cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of aluminum as sulfate, chloride and citrate on magnesium and calcium metabolism in sheep.

Three metabolism trials were conducted to determine the effects of Al as sulfate (SO4), chloride (Cl) and citrate on metabolism of Al, Mg, Ca and serum concentrations of Mg and Ca. Twelve wether lambs, equipped with rumen cannulas and blocked by breeding and weight, were allotted randomly to the following six treatments during each of three trials: 0, 1,000 and 2,000 pm Al as SO4 or Cl; or 2,000 ppm Al as citrate. Treatments were administered in 200 ml of deionized water twice daily in divided doses via rumen cannula. Lambs were fed 1,000 g/d of chopped tall fescue hay (Festuca arundinacea, Schreb. IFN 1-09-187). Aluminum, Mg and Ca in feces and urine, and Mg and Ca in blood serum were determined daily over the 10-d treatment period. Means were calculated for d 6 through d 10. By d 6, serum Mg was lowered (P less than .05) for lambs administered 2,000 ppm Al as citrate. Serum Ca was not affected by Al treatments. Neither Mg nor Ca absorption was significantly affected by Al treatment. Urinary excretion of Ca increased linearly (P less than .001) with all treatments. Absorption of Al occurred with all forms of the element and was highest for Al2(SO4)3, expressed as percentage of intake.
Analysis on Trace Element Level in Microsomia Children

To analyze the trace element important action in children growth and development by detecting human growth hormone(hGH)and microelement in children with microsomia,a retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate the role of microelement,serum hGH and microelement were assayed in patients with 176 short children using atomic resorption spectrophotography to estimate microelement level and using hGH excitation test,the level of hGH were estimated by chemiluminescence immunoassay.The results showed that(55.68%) children with microsomia were microelement deficiency,the level of microelement calcium、zinc、magnesium decreased significantly compelled with normal children(P0.05),these were(2 158.44±147.82)μmol/mL,(14.06±4.03)μmol/mL,(794.78±86.23)μmol/mL respectively.To satisfy the need of their growth and development,microsomia children should pay more attention to complementing the trace element,balance their diet.
Syntheses and Reactivity Studies of Square-Planar Diamido-Pyridine Complexes Based on Earth-Abundant First-Row Transition Elements.

The new square-planar complexes M[NNN](pyridine) (M = Fe (1), Co(2); NNN = 2,6-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenylamidomethyl)pyridine) were synthesized and fully characterized to investigate small molecule activation on this platform and also associated ligand innocence. The equatorial pyridine solvent moiety could not be removed; a new bis-ligand species Co[NNN.H]2 (3) was synthesized in low yield while attempting to make the base-free derivative. Attempts to prepare the Ni analogue of 1 and 2 instead yielded crystals of a di-imino–pyridine complex Ni[PDI]Cl (4) (PDI = 2,6-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyliminomethyl)pyridine), following loss of methylene backbone hydrogen atoms. Structural analysis indicates that the PDI ligand is a mono-anionic radical. This susceptibility of the ligand to oxidative dehydrogenation was also shown when the reaction of 2 with 2 equiv of trityl chloride yielded a new complex with an asymmetric imino–amino pyridine ligand Co[NNN′]Cl2 (5) (NNN′ = 2-(2,6-(diisopropylphenyliminomethyl)-6-(dii...
Monte Carlo Tightly Bound Ion Model: Predicting Ion-Binding Properties of RNA with Ion Correlations and Fluctuations

Experiments have suggested that ion correlation and fluctuation effects can be potentially important for multivalent ions in RNA folding. However, most existing computational methods for the ion electrostatics in RNA folding tend to ignore these effects. The previously reported tightly bound ion (TBI) model can treat ion correlation and fluctuation but its applicability to biologically important RNAs is severely limited by the low computational efficiency. Here, on the basis of Monte Carlo sampling for the many-body ion distribution, we develop a new computational model, the Monte Carlo tightly bound ion (MCTBI) model, for ion-binding properties around an RNA. Because of an enhanced sampling algorithm for ion distribution, the model leads to a significant improvement in computational efficiency. For example, for a 160-nt RNA, the model causes a more than 10-fold increase in the computational efficiency, and the improvement in computational efficiency is more pronounced for larger systems. Furthermore, unl...
Optoelectronic properties and photo-physics of large grain hybrid perovskites

