPLN waveguide, we selectively up-convert either TM 00 or TM 01 mode, or any of their superpositions from 1540 nm into TM 01 mode at 775 nm, with >70% internal efficiency and better than –16-dB crosstalk.
Single-Event Effects in High-Frequency Linear Amplifiers: Experiment and Analysis

The single-event transient (SET) response of two different silicon-germanium (SiGe) X-band (8–12 GHz) low noise amplifier (LNA) topologies is fully investigated in this paper. The two LNAs were designed and implemented in 130nm SiGe HBT BiCMOS process technology. Two-photon absorption (TPA) laser pulses were utilized to induce transients within various devices in these LNAs. Impulse response theory is identified as a useful tool for predicting the settling behavior of the LNAs subjected to heavy ion strikes. Comprehensive device and circuit level modeling and simulations were performed to accurately simulate the behavior of the circuits under ion strikes. The simulations agree well with TPA measurements. The simulation, modeling and analysis presented in this paper can be applied for any other circuit topologies for SET modeling and prediction.
Botulinum Toxin Treatment of Essential Tremor - A Customized Approach (S27.002)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of incobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin) in essential tremor (ET) using a customized approach. BACKGROUND: OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) has been reported to alleviate essential tremor, but up to 30[percnt] of the patients in previous studies developed unacceptable hand weakness. A customized treatment approach with incobotulinumtoxinA has been suggested to alleviate this problem (Jankovic 2008), but data has not been reported in a blinded study. DESIGN: 33 adult patients with ET were planned to enroll in this prospective, placebo-controlled, crossover, blinded study design, allowing a minimum inclusion of 30 (10[percnt] drop out). This is a preliminary report on the first 19 patients. Patients were injected under electromyography (EMG) guidance with 100 units of incobotulinumtoxinA (10units/0.1cc). All patients received 15 units into biceps and wrist flexors, but other muscles (finger flexors and extensors, wrist extensors and pronator) were included only if EMG showed significant activity (5-10 units/muscle). Crossover occurred at 4 months. Ratings included NIH Collaborative Genetic Criteria Tremor Severity Scale, patient global impression of change (PGIC), quality of life scale and assessment of hand weakness. RESULTS: 12 of 19 patients receiving incobotulinumtoxinA (63[percnt]) compared to 2 of 19 (11[percnt]) receiving saline demonstrated significant improvement of tremor (two or more grades) by the NIH tremor scale (P= 0.019). 10 of 19 patients receiving incobotulinumtoxinA (53[percnt]) compared to 3 of 19 patients receiving saline (15[percnt]) expressed improvement in PGIC (P=0.031). One patient withdrew from the study due to unacceptable hand weakness (5[percnt]) with complete recovery within 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: This customized, blinded, EMG-guided injection study of incobotulinumtoxinA produced statistically significant improvement of tremor and patient satisfaction. Unacceptable hand weakness occurred in a small percentage of patients. This treatment should be considered for patients with continued bothersome ET despite use of oral medications. Disclosure: Dr. Rostami has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chow has nothing to disclose. Dr. Richardson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Jabbari has received research support from Allergan Inc, Merz Pharmaceuticals, and Ipsen Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Machado has nothing to disclose.
Effects of asymptomatic rotator cuff pathology on in vivo shoulder motion and clinical outcomes

