cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immunohistochemical Demonstration of Blood Group Antigens in Neoplastic and Normal Human Urothelium: A Comparison with Standard Red Cell Adherence

The specific red cell adherence test as a method to detect blood group antigen deletion in urothelial malignancy has been reported to yield approximately 40 per cent false negative results in 0 blood group patients. Our study of multiple sections of 8 normal ureters from blood group 0 patients and more than 220 specimens of transitional cell cancer taken from 48 patients reveals that the immunoperoxidase technique is more specific than the specific red cell adherence method in predicting subsequent invasion in blood group O(H) patients presenting with superficial transitional cell carcinomas (71 compared to 29 per cent) but is no more specific for tumors containing A or B antigens. However, immunoperoxidase staining does improve discernment of underlying histologic detail and, thereby, facilitates recognition of false positive antigen testing associated with squamous and adenomatous metaplasia. Areas of squamous and adenomatous metaplasia in specimens we tested were frequently antigen positive in invasive tumors. Therefore, we believe that these areas must be disregarded in determining antigen deletion in transitional cell carcinomas.
Fractal Analysis of Cellular Analyte-Receptor Binding and Dissociation on Biosensors

Values of the fractal dimensions and the rate coefficient values for the association (binding), as well as the dissociation phases for cellular analyte–receptor reactions (as an example), are obtained in the chapter. Besides providing significant physical insights into cellular analyte–receptor reactions, a comparison of the values obtained from these two phases for the cellular analyte–receptor reaction occurring on a biosensor surface analyzed significantly assists in enhancing the relevant biosensor performance parameters. A fractal analysis of the binding of cellular analyte in solution to a cellular receptor immobilized on the biosensor surface provides a quantitative indication of the state of disorder (fractal dimension) and the binding rate coefficient on the cellular surface. The chapter also presents fractal dimensions for the dissociation step and dissociation rate coefficients that provide a more complete picture of the analyte–receptor reactions occurring on the cellular surface on comparing with the analysis of the binding step alone.
STEM in Our Daily Lives

What kind of STEM knowledge do you need to understand problems related to energy supply, to the use of fossil fuels, to renewable energy and biomass, solar energy and nuclear energy? What are the dangers and advantages of energy use, what is global warming, what happened in Japan’s 2011 nuclear disaster? This chapter answers all of these questions.What do you need to know when you see a doctor? How does a CAT scan work and what are the dangers of the radiation, how can you fight bacteria and make viruses visible? Answers to all of this are given on a middle and high school level.Finally, household STEM projects that can be performed in school and as homework projects are suggested. Particular emphasis is placed on topics related to electricity in the home, and also on basic STEM knowledge that one needs to have in order to play games, including a treasure hunt, deal or no deal and poker.
Chapter 23 – Regulatory Environment

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a key role in determining whether a medical product is safe for testing in humans and whether the product is safe and effective for use as a marketed therapy in the United States. This chapter provides an overview of FDA's organization and regulatory authority, as well as FDA's role in the drug development process and review of marketing applications.
What do you think about ink? An examination of implicit and explicit attitudes toward tattooed individuals.

ABSTRACTTattoos are increasing in popularity, yet minimal research has examined implicit attitudes or the relationship between implicit and explicit attitudes toward tattooed individuals. Seventy-seven online participants (Mage = 36.09, 52% women, 78% white, 26% tattooed) completed measures assessing implicit and explicit attitudes toward tattooed individuals. Results revealed evidence of negative implicit attitudes, which were associated with less perceived warmth, competence, and negative explicit evaluations. However, implicit attitudes were not correlated with measures of disgust or social distance. In addition, age predicted implicit prejudice, but other individual difference measures—such as personal tattoo possession, political identity, and internal/external motivations to respond without prejudice—did not. These findings are discussed in terms of how attitudes toward tattooed individuals may be multifaceted, and research may benefit from measuring implicit and explicit attitudes.
Metamaterial-based efficient electrically small antennas

A metamaterial paradigm for achieving an efficient, electrically small antenna is introduced. Spherical shells of homogenous, isotropic negative permittivity (ENG) material are designed to create electrically small resonant systems for several antennas: an infinitesimal electric dipole, a very short center-fed cylindrical electric dipole, and a very short coaxially-fed electric monopole over an infinite ground plane. Analytical and numerical models demonstrate that a properly designed ENG shell provides a distributed inductive element resonantly matched to these highly capacitive electrically small antennas, i.e., an ENG shell can be designed to produce an electrically small system with a zero input reactance and an input resistance that is matched to a specified source resistance leading to overall efficiencies approaching unity. Losses and dispersion characteristics of the ENG materials are also included in the analytical models. Finite element numerical models of the various antenna-ENG shell systems are developed and used to predict their input impedances. These electrically small antenna-ENG shell systems with idealized dispersionless ENG material properties are shown to be very efficient and to have fractional bandwidths above the values associated with the Chu limit for the quality factor without any degradation in the radiation patterns of the antennas. Introducing dispersion and losses into the analytical models, the resulting bandwidths are shown to be reduced significantly, but remain slightly above (below) the corresponding Chu-based value for an energy-based limiting (Drude) dispersion model of the permittivity of the ENG shell.
Abstract 77: Fibronectin Signals Through Pim-1 and β1 Integrin in Cardiac Progenitor Cells to Induce Proliferation and Protection