Organic-Inorganic or (Hybrid) perovskites are a special class of perovskites with a general chemical formula of AMX 3 formed by using low-temperature synthesis approaches. They exhibit exceptional fundamental properties that have been translated into proof-of-principle demonstrations of photovoltaics (1), light emitting diodes(2), photodetectors(S), thermoelectric devices, lasers(⁁), photo-catalysts(5) and gamma ray detectors(6, 7) among which energy harvesting in photovoltaics has been the most studied(1, 8–15). While tremendous progress is being made, a fundamental bottleneck in that has existed in field is the high degree of variability in crystalline quality, grain-size, and microstructure of hybrid perovskites reported by the community. This has resulted in multiple interpretations of experimental data and thus key fundamental mechanisms remain largely unresolved. An ideal solution to this issue of non reliable properties is the ability to reproducibly grow hybrid perovskite thin-films with high degree of crystallinity, which allow access to the intrinsic physical properties, which are otherwise masked by non-reliable processing dependent microstructure. Here we present our recently developed fast thin-film crystal growth technique termed as hot-casting, which allows us to grow high crystalline quality, uniform, pinhole free films of hybrid perovskites with hundreds of microns to mm-scale grain-size. Investigation of photo-physical properties reveals that the resulting large grains behave as classical III-V direct band-gap semiconductors. However, as the grain-size decreases, the properties can no longer be described using models described for direct gap semiconductors. When incorporated into a simple "inverted" photovoltaic bilayer architecture with ITO/PEDOT:PSS/Perovskite/PCBM/Al, with no minimal optimization a hysteresis free device with a current-voltage curve of 15.37%. Electrical characterization using capacitance-voltage measurements and light-intensity dependence of the open circuit voltage suggest that perovskite films are intrinsic and the photogenerated charge carrier recombine through a bimolecular process, only observed in high quality semiconducting materials.
National Trends in Deep Vein Thrombosis following Total Knee and Total Hip Replacement in the United States.

Background Total knee replacement (TKR) and total hip replacement (THR) are associated with an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Advances in DVT prophylaxis over the past decade have led to a decrease in DVT-related morbidity, but gender, racial, and other demographic factors that contribute to a higher risk of DVT are incompletely characterized. This study aimed to determine the incidence of DVT over the past decade and identify factors that were associated with an increased risk of DVT. Methods Patients who underwent TKR or THR between 2001 and 2011 were identified using the National Inpatient Sample. For patients who developed a DVT, their demographics (including age, gender, and race), comorbidities, and subsequent outcomes (including length of stay [LOS] and mortality) were determined. Differences between patients who developed a DVT and those who did not were determined using multivariate regression analysis. A Mann–Kendall analysis was done to evaluate all trends. Results Between 2001 and 2011, a total of 1.1 million patients underwent TKR, and 550,000 underwent THR. The overall incidence of DVT decreased for TKR from 0.86% in 2001 to 0.45% in 2011 and decreased for THR from 0.55% to 0.24% for the same period. Patients who developed a DVT after TKR were older (67.7 vs. 66.8, P P Conclusions A focus on DVT prophylaxis may have decreased national rates of DVT after TKR and THR. Older patients, African Americans, and patients with more comorbidities appear to be especially at risk for DVT. Mortality is almost 4 to 8 times higher for patients with DVT, and LOS is double. A focus on DVT prophylaxis and perhaps more aggressive management of the at-risk population may further help decrease the rate of DVT.
The (Ir)rationality of (Un)informed Consent

This essay considers the problem of over-utilization of medical care at the end of life and the lack of truly informed consent and briefly considers the multiple causes of these phenomena. It then explores the inherent challenges to making informed medical decisions using concepts of Knightian uncertainty, bounded rationality, optimism bias, and other heuristics. The essay concludes that uncertainty inherent in these decisions means that challenges to making truly informed decisions about medical care are even more substantial than physicians acknowledge or patients ever realize. Acknowledging these challenges is the first step to better medical decision making. informed consent has its limits, but avoiding the effort to achieve truly informed consent is an irrational choice because it risks serious negative outcomes for patients. Physicians themselves, by the very nature of their work, live with clinical uncertainty and life’s precarity every day and sharing this reality with their patients is more likely to bring patients and physicians together in a collaborative decision-making team than to destroy hope or leave patients feeling abandoned.
Intramural esophageal bronchogenic cyst mimicking achalasia in a toddler

Bronchogenic cysts are congenital malformations of the tracheobronchial tree. We describe a 20-month-old male who presented with persistent non-bilious emesis; manometry and imaging were consistent with esophageal achalasia. During a planned laparoscopic Heller myotomy, an intramural bronchogenic cyst was discovered in the anterior esophagus at the level of the gastroesophageal junction and successfully resected with resolution of his symptoms.
2.06 – Neuroendocrine Control of Social Behavior in Frogs

Frog social behavior is seasonal, sexually dimorphic, and dependent on acoustic communication. Gonadal hormone effects on frog social behavior align with those generally seen in seasonal vertebrates, with seasonal and sex differences in hormones modulating behavior. Adrenal steroids also have significant but complex effects. Gonadal hormones influence the auditory system's response to vocal signals, making it respond more robustly when hormone levels are high. Hearing calls changes both gonadal and adrenal steroid levels, suggesting reinforcing interactions between the hormones regulating frog acoustic communication and the vocal signals that guide their social behavior.
Mutation of the SERCA-Reactive Cysteine-674 to Serine Attenuates Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Diastolic Dysfunction in Senescent Mice