Background The incidence of asymptomatic rotator cuff tears has been reported to range from 15% to 39%, but the influence of asymptomatic rotator cuff pathology on shoulder function is not well understood. This study assessed the effects of asymptomatic rotator cuff pathology on shoulder kinematics, strength, and patient-reported outcomes. Methods A clinical ultrasound examination was performed in 46 asymptomatic volunteers (age: 60.3 ± 7.5 years) with normal shoulder function to document the condition of their rotator cuff. The ultrasound imaging identified the participants as healthy (n = 14) or pathologic (n = 32). Shoulder motion was measured with a biplane x-ray imaging system, strength was assessed with a Biodex (Biodex Medical Systems, Inc., Shirley, NY, USA), and patient-reported outcomes were assessed using the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index and visual analog scale pain scores. Results Compared with healthy volunteers, those with rotator cuff pathology had significantly less abduction ( P = .050) and elevation ( P = .041) strength, their humerus was positioned more inferiorly on the glenoid ( P = .018), and the glenohumeral contact path length was longer ( P = .007). No significant differences were detected in the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index, visual analog scale, range of motion, or acromiohumeral distance. Conclusions The differences observed between the healthy volunteers and those with asymptomatic rotator cuff pathology lend insight into the changes in joint mechanics, shoulder strength, and conventional clinical outcomes associated with the early stages of rotator cuff pathology. Furthermore, these findings suggest a plausible mechanical progression of kinematic and strength changes associated with the development of rotator cuff pathology.
Stresses, Strains, and Elastic Response of Soils

This chapter presents a brief review of the concept of stress and of the kinematic quantities strain and deformation. It also gives an overview of constitutive relations with emphasis on isotropic linear elastic material idealizations.
Characteristic Properties of Novel Photochromic Inhibitor of Kinesin Eg5 Composed of Spiropyran Derivative

Kinesin Eg5 which is a kind of motor protein has an important role on the cell division. Eg5 tetramer crosslinks with anti-parallel microtubule and induce formation of bipolar spindle in M phase. It is known that kinesin Eg5 overexpress in some of cancer cells. Kinesin Eg5 has been considered as a target of anti-cancer therapy. Several small molecules were recognized as potent inhibitors of Eg5. Interestingly the inhibitors bind to the common pocket in Eg5 motor domain. STLC is one of the well-known potent inhibitor of Eg5. The crystallographic structure of Eg5-STLC complex revealed that STLC binds to the pocket composed of α2, α3 helix and loop L5. The inhibitory mechanism of STLC has been well studied. Photochromic molecules such as azobenzene and spiropyran derivatives, which change their structures and properties reversibly by light irradiation, are expected to be applicable to photo-switches of bionanomachines. Previously we have demonstrated that STLC analogues composed of azobenzenen (ACTAB) or spiropyran (SP-APA) inhibit Eg5 ATPase activity and motor activity photo-reversibly upon UV and visible light irradiations. Moreover, HeLa cell division was photo-regulated with ACTAB. In this study, we have tried to study the optimum conditions to regulate the function of Eg5 with the photochromic inhibitors we have synthesized. In the results, pH and ionic strength dependent effect of the inhibitors on the ATPase activity and Eg5 driven microtubule gliding. At pH6.8, SP-APA showed significant efficiency to control ATPase and motor activities as an inhibitor that has a photo-switching system.
EHCTool: Managing Emotional Hotspots for Conversational Agents

Building conversational agents is becoming easier thanks to the profusion of designated platforms. Integrating emotional intelligence in such agents contributes to positive user satisfaction. Currently, this integration is implemented using calls to an emotion analysis service. In this demonstration we present EHCTool that aims to detect and notify the conversation designer about problematic conversation states where emotions are likely to be expressed by the user. Using its exploration view, the tool assists the designer to manage and define appropriate responses in these cases.
Ohio Senate Race: A Summer Campaign

Early polling for the 2016 Ohio Senate election gave great hope to Democrats that they could capture this prized seat. The incumbent, Republican Senator Rob Portman, was surprisingly unknown to many voters and initially trailed Governor Ted Strickland by double digits. Independent groups, allied with the Republicans, launched a very expensive and negative campaign against Strickland, totaling $31.7 million by the end of the summer. These groups focused on the woes of Ohio during the Great Recession, while Strickland served as governor. Stickland had neither the funds nor an answer to that early barrage of negative advertising, causing a dramatic drop in the polls. The race was over by the end of the summer of 2016 and Portman won with 58% of the vote.
Modified Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion Using Transesophageal Echocardiography and Its Utility to Predict Postoperative Course in Heart Transplantation and Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation.

