cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
P‐142: Multi‐Domain Alignment Technology by Ink‐Jet Printing

This study developed an ink-jet printing method capable of producing multi-domain alignment liquid crystal displays. Based on the drop-on-demand characteristics of ink jet printing, the ink's location in different alignment manners could be defined in one pixel. This paper describes two practical applications. The first involves integrating the hybrid aligned zone with the homeotropic aligned area in one pixel to create a multi-domain alignment when the voltage is applied. This proposed method achieved a wide viewing angle. The second, similar approach using ink jet printing was performed on a single-cell-gap transflective liquid crystal display. A 2.4-in 170-ppi prototype demonstrates mass-production feasibility.
Plant-Plant Communications: Rhizosphere Signaling between Parasitic Angiosperms and Their Hosts

Plants are in constant communication with a multitude of diverse organisms. Some symbioses, such as the association of nitrogen-fixing bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi with plant roots, are beneficial to the plant. Others, such as the interaction of plants with viral, microbial, fungal, and nematode
Simulation, design and validation of a UAV SOFC propulsion system

This paper provides a physically-based model for design and optimization of a fuel cell powered electric propulsion system for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Components of the system include a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) providing power, motor controller, Brushless DC (BLDC) motor, and a propeller. The simulation allows an operator to select constraints and explore design trade-offs between components, including fuel cell, controller, motor and propeller options. We also present a graphical procedure using this model that allows rapid assessment and selection of design choices, including fuel cell characteristics and hybridization with multiple sources. A series of tests conducted on an instrumented propulsion system in a low-speed wind tunnel reveal good correlation to the simulated results and validate the simulation model and design techniques.
Expression of HSP-28 and Three HSP-70 Genes during the Development and Decay of Thermotolerance in Leukemic and Nonleukemic Human Tumors

Abstract Leukemic cells appear to develop less thermotolerance and then to lose their thermotolerance more rapidly than do other tumor cell lines. The reason for this phenomenon is not known. After heat shock (or other environmental stresses), mammalian cells preferentially synthesize a set of proteins known as heat shock proteins (HSPs). HSP-28 and the various isoforms of HSP-70 have been suggested as being responsible for the development of thermotolerance. In these studies, we have attempted to determine by their expression which HSPs positively correlate with the development and decay of thermotolerance and whether the expression of these genes could explain the differing thermotolerance response observed between leukemic and nonleukemic tumor cells. Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of HSP-28 and several HSP-70 genes. Our data indicate that the expression of all three heat-inducible HSP-70 genes, 70A (Hunt and Morimoto, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 82: 6455–6459, 1985), 70B (Voellmy et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 82: 4949–4953, 1985), and 70B′ (Leung et al., Biochem J., 267: 125–132, 1990) correlate with the development and decay of thermotolerance in nonleukemic tumor cell lines after heat or arsenite treatment. HSP-28 (Hickey et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 4: 4127–4145, 1986) failed to correlate with thermotolerance development; it was not induced after 45°C primary heat shock. In leukemic cells, however, none of the HSPs were induced for extended periods of time. The lack of coordinate expression of HSP genes in cells of myeloid origin may explain the poor induction and maintenance of thermotolerance that is observed in these cells.
Limiting the spread of misinformation in social networks

In this work, we study the notion of competing campaigns in a social network and address the problem of influence limitation where a "bad" campaign starts propagating from a certain node in the network and use the notion of limiting campaigns to counteract the effect of misinformation. The problem can be summarized as identifying a subset of individuals that need to be convinced to adopt the competing (or "good") campaign so as to minimize the number of people that adopt the "bad" campaign at the end of both propagation processes. We show that this optimization problem is NP-hard and provide approximation guarantees for a greedy solution for various definitions of this problem by proving that they are submodular. We experimentally compare the performance of the greedy method to various heuristics. The experiments reveal that in most cases inexpensive heuristics such as degree centrality compare well with the greedy approach. We also study the influence limitation problem in the presence of missing data where the current states of nodes in the network are only known with a certain probability and show that prediction in this setting is a supermodular problem. We propose a prediction algorithm that is based on generating random spanning trees and evaluate the performance of this approach. The experiments reveal that using the prediction algorithm, we are able to tolerate about 90% missing data before the performance of the algorithm starts degrading and even with large amounts of missing data the performance degrades only to 75% of the performance that would be achieved with complete data.
Impacts of aerosols on the development and precipitation of a mesoscale squall line

