cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vibrational Characterization of Microsolvated Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation Intermediate: [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(OH)]2+(H2O)0–4

The infrared predissociation spectra of the mass-selected electrocatalytic water oxidation intermediate [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(OH)]2+(H2O)0–4 are reported. The [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(OH)]2+ species is generated by passing a solution of [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(H2O)](ClO4)2 through an electrochemical flow cell held at 1.2 V and is immediately introduced into the gas phase via electrospray ionization (ESI). The microsolvated clusters are formed by reconstructing the water network in a cryogenic ion trap. Details of the hydrogen bonding network in these clusters are revealed by the infrared predissociation spectra in the OH stretch region. This improved method for capturing microsolvated clusters yielded colder complexes with much better resolved IR features than previous studies. The analysis of these spectra, supported by electronic structure calculations and compared to previous results on [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(H2O)]2+(H2O)0–4 clusters, reveals the nature of the Ru–OH bond and the effect of hydrogen bonding on facilitating the subsequent oxi...
Darwin Day in deep time: promoting evolutionary science through paleontology

Charles Darwin’s birthday, February 12th, is an international celebration coined Darwin Day. During the week of his birthday, universities, museums, and science-oriented organizations worldwide host events that celebrate Darwin’s scientific achievements in evolutionary biology. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT) has one of the longest running celebrations in the nation, with 2016 marking the 19th year. For 2016, the theme for our weeklong series of events was paleontology, chosen to celebrate new research in the field and to highlight the specific misconceptions of evolution within the context of geologic time. We provide insight into the workings of one of our largest and most successful Darwin Day celebration to date, so that other institutions might also be able to host their own rewarding Darwin Day events in the future.
Reconsidering the Role of Disembedding in Multiplicative Concepts: Extending Theory from the Process of Developing a Quantitative Measure.

ABSTRACTMultiplicative reasoning as articulated through scheme theory suggests that students improve the sophistication of their reasoning as they are able to coordinate additional levels of units,...
Isolated iliac vascular injuries and outcome of repair versus ligation of isolated iliac vein injury

Abstract Objective The incidence of morbidity and mortality for iliac vascular injuries in the literature are likely overestimated owing to associated injuries. Data for isolated iliac vascular injuries are very limited. No large studies have reported the incidence of morbidity for repair versus ligation of isolated iliac vein injuries. Methods Patients in the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB; 2007-2012) with at least one iliac vascular injury were analyzed. Isolated iliac vessels were defined as cases with Abbreviated Injury Scale severity score of greater than 3 for extraabdominal injuries and an Organ Injury Scale grade of greater than 3 for intraabdominal injuries. Results Overall, 6262 iliac vascular injuries (2809 penetrating, 3453 blunt) were identified in 271,076 patients with abdominal trauma (2.3%). There were 3379 patients (1841 penetrating, 1538 blunt) with isolated iliac vascular injuries (1.2%) and 557 patients (514 penetrating, 43 blunt) with combined iliac artery and vein injuries (0.2%). The 30-day mortality rate was 16.5% for isolated iliac vein injury, 19.3% for isolated iliac artery injury, and 48.7% for combined isolated iliac artery and vein injury. The 30-day mortality rate was 23.4% for isolated iliac vascular injuries compared with 39.0% for nonisolated iliac vascular injuries ( P P = .875), pulmonary embolism (repair, 1.8%; ligation, 0.5%; P = .38), fasciotomy (repair, 9.3%; ligation, 14.6%; P = .094), amputation (repair, 1.8%; ligation, 2.6%; P = .738), acute kidney injury (repair, 5.8%; ligation, 4.7%; P = .627). Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that ligation of isolated iliac vein injuries had an odds ratio of 2.2 for mortality compared with repair (95% confidence interval, 1.08-4.66). Conclusions Isolated iliac vascular injuries are associated with a high incidence of mortality, especially for combined venous and arterial injury, but mortality is significantly lower than in patients with nonisolated iliac vascular injuries. In patients with isolated iliac vein injuries, mortality was higher in patients who underwent ligation compared with repair; however, the rates of deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, fasciotomy, amputation, and acute kidney injury were not different between the treatment groups. These data lend credence to the assessment that repair of iliac vein injuries is preferable to ligation whenever feasible.
Dynamic Formation of Imidazolidino Boronate Enables Design of Cysteine-Responsive Peptides

We describe the dynamic and chemoselective conjugation between 2-formylphenylboronic acid and l-2,3-diaminopropionic acid yielding an imidazolidino boronate (IzB) complex. The IzB complex formation readily proceeds in biological milieu with little interference by common biomolecules except cysteine. We demonstrate the potential of this reversible conjugation for biological applications by creating "smart" peptides that specifically respond to cysteine in complex biological media. Specifically, the design and characterization of a fluorogenic sensor of cysteine is described.
Foundations for Fitness: A Multi-Cohort Pediatric Weight Management Intervention