Background: Cardiac Progenitor Cells (CPC) are pivotally involved in cardiac repair. Fibronectin (FN), an extracellular matrix protein, is highly expressed during cardiac development. In adult heart FN is a component of the cardiac stem cell niche and re-appears after myocardial infarction (MI). The role of FN signaling in CPC function and cardiac remodeling following MI has not been elucidated. We demonstrate here proliferative and protective effects of FN signaling in CPC as mediated by β1 integrin receptor and cardioprotective serine/threonine kinase Pim1. Methods: Cell death and proliferation of CPCs was measured using propidium iodide and CyQuant assays. Signaling pathways were analyzed by immunoblotting, qRT-PCR and siRNA depletion of targets. FN was localized in heart sections by immunohistochemistry and cardiac function assessed by echocardiography in control and conditional FN knockout (KO) mouse hearts following MI. Results: FN inhibits starvation and staurosporine induced cell death in CPCs and promotes proliferation in conjunction with induction of Pim1 expression. Protective and pro-proliferative effects of FN are abrogated by inhibition of Pim1 or deletion of β1 integrin receptor. In vivo CPC expansion correlates with FN expression following MI, and CPC localize to regions of up-regulated FN protein in the infarct. Cardiac function in control and KO mice remains equivalent up to 2 weeks post MI, however by 4 weeks KO heart function worsens compared to control as evidenced by ejection fraction values measuring 16.4 +/- 1.5% vs 26.6 +/- 1.8% at 12 weeks post MI in KO and control hearts, respectively. Conclusion: FN provides pro-survival and pro-proliferative effects to CPCs in a Pim1 kinase and β1 integrin dependent manner. CPCs and FN colocalize in vivo in an infarction injury model, while conditional KO of FN in mice leads to further impairment of cardiac function after MI. Taken together these results indicate previously unidentified cardioprotective and regenerative roles for FN in pathologically challenged heart.
DMFC catalyst with single Ru atoms on graphene matches Pt

A team of researchers in the US and China have fabricated a durable catalyst for high-performance direct methanol fuel cells, by attaching single ruthenium atoms to graphene. The material showed excellent tolerance to methanol crossover and carbon monoxide poisoning in an acidic medium, both of which degrade the efficiency of DMFCs.
Efficacy and safety of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator for venous thrombosis after paediatric heart surgery.

Objective Reports in the literature of treatment with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator following cardiac surgery are limited. We reviewed our experience to provide a case series of the therapeutic use of tissue plasminogen activator for the treatment of venous thrombosis in children after cardiac surgery. The data describe the morbidity, mortality, and clinical outcomes of tissue plasminogen activator administration for treatment of venous thrombosis in children following cardiac surgery. Design The study was designed as a retrospective case series. Setting The study was carried out in a 25-bed cardiac intensive care unit in an academic, free-standing paediatric hospital. Patients All children who received tissue plasminogen activator for venous thrombosis within 60 days of cardiac surgery, a total of 13 patients, were included. Interventions Data was collected, collated, and analysed as a part of the interventions of this study. Measurements and main results Patients treated with tissue plasminogen activator were principally young infants (median 0.2, IQR 0.07–0.58 years) who had recently (22, IQR 12.5–27.3 days) undergone cardiac surgery. Hospital mortality was high in this patient group (38%), but there was no mortality attributable to tissue plasminogen activator administration, occurring within <72 hours. There was one major haemorrhagic complication that may be attributable to tissue plasminogen activator. Complete or partial resolution of venous thrombosis was confirmed using imaging in 10 of 13 patients (77%), and tissue plasminogen activator administration was associated with resolution of chylous drainage, with no drainage through chest tubes, at 10 days after tissue plasminogen activator treatment in seven of nine patients who had upper-compartment venous thrombosis-associated chylothorax. Conclusions On the basis of our experience with administration of tissue plasminogen activator in children after cardiac surgery, tissue plasminogen activator is both safe and effective for resolution of venous thrombosis in this high-risk population.
Automated synthesis of NFV topology: A security requirement-oriented design

Cyber defense today heavily depends on expensive and proprietary hardware deployed at fixed locations. Network functions virtualization (NFV) reduces the limitations of these vendor specific hardware by allowing a flexible and dynamic implementation of virtual network functions in virtual machines running on commercial off-the-shelf servers. These network functions can work as a filter to distinguish between a legitimate packet and an attack packet, and can be deployed dynamically to balance the variable attack load. However, allocating resources to these virtual machines is an NP-hard problem. In this work, we propose a solution to this problem and determine the number and placement of the VMs. We design and implement NFVSynth, an automated framework that models the resource specifications, incoming packet processing requirements, and network bandwidth constraints. It uses satisfiability modulo theories (SMT) for modeling this synthesis problem and provides a satisfiable solution. We also present simulated experiments to demonstrate the scalability and usability of the solution.
Associative-commutative rewriting