Background We have shown previously that oxidation of sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) cysteine-674 was associated with left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction in senescent mice. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that mutation of the SERCA-reactive cysteine-674 to serine (C674S), thereby protecting it from oxidation at this site, will attenuate LV hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction in senescent mice. Methods Young (5-month-old) and senescent (24-month-old) wild-type (WT) or SERCA C674S knock-in (SKI) mice (n=5-8 per group) were studied. We measured LV structure and function by echocardiography, myocyte cross-sectional area by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and myocardial 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) expression by immunohistochemical staining. Results Conventional echocardiography in senescent WT mice demonstrated an increase in LV total wall thickness (TWTh, 1.84±0.05 vs. 1.45±0.03 mm in Young WT) with preserved LV dimension and systolic function. Mitral inflow and tissue Doppler echocardiography in senescent mice showed prolongation of LV isovolumetric relaxation time and deceleration time of early filling in association with decreases in the ratio of peak early-to-late transmitral velocity (E/A ratio, 1.16±0.04 vs. 1.80±0.04 in Young WT) and diastolic myocardial tissue velocity (Em, 18.9±1.5 vs. 26.2±0.5 mm/sec in Young WT), a pattern typical of abnormal relaxation. All of these abnormalities in LV wall thickness and diastolic function were attenuated (p Conclusion Protection of SERCA from oxidation at C674S attenuates aging-induced LV hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction, suggesting that strategies to protect oxidant target proteins such as SERCA are implicated in preserving diastolic function in the aging heart.
Transparency for the Public Good: When Feeling Powerful Does and Does Not Affect Willingness to Sacrifice for the Environment

In two studies, we tested the hypothesis that the effect of feeling powerful on willingness to sacrifice for the preservation of shared resources depends on whether such willingness is expressed publically or privately. Participants were randomly assigned to either a power priming condition or a control condition and then completed measures assessing their attitudes, future intentions, and willingness to sacrifice for environmental conservation. Consistent with our hypothesis, the psychological experience of power decreased people's environmental attitudes and willingness to sacrifice for the environment, but only when these responses were made privately. These findings suggest that a sense of power, when experienced in private, influences the way individuals feel about and intend to engage in pro-environmental sacrifice. The findings also suggest that this effect may be eliminated when judgments are made transparently, in public view.
Neuropathic Pain and Chronic Opioid Use

Neuropathic pain is defined as pain caused by a lesion of the somatosensory system [1]. The etiologic source located within the somatosensory system differentiates neuropathic pain from nociceptive pain, which by definition represents the processing of noxious stimuli by a functional nervous system [2]. A broad range of disease and injury can result in neuropathic pain and there are multiple classification schema ranging from anatomic to etiologic; none are as of yet universally accepted. Generally, neuropathic pain can be subdivided into four classes: 1. Focal lesions of the peripheral nervous system 2. Generalized lesions of the peripheral nervous system 3. Lesions of the central nervous system 4. Complex neuropathies [3]
The Office was asking for it: “that’s what she said” as a joke cycle that perpetuates rape culture

In this essay, we argue that the popular joke, “that’s what she said” is a symbolic representation of rape that contributes to and insulates rape culture. Drawing on Joseph Boskin’s notion of the “...
Providers' Perceptions of Caring for Pediatric Patients in Community Hospital Emergency Departments: A Mixed-methods Analysis.

Background Approximately 90% of pediatric emergency care is provided in community emergency departments (CEDs) that care for both adults and children. Paradoxically, the majority of pediatric emergency medicine knowledge generation, quality improvement work, and clinical training occurs in children's hospitals. There is a paucity of information of perceptions on pediatric care from CED providers. This information is needed to guide the development of strategies to improve CED pediatric readiness. Objective The objective was to explore interprofessional CED providers' perceptions of caring for pediatric patients. Methods A preparticipation survey collected data on demographics, experience, and comfort in caring for children. Emergency pediatric simulations were then utilized to prime interprofessional teams for debriefings. These discussions underwent qualitative analysis by three blinded authors who coded transcripts into themes through an inductive method derived from grounded theory. The other authors participated in confirmability and dependability checks. Results A total of 171 community hospital providers from six CEDs completed surveys (49% nurses, 22% physicians, 23% technicians). The majority were PALS trained (70%) and experienced fewer than five pediatric resuscitations in their careers (61%). Most self-reported comfort in caring for acutely ill and injured children. From the debriefings, three major challenge themes emerged: 1) knowledge and skill limitations attributed to infrequency of training and actual clinical events, 2) the emotional toll of caring for a sick child, and 3) acknowledgment of pediatric specific quality and safety deficits. Subthemes focused on causes and potential mitigating factors contributing to these challenges. A solution theme highlighted novel partnering opportunities with local children's hospitals. Conclusion Interprofessional CED providers perceive that caring for pediatric patients is challenging due to case infrequency, the emotional toll of caring for sick children, and pediatric quality and safety deficits in their systems. These areas of focus can be used to generate specific strategies for improving CED pediatric readiness.
Existence and Uniqueness of AlmostAutomorphic Mild Solutions to SomeSemilinear Abstract Differential Equations

We consider the semilinear differential equation x’(t) = Ax(t) + f(t, x(t)), t ∈ ℝ in a Banach space X, where A is the in.nitesimal generator of an exponentially stable C0-semigroup. Under suitable conditions on f, we prove the existence and uniqueness of an almost automorphic mild solution to the equation.
Analgesic effects of methadone and magnesium following posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents: a randomized controlled trial.

