cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of NiCu Catalysts for Aqueous-Phase Hydrodeoxygenation

Herein, we report on the development of supported Ni and Raney Ni catalysts doped with Cu for the hydrothermal hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of o-cresol. Raney Ni catalysts doped with >10 wt % Cu show a significant reduction in gasification activity and produce a higher yield of liquid products than the unmodified Raney Ni catalyst. Adding Cu did not, however, increase the yield of the desired HDO products, liquid hydrocarbons. The addition of acid sites to the catalysts, by supporting Ni and NiCu on Al2O3 and by calcining the Raney Ni to produce Al2O3 within the catalyst, however, did significantly increase the HDO activity of the catalysts such that yields of liquid hydrocarbons exceeded 60%. Two catalysts, a novel calcined 5% Raney NiCu catalyst and a NiCu/Al2O3 catalyst, produced the highest liquid hydrocarbon yields to date (∼70%) for stable, non-noble metal, hydrothermal HDO catalysts.
Pituitary and Pituitary Region Tumors: Medical Therapy Perspective

The management of tumors in or around the pituitary region requires specialized attention to both issues of mass effect on the adjacent critical structures and to the diagnosis and management of endocrine dysfunction. Careful assessment of endocrine function is necessary before therapy for a number of reasons. First, the nature of the pituitary lesion needs to be determined. Tumors of pituitary origin have the potential to respond to medical therapy. In fact, medical therapy is preferred as a primary therapy over surgery and radiation for some tumor subtypes such as prolactinomas. Tumors not of pituitary origin do not respond to medical therapy and should be treated with the other modalities. Second, syndromes of pituitary hormone excess may occur and may be an important factor in the choice of therapy. Third, these patients need to be treated for the hypopituitarism that may occur as a result of the mass lesion or of the treatments thereof.
Kawasaki syndrome: an update.

Fifteen years' experience with this “new” multisystem disease of very young children has led to a broader understanding of its clinical behavior, pathology, epidemiology, and spectrum of associated cardiovascular complications, including fatal myocardial infarction. Long-term follow-up of a large number of survivors has yielded unexpected findings of significant residual sequelae.
Trauma-adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Sixteen trauma victims with adult respiratory distress syndrome were retrospectively examined. High injury severity score (mean: 44), massive transfusion requirements, and prolonged ventilator days characterize this group. Persistent intra-abdominal infection accounted for two of three deaths in this series. Most of these patients were managed without paralysis using intermittent mandatory ventilation and positive-end expiratory pressure (PEEP). High frequency jet ventilation was necessary in one subject. Two patients exhibited early ARDS reversal, ie, clinical improvement, better chest x-ray and decreased shunt (within 72 hours) when an intra-abdominal septic focus was eradicated. Principles of critical care for these patients remain: an FiO2 less than .40, limiting barotrauma, using PEEP for alveolar recruitment and close monitoring of O2 transport.
Management of Diabetes in the Pre-End-Stage Renal Disease and Chronic Kidney Disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) affects approximately 20–40 % of individuals who have diabetes [1]. Given the frequency of nephropathy, it is important to understand the safe use of diabetes medications in this population. Glycemic control in chronic kidney disease (CKD) adds a level of complexity that requires detailed knowledge of which medications can be safely used and how kidney disease affects their metabolism. Additionally, glycemic targets should be individualized for each patient.
Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Esophagitis in Children with Abdominal Pain

목 적: 소아에서 식도염은 성인과 달리 나이별로 다양하고, 비특이적인 증상이나 징후를 보인다. 또한 식도염을 진단하기 위한 상부 위장관 내시경과 조직 생검을 시행하는 것도 쉽지 않다. 이에 본 연구에서는 소아에서 식도염의 유병률과 조직 검사의 필요성 및 위험 인자에 대해 알아보고자 하였다. 방 법: 2006년 1월부터 2007년 12월까지 가천의대 길병원 소아과에 내원하여 급만성 상복부 복통을 보인 환자들 266명을 대상으로 문진 및 신체 검사, 상부 위장관 내시경과 함께 식도 및 위 조직 생검을 시행하였다. 식도염의 진단은 조직 검사로 확진 하였으며, H. pylori 감염 여부는 CLO 검사, H&E 염색과 Giemsa 염색 혹은 요소호기검사로 확인하였다. 식도염과 관련된 위험인자 및 내시경 소견과 조직학적 소견의 관련성을 비교분석하였다. 결 과: 상부 내시경과 조직 생검을 시행 환자 266명 중 조직학적 식도염 환자는 전체 266명 중 53명(19.9%)이었으며, 남자 18명(34.0%), 여자 35명(66.0%)으로 평균 나이는 11.6 ${\pm}$ 0.87세였다. 내시경 소견의 민감도는 41.5%, 특이도는 77.0%, 양성 예측도 31.0%였다. 조직학적 식도염 환자 중 역류성 식도염은 50명, 호산구성 식도염은 2명, 캔디다 감염증에 의한 식도염은 1명이었다. 모든 연령에서 복통이 가장 흔한 증상으로 나타났으며, 8세 이하 환아들에서 구토가 의미 있게 많았다(p 【Purpose: Children with esophagitis express a variety of nonspecific symptoms and signs depending on their age, and diagnosis is limited because gastrointestinal endoscopy (GFS) and biopsy are difficult to perform. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of esophagitis in children with upper abdominal pain, to determine the necessity of esophageal biopsy, and to evaluate the associated risk factors. Methods: We reviewed 266 pediatric patients with upper abdominal pain who underwent history-taking, physical examination, and GFS with esophageal and gastric biopsies between January 2006 and December 2007. Esophagitis was confirmed on biopsy. We analyzed the risk factors for histologic esophagitis and the necessity of esophageal biopsy. Results: The prevalence of esophagitis was 19.9% (53/266 patients). The sensitivity and specificity of endoscopic diagnosis were 41.5% and 77%. Of 53 patients with histologic esophagitis, reflux esophagitis was seen in 50 patients, eosinophilic esophagitis was seen in 2 patients, and esophageal candidiasis was seen in 1 patient. Vomiting was a significant factor in patients under 8 yr of age (p】
Uncoupling protein 2 in the glial response to stress: implications for neuroprotection