This study examined the benefits of a 10-week childhood obesity intervention program on various measures of health. The program involved parents and children who met once weekly for two hours. Each session of the intervention program consisted of a structured dynamic warm-up an aerobic exercise component in a game play setting and a motor-skill specific instruction period. Subjects were recruited from pediatrician recommendation and a total of 99 subjects (n=48 boys, n=51 girls) completed both pretest and posttest intervention measures. The mean age was 9.86 (SD=0.02 years). Each of the following were assessed on pediatric assessment prior to and following the intervention program: height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, resting heart rate, resting blood pressure, habitual physical activity, percent body fat, and quality of life. Assessment of the participantâ€™s cardiovascular fitness and the state of home environment in regards to nutrition and physical activity were completed as part of the first and tenth (final) intervention program sessions. Results indicated that the changes observed that were statistically significant included the categories of systolic blood pressure, height, weight, quality of life, habitual physical activity, FNPA score, and PACER scores. Improvements in outcomes measured were modest but this result was expected due to the short intervention program of only ten-weeks duration. Recommendations include increasing the length of the intervention and conducting follow-up assessment to determine long-term impact.
Sovereign Emergencies: Latin America and the Making of Global Human Rights Politics

The concern over rising state violence, above all in Latin America, triggered an unprecedented turn to a global politics of human rights in the 1970s. Patrick William Kelly argues that Latin America played the most pivotal role in these sweeping changes, for it was both the target of human rights advocacy and the site of a series of significant developments for regional and global human rights politics. Drawing on case studies of Brazil, Chile, and Argentina, Kelly examines the crystallization of new understandings of sovereignty and social activism based on individual human rights. Activists and politicians articulated a new practice of human rights that blurred the borders of the nation-state to endow an individual with a set of rights protected by international law. Yet the rights revolution came at a cost: the Marxist critique of US imperialism and global capitalism was slowly supplanted by the minimalist plea not to be tortured.
Utilizing Molecular Hyperpolarizability for Trace Analysis: A Surface-Enhanced Hyper-Raman Scattering Study of Uranyl Ion.

Surface-enhanced hyper-Raman scattering (SEHRS), the nonlinear analog of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), provides unique spectral signatures arising from the molecular hyperpolarizability. In this work, we explore the differences between SERS and SEHRS spectra obtained from surface-bound uranyl ion. Exploiting the distinctive SEHRS bands for trace detection of the uranyl ion, we obtain excellent sensitivity (limit of detection = 90 ppb) despite the extreme weakness of the hyper-Raman effect. We observe that binding the uranyl ion to the carboxylate group of 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) leads to significant changes in the SEHRS spectrum, whereas the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectrum of the same complex is little changed. The SERS and SEHRS spectra are also examined as a function of both substituent position, using 2-MBA, 3-MBA, and 4-MBA, and the carbon chain length, using 4-mercaptophenylacetic acid and 4-mercaptophenylpropionic acid. These results illustrate that the unique fe...
Replacement of dehydroepiandrosterone enhances T-lymphocyte insulin binding in postmenopausal women.

Objective To demonstrate bioavailability of 3 weeks of oral micronized DHEA and to delineate changes induced on insulin sensitivity, morphometric indexes, and lipoprotein profiles. Design Oral micronized DHEA (50 mg/d) was administered in 3-week treatments to 11 postmenopausal women in a prospective, placebo-controlled, randomized, blinded, crossover trial with an interarm washout. After dose (23 hour) serum DHEA, DHEAS, T, and cortisol levels were measured, as were fasting lipoproteins, oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT), T-lymphocyte insulin binding and degradation, and urine collagen cross-links. Morphometric changes were determined by hydrostatic weighing. Results Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, DHEA, T, and free T increased up to two times premenopausal levels with treatment. Fasting triglycerides declined; no change in collagen cross-links or morphometric indexes was noted. Oral glucose tolerance test parameters did not change, but both T-lymphocyte insulin binding and degradation increased with DHEA. Conclusion Fifty milligrams per day of oral DHEA gives supraphysiologic androgen levels; 25 mg/d may be more appropriate. Dehydroepiandrosterone enhanced tissue insulin sensitivity and lowered serum triglycerides. Rationale is provided for postmenopausal replacement therapy with this androgen.
The Baha’i Perspective on Tax Evasion

The Baha’i religion incorporates viewpoints from numerous other religions. Thus, one would think that the Baha’i religion would have the most diverse views on the ethics of tax evasion. But such is not the case. At least, that is what one may conclude from reading the one article I could find that has been written about the ethics of tax evasion from the Baha’i perspective.1
Hierarchically partitioned implicit surfaces for interpolating large point set models