To provide optimal conditions for neurophysiological monitoring and rapid awakening, remifentanil is commonly used during pediatric spinal surgery. However, remifentanil may induce hyperalgesia and increase postoperative opioid requirements. We evaluated the potential of methadone or magnesium to prevent remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia. Using a prospective, randomized, blinded design, adolescents presenting for posterior spinal fusion to treat idiopathic scoliosis were assigned to receive desflurane with remifentanil alone (REMI), remifentanil + methadone (MET) (0.1 mg/kg IV over 15 min), or remifentanil + magnesium (MAG) (50 mg/kg bolus over 30 min followed by 10 mg/kg/h). Primary outcomes were opioid requirements and postoperative pain scores. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative anesthetic requirements, neurophysiological monitoring conditions, and emergence times. Data analysis included 60 patients. Total opioid requirement (hydromorphone) in the REMI group (received perioperatively and on the inpatient ward) was 0.34 ± 0.11 mg/kg compared to 0.26 ± 0.10 mg/kg in the MET group (95% confidence interval (CI) of difference: − 0.14, − 0.01; p = 0.035). The difference in opioid requirements between the REMI and MET group was related to intraoperative dosing (0.04 ± 0.02 mg/kg vs. 0.02 ± 0.01 mg/kg; 95% CI of difference: − 0.01, − 0.02; p = 0.003). No difference was noted in pain scores, and no differences were noted when comparing the REMI and MAG groups. With the dosing regimens in the current study, the only benefit noted with methadone was a decrease in perioperative opioid requirements. However, given the potential for hyperalgesia with the intraoperative use of remifentanil, adjunctive use of methadone appears warranted.
Digital Video Brings Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Training to Life

Today's technologies allow production of professional-quality movies straight from your desktop. At Duke University, written case studies used in training LGBT advocates were reborn as digital vide...
A stable milk-like emulsion for Milko-Tester check purposes.

The preparation of a milk-simulating emulsion is described. Twelve such emulsions were investigated using the data of fat content determinations with a milko-tester automatic as criteria of stability. Low-fat emulsions of 1 and 2% were extremely stable after 147 days of storage at room temperature. Emulsions containing around 4 and 5% milk fat showed slightly varying fat contents during the latter part (35 days) of the 147-day storage period. Standard emulsions of this sort may find application in the calibration and checking of milko-testers, an instrument which has been gaining rapid and wide acceptance by persons engaged in milk fat content determinations.
Emergency Control Method of the Reactive Compensation Devices near the Inverter Stations to Reduce Power Impact of HVDC Commutation Failure on the Power Grid

The AC fault of receiving end power grid can cause HVDC continuous commutation failure, bring very high power impact on both of the sending and receiving end power grid, which will threaten the safe and stable operation of the AC-DC interconnected system. The voltage drop of converter station caused by AC faults is an important reason for HVDC continuous commutation failure. By preventing the transmission of AC fault, that is, enhancing reactive power support capability of AC power grid is an important measure to suppress HVDC continuous commutation failure. So after analyzing the dynamic characteristics and mechanism of HVDC commutation failure caused by AC faults, an emergency control method of the reactive compensation devices near the inverter stations is proposed in this paper to decrease the voltage drop under faults and reduce power impact of HVDC commutation failure on the whole system. Firstly, based on the characteristics of the actual power grid and the distribution of the reactive compensation devices, the devices which are involved in the emergency control measures inside the inverter station and nearby are determined. Secondly, the sensitivity of each device switching to the bus voltage of converter station are calculated. Then according to the sensitivity index and the drop or rise condition of transient voltage of converter station, the emergency control amount of the compensation devices is calculated. At last, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by the simulation of actual power grid.
Modern Egypt: what everyone needs to know

Egypt is on a short list of countries that most people recognise and know something about. Its place in the popular imagination is due partly to its storied pharaonic past and status as one of the ...
Do destination Facebook pages increase fan’s visit intention? A longitudinal study