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are free radicals thought to mediate the neurotoxic effects of several neurodegenerative disorders. In the central nervous system, ROS can also trigger a phenotypic switch in both astrocytes and microglia that further aggravates neurodegeneration, termed reactive gliosis. Negative regulators of ROS, such as mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) are neuroprotective factors that decrease neuron loss in models of stroke, epilepsy, and parkinsonism. However, it is unclear whether UCP2 acts purely to prevent ROS production, or also to prevent gliosis. In this review article, we discuss published evidence supporting the hypothesis that UCP2 is a neuroprotective factor both through its direct effects in decreasing mitochondrial ROS and through its effects in astrocytes and microglia. A major effect of UCP2 activation in glia is a change in the spectrum of secreted cytokines towards a more anti-inflammatory spectrum. There are multiple mechanisms that can control the level or activity of UCP2, including a variety of metabolites and microRNAs. Understanding these mechanisms will be key to exploitingthe protective effects of UCP2 in therapies for multiple neurodegenerative conditions.
Advances in Surgical Reconstructive Techniques in the Management of Penile, Urethral, and Scrotal Cancer

This article reviews the most up-to-date surgical treatment options for the reconstructive management of patients with penile, urethral, and scrotal cancer. Each organ system is examined individually. Techniques and discussion for penile cancer reconstruction include Mohs surgery, glans resurfacing, partial and total glansectomy, and phalloplasty. Included in the penile cancer reconstruction section is the use of penile prosthesis in phalloplasty patients after penectomy, tissue engineering in phallic regeneration, and penile transplantation. Reconstruction following treatment of primary urethral carcinoma and current techniques for scrotal cancer reconstruction using split-thickness skin grafts and flaps are described.
Use of a toxin neutralization assay to characterize the serologic response to adenylate cyclase toxin after infection with Bordetella pertussis

Adenylate cyclase toxin (ACT) is an essential virulence factor of Bordetella pertussis, and antibodies to ACT protect against B. pertussis infection in mice. The toxin is therefore a strong candidate antigen for addition to future acellular pertussis vaccines. In order to characterize the functionality of the immunologic response to ACT after infection, we developed an assay for testing the ability of serum samples from subjects infected with B. pertussis to neutralize ACT-induced cytotoxicity in J774 macrophage cells. Baboons develop neutralizing anti-ACT antibodies following infection with B. pertussis, and all sera from baboons with positive anti-ACT IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results neutralized ACT cytotoxicity. The toxin neutralization assay (TNA) was positive in some baboon sera in which ELISA remained negative. Of serum samples obtained from humans diagnosed with pertussis by PCR, anti-ACT IgG ELISA was positive in 72%, and TNA was positive in 83%. All samples positive for anti-ACT IgG ELISA were positive by TNA, and none of the samples from humans without pertussis neutralized toxin activity. These findings indicate that antibodies to ACT generated following infection with B. pertussis consistently neutralize toxin-induced cytotoxicity and that TNA can be used to improve understanding of the immunologic response to ACT after infection or vaccination.
Faculty Perceptions of Race to the Top Policy Influence on a University-Based Preparation Program Partnership.

Florida’s Race to the Top (RTTT) competition invited university−district partnerships to compete for funds aimed at improving principal preparation programs. In this article, we report findings from a qualitative case study focused on one program partnership funded by RTTT. Drawing upon interviews with faculty and relevant documents, we conducted a thematic analysis to determine how faculty perceived RTTT, the state, and the district influenced the development of the program. Three themes were identified and suggest that faculty perceived the influence of RTTT was filtered by the state’s existing reform priorities. Implications for preparation and directions for future research are provided.
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Uveal Metastases: Report of Three Cases and a Review of the Literature.