[1] The effects of aerosols on the development and precipitation for a mesoscale squall line occurring in the south plains of the United States have been investigated using a cloud-resolving Weather Research and Forecasting (CR-WRF) model with a two-moment bulk microphysical scheme. Different aerosol scenarios are considered in the CR-WRF model experiments, including polluted continental aerosols with a mean concentration of 2000 cm−3. The simulated temporal evolution of composite radar reflectivity and the 24-h accumulated precipitation in the polluted aerosol experiment are in agreement with the measurements. The influence of aerosol concentrations is insignificant on the rainfall distribution but is remarkable on the precipitation intensity. The CR-WRF experiment with the polluted aerosol case predicts about 13% more precipitation and more locally intensive rainfall than do those with the clean aerosol case. Both the convection zone and the storm convective strength are increased in the polluted aerosol experiment in response to the increase in aerosol concentrations. The two-moment microphysical scheme is compared with three single-moment bulk schemes in the WRF model, including the Lin, WRF single-moment six-class, and Thompson schemes. Only the Thompson schemes reproduce the observed precipitation and radar reflectivity pattern, in agreement with the two-moment scheme with a leading convective line and a trailing stratiform precipitation regime. All of the single-moment schemes significantly overestimate the precipitation, especially with the Lin scheme, while the two-moment scheme yields the precipitation simulation comparable with the measurement.
The effect of chlorophyllins on various odorants as measured by surface tension changes of liquids

The effect of chlorophyllins on various odorants was studied using an improved surface tension method for the detection of odorant substances. It was found that certain odorants could be detected and measured by the technique while others could not and that the effect of chlorophyllins on the various odorants could be studied by the method employed.
DIE DESIGN METHOD FOR SHEET SPRINGBACK

Abstract A new method for designing general sheet forming dies to produce a desired final part shape, taking springback into account, has been developed. The method is general in that it is not limited to operations having particular symmetry, die shapes, or magnitude of springback shape change. It is based on iteratively comparing a target part shape with a Finite Element-simulated part shape following forming and springback. The displacement vectors at each node are used to adjust the trial die design until the target part shape is achieved, hence the term “displacement adjustment method” (DA) has been applied. DA has been compared with the “springforward” method of Karafillis and Boyce (K&B), which is based on computing the constraint forces to maintain equilibrium following forming. DA was found to converge in cases when K&B does not, and in cases when both methods converge, DA is many times faster. In general, i.e. nonsymmetric parts, K&B can return inaccurate results whereas DA does not. The suitability and application of the two methods is discussed, along with the origins of the differences.
Automatic generation of parasitic constraints for performance-constrained physical design of analog circuits

A design methodology for the physical design of analog circuits is proposed. The methodology is based on the automatic generation of constraints on parasitics introduced during the layout phase from constraints on the functional performance of the circuit. In this novel performance-constrained approach, the parasitic constraints drive the layout tools to reduce the need for further layout iterations. Parasitic constraint generation involves (1) generation of a set of bounding constraints on the critical parasitics of a circuit to provide maximum flexibility to the layout tools while meeting the performance constraints; and (2) deriving a set of matching constraints on the parasitics from matched-node-pair and matched-branch-pair information in differential circuits. The constraint generator PARCAR is described and results presented for test circuits. >
Incidence and risk factors for cognitive impairment in rural elderly populations in Costa Rica.

Risk factors for the onset of cognitive impairment in Costa Rica are not well understood, despite a substantial elderly population stemming from a higher than average life expectancy for the western hemisphere. To investigate the risk factors that predict the onset of cognitive impairment in the rural elderly of Costa Rica, a modified version of the Mini Mental State Exam—designed for illiterate populations—was administered to 90 elderly inhabitants of San Carlos, Alajuela, Costa Rica between April and May of 2011. Subsequently, each participant took a structured interview assessing viability of risk factors and behaviors potentially contributing to a diagnosis of cognitive impairment. Results showed strong dependencies between age (p=0.0001), education level (p=0.0095), the ability to read (p=0.0001) and write (p=0.0153), frequency of reading (p=0.0011), use of puzzles and mind games (p<0.0001), vocation (p=0.0225), area of residence (p<0.0001), comorbid mental diseases (p=0.0005), history of stroke or brain trauma (p=0.0104), urinary or renal problems (p=0.0443), consistent cooking practices (p=0.0262) and number of living companions (p=0.0299) in susceptibility for developing cognitive impairment. The study concluded that high intellectual use, or lack thereof, during the lifetime of a person was a predictor for cognitive status later in life. In addition, comorbid mental disorders, including neurological trauma due to stroke, impeded normal cognitive function. Future research should examine incidence and risk factors of cognitive impairment in urban, more educated populations. Jeffrey L. Nadel Diana UlateAssociated Colleges of the Midwest, San Pedro Montes de Oca, Costa Rica; jeffrey.nadel@gmail.com, acmcostarica@acm.edu
Definitions and the Experience of Fertility Problems: Infertile and Sub-fertile Women, Childless Mothers, and Honorary Mothers in Two Southern Nigerian Communities

Although infertility causes women considerable grief, social stigma, and economic deprivation, scholars have paid little attention to infertility's definitions that may depart from the standard Western usage and how such definitions influence the way women experience the condition. This article, by listening to individual women's experiences of infertility in two Nigerian communities, examines these definitions and differentiates between culturally salient categories of infertility. In distinguishing between different kinds of childless women and those with low fertility, we intend to enhance understandings of infertility by considering women's subjective understandings of the condition and thus moving beyond the current medical definition. By comparing women's experiences in two different ethnic groups in Nigeria, we show how distinct forms of kinship structures and social organizations shape the ways low fertility is defined, managed, and experienced.
Minimum achievable phase noise of RC oscillators

