cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Single-cell variation leads to population invariance in NF-κB signaling dynamics.

The activation dynamics of nuclear factor (NF)-κB have been shown to affect downstream gene expression. On activation, NF-κB shuttles back and forth across the nuclear envelope. Many dynamic features of this shuttling have been characterized, and most features vary significantly with respect to ligand type and concentration. Here, we report an invariant feature with regard to NF-κB dynamics in cellular populations: the distribution—the average, as well as the variance—of the time between two nuclear entries (the period). We find that this period is conserved, regardless of concentration and across several different ligands. Intriguingly, the distributions observed at the population level are not observed in individual cells over 20-h time courses. Instead, the average period of NF-κB nuclear translocation varies considerably among single cells, and the variance is much smaller within a cell than that of the population. Finally, analysis of daughter-cell pairs and isogenic populations indicates that the dynamics of the NF-κB response is heritable but diverges over multiple divisions, on the time scale of weeks to months. These observations are contrary to the existing theory of NF-κB dynamics and suggest an additional level of control that regulates the overall distribution of translocation timing at the population level.
Biochemical Characterization of Two Different Forms of the Substance P Receptor in Rat Submaxillary Gland

Studies were designed to examine the basis for the difference in molecular weights of the two proteins detected in membrane preparations of rat submaxillary glands after photolabeling with a radioactive analogue of substance P, 125I-p-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine8-substance P. When the two proteins were separated and individually digested with endoglycosidase F, the relative molecular weight of each protein was reduced by approximately 10,000, indicating that the extent of glycosylation of both proteins is the same. To test whether the difference in their molecular weights can be attributed to a difference in the lengths of the two proteins, photolabeled membranes were treated with carboxypeptidase Y before solubilization to remove from each photolabeled protein the carboxy-terminal portion that extends beyond the membrane. Only one, albeit diffuse, band was now observed that on subsequent deglycosylation with endoglycosidase F was more clearly seen to be a single band, indicating that differing lengths of peptide chains were cleaved from the two proteins. These results permit the interpretation that the difference in the two forms of the substance P receptor present in rat submaxillary glands is due to differences in the length of their carboxy termini.
Geochronology and Petrochemistry of the Embudo Granite, New Mexico

The Embudo Granite of the southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains intrudes Precambrian metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks. Rb-Sr whole-rock isotopic analyses indicate that the Embudo Granite crystallized 1,673 ± 41 m.y. ago. This intrusive event is temporally related to igneous and metamorphic events in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and adjacent areas. Chemical differentiation shows a typical calc-alkaline trend, and suggests that analyzed samples of the Embudo Granite are comagmatic. A plot of Rb/Sr ratios versus differentiation index (normative albite + orthoclase + quartz) also suggests that the rocks are comagmatic and that the granite has not been significantly metasomatized. An initial Sr 87 /Sr 86 ratio of 0.7012 ± 0.0013 for the granite indicates a mantle-derived, original magma that underwent fractional crystallization with little if any contamination by very old crustal rocks. Rb-Sr mineral–whole-rock ages of 1,210 + 50 m.y. are similar to published mineral ages for this region and indicate a thermal event at about this time.
A2B Receptors Mediate Antimitogenesis in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Adenosine inhibits growth of vascular smooth muscle cells. The goals of this study were to determine which adenosine receptor subtype mediates the antimitogenic effects of adenosine and to investigate the signal transduction mechanisms involved. In rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells, platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) (25 ng/mL) stimulated DNA synthesis ([(3)H]thymidine incorporation), cellular proliferation (cell number), collagen synthesis ([(3)H]proline incorporation), total protein synthesis ([(3)H]leucine incorporation), and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activity. The adenosine receptor agonists 2-chloroadenosine and 5'-N-methylcarboxamidoadenosine, but not N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine or CGS21680, inhibited the growth effects of PDGF-BB, an agonist profile consistent with an A(2B) receptor-mediated effect. The adenosine receptor antagonists KF17837 and 1,3-dipropyl-8-p-sulfophenylxanthine, but not 8-cyclopentyl-1, 3-dipropylxanthine, blocked the growth-inhibitory effects of 2-chloroadenosine and 5'-N-methylcarboxamidoadenosine, an antagonist profile consistent with an A(2) receptor-mediated effect. Antisense, but not sense or scrambled, oligonucleotides to the A(2B) receptor stimulated basal and PDGF-induced DNA synthesis, cell proliferation, and MAP kinase activity. Moreover, the growth-inhibitory effects of 2-chloroadenosine, 5'-N-methylcarboxamidoadenosine, and erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl) adenine plus iodotubericidin (inhibitors of adenosine deaminase and adenosine kinase, respectively) were abolished by antisense, but not scrambled or sense, oligonucleotides to the A(2B) receptor. Our findings strongly support the hypothesis that adenosine causes inhibition of vascular smooth muscle cell growth by activating A(2B) receptors coupled to inhibition of MAP kinase activity. Pharmacological or molecular biological activation of A(2B) receptors may prevent vascular remodeling associated with hypertension, atherosclerosis, and restenosis following balloon angioplasty.
Tristetraprolin Recruits the Herpes Simplex Virion Host Shutoff RNase to AU-Rich Elements in Stress Response mRNAs To Enable Their Cleavage.