Purpose Uveal metastases are ophthalmologic tumors that have historically been treated by fractionated external beam radiation therapy or invasive brachytherapy. The need for rapid response and less invasive management options led the authors to explore the use of Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for this common problem. Design Interventional case series. Methods To prevent eye movement during the procedure, all 3 patients underwent a retrobulbar anesthetic block followed by magnetic resonance imaging to detect the target. All tumors were treated in a single procedure using the 4C or Perfexion Gamma Knife. The tumors received a minimal tumor dose of 14–20 Gy. Two patients also underwent SRS for additional intracranial metastases. Results At follow-up, performed between 4 and 15 months after SRS, all 3 patients demonstrated a reduction in uveal tumor volumes. One patient developed decreased visual acuity secondary to radiation retinopathy. Conclusion In this early experience, SRS was found to be an effective management option for uveal metastases associated with systemic cancer. Patients can be screened and treated effectively early after diagnosis using a joint approach between ophthalmologists and neurosurgeons. Systemic oncologic care can continue without interruption.
Subjective experience and the preparation of activist teachers:: confronting the mean old snapping turtle and the great big bear

Abstract This paper describes the use of autobiological storytelling, personal myths and visual imagery as strategies for preparing elementary and special education teachers for an active role in creating effective, inclusive schools. Developed for a graduate course at a public university in New York State, USA, these approaches provide students with a social-constructivist perspective toward the content and process of schooling. Grounded in Jungian and feminist theories, they assist prospective teachers in developing the sense of personal agency needed when taking an activist approach toward teaching. Examples of materials produced by three different groups of graduate students, during three different semesters, provides insight into their subjective experiences. Students’ awareness of their responses to the contradictions they face when trying to implement constructivist practices in classrooms with socio-culturally diverse populations and children identified as having special educational needs, assist them in reflecting on and overcoming personal resistances to change.
Fundamental Bounds on First Passage Time Fluctuations for Currents

Current is a characteristic feature of nonequilibrium systems. In stochastic systems, these currents exhibit fluctuations constrained by the rate of dissipation in accordance with the recently discovered thermodynamic uncertainty relation. Here, we derive a conjugate uncertainty relationship for the first passage time to accumulate a fixed net current. More generally, we use the tools of large-deviation theory to simply connect current fluctuations and first passage time fluctuations in the limit of long times and large currents. With this connection, previously discovered symmetries and bounds on the large-deviation function for currents are readily transferred to first passage times.
The Art of Silicones: Bringing Siloxane Chemistry to the Undergraduate Curriculum

Siloxane polymers and silicone materials are major components in most people’s daily lives and are important in a wide variety of applications. However, despite their undeniable importance, they are often overlooked in the traditional undergraduate education, as they do not fall neatly into the traditional categories of organic or inorganic chemistry. Even in advanced polymer courses, they are often overlooked despite their value in describing many important polymer concepts. Herein we present three simple experiments to introduce siloxane polymers to the undergraduate education aimed at first-year, upper-level, and non-science-major students. This is prefaced with a brief overview of the history and chemistry of siloxanes and their value as teaching tools in the laboratory and classroom settings.
Gay Expressions of Islam

In this chapter, Shah builds upon the previous chapter’s insights by looking more closely at the influences of Islamic socialisation on whether his participants forged a specifically ‘gay Muslim’ identity. He suggests that their understandings were significantly shaped by three big factors—the ways in which their families, schools, peers and state authorities approached Islam and homosexuality; their own immediate circumstances and networks; and the presence (or absence) of groups that promoted a discernible ‘gay Muslim’ identity. He then demonstrates how they creatively avoided, subverted or even challenged conventional Islamic authorities by reclaiming religion as a ‘cultural resource’ to mould their own multi-layered expressions of Islam.
Gut dysbiosis breaks immunological tolerance toward the central nervous system during young adulthood

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease targeting the central nervous system (CNS) mainly in young adults, and a breakage of immune tolerance to CNS self-antigens has been suggested to initiate CNS autoimmunity. Age and microbial infection are well-known factors involved in the development of autoimmune diseases, including MS. Recent studies have suggested that alterations in the gut microbiota, referred to as dysbiosis, are associated with MS. However, it is still largely unknown how gut dysbiosis affects the onset and progression of CNS autoimmunity. In this study, we investigated the effects of age and gut dysbiosis on the development of CNS autoimmunity in humanized transgenic mice expressing the MS-associated MHC class II (MHC-II) gene, HLA-DR2a, and T-cell receptor (TCR) genes specific for MBP87-99/DR2a that were derived from an MS patient. We show here that the induction of gut dysbiosis triggers the development of spontaneous experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) during adolescence and early young adulthood, while an increase in immunological tolerance with aging suppresses disease onset after late young adulthood in mice. Furthermore, gut dysbiosis induces the expression of complement C3 and production of the anaphylatoxin C3a, and down-regulates the expression of the Foxp3 gene and anergy-related E3 ubiquitin ligase genes. Consequently, gut dysbiosis was able to trigger the development of encephalitogenic T cells and promote the induction of EAE during the age window of young adulthood.
A 3.5 GHz hybrid wideband RF filter using AlN S1 lamb mode resonator