We are currently extending the rewrite system laboratory REVE to handle associative-commutative operators. In particular, we are incorporating a set of rules for Boolean algebra that provides a refutationally-complete theorem prover and a new programming paradigm. To that end, we describe methods for proving termination of associative-commutative systems.
Abstract 20768: Racial Differences in Circulating miRNA and Metabolomic Profiles of Participants in the Morehouse and Emory Team Up to Eliminate Health Disparities Study

Introduction: The extracellular detection of miRNAs has sparked interest in their role as paracrine signals and biomarkers for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Metabolomics investigates the metabolic network and specific biochemical pathways. We hypothesized that an integrative analysis of circulating miRNA and metabolomic profiles has the potential to identify novel biomarkers and enable a systems biology approach to understanding disparities in CVD. Little is known about the impact of race on these profiles, which we examined here. Methods: The META-Health Study was a cross-sectional study of risk factors for CVD in a group of self-reported black and white residents of Atlanta. Archived plasma samples from 52 black and 52 white participants were match by propensity scores based on CVD risk factors. High-resolution metabolomics profiling was performed on plasma, and levels of select miRNAs (miR-10b, -93, -181a, 182) were assessed by RT-qPCR of RNA extracted from microparticle (MP) fraction of plasma. Paired LIMMA analysis was used to identify differentially expressed metabolites, and Partial Least Squares method in mixOmics R package was used for miRNA-metabolome network analysis at different correlation thresholds. Results: Blacks had higher MP counts compared to whites (p Conclusions: These data demonstrate racial differences in molecular profiles and provide the basis for studies that examine the impact of CVD on these profiles. An integrative analysis of circulating metabolites and miRNAs can identify biomarkers for metabolic phenotype and provide insight into genetic and environmental influences on CVD disparities.
Constant Maturity Swaps, Forward Measure and LIBOR Market Model

Constant maturity swaps can be regarded as generalizations of vanilla interest rate swaps. In a vanilla swap one exchanges the fixed swap rate against a floating LIBOR, which involves an interest rate relevant for that particular settlement period only. In a CMS swap this will be generalized. One will exchange the fixed legs against floating legs - usually the swap rate. In this note we give a new (for our knowledge) approximate formula for convexity adjustment based on forward measure approach and LIBOR market model. This link is interesting itself - showing that convexity adjustment is model and calibration dependent.
Investigation into the causes of aspirin resistance in healthy dogs.

Antiplatelet effects of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, aspirin) may be poor in some individuals. Additionally, no method exists for predicting poor ASA response (resistance) in individual dogs. This study's main objective was to determine whether poor ASA response results from pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic causes. ASA concentrations causing 50% inhibition of platelet aggregation (in vitro IC50) were determined using whole blood collected from 21 drug-free healthy dogs to evaluate intrinsic sensitivity of platelets to ASA. Dogs were then administered ASA at 4 mg/kg once orally. Percent decrease in platelet aggregation from baseline, and plasma ASA and salicylic acid (SA) concentrations (expressed as AUC values) were measured for up to 3 hr. By 3 hr, 13/21 (62%) dogs showed >50% aggregation inhibition, while 8/21 (38%) dogs showed <50% inhibition. Aggregation inhibition values were negatively correlated with in vitro IC50 values (Rs = -0.49; p = 0.028) and positively correlated with ASA concentrations (Rs = 0.48; p = 0.03). Furthermore, ASA concentrations were strongly negatively correlated (Rs = -0.88; p < 0.001) with SA/ASA concentration ratios, an index of ASA metabolism to SA by esterase enzymes. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that 59% (p < 0.001) of interindividual variability in aggregation inhibition was explained by in vitro IC50 values (29% of variability) and ASA concentrations (29% of variability). Consequently, poor in vivo ASA response in these dogs resulted from both pharmacodynamic (decreased platelet sensitivity) and pharmacokinetic (lower ASA concentrations) causes. Lower ASA concentrations may be explained by reduced bioavailability associated with higher esterase activities.
Reproductive success delays moult phenology in a polar mammal

Animals can respond to dynamic environments through phenological plasticity of life history events; however, changes in one part of the annual cycle can diminish the success of subsequent life history events. Our aims were to determine the associations between reproduction and moult phenology across years and to quantify phenological plasticity across varying environmental conditions. We conducted demographic surveys of 4,252 flipper-tagged Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) in the Ross Sea, Antarctica during four austral summers. At each sighting, seals were assigned a moult code based on the visible presence of new fur and the start date of each animal's moult was back-calculated. Reproductive success and parturition dates were obtained for the breeding season prior to and following the moult. We found that successful reproduction delayed moult by 16 days relative to non-parturient females. Phenology of the intervening moult was indicative of previous reproductive dynamics but not predictive of subsequent reproductive outcomes. Across years, moult phenology varied by about two weeks and covaried strongly with sea ice break-out timing for all reproductive categories. Our findings suggest these polar mammals have some flexibility within the annual cycle that allows adjustment of moult phenology to fluctuating environmental conditions without compromising future reproductive success.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THIN WALL SUPERCONDUCTING SOLENOID MAGNETS AND ITS MODEL MAGNET TEST RESULTS