ABSTRACT Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) package and bring into cells an RNase designated virion host shutoff (VHS) RNase. In infected cells, the VHS RNase targets primarily stress response mRNAs characterized by the presence of AU-rich elements in their 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs). In uninfected cells, these RNAs are sequestered in exosomes or P bodies by host proteins that bind to the AU-rich elements. In infected cells, the AU-rich RNAs are deadenylated and cleaved close to the AU-rich elements, leading to long-term persistence of nontranslatable RNAs consisting of the 5′ portions of the cleavage products. The host proteins that bind to the AU-rich elements are either resident in cells (e.g., TIA-1) or induced (e.g., tristetraprolin). Earlier, this laboratory reported that tristetraprolin binds VHS RNase. To test the hypothesis that tristetraprolin directs VHS RNase to the AU-rich elements, we mapped the domains of VHS and tristetraprolin required for their interactions. We report that VHS binds to the domain of tristetraprolin that enables its interaction with RNA. A single amino acid substitution in that domain abolished the interaction with RNA but did not block the binding to VHS RNase. In transfected cells, the mutant but not the wild-type tristetraprolin precluded the degradation of the AU-rich RNAs by VHS RNase. We conclude that TTP mediates the cleavage of the 3′ UTRs of stress response mRNAs by recruiting the VHS RNase to the AU-rich elements. IMPORTANCE The primary host response to HSV infection is the synthesis of stress response mRNAs characterized by the presence of AU-rich elements in their 3′ UTRs. These mRNAs are the targets of the virion host shutoff (VHS) RNase. The VHS RNase binds both to mRNA cap structure and to tristetraprolin, an inducible host protein that sequesters AU-rich mRNAs in exosomes or P bodies. Here we show that tristetraprolin recruits VHS RNase to the AU-rich elements and enables the degradation of the stress response mRNAs.
Pathogenesis of ethanol-induced limb reduction defects in mice.

Acute administration of dosages of 2.5, 2.8, or 2.9 g/kg of ethanol to pregnant C57BL/6J mice on gestational day 9¼ resulted in major malformations of the forelimb including postaxial ectrodactyly, preaxial syndactyly, and reduction defects involving intermediate digits. The incidence and severity of these defects was positively correlated with dosage. Sidedness of the defects was also dose-dependent. In affected embryos, excessive amounts of cell death were notable within 5–9 hr of treatment initiation in selected cell populations. Cell death was primarily distributed in two regions of the developing limb bud—a ventrodistal ectodermal cell population (apical ectodermal ridge) and a proximal mesenchymal cell population. The patterns of cell death observed appear to be pathogenically related to the limb defects noted at later stages. In particular, it would appear that the deficiencies in the apical ectodermal ridge resulting from ethanol-induced cell death can account for virtually all the subsequent limb defects. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A data approach to tracking and evaluating engineering changes

Changes are common during any stage of a product life cycle. There are local changes that do not influence other elements of a product. However, there are other changes that can influence different aspects of the product. Consequences of these changes, unless properly anticipated, and accounted for, can be costly. Therefore, it is highly desirable to obtain a mechanism that will be able to anticipate and evaluate product change consequences. The first task in anticipating and evaluating change consequences is to represent them. The complexity of engineering models make their representation to be rich and semantic. Information data models like EXPRESS provide tools for modeling products. However, the current EXPRESS and other information models do not have a generic methodology to support contextual change representation and propagation. In this thesis a methodology called Change FAvorable Representation--C-FAR is presented. C-FAR uses an existing product information model to facilitate change representation, propagation, and qualitative evaluation. The EXPRESS schema's main elements are entities, relations among entities, and attributes that describe the entities. C-FAR facilitates change and change evaluation to the attribute level. C-FAR has been evaluated using case studies in structural analysis, bumper design, printed wiring board technology and injection molding process. Results show that C-FAR is capable of representing change and provides a reasonable qualitative evaluation of the change consequences
The Effects of Avatars, Stereo Vision and Display Size on Reaching and Motion Reproduction