To make RC oscillators suitable for RF applications, their typically poor phase-noise characteristics must be improved. We show that, for a given power consumption, this improvement is fundamentally limited by the fluctuation-dissipation theorem of thermodynamics. We also present the analytical formulation of this limit for relaxation (including ring) oscillators using a time-domain phase-noise analysis method which is introduced in this paper. Measurement shows the maximum possible improvement is generally less than 6dB for ring oscillators, while it can be as high as 21dB for other relaxation oscillators. The suboptimal performance of relaxation oscillators is attributed to the continuous current flow in these oscillator topologies. These results provide useful insight for feasibility studies of oscillator design.
Parathyroidectomy for Secondary or Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism

This chapter describes parathyroidectomy for secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism. It lists the indications, essential steps, common technical variations, and complications of the procedure. A detailed template operative dictation note is included.
Non-opioid analgesics: Novel approaches to perioperative analgesia for major spine surgery

Perioperative pain management is a significant challenge following major spine surgery. Many pathways contribute to perioperative pain, including nociceptive, inflammatory, and neuropathic sources. Although opioids have long been a mainstay for perioperative analgesia, other non-opioid therapies have been increasingly used as part of a multimodal analgesic regimen to provide improved pain control while minimizing opioid-related side effects. Here we review the evidence supporting the use of novel analgesic approaches as an alternative to intravenous opioids for major spine surgery.
STM study of the geometric and electronic structure of ZnO(0001)-Zn, (0001̄)-O, (101̄0), and (112̄0) surfaces

Abstract The geometric and electronic structure of clean (0 0 0 1), ( 0 0 0 1 ), ( 1 1 2 0 ), and ( 1 0 1 0 ) faces of ZnO single crystals have been studied with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy (STS), low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), and low-energy He + ion scattering spectroscopy (LEIS). All surfaces exhibit a (1×1) termination but distinctly different terrace and step structures. On the zinc-terminated (0 0 0 1)-Zn surface, the terraces are covered with triangular islands and pits of different sizes, rotated by 180° with respect to those in the neighboring terraces. Single-layer steps with a height of ∼2.7 A are observed. Vicinal surfaces of (0 0 0 1)-Zn consist of terraces separated by alternating straight and saw-tooth-shaped steps. On the oxygen-terminated ( 0 0 0 1 )-O surface, flat hexagonal terraces are separated by predominantly ∼5.3 A high-double-layer steps. The terraces are wide (∼500 A) and smooth with no added islands and holes. They are not covered with a saturation coverage of hydrogen. Near-atomic-resolution images of the prism ( 1 0 1 0 ) surface show flat, rectangular terraces separated by single-layer steps (∼3 A) running perpendicular to the 〈0 0 0 1〉 and 〈1 2 1 0〉 directions. A high density of terraces with atomic rows running preferentially along the 〈0 0 0 1〉 directions was observed on the as-grown ( 1 1 2 0 ) surface. This surface is the least stable and tends to form long grooves that are ∼250 A wide and ∼50 A deep along the 〈1 1 0 0〉 directions. STS measurements show semiconductor-like behavior of all the surfaces, but a slightly different I–V characteristic of the ( 0 0 0 1 )-O face. Based on these results, structural models for the different surfaces are proposed and related to the stability and reactivity of ZnO surfaces.
Guerrilla Governance: Patterns and Explanations

Guerrillas frequently form governments for civilians living in areas they hold during civil war. The forms these governments take vary considerably. They present an underexploited area in comparative politics. Insurgents choose to form governments only when they think it will help them win their civil war. Civilian responses may alter their original design. In this paper I discuss which cases of guerrilla organization are appropriate for analysis, the different patterns of civilian governance, three brief case studies to demonstrate the variation, and a preliminary account of explanations for their differences. The explanations discussed here focus on doctrines adopted by guerrillas before rebellion, whether rebellion occurs as a result of predation or a security dilemma, differential access to wealth and the presence or absence of material resources available to guerrilla leaders. The variables discussed in the paper are represented in a template that is currently being used to build a dataset on civilian governance during civil wars conducted between 1945 and 2005.
Democracy in the Developing World: Challenges of Survival and Significance

The study of political development over the past half century has been heavily influenced by the ebb and flow of democracy in the global South. The global experience has demonstrated that the geographic, economic, and cultural range of democratic regimes is far more expansive than often assumed half a century ago, forcing major theoretical reassessments of democracy’s political origins and social correlates. At the same time, the challenges of constructing effective representative and participatory institutions to stabilize democracy and make it more “consequential” have become increasingly apparent. The tensions between democracy’s rapid spread and its oftentimes shallow reach have fostered a wide range of experiments with new representative and participatory channels, creating a fluid democratic landscape in much of the developing world.
Predicting potential school problems.