We present a novel hierarchical spatial partitioning method for creating interpolating implicit surfaces using compactly supported radial basis functions (RBFs) from scattered surface data. From this hierarchy of functions we can create a range of models from coarse to fine, where a coarse model approximates and a fine model interpolates. Furthermore, our method elegantly handles irregularly sampled data and hole filling because of its multiresolutional approach. Like related methods, we combine neighboring patches without surface discontinuities by overlapping their embedding functions. However, unlike partition-of-unity approaches we do not require an additional explicit blending function to combine patches. Rather, we take advantage of the compact extent of the basis functions to directly solve for each patch's embedding function in a way that does not cause error in neighboring patches. Avoiding overlap error is accomplished by adding phantom constraints to each patch at locations where a neighboring patch has regular constraints within the area of overlap (the function's radius of support). Phantom constraints are also used to ensure the correct results between different levels of the hierarchy. This approach leads to efficient evaluation because we can combine the relevant embedding functions at each point through simple summation. We demonstrate our method on the Thai statue from the Stanford 3D Scanning Repository. Using hierarchical compactly supported RBFs we interpolate all 5 million vertices of the model.
My Correspondence with Milton Friedman about the Social Responsibilities of Business

In 1992, I sent Milton Friedman a draft of my 1993 paper “Friedman's Theory of Corporate Social Responsibility.” He and I corresponded at length. My 1993 paper argues that Friedman's published formulations of his theory are not equivalent and that they prescribe different courses of action in many possible cases. In our correspondence, Friedman conceded that his two formulations of his theory are inconsistent and, at my suggestion, he endorsed a modified version of the view he presented in as the preferred version of his theory. This modified theory is an important formulation of his position. In one of his letters to me, Friedman writes: “I agree that corporate executives might have duties to the general public which sometimes outweigh their duties to the shareholders.” I argue that this creates major problems for his theory. I also answer Friedman's published response to one of my criticisms.
Phase I study of ruxolitinib in previously treated patients with low or intermediate-1 risk myelodysplastic syndrome with evidence of NF-kB activation.

Abstract Therapeutic options for patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) who have failed prior therapies are limited particularly after hypomethylating agent. Several studies have indicated that deregulation of innate immunity signaling is critical in the pathogenesis of MDS. This process involves Toll-like receptor stimulation, cytokine overexpression, and nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) activation. Since ruxolitinib, a JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor, suppresses NF-kB expression, we conducted a phase 1 dose-escalation study to determine the safety and efficacy of ruxolitinib in previously treated lower-risk MDS patients with evidence of NF-kB activation. Nineteen patients, 8 with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and 11 with MDS, were enrolled. No dose limiting toxicity was observed and the maximum tolerated dose was 20 mg twice daily. Responses were restricted to MDS patients with an overall response rate of 22% [hematological improvement in platelets (HI-P) = 2, hematological improvement in erythrocytes (HI-E) = 1, partial cytogenetic response (PCyR) = 1]. Of these patients, 2 relapsed (HI-P and PCyR) and 2 continue to be in HI-P and HI-E, respectively, with ongoing therapy. Meaningful improvement in bone marrow dysplasia was only seen in a patient who achieved HI-E. Phosphorylated p65 (pp65) decreased in 6 of 15 patients (40%) including the 2 patients with continued response to treatment and increased in a patient who relapsed after a short-lived HI-P. This suggests potential correlation between reduction in pp65 expression and response duration. In conclusion, ruxolitinib was well-tolerated in previously treated lower-risk MDS patients with evidence of NF-kB activation and resulted in low but significant frequency of responses. (NCT01895842).
Prolegomenon: When Lebanon Loved the Jews

When the author first embarked on this “memory project” some five years ago, well-meaning colleagues—and often not so well-meaning detractors—bristled, confused, wondering “if there are any Jews in Lebanon” warranting remembering, preserving, and memorializing. As this Prolegomenon and book reveal, not only is there a “Lebanese Jewry” warranting consideration today, but indeed the Lebanese Jewish community is arguably the oldest and most “indigenous” in the mosaic of Lebanese identities. What is more, there had been a time when there were Lebanese who valorized Jewishness and the lives of their Jewish compatriots.
Unsupervised Learning of Polychronous Wavefront Computation Configurations for Pattern Recognition

Abstract Polychronous Wavefront Computation (PWC) provides a potentially simple model for large scale implementation of spiking neural networks and deep learning. Although the definition of predefined pattern recognition configurations has been demonstrated, dynamic organization of configurations from examples remains a difficult problem. This paper explores the hypothesis that a properly arranged field of PWC transponders with neuromorphic behaviors can self-organize into recognition configurations based on training examples. The PWC transponders used are augmented with a position learning algorithm based on spike-timing-dependent plasticity, suppression of non-specific transponders using a stimulation fatigue approach and deactivation of unused transponders using potentiation decay. The paper provides the results of initial research demonstrating that pattern recognition configurations can be learned if the initial density and distribution of transponders is properly selected with respect to the learning behavior parameters. The effectiveness of the learning process can be improved by encoding layering information in the wavefronts to focus the transponder activations. The results define a means for PWC transponders to self-organize into recognition configurations providing a basis for development of more complex configurations and deep learning applications.
Interisland genetic structure of two endangered Hawaiian waterbirds: The Hawaiian Coot and Hawaiian Gallinule