Objectives Perioperative right ventricular (RV) function is important for determining the postoperative course in heart transplantation (HT) and left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. The authors describe a modified tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (m-TAPSE) using transesophageal echocardiography and assessed its clinical utility in HT and LVAD. Design Retrospective medical record review. Setting A single tertiary-care medical center. Participants Forty-eight patients who underwent successful HT and 80 patients who underwent successful LVAD placement. Measurements and Main Results Statistically significant correlation between m-TAPSE and RV fractional area change (FAC) was seen for HT and LVAD (r = 0.462, p Conclusions m-TAPSE validated a good correlation to RV systolic function as reflected by RV FAC for both HT and LVAD. For HT, m-TAPSE was helpful for predicting postoperative NO use; whereas for LVAD, m-TAPSE was helpful for predicting postoperative NO use and RV assist device implantation. m-TAPSE should be considered as a useful parameter to decide postoperative management for these cases.
Early Life Conditions and Later Life Mortality

Although the idea that early life conditions shape mortality is not new, there has been a resurgence of studies on the topic in the last two decades. In our review of this work, we weigh the evidence for the major causal mechanisms, i.e., biological imprint and pathway processes, thought to underlie the associations between childhood conditions and adult mortality. We also examine the evidence on how key social and physical exposures in early life are associated with adult mortality through these mechanisms. Drawing on the Health and Retirement Study, we then offer additional evidence on these associations and mechanisms. While our results reinforce the importance of early life conditions for understanding adult mortality, they, as well as previous literature, also highlight key conceptual and analytical challenges. Associations and mechanisms are sensitive, for example, to particular social and physical exposures, the period of manifestation, and the type of health problem. Nonetheless, the body of evidence strongly points to childhood conditions having an enduring influence on adult mortality through both imprint and pathway processes. We argue that variability in these associations and mechanisms should be expected both historically and within populations, as variability reflects sociohistorical differences in life-course exposures.
Measurement of Silver Diffusion in VHTR Graphitic Materials

Very high temperature reactors (VHTRs) and high temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) can develop extreme temperatures in excess of 900°C that make them theoretically very efficient, potentially ...
On the In teractions of Mesons with the Electromagnetic Field

By means of the formalism of Duffin and Kemmer there is constructed for mesons interacting with the electromagnetic field a theory that is manifestly Lorentz invariant and also gauge invariant and invariant under charge conjugation. The transformation to an interaction representation is accomplished by a procedure necessarily somewhat more complicated than that used by Schwinger for the quantum electrodynamics of electrons. The longitudinal components of the electromagnetic field are eliminated in a covariant manner.The resulting interaction Hamiltonian is analyzed into terms corresponding to self-energies and terms describing interactions. By a suitable interpretation of ambiguous expressions, the photon self-energy is shown to vanish. Expressions are found for the polarization of the mesic vacuum by a given electromagnetic field. In the case of mesons of spin 1, not only the term proportional to the original current, but also that proportional to its d'Alembertian has an infinite factor. A formal procedure for the unambiguous exclusion of such infinite contributions is suggested. Explicit expressions are found for the self-energies of scalar and vector mesons. These self-energies can be eliminated by renormalization of mass.
Predictors of very early postpartum weight loss in women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus.

Objective: Women with gestational diabetes (GDM) have a 7–12-fold increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Postpartum weight retention is highly predictive for future obesity, a...
An Adversarial Risk-based Approach for Network Architecture Security Modeling and Design