Normal students in Grade 6 and students referred for psychological services in a rural school were administered intelligence, reading, personality, achievement, and visual-motor tests. With 22 vari...
Abstract 2531: Childhood cancer and traffic-related air pollution exposure in pregnancy and early life.

Background: The literature on traffic-related air pollution and childhood cancers presents a mixture of findings, likely due to variations in exposure assessment methods, differing time periods in the children9s lives that were considered with regard to exposures, and often, small sample sizes which necessitated the grouping together of disparate cancer types. To date, few studies used a sophisticated emissions-based model to assess pollution exposures in pregnancy and early childhood. Methods: The present study included children younger than age 6 identified in the California cancer registry (born 1998-2007) who could be linked to a California birth certificate (N=3590). Controls were selected at random from California birthrolls (N=80,224). CAlifornia LINE Source Dispersion Modeling, version 4 (CALINE4) was used to generate estimates of local traffic exposures at the child9s residence during each trimester of pregnancy and in the first year of life. Model inputs were based on local traffic emissions of both gasoline vehicles and diesel trucks within a 1500m radius buffer, and included traffic volumes, roadway geometry, vehicle emission rates, and meteorology. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate cancer risk. Results: A per interquartile range increase in exposure to traffic-related pollution from CALINE4 was associated with increases in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, germ cell tumors, and retinoblastoma, particularly bilateral. CALINE4 estimates were highly correlated across trimesters and the 1st year of life (r∼0.96-0.98), making it difficult to discern the most important period for exposure. Conclusions: Our findings support a relation between traffic pollution and several childhood cancers. As this is the first study to report upon traffic pollution in relation to retinoblastoma or germ cell tumors, and both are rare, these findings require replication in other studies. Citation Format: Julia E. Heck, Jun Wu, Travis J. Meyers, Michelle Wilhelm, Myles Cockburn, Beate Ritz. Childhood cancer and traffic-related air pollution exposure in pregnancy and early life. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2531. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2531
Prostaglandin E2 preparations for preinduction cervical ripening

PGE2 is an effective agent for cervical ripening. It is most effective when administered intravaginally. Patients with unfavorable cervices who begin labor during cervical ripening have greater gestational ages, more baseline uterine activity, more initial uterine activity in response to PGE2, and lesser cesarean delivery rate than those patients who do not begin labor during cervical ripening. However, PGE2 should not be continued or administered when the patient is in active labor because it leads to unacceptable rates of hyperstimulation. Unfortunately, cervical ripening with PGE2 has little or no effect on the overall cesarean delivery rate.
Cooperative Spectrum Sensing Data Fusion Method Based on Signal Noise Ratio Soft-Information

Aim to the problem that the signal noise ratio(SNR) of each user is assumed to nearly the same,so that the cooperative performance can not be improved remarkable in the larger difference of SNR environments,based on SNR information,a novel cooperative spectrum sensing scheme for OFDM system is proposed.By using the characteristics of cyclic prefix of OFDM signal,the novel blind SNR estimation is proposed without any information of modulation or synchronization for the cognitive radio system.Moreover, by using the characteristics of detection probability curve which is close to the linear between -13dB and -5dB,and according to the estimated SNR,the detection probability curve can be quantized into the soft-information as decision believe degree information in order to attain more reasonable weight in fusion scheme.Computer simulation shows that the proposed scheme can utilize the SNR information effectively. And comparing with the conventional scheme,the performance of proposed scheme is better in various situations.Especially in the larger difference of SNR environments,the performance of proposed scheme is closer to data decision scheme.
The Distribution of Morphemic Variants in the Declension of Polish Substantives

(1955). The Distribution of Morphemic Variants in the Declension of Polish Substantives. WORD: Vol. 11, Slavic Word No. 4, pp. 554-574.
Digitizing audiovisual and nonprint materials

Digitization of library resources to aid in the preservation of aging or unstable media and to increase user access to content can be daunting, particularly for libraries tasked with digitizing cha...
Developmental Pathways in Liver Regeneration-I

Abstract Hepatocytes, the chief functional units of liver, play a critical role in synthesis, metabolism, and detoxification. A critical mass of functioning hepatocytes is thus essential to meet the daily demands of homeostasis. This is ensured by hepatic regenerative capacity, which enables replacement of lost hepatocytes through proliferation of healthy adult hepatocytes. Restoration of hepatic mass after two-thirds of hepatic resection is a commonly used model to study the cellular and molecular basis of regeneration. In rats and mice, removal of two-thirds of the liver mass sets into cascade a series of signaling events that are critical in initiating the process of hepatocyte proliferation. Several developmental pathways have been shown in the last decade to be instrumental in driving regeneration, including Wnt, Jagged, Hippo, and NF-kappaB signaling. In this chapter, we will provide background on these signaling mechanisms and then discuss their role in various models of liver regeneration.
Reconstructing Common Era relative sea-level change on the Gulf Coast of Florida