ABSTRACT Most of Hawaii's endemic avifauna are species of conservation concern. Some of Hawaii's endangered waterbirds, however, have increased in number as a result of intensive management of wetlands. To inform these conservation efforts, we examined interisland genetic structure and gene flow within 2 Hawaiian endemic waterbirds, the Hawaiian Coot (Fulica alai) and the Hawaiian subspecies of the Common Gallinule (Gallinula galeata sandvicensis), using microsatellite and mitochondrial loci. Hawaiian Coots and Hawaiian Gallinules occupy coastal wetlands and exhibit similar life history characteristics and generation times, although they may differ in dispersal propensity. Mark–resight data for Hawaiian Coot indicate interisland movements, whereas Hawaiian Gallinules are sedentary. Genetic diversity is partitioned across the landscape differently for Hawaiian Coots and Hawaiian Gallinules; patterns of variation are likely influenced by behavioral and ecological mechanisms. Hawaiian Coots exhibit low level...
Deformity and Clinical Outcomes Following Operative Correction of Charcot Ankle

Background:Deformity associated with Charcot foot arthropathy leads to a poor quality of life in affected individuals. Deformity in the midfoot appears to be predictive of clinical outcomes followi...
The Impact of Investigation Strategies and Tactics on Homicide Clearance

This study examines whether changes made to the investigation procedures within the Rochester Police Department’s homicide unit have an effect on homicide clearance net of theoretically significant...
The Impact of Item Misspecification and Dichotomization on Class and Parameter Recovery in LCA of Count Data.

Mixture analysis of count data has become increasingly popular among researchers of substance use, behavioral analysis, and program evaluation. However, this increase in popularity seems to have oc...
Conformational Stabilization and Rapid Labeling of a 29-Residue Peptide by a Small Molecule Reaction Partner.

A 29-residue peptide (MP01), identified by in vitro selection for reactivity with a small molecule perfluoroaromatic, was modified and characterized using experimental and computational techniques, with the goal of understanding the molecular basis of its reactivity. These studies identified a six-amino acid point mutant (MP01-Gen4) that exhibited a reaction rate constant of 25.8 ± 1.8 M–1 s–1 at pH 7.4 and room temperature, approximately 2 orders of magnitude greater than that of its progenitor sequence and 3 orders of magnitude greater than background cysteine reactivity. MP01-Gen4 appeared to be conformationally dynamic and exhibited several properties reminiscent of larger protein molecules, including denaturant-sensitive structure and reactivity. We believe the majority of the reaction rate enhancement can be attributed to interaction of MP01-Gen4 with the perfluoroaromatic probe, which was found to stabilize a helical conformation of both MP01-Gen4 and nonreactive Cys-to-Ser or Cys-to-Ala variants. ...
Sulfasalazine decreases mouse cortical hyperexcitability.

Objective Currently prescribed antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are ineffective in treating approximately 30% of epilepsy patients. Sulfasalazine (SAS) is an US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug for the treatment of Crohn disease that has been shown to inhibit the cystine/glutamate antiporter system xc- (SXC) and decrease tumor-associated seizures. This study evaluates the effect of SAS on distinct pharmacologically induced network excitability and determines whether it can further decrease hyperexcitability when administered with currently prescribed AEDs. Methods Using in vitro cortical mouse brain slices, whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were made from layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons. Epileptiform activity was induced with bicuculline (bic), 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) and magnesium-free (Mg2+ -free) solution to determine the effect of SAS on epileptiform events. In addition, voltage-sensitive dye (VSD) recordings were performed to characterize the effect of SAS on the spatiotemporal spread of hyperexcitable network activity and compared to currently prescribed AEDs. Results SAS decreased evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (eEPSCs) and increased the decay kinetics of evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents (eIPSCs) in layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons. Although application of SAS to bic and Mg2+ -free-induced epileptiform activity caused a decrease in the duration of epileptiform events, SAS completely blocked 4-AP-induced epileptiform events. In VSD recordings, SAS decreased VSD optical signals induced by 4-AP. Co-application of SAS with the AED topiramate (TPM) caused a significantly further decrease in the spatiotemporal spread of VSD optical signals. Significance Taken together this study provides evidence that inhibition of SXC by SAS can decrease network hyperexcitability induced by three distinct pharmacologic agents in the superficial layers of the cortex. Furthermore, SAS provided additional suppression of 4-AP-induced network activity when administered with the currently prescribed AED TPM. These findings may serve as a foundation to assess the potential for SAS or other compounds that selectively target SXC as an adjuvant treatment for epilepsy.
College Climate and Sexual Orientation Differences in Weight Status