High frequency bands such as LTE band 42 and band 43 require resonators and filters that can operate at frequencies higher than 3 GHz. However, existing lithium niobate fundamental symmetric (S0) lamb mode resonators and surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonators have operating frequency limitations (<2 GHz) due to their low phase velocities. High frequency AlN film bulk acoustic resonators (FBARs) suffer from the deteriorated crystallization and power handling issues due to the thin AlN film. High frequency AlN S0 lamb mode resonators encounter lithography and power handling challenges because of their narrow pitch. The first-order symmetric (S1) lamb mode in AlN shows a very high phase velocity and is promising in building high frequency resonators and filters. This work thoroughly investigates the S1 lamb mode resonator and extends its application to high frequency RF filters with a hybrid topology.
Summer book club—a collaborative achievement: Using tech, time, and resources to engage students effectively

During summer term, an academic library can be a very quiet place. With fewer students on campus, more online classes, and shorter library hours, there is often a lack of interaction between librarians and students. This is a missed opportunity to engage those students who are on campus.
Quantitative Evaluation of Pigmentation Following Repeated UV Irradiation by Microflash Spectrophotometer

The goal of this clinical research project was to determine quantitatively the change in pigmentation in adults following repeated UV irradiation. Healthy male and female adult volunteers (18 years and older) with skin types II-V participated in the study. The total duration of this study was 3 months. Total body irradiation was performed three times a week using a commercial tanning bed with the UVB (λ=290–320) output of about 5%. Irradiation time was determined based on the subject's skin type and the specifications provided by the tanning bed manufacturer and sanctioned by the FDA. To assess the degree of pigmentation induced by repeated UV irradiation we used Microflash spectrophotometer which is an instrument that measures color quantitatively in the range of 400–700nm. In this study we measured skin pigmentation before and immediately after each irradiation. We evaluated 16 subjects who participated in the study. The microflash spectrophotometer measurements showed the following results:
Janus-Faced Randomness

The statistician M. Bartlett has introduced a simple step-by-step procedure for generating a random sequence that is so curious it compels us to examine it carefully, since it will bring us to the very core of what makes randomness appear elusive.
A hormone-dependent human breast cancer cell line grown in defined medium.

It has long been appreciated that mammary cancer, in both humans and experimental animals, is frequently an endocrine-responsive illness. In fact, a large number of hormonal manipulations, including ablation of ovaries, adrenals, or pituitary or additive therapies such as estrogen, progestin, androgen, or glucocorticoid administration have all been shown occasionally to induce beneficial tumor regressions. The mechanisms by which these responses are induced are largely obscure. In part, this obscurity reflects the lack of suitable model systems in which hormonal effects can be studied. Experimental animal systems are enormously complex. It is impossible to administer a hormone to an experimental animal without altering the activities or concentrations of numerous other trophic substances. In addition, it is not safe to conclude that the effects of the hormone are due to direct interactions on the target cell, as opposed to indirect effects mediated by interactions of the hormone with the immune system or supporting stroma. Thus there is an extraordinary need for human mammary cell lines of undisputed pedigree that retain hormonal responses characteristic of in vivo tissues. In addition, systems need to be provided in which hormonal effects can be studied free from the presence of unknown factors present in serum supplements. In this report we review our studies with the ZR-75–1 cell line, which is derived from a human mammary cancer (Engel et al., 1978). This cell line can be propagated indefinitely in serum-free defined medium, and exhibits striking growth dependence on the presence of insulin, 17β-estradiol, transferrin, triiodothyronine, and dexamethasone.
Pediatric Malignancies: Neuroblastoma, Wilm's Tumor, Hepatoblastoma, Rhabdomyosarcoma, and Sacroccygeal Teratoma

Common pediatric malignancies are reviewed: neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, hepatoblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and sacrococcygeal teratoma. Elements of presentation, diagnosis, staging, treatment, and longterm prognosis are discussed, with particular attention to surgical management.
Metamorphic differential simulation using the multi-delay timing model

Here we show that the Event Driven Condition Free (EVCF) simulation technique for gate-level circuits can be extended to the multi-delay timing model. In the multi-delay timing model, gates have different integer delays. Events are produced out of order and must be sorted for processing. The EVCF technique has shown spectacular gains in performance for the zero-delay and unit-delay models. The gains here are somewhat less spectacular, but are substantial, showing that the EVCF technique is an effective method for improving the performance of multi delay simulation.
Molecular and Biochemical Aspects of Selenium Deficiency