To address a paucity of Common Era data in the Gulf of Mexico, we reconstructed ~ 1.1 m of relative sea-level (RSL) rise over the past ~ 2000 years at Little Manatee River (Gulf Coast of Florida, USA). We applied a regional-scale foraminiferal transfer function to fossil assemblages preserved in a core of salt-marsh peat and organic silt that was dated using radiocarbon and recognition of pollution, 137Cs and pollen chronohorizons. Our proxy reconstruction was combined with tide-gauge data from four nearby sites spanning 1913–2014 CE. Application of an Errors-in-Variables Integrated Gaussian Process (EIV-IGP) model to the combined proxy and instrumental dataset demonstrates that RSL fell from ~ 350 to 100 BCE, before rising continuously to present. This initial RSL fall was likely the result of local-scale processes (e.g., silting up of a tidal flat or shallow sub-tidal shoal) as salt-marsh development at the site began. Since ~ 0 CE, we consider the reconstruction to be representative of regional-scale RSL trends. We removed a linear rate of 0.3 mm/yr from the RSL record using the EIV-IGP model to estimate climate-driven sea-level trends and to facilitate comparison among sites. This analysis demonstrates that since ~ 0 CE sea level did not deviate significantly from zero until accelerating continuously from ~ 1500 CE to present. Sea level was rising at 1.33 mm/yr in 1900 CE and accelerated until 2014 CE when a rate of 2.02 mm/yr was attained, which is the fastest, century-scale trend in the ~ 2000-year record. Comparison to existing reconstructions from the Gulf coast of Louisiana and the Atlantic coast of northern Florida reveal similar sea-level histories at all three sites. We explored the influence of compaction and fluvial processes on our reconstruction and concluded that compaction was likely insignificant. Fluvial processes were also likely insignificant, but further proxy evidence is needed to fully test this hypothesis. Our results indicate that no significant Common Era sea-level changes took place on the Gulf and southeastern Atlantic U.S. coasts until the onset of modern sea-level rise in the late 19th century.
Characterization of NK1.1+ CD8 T Cells in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Recipients

Abstract NKT cells from naive mice are mainly CD4+ or CD4−CD8−. However, it has been reported that CD8+ NKT cells can be expanded in vitro from splenocytes, bone marrow cells and thymocytes of C57BL/6 (B6) mice by stimulation with anti-CD3 mAb and cytokines, and that the expanded CD8+ NKT cells mediate strong graft-vs.-leukemic (GVL) effects without severe GVHD after adoptive transfer into allogeneic mice. We now describe the presence of CD8+NK1.1+ cells in recipient livers (approximately 2–6%), but not in other tissues (spleen, lung, bone marrow, thymus and PBMC), in various allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) models. The generation of CD8+NK1.1+ cells is likely a consequence of alloresponses, as these cells were not detected in the liver of syngeneic HCT controls. Flow cytometric analysis confirmed that these cells are CD1d-independent, TCRαβ+ T cells with a memory phenotype (CD44+ and CD62L−), and do not express CD49b, Ly-49C/I, Ly-49G2, or Ly-49D. In a sublethally (6 Gy)-irradiated B6-to-B6D2F1 allo-HCT model, NK1.1+ CD8 T cells became detectable by week 2, increased in number until approximately week 8, and gradually declined thereafter but were still detectable in the liver at day 100 after allo-HCT. By using CD45.1 and CD45.2 congeneic donors, we determined that the majority of NK1.1+ CD8 T cells were derived from the donor splenocytes. Furthermore, depletion of CD8+, but not NK1.1+, cells from the donor splenocytes prior to transplantation prevented the generation of NK1.1+ CD8 T cells, indicating that these cells were derived from donor NK1.1−CD8+ splenic T cells. Our data demonstrate that donor CD8 T cells can acquire NK1.1 expression upon activation in allo-HCT recipients, and that these NK1.1+ CD8 T cells maintain a memory phenotype and persist in the recipients with preferential accumulation in the liver. Studies are currently in progress to determine the role of activated donor NK1.1+ CD8 T cells in GVHD and GVL effects.
Rebellion: A Note on Agamben's Reception of Dostoevsky in The Open

"In ...the opening chapter of The Open: Man and Animal, Giorgio Agamben makes a rather puzzling reference to Dostoevsky in a discussion of an illumination from a manuscript of a Hebrew Bible in the Ambrosian Library in Milan....Whether it is ironic, or merely a slip of memory, Agamben’s reference immediately disturbs the promise of Isaian reconciliation set out at the beginning of the book. But it is precisely through this disturbance that Agamben’s project in The Open acquires its ultimate ethical relevance."
Surgery in Patients with Hepatic Cirrhosis: Management of Portal Hypertension