Previous research has identified significant sexual orientation disparities in obesity. Contextual factors, like lack of anti-discrimination policies and gay-straight alliances, have been shown to be associated with health outcomes like poor mental health and substance use for lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals moreso than their heterosexual counterparts; however, little work to date has explored the role of contextual factors on sexual orientation disparities in obesity. Individual-level, serial cross-sectional data from the 2009–2013 College Student Health Survey, which includes 2- and 4-year college students (n = 29,118) attending 46 Minnesota colleges, were used. College-level data on LGB context were primarily collected through college websites. Multinomial logistic regression models were fit to examine associations between LGB college climate scores (including non-discrimination policies, presence of LGB or diversity-related student groups, LGB courses offered, LGB housing accommodations, and prevalence of LGB students) and students’ weight status (underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obese), based on self-reported height and weight. Higher LGB climate scores (i.e., more supportive environments) were associated with lower risk of overweight and obesity among all students. Sexual orientation-stratified findings among female students suggested that the association between LGB climate scores and weight status was similar to the overall female sample. Sexual orientation-stratified findings among male students showed a more complex relationship between LGB climate scores and weight status. More work is needed to disentangle the observed associations, and to investigate other contextual factors, like state- and city-level policies, social networks and norms, and individual resiliency within these contexts to better understand the contextual influences on sexual orientation disparities in obesity.
One Key Question® and the Desire to Avoid Pregnancy Scale: A comparison of two approaches to asking about pregnancy preferences.

Abstract Objective To facilitate assessment of patients’ pregnancy preferences, we compared responses to One Key Question® with the validated Desire to Avoid Pregnancy (DAP) scale and assessed their relationships to patient-reported reproductive health behaviors. Methods In this after-visit survey in primary care and obstetrics-gynecology practices, women ages 18–49 (n = 177) answered “Would you like to become pregnant in the next year?” and the 14-item DAP scale. We performed one-way ANOVA to compare DAP scores (0–4 scale, 4 = highest preference to avoid pregnancy) across One Key Question® responses (“Yes,” “Unsure,” “Ok either way,” “No but sometime in the future,” “No never”). We used logistic regression to test association of One Key Question® and DAP with contraceptive and folic acid use. Results Most patients did not want to become pregnant in the next year, based on One Key Question® (7% “Yes,” 4% “Unsure,” 11% “Ok either way,” 53% “In the future,” 25% “Never”). The mean DAP score overall was 2.52 (SD = 1.03, Range: 0–4, Cronbach’s α = 0.96). Scores differed by One Key Question® response (“Yes” mean DAP = 0.84, “Unsure” 1.64, “Ok” 1.42, “In the future” 2.94, “Never” 2.78, p Conclusion One Key Question® responses correlate with DAP scores, and contraceptive use correlates with not desiring pregnancy by both approaches. Implications Statement One Key Question® and the Desire to Avoid Pregnancy scale can both identify women wishing to avoid pregnancy to help clinicians address patients’ contraceptive needs. Given the range of preferences associated with One Key Question® responses, clinicians who use it should proceed with further discussion to fully understand patients’ feelings.
Parametric Design of a Crew Transfer Vehicle for Earth–Mars Cyclers

This paper presents a parametric design model and a design study for a crew transfer vehicle designed to transfer humans between Earth or Mars and a spacecraft on a cyclic Earth–Mars trajectory. Th...
Kidney transplantation during coronavirus 2019 pandemic at a large hospital in Miami.

Background Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in more than 350 000 deaths worldwide. The number of kidney transplants has declined during the pandemic. We describe our deceased donor kidney transplantation (DDKT) experience during the pandemic. Methods A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the safety of DDKT during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multiple preventive measures were implemented. Adult patients that underwent DDKT from 3/1/20 to 4/30/20 were included. COVID-19 clinical manifestations from donors and recipients, and post-transplant outcomes (COVID-19 infections, readmissions, allograft rejection, and mortality) were obtained. The kidney transplant (KT) recipients were followed until 5/31/20. Results Seventy-six patients received kidneys from 57 donors. Fever, dyspnea, and cough were reported in 1, 2, and 1 donor, respectively. Thirty-eight (66.6%) donors were tested for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) prior to donation (mainly by nasopharyngeal or bronchoalveolar lavage polymerase chain reaction [PCR]) and 36 (47.3%) KT recipients were tested at the time of DDKT by nasopharyngeal PCR; all of these were negative. Our recipients were followed for a median of 63 (range: 33-91) days. A total of 42 (55.3%) recipients were tested post-transplant for SARS-CoV2 by nasopharyngeal PCR including 12 patients that became symptomatic; all tests were negative except for one that was inconclusive, but it was repeated and came back negative. Forty (52.6%) KT recipients were readmitted, and 7 (9.2%) had biopsy-proven rejection during the follow-up. None of the KT recipients transplanted during this period died. Conclusions Our cohort demonstrated that DDKT can be safely performed during the COVID-19 pandemic when preventive measures are implemented.
Introduction: Burdens and Beginnings: Rebuilding East and West Germany after Nazism

The introduction discusses the state of the current research on the post-1945 history of East and West Germany, explains the agenda of the special issue and discusses its main topics. The focus is the politics of survival in the chaos of collapse and the controversial debates about the agenda of the reconstruction. In these discussions different visions competed, from the restoration of traditions to efforts of a post-fascist modernization. The introduction questions the postwar success narrative by discussing the “burdens” of the Nazi past, such as Nazi perpetrators, displaced people, expellees and refugees, including the returning German-Jewish survivors. It also engages with the problems of the Cold War division by exploring the “new beginnings”, which were debated in relation to the past of Nazi, Weimar, and Imperial Germany, among them: cultural diplomacy, welfare policy and eldercare, family policy and gender roles, and popular culture. The essay calls for more comparative and transnational research of the postwar era, especially in the areas of the integration into the Cold War blocs, the postwar shifting of borders and peoples, narratives of victimhood, and memory tropes about the war and postwar.
Advantages of, and Adaptations to, Enhanced Recovery Protocols for Perioperative Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