Thanks to recent advances on motion capture devices and stereoscopic consumer displays, animated virtual characters can now realistically interact with users in a variety of applications. We investigate in this paper the effect of avatars, stereo vision and display size on task execution in immersive virtual environments. We report results obtained with three experiments in varied configurations that are commonly used in rehabilitation applications. The first experiment analyzes the accuracy of reaching tasks under different system configurations: with and without an avatar, with and without stereo vision, and employing a 2D desktop monitor versus a large multi-tile visualization display. The second experiment analyzes the use of avatars and user-perspective stereo vision on the ability to perceive and subsequently reproduce motions demonstrated by an autonomous virtual character. The third experiment evaluates the overall user experience with a complete immersive user interface for motion modeling by direct demonstration. Our experiments expose and quantify the benefits of using stereo vision and avatars, and show that the use of avatars improve the quality of produced motions and the resemblance of replicated msotions; however, direct interaction in user-perspective leads to tasks executed in less time and to targets more accurately reached. These and additional tradeoffs are important for the effective design of avatar-based training systems.
Hemimegalencephaly associated with congenital infiltrating lipomatosis of the face: a case report

Hemimegalencephaly (HME) is a rare congenital malformation of the brain, grossly characterized by enlargement and overdevelopment of one cerebral hemisphere. We describe a 16-month-old patient with facial asymmetry caused by congenital infiltrating lipomatosis of the face (CILF) associated with ipsilateral HME. Although HME has been described as part of different syndromic diseases, the association of HME with CILF has been rarely reported. Our case and literature review suggest that when the diagnosis of CILF is suspected or established, the possible presence of associated HME has to be considered and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) must be performed even in absence of neurological features, not always present in early stages. MRI also demonstrates the involvement of intracranial structures outside the affected cerebral hemisphere, such as brain stem, cerebellum, cranial nerves, and blood vessels. In our patient, computed tomography of the brain provided detailed information on osseous hypertrophy and skull-base foramina enlargement.
Pathogenesis of aneurysm formation opposite prosthetic patches used for coarctation repair. An experimental study.

Patch graft angioplasty for coarctation repair has been associated with late aneurysm formation opposite the prosthetic patch in some patients. Etiologic possibilities for this aneurysm formation include congenital abnormality of the aortic wall, surgical interruption of the vasa vasorum, intimai disruption because of extensive excision of the coarctation web, and rigidity of the prosthetic patch. To assess the effect of extensive intimai excision on the development of aneurysms, we operated on 12 dogs, performing a left thoracotomy and aortoplasty with Dacron (n = 6) or polytetrafluoroethylene patches (n = 6) and concomitant intimai excision opposite the patch. Ten control dogs underwent angioplasty with Dacron (n = 5) and polytetrafluoroethylene patches (n = 5) without excision of the intima. Serial aortograms of all animals showed aneurysm formation of the aorta opposite the patch in eight of the 12 dogs undergoing intimai excision. In contrast, no aneurysms developed in the control dogs (p
Resistance of chylomicron and VLDL remnants to post-heparin lipolysis in ApoE-deficient mice: the role of apoE in lipoprotein lipase-mediated lipolysis in vivo and in vitro