Network architecture design and verification has become increasingly complicated as a greater number of security considerations, implementations, and factors are included in the design process. In the design process, one must account for various costs of interwoven layers of security. Generally these costs are simplified for evaluation of risk to the network. The obvious implications of adding security are the need to account for the impacts of loss (risk) and accounting for the ensuing increased design costs. The considerations that are not traditionally examined are those of the adversary and the defender of a given system. Without accounting for the view point of the individuals interacting with a network architecture, one can not verify and select the most advantageous security implementation. This work presents a method for obtaining a security metric that takes into account not only the risk of the defender, but also the probability of an attack originating from the motivation of the adversary. We then move to a more meaningful metric based on a monetary unit that architects can use in choosing a best fit solution for a given network critical path design problem.
A Brief Recent History of Women in Computational Chemistry at Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Countless reports cite the importance of diversity in the academic, industrial, and government workplace. This article shares the different perspective on gender diversity from five women who have recently joined Vertex's computational chemistry group. It is written with the hope that other scientists will take the themes which resonant and adopt them to their own institutions to inspire the fostering of an inclusive environment while in pursuit of scientific discoveries.
Assessment of l-Asparaginase Pharmacodynamics in Mouse Models of Cancer.

l-asparaginase (ASNase) is a metabolism-targeted anti-neoplastic agent used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). ASNase’s anticancer activity results from the enzymatic depletion of asparagine (Asn) and glutamine (Gln), which are converted to aspartic acid (Asp) and glutamic acid (Glu), respectively, in the blood. Unfortunately, accurate assessment of the in vivo pharmacodynamics (PD) of ASNase is challenging because of the following reasons: (i) ASNase is resilient to deactivation; (ii) ASNase catalytic efficiency is very high; and (iii) the PD markers Asn and Gln are depleted ex vivo in blood samples containing ASNase. To address those issues and facilitate longitudinal studies in individual mice for ASNase PD studies, we present here a new LC-MS/MS bioanalytical method that incorporates rapid quenching of ASNase for measurement of Asn, Asp, Gln, and Glu in just 10 µL of whole blood, with limits of detection (s:n ≥ 10:1) estimated to be 2.3, 3.5, 0.8, and 0.5 µM, respectively. We tested the suitability of the method in a 5-day, longitudinal PD study in mice and found the method to be simple to perform with sufficient accuracy and precision for whole blood measurements. Overall, the method increases the density of data that can be acquired from a single animal and will facilitate optimization of novel ASNase treatment regimens and/or the development of new ASNase variants with desired kinetic properties.
Structural Sexism and Health in the United States: A New Perspective on Health Inequality and the Gender System:

In this article, I build a new line of health inequality research that parallels the emerging structural racism literature. I develop theory and measurement for the concept of structural sexism and...
Indications for Mechanical Thrombectomy

The past decade has seen a significant change in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). There has been a paradigm shift from a predominantly conservative approach to administration of intravenous thrombolytics and to endovascular thrombectomy. These treatment strategies have been backed by multiple randomized clinical trials. Current evidence suggests that endovascular thrombectomy in the form of stent retriever and/or suction aspiration should be first-line therapy for patients with intracranial large vessel occlusion. The most important aspect for successful outcomes is proper patient selection using clinical and imaging criteria. In this chapter, we follow the evolution of endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke and comprehensively discuss the various nuances for proper patient selection.
Ultrasonographic and radiographic findings of polyethylene component displacement with severe metallosis and metal-induced synovitis following total knee arthroplasty

Aseptic loosening and wear is second to only infection as the most common cause of arthroplasty failure. Degeneration of the polyethylene and metal arthroplasty components can lead to metallosis, which can cause a combination of direct cytotoxic effects and an inflammatory response within the synovial and periarticular tissues. This can result in bone resorption and secondary arthroplasty component loosening as well as a metal containing joint effusion and metal-induced synovitis. Little literature exists as to the ultrasonographic findings of metal-induced synovitis and polyethylene component displacement. As the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound significantly increases, being aware of these findings is important. The most important ultrasonographic findings include differentiating a joint effusion from synovitis utilizing dynamic compression, identifying areas of echogenic shadowing related to metal deposition and visualizing displaced arthroplasty components. The following is a case report that demonstrates the ultrasonographic imaging findings of metallosis, metal-induced synovitis and polyethylene component displacement. We will also demonstrate the ultrasound-guided aspiration findings as well as radiographic and gross pathologic correlations.
Safety and Efficacy of Flow Reversal in Acute and Elective Carotid Angioplasty and Stenting Using the Mo.Ma Device with Short-Term Follow-Up.