ABSTRACT Objective This review formulates the rationale for using enhanced recovery protocols (ERPs) to standardize and optimize perioperative care during this high-risk time to minimize poor outcomes owing to provider, patient, and system vulnerabilities. Data Sources n/a Methods of Study Selection A literature review using key Medical Subject Headings terms was performed—according to methods described by the Cochrane Collaboration and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines—on studies that described enhanced recovery and coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Tabulation, Integration, and Results Modifications to our existing ERPs related to the COVID-19 pandemic should include new accommodations for patient education, preoperative COVID-19 testing, prehabilitation, and intraoperative infection as well as thromboembolism risk reduction. Conclusion ERPs are evidence-based, best practice guidelines applied across the perioperative continuum to mitigate surgical stress, decrease complications, and accelerate recovery. These benefits are part of the high-value–care equation needed to solve the clinical, operational, and financial challenges of the current COVID-19 pandemic. The factors driving outcomes on ERPs, such as the provision of minimally invasive surgery, warrant careful consideration. Tracking patient outcomes and improving care in response to outcomes data are key to the success of clinical care protocols such as ERPs. Numerous emerging clinical registries and reporting systems have been activated to provide outcomes data on the impact of COVID-19. This will inform and change surgical practice as well as provide opportunity to learn if the advantages that surgeons, patients, and the healthcare system might gain from using ERPs during a pandemic are meaningful.
Vitamin D Intake and Brain Cortical Thickness in Community-Dwelling Overweight Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Vitamin D is critical to brain health and a promising candidate to prevent cognitive decline and onset of Alzheimer disease (AD), although the underlying brain mechanisms are unclear. Objectives This study aimed to determine the association between vitamin D intake and brain cortical thickness in older adults. Methods This was a cross-sectional investigation of 263 cognitively unimpaired participants, aged 65 y and older, participating in the MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) trial (an ongoing study testing the effects of a 3-y diet intervention on cognitive decline). Vitamin D intake, from diet and supplements, was ascertained from an FFQ. Linear regression analysis, adjusted for age, sex, race, education, income, cognitive and physical activities, and cardiovascular disease risk factors, was used to determine the association between vitamin D intake and cortical thickness of the whole brain, lobes, and AD signature. Results Total vitamin D intake was associated with cortical thickness of the temporal lobe and AD signature. Compared with individuals in the lowest quartile of total vitamin D intake [median: 140 international units (IU)/d], those in the highest quartile (median: 1439 IU/d) had a 0.038-mm (95% CI: 0.006, 0.069 mm) thicker temporal lobe and 0.041-mm (95% CI: 0.012, 0.070 mm) thicker AD signature. Most vitamin D intake was from supplements, and supplemental intake was also associated with cortical thickness. Compared with those who used no supplement, individuals taking 800-1000 IU/d and >1000 IU/d of supplemental vitamin D had a 0.039-mm (95% CI: 0.013, 0.066 mm) and 0.047-mm (95% CI: 0.013, 0.081 mm) thicker temporal lobe and a 0.037-mm (95% CI: 0.013, 0.061 mm) and 0.046-mm (95% CI: 0.015, 0.077 mm) thicker AD signature, respectively. Dietary vitamin D was not related to brain cortical thickness in our sample. Conclusions In cognitively unimpaired older adults, total and supplemental vitamin D intakes were associated with cortical thickness in regions vulnerable to AD.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02817074.
Documentation of Dementia as a Cause of Death Among Mexican-American Decedents Diagnosed with Dementia.

BACKGROUND Hispanic older adults are a high-risk population for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) but are less likely than non-Hispanic White older adults to have ADRD documented as a cause of death on a death certificate. OBJECTIVE To investigate characteristics associated with ADRD as a cause of death among Mexican-American decedents diagnosed with ADRD. METHODS Data came from the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly, Medicare claims, and National Death Index. RESULTS The final sample included 853 decedents diagnosed with ADRD of which 242 had ADRD documented as a cause of death. More health comorbidities (OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.28-0.58), older age at death (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.03-1.36), and longer ADRD duration (OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.03-1.14) were associated with ADRD as a cause of death. In the last year of life, any ER admission without a hospitalization (OR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.22-0.92), more physician visits (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.93-0.98), and seeing a medical specialist (OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.29-0.75) were associated with lower odds for ADRD as a cause of death. In the last 30 days of life, any hospitalization with an ICU stay (OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.36-0.82) and ER admission with a hospitalization (OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.48-0.94) were associated with lower odds for ADRD as a cause of death. Receiving hospice care in the last 30 days of life was associated with 1.98 (95% CI = 1.37-2.87) higher odds for ADRD as a cause of death. CONCLUSION Under-documentation of ADRD as a cause of death may reflect an underestimation of resource needs for Mexican-Americans with ADRD.
Performance Comparison of K-Band Sequentially Rotated Wideband Circularly Polarized Phased Arrays using Different Array Lattices