Selenium deficiency results in a decrease in both cellular and plasma glutathione peroxidase activities. This decrease was found to occur in a number of individuals receiving intravenous hyperalimentation. With selenium replacement, there was a rapid increase in plasma glutathione peroxidase activity and a much slower increase in red blood cell glutathione peroxidase activity. Using polyclonal antibodies to cellular glutathione peroxidase, it was found that all of the glutathione peroxidase activity in red blood cells was due to the selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase protein and that with selenium deficiency there was an absence of both activity and protein. With selenium replacement, there was a one to one correspondence in the appearance of activity and protein. Plasma glutathione peroxidase was not immunoprecipitated by antibodies against the cellular enzyme. Antibodies were prepared against purified plasma glutathione peroxidase and these did not cross-react with the cellular enzyme. In the absence of selenium, both the plasma glutathione peroxidase activity and protein were diminished. Using these mutually non-cross reactive antibodies, it was determined that the liver cell line, Hep G2, like other cells, synthesized the cellular enzyme. In addition, however, this cell synthesized and secreted the plasma enzyme. The activity of cellular glutathione peroxidase in this liver cell line could be enhanced three-fold by the addition of exogenous selenium.
The Effects of Mattering and Combat Deployment on Student Service Members/Veterans’ College Adjustment: A Psychosociocultural Approach

This study examined college adjustment for 157 student service members/veterans’ (SSM/V) college adjustment using a psychosociocultural framework to explore psychological (stress), social (connection and university mattering), and cultural (view of self) dimensions. A series of mediation analyses revealed that mattering fully mediated the relationships of social and campus connectedness and negative view of self with college adjustment, respectively. Mattering also partially-mediated the relationship of positive view of self and college adjustment. Although those SSM/V who had been deployed to a combat zone held more negative views of self and reported decreased social connectedness than those who had not, deployment to a combat zone did not moderate the relationships of connection (social and campus) and view of self (positive and negative) with college adjustment. The study’s findings direct student service personnel to provide emic support and programming to support SSM/Vs’ educational experiences and college adjustment.
Comparative Outcomes of the Molteno3 and Baerveldt Glaucoma Implants.

Purpose To compare outcomes between 2 nonvalved glaucoma drainage devices (GDDs) used to treat refractory glaucoma or in patients with neovascular/uveitic glaucoma likely to be poorly responsive to less aggressive therapies. Design Retrospective, nonrandomized, multicenter comparative study. Participants A total of 117 eyes from 117 patients. Methods Retrospective chart review of patients who underwent implantation of the Baerveldt (BGI) (Abbott Medical Optics, Abbott Park, IL) or the Molteno3 glaucoma implant (MGI) (Molteno Ophthalmic Limited, Dunedin, New Zealand). Noninferiority of the MGI versus the BGI was tested with Cox and mixed-effects regression models. Interventions in each group were analyzed with chi-square tests. Main Outcome Measures The primary outcome was time until device failure, defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) >21 mmHg or a reduction Results The MGI could not be deemed noninferior to the BGI with regard to time until device failure (hazard ratio [HR], 0.83; confidence interval [CI], 0.41–1.65). The MGI was noninferior to the BGI when comparing postoperative IOP, a difference of −0.40 mmHg (95% CI, −1.74–0.93). The MGI needed 2% fewer medications (ratio of 0.98, 95% CI, 0.79–1.22), but noninferiority could not be claimed. With regard to VA, the MGI's mean was 0.10 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) higher (95% CI, −0.01–0.21), but noninferiority testing was again inconclusive. Intraoperative time for the MGI was 15.7 minutes shorter versus the 350 mm2 plate size BGI (P Conclusions The MGI was noninferior to the BGI in lowering IOP. Differences in time until device failure, VA outcomes, and medication use were inconclusive. The MGI required more secondary operative interventions. The MGI required less time to implant than the BGI's 350 mm2 plate size implant. Overall, the use of both GDDs is justifiable to lower IOP when more conservative management has failed.
FnSched: An Efficient Scheduler for Serverless Functions

An imminent challenge in the serverless computing landscape is the escalating cost of infrastructure needed to handle the growing traffic at scale. This work presents FnSched, a function-level scheduler designed to minimize provider resource costs while meeting customer performance requirements. FnSched works by carefully regulating the resource usage of colocated functions on each invoker, and autoscaling capacity by concentrating load on few invokers in response to varying traffic. We implement a prototype of FnSched and show that, compared to existing baselines, FnSched significantly improves resource efficiency, by as much as 36%-55%, while providing acceptable application latency.
Versatility in multiple mini-interview implementation: Rater background does not significantly influence assessment scoring

The medical school admissions process seeks to assess a core set of cognitive and non-cognitive competencies that reflect professional readiness and institutional mission alignment. The standardized format of multiple mini-interviews (MMIs) can enhance assessments, and thus many medical schools have switched to this for candidate interviews. However, because MMIs are resource-intensive, admissions deans use a variety of interviewers from different backgrounds/professions. Here, we analyze the MMI process for the 2018 admissions cycle at the VCU School of Medicine, where 578 applicants were interviewed by 126 raters from five distinct backgrounds: clinical faculty, basic science faculty, medical students, medical school administrative staff, and community members. We found that interviewer background did not significantly influence MMI evaluative performance scoring, which eliminates a potential concern about the consistency and reliability of assessment.
The Neural Regulation of Cancer

The nervous system is intimately involved in physiological processes from development and growth to tissue homeostasis and repair throughout the body. It logically follows that the nervous system h...
Bureaucratic Bashing and Praising: What Effect Does it Have on the Performance Citizens Assign Agencies?