Characteristics of thin wall superconducting solenoid magnets for colliding beam experiments in high energy physics are described. The existing and the planned solenoid magnets are described, and their technical problems are explained. A model magnet, one meter in diameter and one meter long, was constructed and excited up to 16 kG without an iron yoke, causing no quench. Its test results, especially the normal zone propagation speed, are explained.
A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Soundscape: Physiological Monitors, Rhetorical Ventriloquism, and Earwitnessing

Considering aurality (hearing) and sonicity (sounds/noises) in our research sites promises much for rhetoric of health and medicine (RHM) scholars. To show this value, I argue aural awareness of soundscapes provide opportunities to sensorially enrich our understanding of sonic experiences in acute care hospital settings, as in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) site at the center of my case study. To that end, the purpose of this article is threefold: 1) to identify aurality as a sensorial aspect in healthcare sensescapes worthy of RHM inquiry; 2) to foreground how these soundscapes shape care and caretaking in healthcare and clinical settings; and 3) to propose more careful considering and attending, as “earwitnesses,” to the sonic experiences of bodies in these settings. In the process, I propose “rhetorical ventriloquism” as a useful, responsible concept to consider how these sounds and noises appear to stand in for bodies and their physiologies and shape those bodies’ care, while amplifying those bodies as the healthcare technologies speak and sound for them. Furthermore, I suggest RHM scholars can act as earwitnesses who attend to sonicity and aurality in healthcare and clinical settings, as well as study how people are sensorially trained in these settings. CLICK HERE TO ACCESS SOUND FILES
Patterns of Performance and Symptom Validity Test Findings After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of demographic, injury and neuropsychological correlates of distinct patterns of performance validity test and symptom validity test results in persons with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Method One hundred and seventy-eight persons with mTBI completed the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM; performance validity) and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF; symptom validity) within 1-12 months postinjury. Four groups were compared: (a) pass both TOMM and MMPI-2-RF validity criteria, (b) pass TOMM and fail MMPI-2-RF, (c) fail TOMM and pass MMPI-2-RF, and (d) fail both TOMM and MMPI-2-RF. Results Compared to Group a, participants in combined Groups b-d were more than twice as likely to be engaged in financial compensation-seeking and about four times less likely to have neuroimaging evidence of an intracranial lesion. The average performance of Group d on an independent test of verbal learning was more than 1.5 standard deviations below that of Group a. Participants in Group b were more likely to have intracranial lesions on neuroimaging than participants in Group c. Conclusion Performance and symptom validity tests provide complementary and non-redundant information in persons with mTBI. Whereas financial compensation-seeking is associated with increased risk of failure of either PVT or SVT, or both, the presence of intracranial findings on neuroimaging is associated with decreased risk of such.
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors Are Associated with Reduced Fracture Risk among Older Veterans with Dementia.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) have been noted to increase bone density and quality in mice. Human studies are limited but suggest an association with improved bone healing after hip fracture. We examined the relationship between AChEI use and fracture risk in a national cohort of 360,015 male veterans aged 65 to 99 years with dementia but without prior fracture using Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital, Medicare, and pharmacy records from 2000 to 2010. Diagnosis of dementia, any clinical fracture (excluding facial and digital), comorbidities, and medications were identified using ICD-9 and drug class codes. Cox proportional hazard models considering AChEI use as a time-varying covariate and adjusting for fall and fracture risk factors compared the time-to-fracture in AChEI users versus non-AChEI users. Potential confounders included demographics (age, race, body mass index), comorbidities associated with fracture or falls (diabetes, lung disease, stroke, Parkinson's, seizures, etc.) and medications associated with fracture or falls (bisphosphonates, glucocorticoids, androgen deprivation therapy [ADT], proton pump inhibitors [PPIs], selective serotonin receptor inhibitors [SSRIs], etc.). Competing mortality risk was considered using the methods of Fine and Gray. To account for persistent effects on bone density or quality that might confer protection after stopping the medication, we completed a secondary analysis using the medication possession ratio (MPR) as a continuous variable in logistic regression models and also compared MPR increments of 10% to minimal/no use (MPR 0 to <0.10). Among older veterans with diagnosis of dementia, 20.1% suffered a fracture over an average of 4.6 years of follow-up. Overall, 42.3% of the cohort were prescribed AChEIs during the study period. The hazard of any fracture among AChEI users compared with those on other/no dementia medications was significantly lower in fully adjusted models (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.75-0.88). After considering competing mortality risk, fracture risk remained 18% lower in veterans using AChEIs (HR = 0.82; 95% CI 0.76-0.89). © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. Published 2019. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Coronary endothelial dysfunction prevented by small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel activator in mice and patients with diabetes.