The inherent development of portal hypertension (PH) in patients with hepatic cirrhosis and portomesenteric venous thrombosis commonly influences the outcome of any required major surgical intervention. Accordingly, a thorough assessment is often required to define status of hepatic reserve, spectrum of PH, and complexity of the coexisted pathology. This includes comprehensive clinical, biochemical, endoscopic, radiologic, and histopathologic evaluation. In candidates with preserved synthetic liver functions, optimization of nutritional and global health status is imperative to reduce overall morbidity and mortality. With the diagnosis of gut varices and demonstration of portomesenteric abdominal collaterals, directed management strategy is required to avoid the potential risk of provoking life-threatening complications including variceal hemorrhage and surgical bleeding with subsequent development of hepatic failure. With the initial recognition of marginal hepatic reserve or subsequent development of liver failure, organ transplantation should be seriously considered. Accordingly, patients with portal hypertension who are in need for major surgical procedures should be managed at tertiary medical centers. The availability of a multidisciplinary team with expertise in the relevant fields improves the overall outcomes measures including survival and value of health care.
Effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12® on the lipid/lipoprotein profile and short chain fatty acids in healthy young adults: a randomized controlled trial

Some probiotics have hypocholesterolemic effects in animal studies, which are mediated, in part, by increases in fecal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Clinical trials of probiotics on lipids/lipoproteins are inconsistent. We examined the effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12® (BB-12®) (3.16 × 109 CFUs/day) on lipids and lipoproteins and fecal excretion of SCFAs in healthy adults. In a randomized, partially blinded, 4-period, crossover study, 30 adults (11 men, 19 women) aged 18–40 years were randomly assigned to: 1) yogurt smoothie with no BB-12® (YS), 2) yogurt smoothie with BB-12® added pre-fermentation (PRE), 3) yogurt smoothie with BB-12® added post-fermentation (POST), 4) BB-12® containing capsule (CAP). We measured serum lipids/lipoproteins, glucose, insulin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and fecal SCFAs at baseline and after each treatment period. Total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TGs) did not differ after the PRE, POST, and CAP periods versus the YS or between treatments. Compared to baseline, fecal acetate was significantly increased after the YS (Δ = 211.89 ± 75.87 μg/g, P = 0.007) and PRE (Δ = 204.98 ± 75.70 μg/g, P = 0.009) periods. The percent increase in fecal acetate was significantly greater after the YS versus the POST period (52.2 ± 13.2% vs. 24.5 ± 13.2%, P = 0.023). Fecal total SCFAs, propionate and butyrate did not differ between treatment periods. Fecal total SCFAs were negatively associated with TC (r = -0.22, P = 0.01), LDL-C (r = -0.24, P = 0.004), age (r = -0.33, P < 0.001), and waist circumference (r = -0.25, P = 0.003). BB-12® supplementation did not improve lipids, lipoproteins and total and individual fecal SCFAs. Fecal SCFAs were negatively associated with TC, LDL-C, age, and waist circumference. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01399996 .
Stereotactic radiosurgery of the brain: a review of common indications

Over the past half-century since Lars Leksell first utilized radiation to address deep and difficult to treat lesions of the central nervous system (CNS), intracranial stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has become an increasingly valued tool in the hands of neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists. Following developments in medical imaging and radiation technology, radiosurgery has evolved from its first application in movement disorders to widespread use for a varied range of malignant and benign conditions. SRS remains a powerful, minimally invasive instrument that offers additional options for intervention to a diverse patient population. In this review, we will touch upon the common indications for SRS, including its use in brain metastases, malignant gliomas, meningiomas, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), vestibular schwannomas, pituitary adenomas, and functional disorders, as well as consider the future possibilities of combining radiosurgery with immunotherapy.
TRPV4 (Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4) Channel-Dependent Negative Feedback Mechanism Regulates Gq Protein-Coupled Receptor-Induced Vasoconstriction.

Objective— Several physiological stimuli activate smooth muscle cell (SMC) G q PCRs (G q protein–coupled receptors) to cause vasoconstriction. As a protective mechanism against excessive vasoconstriction, SMC G q PCR stimulation invokes endothelial cell vasodilatory signaling. Whether Ca 2+ influx in endothelial cells contributes to the regulation of G q PCR-induced vasoconstriction remains unknown. Ca 2+ influx through TRPV4 (transient receptor potential vanilloid 4) channels is a key regulator of endothelium-dependent vasodilation. We hypothesized that SMC G q PCR stimulation engages endothelial TRPV4 channels to limit vasoconstriction. Approach and Results— Using high-speed confocal microscopy to record unitary Ca 2+ influx events through TRPV4 channels (TRPV4 sparklets), we report that activation of SMC α 1 ARs (alpha 1 -adrenergic receptors) with phenylephrine or thromboxane A 2 receptors with U46619 stimulated TRPV4 sparklets in the native endothelium from mesenteric arteries. Activation of endothelial TRPV4 channels did not require an increase in Ca 2+ as indicated by the lack of effect of L-type Ca 2+ channel activator or chelator of intracellular Ca 2+ EGTA-AM. However, gap junction communication between SMCs and endothelial cells was required for phenylephrine activation or U46619 activation of endothelial TRPV4 channels. Lowering inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate levels with phospholipase C inhibitor or lithium chloride suppressed phenylephrine activation of endothelial TRPV4 sparklets. Moreover, uncaging inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate profoundly increased TRPV4 sparklet activity. In pressurized arteries, phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction was followed by a slow, TRPV4-dependent vasodilation, reflecting activation of negative regulatory mechanism. Consistent with these data, phenylephrine induced a significantly higher increase in blood pressure in TRPV4 −/− mice. Conclusions— These results demonstrate that SMC G q PCR stimulation triggers inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate–dependent activation of endothelial TRPV4 channels to limit vasoconstriction.
Detection of HIV-1 and Human Proteins in Urinary Extracellular Vesicles from HIV+ Patients