An online experimental survey was conducted to examine the impact of bureaucracy framing on respondents’ views regarding the performance of a local government entity. Several important findings emerged. First, bureaucracy bashing and bureaucracy praising were not found to have an effect on the performance respondents assigned to the entity. Second, political ideology was found to negatively influence the ratings assigned by respondents, with liberals more likely to give high ratings and conservatives more likely to give low ratings. Finally, political ideology was not found to influence the impact of either bureaucracy bashing or bureaucracy praising on perceived performance.
Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for patient-reported shoulder outcomes.

Background The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) is used when interpreting the importance of outcome data. However, a consensus regarding the MCID for commonly used patient-reported outcomes in shoulder surgery has not been established. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the available literature on shoulder MCID to improve clinical interpretation of shoulder outcome data. Methods A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify studies reporting anchor-based MCID values for the patient-reported outcomes recommended by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES): Veterans Rand 12 score, ASES score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score, Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) score, Western Ontario Osteoarthritis Score (WOOS), Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), Pennsylvania Shoulder Score, and Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS). Results A total of 14 articles reporting anchor-based MCID values were included in the final analysis. No studies reporting the Western Ontario Osteoarthritis Score (WOOS) were identified. The ASES score (6 studies), OSS (4 studies), and WORC score (2 studies) were the only instruments investigated in more than 1 study. The average reported MCID values for the ASES, OSS, and WORC scores were 15.5 (15% total difference), 275.7 (13% total difference), and 6 (13% total difference), respectively. The vast majority of studies failed to report information necessary to validate the credibility of these MCID values. Discussion and conclusion The current utility of the MCID for patient-report shoulder outcome instruments is limited by poor study methodology, inadequate reporting, and a lack of data. Further research is needed to more clearly define the MCID values for commonly used patient-reported outcomes in shoulder surgery.
Unions, Industrial Relations and Market Income Inequality in Canada’s Provinces

While decades of scholarship point to the broad consensus that unions compress the distribution of wages and incomes, recent empirical contributions suggest that unions’ within-country egalitarian effect is dwindling, as unions decline and membership composition changes. What is more, unions now operate in an increasingly difficult political economy transformed by, among other forces, globalization, financialization and fiscal austerity. At the same time, there is an increased demand for unions to play a broader role in a movement for distributive justice.Transposing these debates to the Canadian provincial context, this article asks whether unions still matter for reducing inequality. Considering the role of industrial relations more broadly by taking into account strike activity and collective labour statutes, the article explores the relationship between union power and market income inequality over a period ranging from 1984 to 2012. This empirical contribution is framed in theories from comparative capitalism, economics, and sociology.Descriptive longitudinal statistics support the well-documented union decline narrative. On average, union density and strike activity have declined in the provinces. As for the quality of collective labour rights, it is argued that the relative apparent stability of statutes conceals more substantive issues with Wagnerism as an organizing model. Linking unions to inequality, results from multivariate regressions using panel data suggest that union power still matters for limiting market income inequality. While estimates for strike action are not statistically significant, those for union density and the quality of collective labour statutes suggest that unions still exert an inequality-reducing effect. However, the rarity of significant estimates across models using different measures of inequality indicates that this effect is by no means comprehensive.
Effects of ferric carboxymaltose on markers of mineral and bone metabolism: A single-center prospective observational study of women with iron deficiency.