Abstract Objective To investigate coronary endothelial protection of a small-conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channel activator against a period of cardioplegic-hypoxia and reoxygenation (CP-H/R) injury in mice and patients with diabetes (DM) and those without diabetes (nondiabetic [ND]). Methods Mouse small coronary arteries/heart endothelial cells (MHECs) and human coronary arterial endothelial cells (HCAECs) were dissected from the harvested hearts of mice (n = 16/group) and from discarded right atrial tissue samples of patients with DM and without DM (n = 8/group). The SK current density of MHECs was measured. The in vitro small arteries/arterioles, MHECs, and HCAECs were subjected to 60 minutes of CP hypoxia, followed by 60 minutes of oxygenation. Vessels were treated with or without the selective SK activator NS309 for 5 minutes before and during CP hypoxia. Results DM and/or CP-H/R significantly inhibited the total SK currents of MHECs and HCAECs and significantly diminished the mouse coronary relaxation response to NS309. Administration of NS309 immediately before and during CP hypoxia significantly improved the recovery of coronary endothelial function, as demonstrated by increased relaxation responses to adenosine 5′-diphosphate and substance P compared with those seen in controls (P Conclusions Application of NS309 immediately before and during CP hypoxia protects mouse and human coronary microvasculature against CP-H/R injury, but this effect is diminished in the diabetic coronary microvasculature. SK inhibition/inactivation and/or internalization/redistribution may contribute to CP-H/R–induced coronary endothelial and vascular relaxation dysfunction.
Considerable variability in antibiotic use among US children's hospitals in 2017-2018.

Objective To characterize the prevalence of and seasonal and regional variation in inpatient antibiotic use among hospitalized US children in 2017-2018. Design We conducted a cross-sectional examination of hospitalized children. The assessments were conducted on a single day in spring (May 3, 2017), summer (August 2, 2017), fall (October 25, 2017), and winter (January 31, 2018). The main outcome of interest was receipt of an antibiotic on the study day. Setting The study included 51 freestanding US children's hospitals that participate in the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS). Patients This study included all patients Results Of 52,769 total hospitalized children, 19,174 (36.3%) received antibiotics on the study day and 6,575 of these (12.5%) received broad-spectrum antibiotics. The overall prevalence of antibiotic use varied across hospitals from 22.3% to 51.9%. Antibiotic use prevalence was 29.2% among medical patients and 47.7% among surgical patients. Although there was no significant seasonal variation in antibiotic use prevalence, regional prevalence varied, ranging from 32.7% in the Midwest to 40.2% in the West (P Conclusions On any given day in a national network of children's hospitals, more than one-third of hospitalized children received an antibiotic, and 1 in 8 received a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Variation across hospitals, setting and regions identifies potential opportunities for enhanced antibiotic stewardship activities.
Deformation and bursting of elastic capsules impacting a rigid wall

From water balloons to cells and various organs, thin elastic shells enclosing liquid cores or capsules are ubiquitous. Although such capsules are rampant in nature and in engineering, the physics of their deformation upon rapid impact is virtually unexplored. Here we perform experiments and develop formal models to rationalize the deformation and possible bursting of elastic capsules impacting rigid walls. We discover an analogy to the impact of liquid drops, where the shell surface modulus plays the role of the drop surface tension. On the basis of this analogy, we propose an energy balance that quantitatively predicts the maximal deformation of the capsule in the inviscid limit, and for liquids with viscosities up to 1,000 cP (Reynolds numbers ≳10). Unlike drops, however, capsules can be pre-stretched and burst. Experiments show a substantial influence of the pre-stretch on the critical burst velocity, a feature also captured by our model. While we focus on macroscopic objects, our model could potentially be extended to account for the deformations of microcapsules in microfluidic channels. In addition, this work could have practical implications from the optimized detonation of fire-extinguishing balls to fight domestic fires and wildfires to the prevention of organ bursting in car crashes. Experiments on the deformation and bursting of elastic capsules impacting rigid walls are reported, revealing an analogy to the impact of liquid drops. The developed model for macroscopic objects could potentially be expanded to microscopic scales.
Idempotent measures on locally compact semigroups

The structure of the support F of an idempotent probability measure Μ on a locally compact semigroup S is considered. It is shown that if S satisfies the condition (L): AB −1 is compact whenever A and B are compact subsets of S, then F is a completely simple semigroup and has the canonical representation X ×G×Y of which G and Y are compact. Moreover, Μ is a product measure Μ X ×Μ G ×Μ Y where Μ X and Μ Y are probability measures and Μ G is the Haar measure on the group G. We conjecture that a similar result remains true even without the condition (L). We give also a relation between our conjecture and a conjecture of Argabright on the support of an r *-invariant measure.
Tubes and Drains: Current Updates on Evidence on Their Role Within Recovery