The purpose of this study is to explore how following a destination’s Facebook page changes fans’ visit intentions.,The study conducted two waves of data collection before and after following a Facebook page over a three-month period and collected 297 and 172 usable responses. The theory of planned behavior was adopted to build the evolution model. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Model was used in testing the proposed evolution model and exploring the changes over time.,Fans’ visit intentions significantly improved after following a Facebook page with a strengthened impact of subjective norm on visit intention. The effect of attitude on visit intention showed significant decrease after following the Facebook page, making attitude less important in travelers’ decision-making processes.,This study proves that destinations’ Facebook pages are effective in terms of improving fans’ visit intentions. Therefore, destination marketing organizations (DMOs) should focus on increasing the number of their Facebook fans and pay most attention to the social influence of Facebook pages.,This study is one of the first attempts to prove the effectiveness of Facebook marketing using a longitudinal approach. The study also contributes to the literature of utilizing PLS-SEM in hospitality and tourism research through applying the procedure of analyzing longitudinal data.,本论文旨在探索旅游目的地Facebook官网对吸引粉丝旅游的影响力。,样本数据搜集历时三个月, 分别在游客粉丝一个旅游目的地Facebook官网前和三个月后进行问卷收集。样本数量分别为297份（粉丝前）和172份（粉丝后）。计划行为理论（TPB）作为本论文的理论基础以建立研究模型。PLS-SEM为数据分析方法来测试假设模型和探索因时间而产生的变化。,游客的旅游意向明显加强了, 在粉丝旅游目的地Facebook之后, 显示为增强的主观规范对旅游意向的影响。游客态度对旅游意向的影响在粉丝Facebook官网后明显降低, 使得游客的态度对旅游决策的作用重要性降低。,本论文结果显示旅游目的地Facebook官网对增加粉丝游客有效用。因此, DMO应该重视吸引更多Facebook粉丝, 以及尤其重视Facebook中的社会影响。,本论文是极少数文章通过纵向研究方法来证明Facebook营销的效用性的研究。本论文还对酒店旅游研究文献采用PLS-SEM分析方法进行纵向研究有着理论贡献。,关键词 – 旅游目的地facebook官网, 纵向, 计划行为理论（TPB）, 旅游倾向。,纸张类型 – 文献综述
Perceptions of Strengths-Based Child Welfare Practices Among Mothers With Drug Use Histories:

Families in the child welfare system show especially poor outcomes when a parent has a drug use history. These parents may be difficult to engage, which may contribute to their failure to follow th...
The local and the global in Francis Abiola Irele's critical thought

In this essay I argue that Irele’s critical discourse is a construct of double entendre, the introvert and the extrovert, crystallized in his concept of the African Imagination. I critically chroni...
Using machine learning to selectively highlight patient information

Abstract Background Electronic medical record (EMR) systems need functionality that decreases cognitive overload by drawing the clinician’s attention to the right data, at the right time. We developed a Learning EMR (LEMR) system that learns statistical models of clinician information-seeking behavior and applies those models to direct the display of data in future patients. We evaluated the performance of the system in identifying relevant patient data in intensive care unit (ICU) patient cases. Methods To capture information-seeking behavior, we enlisted critical care medicine physicians who reviewed a set of patient cases and selected data items relevant to the task of presenting at morning rounds. Using patient EMR data as predictors, we built machine learning models to predict their relevancy. We prospectively evaluated the predictions of a set of high performing models. Results On an independent evaluation data set, 25 models achieved precision of 0.52, 95% CI [0.49, 0.54] and recall of 0.77, 95% CI [0.75, 0.80] in identifying relevant patient data items. For data items missed by the system, the reviewers rated the effect of not seeing those data from no impact to minor impact on patient care in about 82% of the cases. Conclusion Data-driven approaches for adaptively displaying data in EMR systems, like the LEMR system, show promise in using information-seeking behavior of clinicians to identify and highlight relevant patient data.
Analysis of Rapidly Emerging Variants in Structured Regions of the SARS-CoV-2 Genome

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has motivated a widespread effort to understand its epidemiology and pathogenic mechanisms. Modern high-throughput sequencing technology has led to the deposition of vast numbers of SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences in curated repositories, which have been useful in mapping the spread of the virus around that globe. They also provide a unique opportunity to observe virus evolution in real time. Here, I evaluate two cohorts of SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequences to identify rapidly emerging variants within structured cis-regulatory elements of the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Overall, twenty variants are present at a minor allele frequency of at least 0.5%. Several enhance the stability of Stem Loop 1 in the 5'UTR, including a set of co-occurring variants that extend its length. One appears to modulate the stability of the frameshifting pseudoknot between ORF1a and ORF1b, and another perturbs a bi-stable molecular switch in the 3'UTR. Finally, five variants destabilize structured elements within the 3'UTR hypervariable region, including the S2M stem loop, raising questions as to the functional relevance of these structures in viral replication. Two of the most abundant variants appear to be caused by RNA editing, suggesting host-viral defense contributes to SARS-CoV-2 genome heterogeneity. This analysis has implications for the development therapeutics that target viral cis-regulatory RNA structures or sequences, as rapidly emerging variations in these regions could lead to drug resistance.
Pitfalls and possible solutions for research and development of dementia therapies