Abstract Background Two weekly infusions of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) are commonly prescribed for treatment of iron-deficiency anemia. However, administration of FCM increases intact levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), which causes hypophosphatemia due to renal phosphate wasting, calcitriol deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism. The adverse effects of FCM on mineral metabolism and bone health emerged from case reports and secondary analyses of trials. Data on these safety signals with FCM in clinical practice are limited because markers of mineral and bone metabolism are not routinely checked. Methods To obtain real-world experience with effects of FCM on mineral and bone metabolism, we conducted a prospective observational study of 16 women who were managed at a single-center hematology clinic for iron-deficiency anemia. From October 2016 to February 2018, all participants received two weekly infusions of FCM at a hematology infusion clinic. We hypothesized that FCM would decrease phosphate, increase intact FGF23 (iFGF23), and decrease c-terminal FGF23 (cFGF23). Secondary outcomes were changes in hemoglobin, iron indices, urine fractional excretion of phosphate (FePi), parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitriol, calcium, osteocalcin, and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP). FCM was administered at weeks zero and one, and we measured laboratory values at weeks zero, one, two, and five of the study. We used linear mixed models to analyze the significance of the changes in laboratory values over time. Results After two FCM infusions, nearly all (14 of 16) participants developed hypophosphatemia. iFGF23 increased, cFGF23 decreased, and phosphate decreased significantly from week zero to week two (iFGF23 increased by +134.0% [40.6, 305.8], p Conclusion In this prospective observational study of women with iron deficiency anemia, two FCM infusions significantly altered markers of bone mineralization and mineral metabolism. The results suggest that FCM should be used cautiously in the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia.
Serotonin transporter gene polymorphisms and depressive symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: We examined the relationship between polymorphisms in the promoter region of the serotonin transport (SERT) gene (5-HTTLPR, short ‘S’ and long ‘L’ alleles) and in intron 2 variable numb...
Risk factors for persistent coronal imbalance or revision surgery following L3 LIV selection in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Retrospective case–control. To identify a cohort of patients with persistent coronal imbalance (CIB) or revision surgery 5 years following fusion to an L3 lowest-instrumented-vertebra (LIV) and determine factors that make an L3 LIV high-risk. In surgical planning for AIS, L3 is chosen over L4 whenever possible to maximize motion segments below the LIV. Though fusion to an L3 LIV is common, the rate of failure and its risk factors have not been described. In this analysis of prospectively-collected multi-center data of AIS patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion (PSF) to an L3 LIV, we identified patients with CIB at 5 years and/or those who required revision surgery attributable to LIV selection. Patients who were balanced at 5 years and did not require revision surgery served as controls. Pre-operative patient and radiographic variables were compared between cases and controls to identify risk factors for CIB/revision surgery. We identified 646 patients with 2-year follow-up and 225 patients with 5-year follow-up, of which 11 were found to have CIB and/or revision surgery attributable to selecting L3 as the LIV. There were statistically significant differences between cases and controls with respect to several pre-operative factors, including BMI (24.5 in cases vs. 20.1 in controls; p = 0.01), Lenke curve type (81.8% Lenke 5/6 vs. 44.4%; p = 0.03), lumbar curve magnitude (56 vs. 45°; p < 0.01), TL/L apical vertebral translation (AVT) (6.2 vs. 4.1 cm; p < 0.01), L3 angulation (30° vs. 22°; p < 0.01), L3 translation (4.3 vs. 2.9 cm; p < 0.01), thoracic rib hump (7° vs. 12°; p = 0.02), lumbar rib hump (16° vs. 10°; p < 0.01), and thoracolumbar (T10-L2) kyphosis (10.5° vs. 2°; p = 0.006). Multivariate logistic regression showed that pre-operative BMI, TL/L AVT, L3 angulation, L3 translation, lumbar rib hump, and thoracolumbar kyphosis were independent predictors of CIB/revision surgery. An L3 LIV is frequently successful at 5 years post-operatively. Consider an L4 LIV when: pre-operative BMI ≥ 28, L3 angulation ≥ 25°, L3 translation ≥ 4 cm, TL/L AVT ≥ 6 cm, or the lumbar curve is large (≥ 55°) and rotated (≥ 10°). Level III.
Tregs and Mixed Chimerism as Approaches for Tolerance Induction in Islet Transplantation.

Pancreatic islet transplantation is a promising method for the treatment of type 1 and type 3 diabetes whereby replacement of islets may be curative. However, long-term treatment with immunosuppressive drugs (ISDs) remains essential for islet graft survival. Current ISD regimens carry significant side-effects for transplant recipients, and are also toxic to the transplanted islets. Pre-clinical efforts to induce immune tolerance to islet allografts identify ways in which the recipient immune system may be reeducated to induce a sustained transplant tolerance and even overcome autoimmune islet destruction. The goal of these efforts is to induce tolerance to transplanted islets with minimal to no long-term immunosuppression. Two most promising cell-based therapeutic strategies for inducing immune tolerance include T regulatory cells (Tregs) and donor and recipient hematopoietic mixed chimerism. Here, we review preclinical studies which utilize Tregs for tolerance induction in islet transplantation. We also review myeloablative and non-myeloablative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) strategies in preclinical and clinical studies to induce sustained mixed chimerism and allograft tolerance, in particular in islet transplantation. Since Tregs play a critical role in the establishment of mixed chimerism, it follows that the combination of Treg and HSCT may be synergistic. Since the success of the Edmonton protocol, the feasibility of clinical islet transplantation has been established and nascent clinical trials testing immune tolerance strategies using Tregs and/or hematopoietic mixed chimerism are underway or being formulated.
Behind Closed Doors: An Investigation of Investor Relations Officer Disclosures in Private Meetings with Investors

We examine how investor relations officers (IROs) approach disclosure decisions in private meetings with investors. We provide a framework that describes the conflicting pressures that IROs face in these settings and factors that might influence private disclosure. Then we conduct an experiment to test a portion of this framework, focusing on the effects of investor types and pre-disclosure preparation. In the experiment, 133 experienced IROs evaluate information that is “gray” with respect to its materiality. We find that greater pre-disclosure preparation leads IROs to recognize the “gray area” and provide more disclosure to more preferred investors than to less preferred investors. In contrast, we find that, when IROs do less pre-disclosure preparation, they limit disclosure to both investor types. We also find that IROs rationalize not providing preferential disclosure to preferred investors after the fact through higher materiality assessments and by increasing reference to Reg FD as constraining their disclosure. Our results have implications for firms and regulators.
Seed anatomy and development in cycads and Ginkgo, keys for understanding the evolution of seeds