Objective To determine the safety and efficacy of flow reversal following proximal flow arrest as an embolic protection strategy for carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) with short-term follow-up. Method We performed a retrospective review of our CAS database for patients who underwent stent-supported carotid revascularization in the setting of acute/subacute stroke or TIA. We reviewed clinical and radiographic data during a 36-month period. Primary outcome was clinical evidence of ipsilateral stroke in the first 30 days. Secondary outcomes include clinical outcomes and sonographic and/or angiographic follow-up over 6 months, 6-month functional scale, and all-cause mortality. Results Fifty-five patients underwent CAS using flow reversal: 26 females and 29 males with a mean age of 69.7 years. Median time to treatment from index event was 3 days. 11% underwent stenting as part of hyperacute stroke therapy. Average luminal stenosis was 86%. The 9-Fr Mo.Ma device was used in combination with Penumbra aspiration in all cases. There were no ipsilateral strokes. Incidence of any ischemic event was 3.64%, but only 1 (1.82%) patient had a postoperative stroke. Clinical follow-up was available for 94.5%, while lesion follow-up was available for 73% of patients. Three patients had evidence of restenosis, but none were symptomatic. Luminal restenosis was ≤30% in all three. Median pre- and post-NIHSS were 1 and 1, respectively. Conclusion Flow reversal using the Mo.Ma device is a safe and effective strategy in preventing distal embolization during carotid artery revascularization.
User Interface Tradeoffs for Remote Deictic Gesturing

Telepresence robots can help to connect people by providing videoconferencing and navigation abilities in faraway environments. Despite this potential, current commercial telepresence robots lack certain nonverbal expressive abilities that are important for permitting the operator to communicate effectively in the remote environment. To help improve the utility of telepresence robots, we added an expressive, non-manipulating arm to our custom telepresence robot system and developed three user interfaces to control deictic gesturing by the arm: onscreen, dial-based, and skeleton tracking methods. A usability study helped us to evaluate user presence feelings, task load, preferences, and opinions while performing deictic gestures with the robot arm during a mock order packing task. The majority of participants preferred the dial-based method of controlling the robot, and survey responses revealed differences in physical demand and effort level across user interfaces. These results can guide robotics researchers interested in extending the nonverbal communication abilities of telepresence robots.
Spider‐specific probe set for ultraconserved elements offers new perspectives on the evolutionary history of spiders (Arachnida, Araneae)

Phylogenomic methods have proven useful for resolving deep nodes and recalcitrant groups in the spider tree of life. Across arachnids, transcriptomic approaches may generate thousands of loci, and target-capture methods, using the previously designed arachnid-specific probe set, can target a maximum of about 1,000 loci. Here, we develop a specialized target-capture probe set for spiders that contains over 2,000 ultraconserved elements (UCEs) and then demonstrate the utility of this probe set through sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. We designed the 'spider-specific' probe set using three spider genomes (Loxosceles, Parasteatoda and Stegodyphus) and ensured that the newly designed probe set includes UCEs from the previously designed Arachnida probe set. The new 'spider-specific' probes were used to sequence UCE loci in 51 specimens. The remaining samples included five spider genomes and taxa that were enriched using Arachnida probe set. The 'spider-specific' probes were also used to gather loci from a total of 84 representative taxa across Araneae. On mapping these 84 taxa to the Arachnida probe set, we captured at most 710 UCE loci, while the spider-specific probe set captured up to 1,547 UCE loci from the same taxon sample. Phylogenetic analyses using maximum likelihood and coalescent methods corroborate most nodes resolved by recent transcriptomic analyses, but not all (e.g. UCE data suggest monophyly of 'symphytognathoids'). Our preferred hypothesis based on topology tests, suggests monophyly of the 'symphytognathoids' (the miniature orb weavers), which in previous studies has only been supported by a combination of morphological and behavioural characters.