This paper presents a performance comparison of a K-band wideband sequentially rotated circularly polarized phased array aperture utilizing three different array lattices – triangular, square and hexagonal. These array lattices were assessed for their circular polarization and radiation performances. The square lattice was found to be superior compared to its triangular and hexagonal counterparts.
Negative Regulation of TGFβ Signaling by Stem Cell Antigen-1 Protects against Ischemic Acute Kidney Injury.

Acute kidney injury, often caused by an ischemic insult, is associated with significant short-term morbidity and mortality, and increased risk of chronic kidney disease. The factors affecting the renal response to injury following ischemia and reperfusion remain to be clarified. We found that the Stem cell antigen-1 (Sca-1), commonly used as a stem cell marker, is heavily expressed in renal tubules of the adult mouse kidney. We evaluated its potential role in the kidney using Sca-1 knockout mice submitted to acute ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI), as well as cultured renal proximal tubular cells in which Sca-1 was stably silenced with shRNA. IRI induced more severe injury in Sca-1 null kidneys, as assessed by increased expression of Kim-1 and Ngal, rise in serum creatinine, abnormal pathology, and increased apoptosis of tubular epithelium, and persistent significant renal injury at day 7 post IRI, when recovery of renal function in control animals was nearly complete. Serum creatinine, Kim-1 and Ngal were slightly but significantly elevated even in uninjured Sca-1-/- kidneys. Sca-1 constitutively bound both TGFβ receptors I and II in cultured normal proximal tubular epithelial cells. Its genetic loss or silencing lead to constitutive TGFβ receptor—mediated activation of canonical Smad signaling even in the absence of ligand and to KIM-1 expression in the silenced cells. These studies demonstrate that by normally repressing TGFβ-mediated canonical Smad signaling, Sca-1 plays an important in renal epithelial cell homeostasis and in recovery of renal function following ischemic acute kidney injury.
Babies, soft drinks and snacks: a concern in low- and middle-income countries?

Undernutrition in infants and young children is a global health priority while overweight is an emerging issue. Small-scale studies in low- and middle-income countries have demonstrated consumption of sugary and savoury snack foods and soft drinks by young children. We assessed the proportion of children 6–23 months of age consuming sugary snack foods in 18 countries in Asia and Africa using data from selected Demographic and Health Surveys and household expenditures on soft drinks and biscuits using data from four Living Standards Measurement Studies (LSMS). Consumption of sugary snack foods increased with the child's age and household wealth, and was generally higher in urban vs. rural areas. In one-third of countries, >20% of infants 6–8 months consumed sugary snacks. Up to 75% of Asian children and 46% of African children consumed these foods in the second year of life. The proportion of children consuming sugary snack foods was generally higher than the proportion consuming fortified infant cereals, eggs or fruit. Household per capita daily expenditures on soft drinks ranged from $0.03 to $0.11 in three countries for which LSMS data were available, and from $0.01 to $0.04 on biscuits in two LSMS. Future surveys should include quantitative data on the purchase and consumption of snack foods by infants and young children, using consistent definitions and methods for identifying and categorising snack foods across surveys. Researchers should assess associations between snack food consumption and stunting and overweight, and characterise household, maternal and child characteristics associated with snack food consumption.
An Expert System Scenario for Computer-Aided Control Engineering

We propose using expert systems to create third-generation man/machine environments for Computer-Aided Control Engineering (CACE). We believe that this approach promises to provide a high-level design environment that is powerful, supportive, flexible, broad in scope, and readily accessible to non-expert users. This paper focuses on illustrating the capabilities of such an expert system via an extended transaction (sample interaction between the expert system and a user).
Access to Dental Care for Rural Children: A Survey of Nebraska General Dentists

Background: Pediatric dentists are too few in number to care for all children. Therefore, the level of pediatric dental services provided by general dentists, especially in rural areas, is crucial to improving the dental health of children. Purpose: The objectives of the study were to establish a baseline in regard to the quantity of pediatric dental care provided by general dentists in rural Nebraska as well as to measure their interest, if any, in receiving additional pediatric training. Methods: All rural general dentists (n = 350) in the state of Nebraska received an Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved 12-item questionnaire. The response rate was 71% (n = 248). Both descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted, including chi-square and the analysis of variance (ANOVA). Findings: Forty-five percent of rural Nebraska dentists devote more than 20% of their practice to serving the dental needs of children. One-third of all rural Nebraska dentists indicated they would like additional training in pediatric dentistry. Conclusions: A significant opportunity exists to provide additional pediatric training for general dentists in rural Nebraska to further increase access to care for children.
Glycosides: Naturally Occurring