The interaction of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) with triglyceride-rich lipoproteins is governed by a number of factors, such as apolipoprotein (apo) C-II. The role of apoE in lipolysis is controversial. We made the unexpected observation that apoE-deficient mice were resistant to heparin-induced lipolysis; this study aims at examining the underlying mechanism for this observation. Compared to wild-type mice, apoE-deficient mice had significantly higher very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and chylomicron remnant (VLDL/CMR) concentrations and moderately lower lipase activity (15.5 +/- 1.3 mU/ml vs. 22.9 +/- 2.5 mU/ml). Unlike in wild-type mice where the injection of heparin reduced total plasma triglycerides by 50% and VLDL/CMR triglycerides by over 95%, the injection of heparin into apoE-deficient mice did not significantly affect plasma lipids. Similarly, in vitro, purified human LPL (hLPL) almost completely hydrolyzed VLDL/CMR isolated from wild-type mice, but had no effect on VLDL/CMR from apoE-deficient mice. However, when the amount of apoE-deficient VLDL/CMR was reduced to an equivalent level as in wild-type mice, LPL hydrolyzed 94% of VLDL/CMR triglycerides. In order to increase the ratio of LPL to VLDL/CMR in vivo, we injected an adenovirus containing the human LPL cDNA into apoE-deficient mice, which produced marked liver-specific overexpression of LPL and significant reduction of VLDL/CMR (93%) and total plasma triglyceride concentrations (87%). Thus, apoE is not required for LPL activity in vivo or in vitro. Under certain pathological conditions, such as severe hyperlipidemia, the LPL pathway may be saturated and efficient lipolysis can proceed only if the ratio of substrate particles to LPL is adjusted to a more normal range.
Neurologic Manifestations of Herpes Zoster

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the pathogenesis of primary varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection, clinical aspects of VZV reactivation and treatment, vaccination studies, recent advances in the molecular aspects of VZV infection, latency and apoptosis, and animal models for studying varicella biology. VZV is an exclusively human neurotropic alphaherpesvirus. Primary infection causes varicella (chicken pox), after which the virus becomes latent in cranial nerve ganglia, dorsal root ganglia (DRG), and autonomic ganglia along the entire neuraxis. As cell-mediated immunity to VZV declines with age or immunosuppression, VZV reactivates to cause zoster (shingles), often followed by chronic pain (postherpetic neuralgia [PHN]) as well as vasculopathy, meningoencephalitis, myelopathy, cerebellitis, and various ocular disorders, the most serious of which is retinal necrosis. VZV reactivation can also produce radicular pain without rash (zoster sine herpete), although it has now become clear that all of the neurologic and ocular complications of VZV reactivation identified earlier can occur without rash. VZV is highly infectious and transmission occurs by direct contact with skin lesions or by respiratory aerosols. Immunosuppression increases the risk of disseminated zoster. In most patients, the disappearance of skin lesions is accompanied by decreased pain and complete resolution of pain in 4–6 weeks. Widespread, aggressive VZV vaccination has reduced the total number of varicella cases by ∼85% and the number of moderate to severe cases by 95–100%. Like the live varicella vaccine for children, there is now a live zoster vaccine that appears to be safe and effective clinically.
Distortion product otoacoustic emissions in geriatric dogs.

Recordings of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) were taken from 28 geriatric dogs aged 12.2 ± 2.2 years and 15 control dogs aged 5.9 ± 3.0 years (mean ± standard deviation) to demonstrate frequency-specific changes in cochlear responses. Recordings were performed for primary frequencies of 2-12 kHz in 2 kHz increments. Brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) recordings were also made from geriatric dogs for comparison with DPOAE responses. Significant decreases in DPOAE response amplitudes were observed at frequencies of 6-12 kHz in geriatric dogs compared to control dogs, reflecting loss of cochlear outer hair cells along the length of the cochlea. Significant decreases in response amplitudes were not seen at frequencies of 2 or 4 kHz. Decreases in BAER response amplitudes subjectively paralleled the depressed DPOAE amplitudes. No significant linear regression relationships were found for DPOAE response amplitude vs. age despite the progressive nature of age-related hearing loss. The reductions in response at all frequencies starting at the age where dogs are considered geriatric indicate that age-related hearing loss begins earlier in the life span. DPOAE recordings provide a means to assess cochlear function across different portions of the auditory spectrum for assessing hearing loss associated with aging, and potentially for losses from other causes of decreased auditory function.
Using Concept Mapping to Assess 4- and 5-Year Old Children’s Knowledge in the Robotics and Programming for Prekindergarten Project

The purpose of this paper is to report on the concept map evaluation of an innovative STEM project for 4- and 5-year-old children. An American university research team developed and implemented a 3-month pilot program using engineering and robotics as the platform for teaching programming and problem solving. The engineering-focused lessons used a developmentally, age appropriate robot (KIBO) to teach simple programming skills while practicing a problem solving process designed to transfer to other settings. Researchers delivered the twice weekly lessons, integrated into the adopted prekindergarten curriculum, and implemented as part of the established center rotations. Researchers used child interviews and concept mapping as a measure of children’s knowledge of robotics and problem solving to estimate growth in their knowledge over time. Results indicated that the children exhibited increased knowledge of robotics, 93 %, and problem solving, 42 %, mostly resulting from the increased use of propositions and cross-links.
Modifying M-44s to reduce risk of activation by swift fox