Abstract The risk of failure was high when testing compounds in clinical programs for the treatment of dementia in the past. Probable fundamental reasons are the heterogeneity of symptom expression, use of inappropriate assessment instruments, safety and tolerability hurdles, too short study durations in Alzheimer disease modifying trials, intensive recruiting pressure on study centers, and administrative and bureaucratic overload for the initiation and performance of studies. In global phase III trials, further risks emerge due to participation of centers from different health care systems with varying quality and therapeutic concepts. This dilemma may be solved by a necessary cost reduction for drug development with concomitant decline of approval hurdles. Nowadays trial designs are increasingly influenced by ethics committees, drug approval authorities, health care politicians, and in specific animal models research scientists with a translational research approach. All of them have no contact with the real world of patient maintenance.
Comparing Old and New Partial Derivative Estimates from Nonlinear Nonparametric Regressions

Partial derivatives have a special place in economics since the marginal revolution of the 1850s. We present results from multivariate partial derivative estimates using nonlinear non-parametric regressions in a finite difference method, accessible via the R-package NNS. Numerical partial derivatives are notoriously unstable, but NNS always correctly estimates their sign and comes closest to the correct magnitude compared to the coefficients in multiple linear regressions, and compared to the gradients from the popular np package for non-parametric kernel regressions.
US Imperialism and Puerto Rican Needleworkers: Sovereignty, Citizenship, and Women's Labor in a Deep History of Neoliberal Trade

In 1898, US occupation of Puerto Rico opened possibilities for experimentation with manufacturing, investment, tariffs, and citizenship because the Treaty of Paris did not address territorial incorporation. Imperial experimentation started immediately and continued through the liberal policies of the New Deal and World War II, consistently reproducing drastic exceptions. These exceptions were neither permanent nor complete, but the rearrangements of sovereignty and citizenship established Puerto Rico as a site of potential and persistent exemption. Puerto Rican needleworkers were central to the resulting colonial industrialization-not as dormant labor awaiting outside developmental forces but as skilled workers experienced in production. Following US occupation, continental trade agents and manufacturers noted the intricate needlework of Puerto Rican women and their employment in homes and small shops for contractors across the island. Their cooptation and adaptation of this contracting system led to the colonial industrialization, generating bureaucratic, financial, and legal infrastructure later used in Operation Bootstrap, a long-term economic plan devised in the 1940s and 1950s. Labor unions and aggrieved workers contested and resisted this colonial industrialization. They advocated their own proposals and pushed against US economic policies and insular business management. Throughout these fights, the asymmetrical power of the federal government and industrial capital allowed the colonial regime to assert US sovereignty while continually realigning exemptions and redefining citizenship for liberal economic objectives. Rather than representing a weakening of the nation-state, this strong interventionist approach provided scaffolding for Operation Bootstrap, which became a model for the neoliberal projects called export processing zones (EPZs).
Efficiency of Increasing Prospective Resident Entrustment in the Operating Room.

Abstract Background Prospective resident entrustment (i.e., trust an attending surgeon intends to give to a resident in the near future) in the operating room (OR) closely associates with granted future autonomy. However, the process of determining resident entrustment takes time and effort. Thus, this study aimed to assess the efficiency of granting incremental resident entrustment for upcoming surgical cases. Methods We analyzed prospective resident entrustment of 6 chief residents in 76 cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic colectomy, ventral hernia, and inguinal hernia scored by attending surgeon, resident, and a surgeon observer. Matched direct costs and operative time were extracted from hospital billing. We assessed the efficiency of granting incremental prospective resident entrustment with direct cost per minute incurred in the evaluated case. Effect size was computed to assess the differences between groups. Results Sixty-three cases (82.9%) were matched; 47.6% (30/63) of matched cases received prospective resident entrustment score ≥ 4. The direct cost per minute increased in three procedures (laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic colectomy, and ventral hernia) with increased intention of granting incremental resident entrustment. Inguinal hernia was the only procedure in which chiefs were entrusted with future independence while the direct cost per minute decreased. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate more time and effort are required (except for inguinal hernia) for residents to be entrusted with increased independence in the future. Faculty and resident development programs are recommended to improve the efficiency of the process of granting incremental operative entrustment to optimize resident training quality and cost of care delivery.
Sabotage from Abroad? The Economic Impact of U.S. Interference in Chile 1970-73

In 1973, Augusto Pinochet led a US-backed coup against Salvador Allende, Chile's democratically elected president. Pinochet's supporters argued that the coup was the only way to save the country amid statism and socioeconomic breakdown. But how much was Allende to blame for the crisis that precipitated his downfall? In this paper, I conclude that Allende's project of socialist transformation in hyper-polarized 1970s Chile was doomed regardless of external provocation. However, more research would be needed to fully measure the impact of US economic interference.
Use of variables in calculus class: focusing on Teaching Assistants’ discussion of variables