Background. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane bound, secreted by cells, and detected in bodily fluids, including urine, and contain proteins, RNA, and DNA. Our goal was to identify HIV and human proteins (HPs) in urinary EVs from HIV+ patients and compare them to HIV− samples. Methods. Urine samples were collected from HIV+ ( ) and HIV− ( ) individuals. EVs were isolated by ultrafiltration and characterized using transmission electron microscopy, tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Western blots confirmed the presence of HIV proteins. Gene ontology (GO) analysis was performed using FunRich and HIV Human Interaction database (HHID). Results. EVs from urine were 30–400 nm in size. More EVs were in HIV+ patients, , by NTA. HIV+ samples had 14,475 HPs using LC/MS/MS, while only 111 were in HIV−. HPs in the EVs were of exosomal origin. LC/MS/MS showed all HIV+ samples contained at least one HIV protein. GO analysis showed differences in proteins between HIV+ and HIV− samples and more than 50% of the published HPs in the HHID interacted with EV HIV proteins. Conclusion. Differences in the proteomic profile of EVs from HIV+ versus HIV− samples were found. HIV and HPs in EVs could be used to detect infection and/or diagnose HIV disease syndromes.
Heterogeneous photocatalysis and its potential applications in water and wastewater treatment: a review

There has been a considerable amount of research in the development of sustainable water treatment techniques capable of improving the quality of water. Unavailability of drinkable water is a crucial issue especially in regions where conventional drinking water treatment systems fail to eradicate aquatic pathogens, toxic metal ions and industrial waste. The research and development in this area have given rise to a new class of processes called advanced oxidation processes, particularly in the form of heterogeneous photocatalysis, which converts photon energy into chemical energy. Advances in nanotechnology have improved the ability to develop and specifically tailor the properties of photocatalytic materials used in this area. This paper discusses many of those photocatalytic nanomaterials, both metal-based and metal-free, which have been studied for water and waste water purification and treatment in recent years. It also discusses the design and performance of the recently studied photocatalytic reactors, along with the recent advancements in the visible-light photocatalysis. Additionally, the effects of the fundamental parameters such as temperature, pH, catalyst-loading and reaction time have also been reviewed. Moreover, different techniques that can increase the photocatalytic efficiency as well as recyclability have been systematically presented, followed by a discussion on the photocatalytic treatment of actual wastewater samples and the future challenges associated with it.
Bioassay of Particulate Organic Matter from Ambient Air

The influence of industrialization and consequent increased concentration of urban particulate matter on the incidence of cancer has long been a concern (Kotin and Falk, 1963; Carnow and Meier, 1973). The first bioassays used to evaluate complex ambient air samples were whole-animal carcinogenesis bioassays (Leiteret al., 1942; Hueper et al., 1962). In these studies, organic extracts of urban particulate matter were found to be carcinogenic in rodents. Such organic extracts have also been shown to transform rodent embryo cells in culture (Freeman et al., 1971; Gordon et al., 1973). Carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), such as benzo(a)pyrene, were detected in these extracts; however, these compounds did not account for all of the carcinogenic activity reported.
A Bayesian analysis of the OPES model with a nonparametric component: An application to dental insurance and dental care

This paper analyzes the effect of dental insurance on utilization of general dentist services by adult US population aged from 25 to 64 years using the ordered probit model with endogenous selection. Our econometric framework accommodates endogeneity of insurance and the ordered nature of the measure of dental utilization. The study finds strong evidence of endogeneity of dental insurance to utilization and identifies interesting patterns of nonlinear dependencies between the dental insurance status and individual's age and income. The calculated average treatment effect supports the claim of adverse selection into the treated (insured) state and indicates a strong positive incentives effect of dental insurance.
Perceived peer support and diabetes management from adolescence into early emerging adulthood.