M-44s are spring-powered sodium cyanide ejectors commonly used in the United States to manage livestock depredation by coyotes (Canis latrans). While highly selective for canids, improvements could reduce risk to nontarget canids, especially State-Endangered or -Threatened canids such as the swift fox (Vulpes velox). In 2012–2013, we tested M-44s set at modified heights to determine whether height modifications reduced risk to swift foxes without reducing activation rates by coyotes. We presented captive coyotes housed at the USDA National Wildlife Research Center's Predator Research Facility, Millville, Utah, USA, with M-44s at various test heights to determine a height that would still ensure activation and then M-44s set at 15-cm height were placed in pens with captive swift foxes at the Cochrane Ecological Institute, near Cochrane, Alberta, Canada, to evaluate their ability to activate M-44s. M-44s were next set in the field as 31 matched pairs within North Dakota, USA. For each matched pair, 1 was set at standard height, where the body of the device was entirely below ground level and only the mouth piece was above ground, and 1 at a modified height, where the top of the mouth pieces was set 15–18 cm above ground level. Camera traps were used to monitor wildlife activity at M-44s. Despite equivalent visitation rates based on camera-trap data, only one modified M-44 was activated by a coyote, whereas 19 M-44s set at standard height were activated by coyotes. No swift foxes were observed during field trials, but red foxes (V. vulpes) were observed at 2 sets and did not activate the M-44s. Modifying the height of M-44s appears to reduce activation risk for nontarget canids, but also reduces the rate of activation by coyotes. Thus, height modifications to M-44s may not be practical or efficient in areas with little or no risk to nontarget canids because of compromised coyote activation rates, but should be considered as an option to enable use of M-44s for coyote management in areas where M-44s are not currently used because nontarget, small canids may co-occur. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
The association between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and overall survival in patients with triple-negative breast cancer.

e12591Background: Recent reports have suggested that an elevated neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is associated with poor outcomes in various malignancies. Furthermore, radiation therapy (RT) a...
An Interpersonal Approach to Rorschach Interpretation

Abstract. In response to Kleiger’s (this issue) unique invitation to interpret a Rorschach case study from multiple psychoanalytic perspectives, I was asked to present a Rorschach interpretation from Sullivan’s interpersonal psychodynamic theory (IPT) perspective. In reviewing the literature, I found no theoretical papers specifically addressing IPT Rorschach interpretation. As such this article will be an initial attempt to integrate the Rorschach with IPT. I will present a brief overview of some of Sullivan’s most relevant IPT concepts, suggest where to find them on the Rorschach Comprehensive System (CS), and apply IPT Rorschach variables to the case of Ms. B. Special attention will be given to how the IPT model aids in the dynamic understanding of the Ms. B.’s internal experience and personality functioning; what formal features of the Rorschach lend themselves to key constructs in the model; and how the IPT model addresses the referral questions and adds to an understanding of treatment issues, inclu...
Is Contralateral Templating Reliable for Establishing Rotational Alignment During Intramedullary Stabilization of Femoral Shaft Fractures? A Study of Individual Bilateral Differences in Femoral Version.