Given the importance of the ability to use variables flexibly in Calculus and students’ difficulties related to various uses of variables, this study examined how variables are treated in calculus ...
Targeting DNMTs to overcome enzalutamide resistance in prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States. The androgen receptor (AR) antagonist enzalutamide is a FDA-approved drug for treatment of patients with late-stage prostate cancer and is currently under clinical study for early-stage prostate cancer treatment. After a short positive response period to enzalutamide, tumors will develop drug resistance. In this study, we uncovered that DNA methylation was deregulated in enzalutamide-resistant cells. DNMT activity and DNMT3B expression were upregulated in resistant cell lines. Enzalutamide induced the expression of DNMT3A and DNMT3B in prostate cancer cells with a potential role of p53 and pRB in this process. The overexpression of DNMT3B3, a DNMT3B variant, promoted an enzalutamide-resistant phenotype in C4-2B cell lines. Inhibition of DNA methylation and DNMT3B knockdown induced a re-sensitization to enzalutamide. Decitabine treatment in enzalutamide-resistant cells induced a decrease of the expression of AR-V7 and changes of genes for apoptosis, DNA repair and mRNA splicing. Combination treatment of Decitabine and enzalutamide induced a decrease of tumor weight, Ki-67 and AR-V7 expression and an increase of cleaved-caspase3 levels in 22Rv1 xenografts. The collective results suggest that DNA methylation pathway is deregulated after enzalutamide resistance onset and that targeting DNA methyltransferases restores the sensitivity to enzalutamide in prostate cancer cells.
Latinos and Alcohol

Summary The history of Latino-specific alcohol services is one that can best be measured in one or one-and-one-half decades. Although the Latino community has been severely affected by alcohol use and abuse, services have been slow to recognize the unique cultural needs of Latinos. The past decade, however, has witnessed a dramatic shift in this thinking and the future holds much promise for the field.
ON THE LENGTH OF BINARY FORMS

The K-length of a form f in \(K[x_{1},\ldots,x_{n}]\), \(K \subset \mathbb{C}\), is the smallest number of d-th powers of linear forms of which f is a K-linear combination. We present many results, old and new, about K-length, mainly for n = 2, and often about the length of the same form over different fields. For example, the K-length of \(3{x}^{5} - 20{x}^{3}{y}^{2} + 10x{y}^{4}\) is three for \(K = \mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{-1})\), four for \(K = \mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{-2})\) and five for \(K = \mathbb{R}\).
Chapter 22 Enhancing the power of the internet using fuzzy logic-based web intelligence: Beyond the semantic web

Abstract World Wide Web search engines have become the most heavily-used online services, with millions of searches performed each day. Their popularity is due, in part, to their ease of use. It is important to note that while the Semantic Web is dissimilar in many ways from the World Wide Web, the Semantic Web provides a common framework that allows data to be shared and reused across application, enterprise, and community boundaries through the World Wide Web. In this paper, we would like to go beyond the traditional semantic web which has been defined mostly as a mesh or distributed databases within the World Wide Web. For this reason, our view is that “Before one can use the power of semantic web, the relevant information has to be mined through the search mechanism and logical reasoning”. The central tasks for the most of the search engines can be summarized as (1) query or user information request — do what I mean and not what I say!, (2) model for the Internet, Web representation — web page collection, documents, text, images, music, etc., and (3) ranking or matching function — degree of relevance, recall, precision, similarity, etc. Design of any new intelligent search engine should be at least based on two main motivations: (1) the web environment is, for the most part, unstructured and imprecise. To deal with information in the web environment what is needed is a logic that supports modes of reasoning which are approximate rather than exact. While searches may retrieve thousands of hits, finding decision-relevant and query-relevant information in an imprecise environment is a challenging problem, which has to be addressed and (2) another, and less obvious, is deduction in an unstructured and imprecise environment given the huge stream of complex information. In this paper, we will first present the state of the search engines and Internet. Then we will focus on development of a framework for reasoning and deduction in the web. A web-based model to decision model for analysis of structured database will be presented. A framework to incorporate the information from web sites into the search engine will be presented as a model that will go beyond current semantic web idea. Another important and unique component of our system is compactification algorithm or Z-Compact. Z-Compact algorithm developed by L.A. Zadeh and it has been implemented for the first time as part of BISC-DSS for automatons multi-agents modeling as part of ONR project and has been extended to handle linguistic variables with deduction capability and currently is part of the BISC-DSS software and its has been applied in several applications.
Groundwater flow in heterogeneous composite aquifers

[1] We introduce a stochastic model of flow through highly heterogeneous, composite porous media that greatly improves estimates of pressure head statistics. Composite porous media consist of disjoint blocks of permeable materials, each block comprising a single material type. Within a composite medium, hydraulic conductivity can be represented through a pair of random processes: (1) a boundary process that determines block arrangement and extent and (2) a stationary process that defines conductivity within a given block. We obtain second-order statistics for hydraulic conductivity in the composite model and then contrast them with statistics obtained from a standard univariate model that ignores the boundary process and treats a composite medium as if it were statistically homogeneous. Next, we develop perturbation expansions for the first two moments of head and contrast them with expansions based on the homogeneous approximation. In most cases the bivariate model leads to much sharper perturbation approximations than does the usual model of flow through an undifferentiated material when both are applied to highly heterogeneous media. We make this statement precise. We illustrate the composite model with examples of one-dimensional flows which are interesting in their own right and which allow us to compare the accuracy of perturbation approximations of head statistics to exact analytical solutions. We also show the boundary process of our bivariate model is equivalent to the indicator functions often used to represent composite media in Monte Carlo simulations.
Simulation and experimental results for class D series resonant inverter