Glycosides are substances produced in plants by metabolic processes. They are usually bitter-tasting and are important in human and animal nutrition and they have both toxic and beneficial properties. The most important glycosides are saponins, glucosinolates, cyanogenic glycosides, cardiac glycosides, and other glycoalkaloids. Keywords: glycosides; saponins; glucosinolates; cyanogens
Reporting and Counting Intersections Between Two Sets of Line Segments

We consider the problem of computing all intersections between two sets S and T of line segments in the plane, where no two segments in S (similarly, T) intersect. We present an asymptotically optimal algorithm which reports all those intersections in O(n log n + k) time and O(n) space, where n is the total number of line segments, and k is the number of intersections. Our algorithm works also for general arcs of single-valued curves, within the same time bounds. Applications include the intersection of two polygons and the “merge” of two planar maps in time O(n log n + m) and space O(n + m), where n and m are the number of input and output edges, respectively. In the case of straight line segments, a simple modification allows us to count the number of intersections (without reporting them) in time O((n +√ nk)log n) = O(n 1.5log n).
In vitro antifungal activities of voriconazole and reference agents as determined by NCCLS methods: review of the literature.

Voriconazole (VfendTM) is a new triazole that currently is undergoing phase III clinical trials. This review summarizes the published data obtained by NCCLS methods on the in vitro antifungal activity of voriconazole in comparison to itraconazole, amphotericin B, fluconazole, ketoconazole and flucytosine. Voriconazole had fungistatic activity against most yeasts and yeastlike species (minimum inhibitory concentrations [MICs] 4 microg/ml, respectively. For four of the six Aspergillus spp. evaluated, voriconazole MICs ( or = 8 microg/ml). Only amphotericin B had good fungistatic activity against the Zygomycetes species (voriconazole MICs ranged from 2 to > 32 microg/ml). Voriconazole showed excellent in vitro activity (MICs < 0.03 to 1.0 microg/ml) against most of the 50 species of dematiaceous fungi tested, but the activity of all the agents was poor against most isolates of Scedosporium prolificans and Phaeoacremonium parasiticum (Phialophora parasitica). Voriconazole had fungicidal activity against most Aspergillus spp., B. dermatitidis, and some dematiaceous fungi. In vitro/in vivo correlations should aid in the interpretation of these results.
The electronic supply chain: Its impact on the current and future structure of strategic alliances, partnerships and logistics leadership

The advent of the Internet and electronic communications has enabled companies to be more responsive to their customers. However, the same technological advancements are changing the marketplace and providing an impetus for changes in strategic alliance and partnership structures. Successful leaders of the future will have to understand how to operate in the new marketplace and within the evolving organizational structures where alliances and partnerships are changing. The purpose of this article is to shed light on the current and future organizational structures in the logistics industry. Toward that end, traditional supply chain management (SCM), electronic supply chain management (eSCM), and the resulting impact on strategic alliances and partnerships will be explored. Additionally, considering the inherent ability of the eSC to be dynamic and adaptable, the new type of leader that is likely to be most successful in this new structure is discussed.
Glycated Hemoglobin and Serum Proteins as Tools for Monitoring

Technological advances have greatly improved our ability to monitor glycemic control in patients with diabetes. To this end, one of the most important clinical advances that has improved modern diabetes care is the recognition that glucose undergoes nonenzymatic chemical reactions with various proteins in the blood, including hemoglobin, in a manner that allows the estimation of an integrated value of the glucose excursions over a period of weeks to months, providing a useful window for glucose monitoring using the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). The early 1980s also saw the emergence of a second group of tests, collectively called “fructosamine,” which were based on a determination of glycated serum proteins, especially albumin, and found to be useful for similar clinical purposes over a shorter time period (2–3 weeks) compared to the HbA1c. There has also been growing interest in utilizing measurement of advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs) in serum and in tissues as laboratory correlates of some of the chronic tissue damage observed in patients with diabetes. In the present chapter, starting from a chemical description of the glycation reactions, we will present the pathophysiological background necessary for an understanding of the variety of tests now used for glycated hemoglobin and albumin determination and their interpretation in different clinical encounters. Finally, we will describe AGEs and their potential relationship to the chronic complications of diabetes. Keywords: Hemoglobin A1c; glycohemoglobin; fructosamine; Diabetes Control and Complications Trial; Kumamoto Study; UKPDS; hemoglobinopathy; microvascular complications
DIAGNOSIS OF HEMOPHILUS VAGINALIS VAGINITIS BY GRAM-STAINED SMEARS.

Abstract A blind study of 300 vaginal specimens to determine the relative reliability and specificity of gram-stained smears and wet mounts for the diagnosis of Hemophilus vaginalis is reported. Both methods proved highly sensitive with excellent specificity. The wet mounts were somewhat more accurate in experienced hands than the stained smears. Used together, they have a reliability of formidable magnitude, suitable for office practice and small clinics where culture methods are not readily available. Culture confirmation is desirable whenever practical; for this, combined with wet mount and stained smear observations, forms a triumvirate that carries the determination of H. vaginalis to further certainty.