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs should aim to achieve the highest level of compliance with all items in the guidelines. One of the primary recommendations is to avoid the routine use of nasogastric tubes and/or abdominal drains. The published literature shows that routine use of nasogastric decompression does not reduce time to initiation of bowel function, length of hospital stay, infections, or rates of anastomotic leaks. Similarly, the routine use of abdominal drains has not been shown to have any benefit in reducing nausea, vomiting, infections, abscess formation, anastomotic leaks, or lymphocyst formation. In fact, in certain settings, the routine use of drainage has been associated with an increased risk of morbidity to the patient and delay in overall recovery. All ERAS programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding nasogastric or abdominal drainage so that patients may experience a faster and safer recovery after surgery.
Surprising findings in a ‘well-understood’ nutrient-assimilation pathway

A study published in this issue of Nature Metabolism adds to the emerging evidence that the small intestine is an initial site of dietary fructose metabolism, especially at low fructose doses, thus decreasing exposure of the liver and the colonic microbiome to intact fructose.
Elbow and Forearm Injuries

Elbow and forearm injuries are very common in athletes, especially those that practice overhead sports. Acute injuries typically occur in contact sports, whereas overuse injuries to the elbow and forearm are usually the result of repetitive stress at the elbow, especially in overhead athletes. Acute injuries include fractures, dislocations, bursitis, ligament tears, and tendon ruptures, while overuse injuries include tendinopathies, nerve entrapment, and overload syndromes. Evaluation and treatment for these injuries should be individualized considering injury etiology, mechanism, and sport mechanics.
Abstract 167: Growth Induction to Reverse Congenital Aortic Developmental Hypoplasia

Objectives: Congenital heart disease may include hypoplastic heart valves, ventricles or great arteries. Infants with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) often have a hypoplastic transverse aortic arch (TAA) which can greatly complicate surgical repairs. Although these defects are often considered to be genetic in origin, our hypothesis was that they are problems of development which are potentially reversible. We tested the corollary hypothesis that hypoplastic TAAs retain normal developmental potential and the increased aortic flow after CoA repair provides the biomechanical signal for catch-up growth. Methods: Infants (N = 19) with TAA hypoplasia who underwent surgical CoA repair were studied for TAA growth by echocardiography done prior to and at intervals up to 13 years later. The TAA diameters were indexed using nomograms and calculated as standard deviations from expected size (SDE). Normal range is ± 2 SDE and < −2 indicates hypoplasia. Results: 1) TAA growth was rapid and significant within 3 months. 2) The initial average TAA SDE = −3.7 (range: −7.6 to −2.1) (0/19 normal); 3 months = −1.5 (-4.1 to 0.9) (12/17); 1 year = −1.0 (-4.2 to 1.3) (15/19); 5 to 13 years = −0.6 (-2.1 to 0.9) (16/17 normal). Conclusions: 1) Hypoplastic aortic arches grew rapidly to normal size with increased flow following CoA repair. 2) The results suggest the cause of hypoplasia was underdevelopment from low flow and, when increased, flow provided the biomechanical signal to induce catch up growth. 3) Infants were a relevant model for demonstrating the aortic growth signal. 4) Growth induction by increased blood flow could be used to reverse aortic underdevelopment in other selected patients. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Dexmedetomidine and ST‐91 analgesia in the formalin model is mediated by α2A‐adrenoceptors: a mechanism of action distinct from morphine

Background and purpose: Intrathecal administration of α2-adrenoceptor agonists produces potent analgesia. This study addressed the subtype of spinal α2-adrenoceptor responsible for the analgesic effects of i.t. dexmedetomidine and ST-91 in the formalin behavioural model and their effects on primary afferent substance P (SP) release and spinal Fos activation.
Mechanical strain threshold for lamellar bone formation

Bone formation was measured in rats' tibiae after 12 days of applied loading. Bending forces were applied to the right tibia through a four-point loading apparatus. Sham loads were applied at the same magnitudes as bending forces but the loading pads were arranged so that bending was minimized. Loading was applied as a sine wave with a frequency of 2 Hz for 18 seconds (36 cycles) per day. The peak magnitude of applied load varied from 27 to 64 N. Lamellar bone formation was stimulated by applied bending of the tibia, but not by sham loading. Bending strains above a strain threshold of 1050 mu strain increased both double-labeled surface and the mineral apposition rate and subsequently increased the bone formation rate as much as 6-fold. No evidence of increased bone formation was seen for applied strains below 1050 mu strain. >
Utilization of Soil Gas Monitoring to Determine Feasibility and Effectiveness of In Situ Bioventing in Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Soils

To determine the feasibility and effectiveness of in situ bioventing, careful monitoring of soil gas chemistry is essential. Prior to design of a bioventing system, initial soil gas surveys should be performed. Concentrations of three constituents, oxygen (O{sub 2}), carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}), and total volatile hydrocarbons (TVH), are used in bioventing design. TVH are an indicator of contaminant distribution; O{sub 2} and CO{sub 2} are indicators of biodegradation activity. Analysis of soil gas data collected during pilot-scale testing is the primary design basis for full-scale remediation systems. Biodegradation rates determined from respiration tests are used to estimate the length of time that a system will have to operate to remediate the contamination. Air permeability of the soil, calculated from permeability testing, determines the number and spacing of air injection wells that will be required to ensure adequate oxygen influence through the entire contaminated area.
The Effect of Acknowledging Mock Jurors' Feelings on Affective and Cognitive Biases: It Depends on the Sample