Abstract Cycadales and Ginkgoales constitute two of the most ancient lineages of extant seed plants and as such are prime candidates for the study of the evolution of seeds and the genes involved. The ovules of these plant lineages are formed by a single massive integument that, as the ovule matures into a seed, is comprised of a stony layer covered by a fleshy seed coat. However, literature on their seed morphology and anatomy, which is key for understanding the evolution of land plants, is scarce and not easily accessible. Here we provide a literature review highlighting the diversity of ovule and megastrobilus morphologies. Additionally, we present further morphological and anatomical descriptions, making a comprehensive description of ovulated structures in Cycadales. In general, the integument is similar amongst these species, with three well differentiated zones: sarcotesta, sclerotesta and endotesta, from the outer most zone to the inner most zone. Cycad ovules have two sets of vascular bundles: one in the sarcotesta and another one in the region between the endotesta and the nucellus (i.e., the pachychalaza). However, Ginkgo does not have any vasculature in the ovule. Other differences between species that are mainly related with the number of cell layers and to the abundance and the location of ergastic substances.
On the class of attainable multidimensional NMR spectra

It is shown that a large class of two‐dimensional NMR spectra is characterized by a matrix algebra and an invariant subspace. Both the matrix algebra and the invariant subspace are determined by the system matrices of the bilinear system which describes the NMR experiments.
Style is Substance: Collected Cases Showing Why it Matters

This article, formatted as a miniature casebook, collects cases in which the outcome -- or some other significant aspect of the litigation -- hinged on how lawyers wrote. Readers will find discussion, case excerpts, notes, and questions about legalese, verbosity, run-on sentences, passive voice, ambiguous modifiers, word choice, personal attacks, and even punctuation. The writings at issue in the cases run the gamut: pleadings, insurance policies, appellate briefs, statutes, leases, employment contracts, and more. The cases show that the consequences of poor writing style are not abstract or hypothetical; they're real, affecting real parties in real cases.
On the optimality of probability estimation by random decision trees

Random decision tree is an ensemble of decision trees. The feature at any node of a tree in the ensemble is chosen randomly from remaining features. A chosen discrete feature on a decision path cannot be chosen again. Continuous feature can be chosen multiple times, however, with a different splitting value each time. During classification, each tree outputs raw posterior probability. The probabilities from each tree in the ensemble are averaged as the final posterior probability estimate. Although remarkably simple and somehow counter-intuitive, random decision tree has been shown to be highly accurate under 0-1 loss and cost-sensitive loss functions. Preliminary explanation of its high accuracy is due to the "error-tolerance" property of probabilistic decision making. Our study has shown that the actual reason for random tree's superior performance is due to its optimal approximation to each example's true probability to be a member of a given class.
Dissociative recombination in planetary ionospheres

Ionization in planetary atmospheres can be produced by solar photoionization, photoelectron impact ionization, and, in auroral regions, by impact of precipitating particles. This ionization is lost mainly in dissociative recombination (DR) of molecular ions. Although atomic ions cannot undergo DR, they can be transformed locally through ion-molecule reactions into molecular ions, or they may be transported vertically or horizontally to regions of the atmosphere where such transformations are possible.
State Sales Below Cost Laws: Hunting Sheep in Wolves Clothing

This paper examines whether state laws to prevent below cost sales provideprotection for small businesses beyond the protection afforded by the federal antitrustlaws. The paper first identifies the theoretical implications of state sales below cost laws.I find that there are various circumstances when the state law will provide additionalprotection to the federal predatory pricing laws. The uniqueness of the empirical sectionof this paper is based on the functional form of the tests and the distinctive features of thestate laws used to discern the laws impact on small businesses. I find that state laws dohave a small impact on the viability of small businesses in certain industries. Additionally,the differences among the state laws also have an impact on the percentage of smallbusinesses in a state. However, it does not appear that these laws are reducing the pricingbehavior that could be deemed predatory. This implies that the effects of these laws arepotentially inconsistent with the goals of competition (K12)
Expression of human brain hexokinase in Escherichiacoli: Purification and characterization of the expressed enzyme☆

Human brain hexokinase (hexokinase I) was produced in Escherichia coli from a synthetic gene under control of the bacteriophage T7 promoter. The expressed coding region derives from a human cDNA clone thought to specify hexokinase I based on amino acid sequence identity between the predicted translation product and hexokinase I from rat brain. The open reading frame from this cDNA was fused to the promoter and 5' flanking region of T7 gene 10, and expressed in E. coli by induction of T7 RNA polymerase. Induced cells contained a hexokinase activity and an abundant protein of apparent molecular weight 100,000, neither of which was present in cells lacking T7 RNA polymerase. Enzyme purified to near homogeneity consisted of a 100,000 Da protein, the size predicted from the nucleotide sequence of the expressed cDNA. The purified enzyme had Michaelis constants of 32 microM and 0.3 mM for glucose and ATP, respectively, and bound to rat liver mitochondria in the presence of MgCl2. Enzymatic activity was inhibited by glucose-6-P and this inhibition was relieved by inorganic phosphate. Deinhibition by phosphate is a property specific to brain hexokinase.