Objectives The objective of the study was to examine longitudinal associations of perceived diabetes-specific peer support with adherence and glycemic control among late adolescents with type 1 diabetes as they transition out of high school and into early emerging adulthood. Method As part of a larger study, 211 high school seniors with type 1 diabetes completed confidential online surveys and were reassessed 1 year later. Perceived diabetes-specific peer support and adherence were assessed in each survey. Glycemic control was measured with HbA1c assay kits. Results Perceived diabetes-specific peer support in high school predicted better adherence across the subsequent year while controlling for initial levels of adherence. Perceived peer support during early emerging adulthood was also associated with better adherence across time, after controlling for initial levels of both adherence and peer support. Conclusions Perceived diabetes-specific peer support may be a protective factor as late adolescents with type 1 diabetes transition out of high school. Building strong peer support during the transition into early emerging adulthood may facilitate better diabetes management during this high-risk time of development. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).
Effect of Deepwater Horizon Crude Oil Water Accommodated Fraction on Olfactory Function in the Atlantic Stingray, Hypanus sabinus.

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill was the largest accidental marine oil spill in history, releasing nearly 5 million barrels of crude oil. Crude oil causes both lethal and sublethal effects on marine organisms, and sensory systems have the potential to be strongly affected. Marine fishes rely upon the effective functioning of their sensory systems for detection of prey, mates, and predators. However, despite the obvious importance of sensory systems, the impact of crude oil exposure upon sensory function remains largely unexplored. Here we show that olfactory organ responses to amino acids are significantly depressed in oil exposed stingrays. We found that the response magnitude of the electro-olfactogram (EOG) to 1 mM amino acids decreased by an average of 45.8% after 48 h of exposure to an oil concentration replicating that measured in coastal areas. Additionally, in oil exposed individuals, the EOG response onset was significantly slower, and the clearing time was protracted. This study is the first to employ an electrophysiological assay to demonstrate crude oil impairment of the olfactory system in a marine fish. We show that stingrays inhabiting an area impacted by an oil spill experience reduced olfactory function, which would detrimentally impact fitness, could lead to premature death, and could cause additional cascading effects through lower trophic levels.
CD68, CD163, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) co-localization in breast tumor microenvironment predicts survival differently in ER-positive and -negative cancers.

The role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the cancer immune landscape and their potential as treatment targets or modulators of response to treatment are gaining increasing interest. TAMs display high molecular and functional complexity. Therefore their objective assessment as breast cancer biomarkers is critical. The aims of this study were to objectively determine the in situ expression and significance of TAM biomarkers (CD68, CD163, and MMP-9) in breast cancer and to identify subclasses of patients who could benefit from TAM-targeting therapies. We measured CD68, CD163, and MMP-9 protein expression in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues of breast carcinomas represented in tissue microarray format using multiplexed quantitative immunofluorescence (QIF) in two independent Yale cohorts: cohort A—n = 398, estrogen receptor–positive (ER+) and ER− cases—and the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)-only cohort B (n = 160). Associations between macrophage markers, ER status, and survival were assessed. Protein expression measured by QIF was compared with mRNA expression data from the METABRIC study. All three macrophage markers were co-expressed, displaying higher expression in ER− cancers. High pan-macrophage marker CD68 correlated with poorer overall survival (OS) only in ER− cases of cohort A (P = 0.02). High expression of CD163 protein in TAMs was associated with improved OS in ER− cases (cohort A, P = 0.03 and TNBC cohort B, P = 0.04, respectively) but not in ER+ cancers. MMP-9 protein was not individually associated with OS. High expression of MMP-9 in the CD68+/CD163+ TAMs was associated with worse OS in ER+ tumors (P <0.001) but not in ER− cancers. In the METABRIC dataset, mRNA levels followed the co-expression pattern observed in QIF but did not always show the same trend regarding OS. Macrophage activity markers correlate with survival differently in ER+ and ER− cancers. The association between high co-expression and co-localization of MMP-9/CD163/CD68 and poor survival in ER+ cancers suggests that these cancers may be candidates for macrophage-targeted therapies.
Sylvan Rhetorics:Roots and Branches of More-than-Human Publics

Trees have instructed students of writing and rhetoric since long before Aristotle evoked them to illustrate hyle and telos. In recent times, Bruno Latour’s case study of the Amazon forest helped i...
Chemotherapy Safety: Reducing Errors With a Nurse-Led Time-Out Process.

Background Nurses represent the last line of defense in preventing the occurrence of chemotherapy errors; it is important to assess error rates and implement quality improvement initiatives to reduce nurse-initiated chemotherapy administration errors. Objectives The purpose of this project was to assess the rates of chemotherapy administration errors before and after a two-nurse chemotherapy time-out process was implemented and the frequency of prevented errors in the postintervention and maintenance periods. Methods This retrospective quality report used pharmacy administration records and chemotherapy safety events to determine chemotherapy administration errors during three time periods. Findings The overall rate of chemotherapy administration errors was initially low (preintervention) and similar to published reports of error rates after interventions were applied to reduce error rates. The error rate remained low at the two postintervention assessment periods.