An intervention designed to correct affective and cognitive biases was tested in the context of a civil commitment hearing of a sexually violent predator. Potential differences between a college student mock jury sample and a more representative, juror venire sample in reaction to these bias correction interventions were explored. In the first of two experiments, undergraduate mock jurors (n = 130) demonstrated a leniency effect when the sex offender's attorney acknowledged jurors' emotional reactions and motivated them to thoughtfully weigh the evidence. The second experiment failed to replicate these findings with a more ecologically valid sample (n = 300). Several differences between samples were found: representative jurors, as opposed to undergraduates, were sensitive to differences between pure clinical and actuarial expert testimony; and measures of intrinsic cognitive effort predicted verdicts for undergraduates, but not for representative jurors. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brauer–Thrall Theory for Maximal Cohen–Macaulay Modules

The Brauer-Thrall Conjectures, now theorems, were originally stated for finitely generated modules over a finite-dimensional k-algebra. They say, roughly speaking, that infinite representation type implies the existence of lots of indecomposable modules of arbitrarily large k-dimension. These conjectures have natural interpretations in the context of maximal Cohen-Macaulay modules over Cohen-Macaulay local rings. This is a survey of progress on these transplanted conjectures.
Completing Partial Proper Colorings using Hall's Condition

In the context of list-coloring the vertices of a graph, Hall's condition is a generalization of Hall's Marriage Theorem and is necessary (but not sufficient) for a graph to admit a proper list-coloring. The graph $G$ with list assignment $L$ satisfies Hall's condition if for each subgraph $H$ of $G$ , the inequality $|V(H)| \leq \sum_{\sigma \in \mathcal{C}} \alpha(H(\sigma, L))$ is satisfied, where $\mathcal{C}$ is the set of colors and $\alpha(H(\sigma, L))$ is the independence number of the subgraph of $H$ induced on the set of vertices having color $\sigma$ in their lists. A list assignment $L$ to a graph $G$ is called Hall if $(G,L)$ satisfies Hall's condition. A graph $G$ is Hall $m$-c ompletable for some $m \geq \chi(G)$ if every partial proper $m$-coloring of $G$ whose corresponding list assignment is Hall can be extended to a proper coloring of $G$. In 2011, Bobga et al. posed the following questions: (1) Are there examples of graphs that are Hall $m$-completable, but not Hall $(m+1)$-completable for some $m \geq 3$? (2) If $G$ is neither complete nor an odd cycle, is $G$ Hall $\Delta(G)$-completable? This paper establishes that for every $m \geq 3$, there exists a graph that is Hall $m$-completable but not Hall $(m+1)$-completable and also that every bipartite planar graph $G$ is Hall $\Delta(G)$-completable.
Modeling Propagation of Chirped Solitons in AN Elliptically Low Birefringent Single-Mode Optical Fiber

An analytical description is presented, for the first time, to describe propagation dynamics of chirped solitons in an elliptically low birefringent optical fiber within the framework of a model described by coupled nonlinear Schroedinger equations. Using nonlinear Schroedinger solitons as trial functions in an averaged Lagrangian formulation, a set of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) are derived for various soliton parameters. These ODEs describe chirped soliton dynamics and give a criterion for nonlinear coupling of polarized pulses to form a bound state corresponding to a phase mismatch.
Release of low molecular weight silicones and platinum from silicone breast implants

We have conducted a series of studies addressing the chemical composition of silicone gels from breast implants as well as the diffusion of low molecular weight silicones (LM-silicones) and heavy metals from intact implants into various surrounding media, namely, lipid-rich medium (soy oil), aqueous tissue culture medium (modified Dulbecco's medium, DMEM), or an emulsion consisting of DMEM plus 10% soy oil. LM-silicones in both implants and surrounding media were detected and quantitated using gas chromatography (GC) coupled with atomic emission (GC-AED) as well as mass spectrometric (GC/MS) detectors, which can detect silicones in the nanogram range. Platinum, a catalyst used in the preparation of silicone gels, was detected and quantitated using inductive argon-coupled plasma/mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), which can detect platinum in the parts per trillion range. Our results indicate that GC-detectable low molecular weight silicones contribute approximately 1−2% to the total gel mass and consist predomina...
Linear Assembly of Gold Nanoparticle Clusters via Centrifugation