A numerical analysis of a Class D zero-voltage switching inverter in the time domain is presented, together with experimental results. A discrete-time state-space approach is used for simulation. The algorithm is fast, easy to implement, and suitable for systems with high spikes in the waveforms. Analysis shows that switching losses can be reduced by using a dead time in the transistor drive voltage and adding a single capacitor in parallel with one of the transistors. Zero-voltage switching can be achieved above the resonant frequency and in a limited range of load resistances. Numerical results are in good agreement with experimental ones. >
Phase diagram and spectroscopy of Fulde-Ferrell-Larkin-Ovchinnikov states of two-dimensional d -wave superconductors

Experimental evidence suggests that the Fulde-Ferrell-Larkin-Ovchinnikov (FFLO) state may be realized in the unconventional, heavy-fermion superconductor ${\mathrm{CeCoIn}}_{5}$. We present a self-consistent calculation of the field versus temperature phase diagram and order parameter structures for the FFLO states of quasi-two-dimensional $d$-wave superconductors. We calculate the spatially nonuniform order parameter, free energy density, and local density of states for magnetic fields parallel to the superconducting planes. We predict that the lower critical magnetic field transition between the spatially uniform and nonuniform FFLO state is second order. We discuss the signatures of the nonuniform FFLO state which should be observable in scanning tunneling microscopy measurements of the local density of states.
Polyethyleneimine-mediated transfection of cultured postmitotic neurons from rat sympathetic ganglia and adult human retina

Chemical methods of transfection that have proven successful with cell lines often do not work with primary cultures of neurons. Recent data, however, suggest that linear polymers of the cation polyethyleneimine (PEI) can facilitate the uptake of nucleic acids by neurons. Consequently, we examined the ability of a commercial PEI preparation to allow the introduction of foreign genes into postmitotic mammalian neurons. Sympathetic neurons were obtained from perinatal rat pups and maintained for 5 days in vitro in the absence of nonneuronal cells. Cultures were then transfected with varying amounts of a plasmid encoding either E. coli β-galactosidase or enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) using PEI. Optimal transfection efficiency was observed with 1 μg/ml of plasmid DNA and 5 μg/ml PEI. Expression of β-galactosidase was both rapid and stable, beginning within 6 hours and lasting for at least 21 days. A maximum yield was obtained within 72 hours with ∼ 9% of the neurons expressing β-galactosidase, as assessed by both histochemistry and antibody staining. Cotransfection of two plasmids encoding reporter genes was achieved. Postmitotic neurons from adult human retinal cultures also demonstrated an ability to take up and express foreign DNA using PEI as a vector. These data suggest that PEI is a useful agent for the stable expression of plasmid-encoded genes in neuronal cultures.
The measured cost of conservative garbage collection

Because dynamic memory management is an important part of a large class of computer programs, high-performance algorithms for dynamic memory management have been, and will continue to be, of considerable interest. Experience indicates that for many programs, dynamic storage allocation is so important that programmers feel compelled to write and use their own domain-specific allocators to avoid the overhead of system libraries. As an alternative to explicit storage management techniques, conservative garbage collection has been suggested as an important algorithm for dynamic storage management in C programs. In this paper, I evaluate the costs of different dynamic storage management algorithms, including domain-specific allocators, widely-used general-purpose allocators, and a publicly available conservative garbage collection algorithm. Surprisingly, I find that programmer enhancements often have little effect on program performance. I also find that the true cost of conservative garbage collection is not the CPU overhead, but the memory system overhead of the algorithm. I conclude that conservative garbage collection is a promising alternative to explicit storage management and that the performance of conservative collection is likely to improve in the future. C programmers should now seriously consider using conservative garbage collection instead of explicitly calling free in programs they write.
A Decomposed Negative Binomial Model of Structural Change: A Theoretical and Empirical Application to U.S. Agriculture

We developed a single-equation decomposed negative binomial regression model (NBRM) of the U.S. farm sector to simultaneously evaluate structural changes in the U.S. agricultural sector and the strength of several economic forces that influenced the changes in farm structure during the 1960–96 period. We found all these forces reinforced economic incentives to increase the size and decrease the number of small farms. Only agricultural programs and machinery prices countered these forces. Nous avons elabore un modele de regression binomiale negative (NBRM) decomposeaequation unique pour le secteur agricole des Etats-Unis afin d'evaluer simultanement les changements structurels de ce secteur ainsi que la puissance de plusieurs forces economiques qui ont influence les changements de structure des exploitations agricoles au cours de la periode 1960–96. Nous avons conclu que toutes ces forces ont renforce les stimulants economiques en faveur d'une augmentation de la taille des exploitations et d'une diminution du nombre de petites exploitations. Seuls les programmes agricoles et le prix de la machinerie ont contrecarre ces forces.