Centrifugation is widely used in the synthesis and handling of solution-phase nanoparticles to improve their purity and to change the composition of the solvent. Herein, we couple the optical properties of citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles and silica encapsulation to investigate how centrifugation impacts the formation of stabilized nanoparticle clusters in solution without the use of linker molecules or asymmetric functionalization. Gold nanoparticles preconcentrated using a high (9,400) g force result in linear assemblies of gold cores that are spaced by ∼1−4 nm within Aun@SiO2 structures (n = number of gold nanoparticle cores per silica shell) with ∼30% monomers, 30% dimers, 20% trimers, and 10% 4−7mers. In comparison, nanoparticles preconcentrated using (stirred) ultrafiltration and low (23) g force centrifugation have statistically identical cluster distributions (90% monomers, 9% dimers, and 1% trimers) whereas nanoparticles that are not preconcentrated always exhibit 100% monomers using the sam...
Effect of Ground Motion Characteristics on Seismic Soil-Foundation-Structure Interaction

A series of dynamic centrifuge experiments involving a soil-structure model were performed to investigate the influence of ground motion characteristics on site performance and soil-foundation-stru...
Adaptability of blueberry species to various soil types: III. Final growth and tissue analyses

Abstract Seedlings of five blueberry progenies were planted in a range of soils, with or without the addition of peat moss, in an outdoor pot study to examine the adaptability of blueberries to upland soil conditions. Blueberry progenies ranged from essentially pure highbush (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) to interspecific hybrids containing varying amounts of evergreen (V. darrowi Camp), lowbush (V. angustifolium Aiton), black highbush (V. atrococcum Heller), and rabbiteye (V. ashei Reade) blueberry germplasm. Growth differences occurred due to soil types with Berryland sand producing the most growth although the effectiveness of peat moss diminshed with time. The three different complete fertilizer sources used had no significant effect on growth over the 3 years. Progenies displayed nutritional differences on the same scale as soils with a progeny containing V. corymbosum, V. darrowi V. atrococcum, and V. ashei growing best over all soils. Manganese was the only element to show consistent soil and progeny di...
High performance green barriers based on nanocellulose

With the increasing environmental concerns such as sustainability and end-of-life disposal challenges, materials derived from renewable resources such as nanocellulose have been strongly advocated as potential replacements for packaging materials. Nanocellulose can be extracted from various plant resources through mechanical and chemical ways. Nanocellulose with its nanoscale dimensions, high crystalline nature, and the ability to form hydrogen bonds resulting in strong network makes it very hard for the molecules to pass through, suggesting excellent barrier properties associated with films made from these material. This review paper aim to summarize the recent developments in various barrier films based on nanocellulose with special focus on oxygen and water vapor barrier properties.
Zen and the art of neriage : Facilitating consensus building in mathematics inquiry lessons through lesson study

One danger of integrating inquiry-based problem-solving activities into mathematics lessons is that different strategies could be accepted without in-depth discussions on the cogency and efficiency of the strategies. To overcome this issue, Japanese teachers typically go through a series of lesson-study-based teacher learning sessions and learn how to help students build consensus on the best mathematical strategy and think deeply about problem solving (neriage in Japanese). Assuming that this can also be an effective model in other cultural contexts, a video-based lesson study was conducted for a group of US teachers to effectively incorporate consensus building discussions in their mathematical inquiry lessons. Through the lesson study, the teachers learned to release control of class discussions to their students and help them discuss and examine different strategies. This article concludes with various aspects that the teachers learned for effectively implementing neriage in their lessons.
Returning to the mirror: reflections on promoting constructivism in three educational contexts

Since the early 1980s educators have argued that reflection is an essential dimension of good pedagogical practice. This discussion of my attempt to support a constructivist approach to learning for three different groups of learners illustrates one effort to engage in such reflection. I analyze several assignments I have designed for differently positioned learners, all within the context of a liberal arts college in northeastern USA. Referring to the assignments I have developed in each context, I analyze the particular kinds of structures, challenges and supports I try to provide to learners, with the goal of surfacing the convictions I hold about learners' identities and capabilities. My intention is to identify underlying pedagogical principles that inform my practice across contexts, not only to make it clearer for myself and others what guides that practice but also, in an effort to acknowledge the evolving and interdependent nature of this work, to articulate the new challenges this analysis poses...
A general model for transition to dispersed bubble flow

Abstract A general model for the transition to gas-liquid dispersed bubble flow is proposed in this paper, based on an assumption that dispersed bubble flow cannot exist unless the turbulent kenetic energy of the liquid phase is greater than the surface free energy of dispersed spherical bubbles. This model is capable of predicting the transition boundary to dispersed bubble flow in various closed channels over the whole range of inclination angles. It also yields a good prediction for the slug liquid holdup in gas-liquid slug flow in conjunction with the Barnea-Brauner hypothesis (1985, Int. J. Multiphase Flow 11 , 43–49).
Law as Convention

. The widely recognized impasse in legal theory, which requires an account of law as “both a social fact and a framework of reasons for action” has been most interestingly addressed in recent years by writers characterizing law as convention in the sense of a solution to a game theoretical “coordination problem.” As critics have neutralized most of these proposals, the author advances an account of conventionalism, drawing on economic and sociological theory, which he claims makes the bridge between positivist and naturalist theories of law without compromising the basic insights of either. The result is a unified theory of law, politics and society.