OBJECTIVES To determine native individual bilateral differences (IBDs) in femoral version in a diverse population. METHODS Computed tomography scans with complete imaging of uninjured bilateral femora were used to determine femoral version and IBDs in version. Age, sex, and ethnicity of each subject were also collected. Femoral version and IBDs in version were correlated with demographic variables using univariate and multivariate regression models. RESULTS One hundred sixty-four subjects were included in the study. The average femoral version was 9.4 degrees (±9.4 degrees). The mean IBD in femoral version was 5.4 degrees (±4.4 degrees, P < 0.001). A total of 17.7% of subjects had a difference in version ≥10 degrees, and 4.3% had a difference in version ≥15 degrees. A femur with anteversion ≥20 degrees or retroversion was associated with a greater mean difference in version from the contralateral side compared with those with midrange anteversion. CONCLUSIONS Bilateral differences in femoral version are common and can result in a difference from native anatomy that may be clinically significant if only the contralateral limb is used to establish rotational alignment during intramedullary stabilization of diaphyseal femur fractures. This is also an important consideration when considering malrotation of femur fractures because most studies define malrotation as a greater than 10-15-degree difference compared with the contralateral side. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Implementing Accountable Care Organizations: Lessons From a Qualitative Analysis of Four Private Sector Organizations.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Accountable care organizations (ACOs) are emerging across the healthcare marketplace and now include Medicare, Medicaid, and private sector payers covering more than 24 million lives. However, little is known about the process of organizational change required to achieve cost savings and quality improvements from the ACO model. This study applies the complex innovation implementation framework to understand the challenges and facilitators associated with the ACO implementation process. We conducted four case studies of private sector ACOs, selected to achieve variation in terms of geography and organizational maturity. Across sites, we used semistructured interviews with 68 key informants to elicit information regarding ACO implementation. Our analysis found challenges and facilitators across all domains in the conceptual framework. Notably, our findings deviated from the framework in two ways. First, findings from the financial resource availability domain revealed both financial and nonfinancial (i.e., labor) resources that contributed to implementation effectiveness. Second, a new domain, patient engagement, emerged as an important factor in implementation effectiveness. We present these deviations in an adapted framework. As the ACO model proliferates, these findings can support implementation efforts, and they highlight the importance of focusing on patients throughout the process. Importantly, this study extends the complex innovation implementation framework to incorporate consumers into the implementation framework, making it more patient centered and aiding future efforts.
DEVELOPMENT AND REGENERATION OF MUSCLE SPINDLES IN MAMMALS AND BIRDS

The morphological and physiological development of avian and mammalian muscle spindles is reviewed, with emphasis on the recent literature. Subjects covered include the effect of sensory innervation and growth factors on the induction of muscle spindles, genesis of intrafusal fiber types as defined by isoforms of myosin heavy chains, and the establishment of the outer spindle capsule. Because of its relevance to normal development, degeneration and regeneration are also treated. Similarities and differences between mammalian and avian muscle spindle formation are discussed.
Effects of pentobarbital sodium anesthesia and neurohumoral agents on the cardiac orienting reflex

Studies of the cardiac orienting reflex in 16 dogs, moderately anesthetized and awake are reported. In the anesthetized dogs prominent transient heart rate decrease was commonly noted within one or two beats after the onset of various auditory stimuli, and less often after visual stimuli. This cardiac inhibition was neither as prominent nor as frequent in occurrence in awake dogs. The respiratory cycle at stimulus onset influenced the appearance and degree of heart rate decrease, with the greatest and most frequent decreases occurring during the expiratory phase. Atropine abolished the response. There was little evidence of habituation of this orienting response under anesthesia, although “waxing” and “waning” apparently related to minute-by-minute fluctuations in degree of unconsciousness, occurred. These findings are discussed in relation to neurophysiological and neuroanatomical correlates of orienting responses, hypotheses of orienting and attention and cardiovascular neurohumoral mediators.
A methodological approach to examining racial and ethnic minorities with disabilities: intersecting and interlocking race/ethnicity, disability, and gender

In the past several decades, disability, race, class, gender, and sexuality have been critically examined to determine how disability shapes and is shaped by society. That disability is interpreted and defined from a nondisabled perspective and continues to be researched, debated, and discussed in isolation from the other fields remains an issue. There is a need to problematize and complicate disability by enabling those with disabilities to voice their experiences. Drawing upon a phenomenological research approach and an intersectionality and normalcy framework along with conversations with five racial/ethnic minorities with disabilities provides the opportunity to demonstrate that disability is not an isolated experience but part of the everyday process by showing how disability is a social identity and social phenomenon. In order to continue to challenge the field of Disability Studies, there is a need to continually expand our understanding of disability through application of different lenses and intersecting race, class, gender, sexuality, and disability to gain new insights and move towards social justice and social change.
Direct Dynamics Method for the Calculation of Reaction Rates

Accurate quantum dynamics calculations for atom-diatom reactions have advanced to the stage where the nuclear-motion Schrodinger equation can be solved essentially exactly for a given potential energy surface [ 1]. For example, we recently reported accurate quantum mechanical rate constants for the reaction D + H2 → HD + H over a wide temperature range [2]. In this case the potential energy surface is very well known, and the dynamical results for the most accurate potential energy surface [3] agree with experiment [4] within 12% (maximum deviation) over the 200-900K temperature interval, with slightly large errors at higher T (16% at 1300 K, 22% at 1500 K). This is quite satisfying for a totally ab initio calculation of a chemical reaction rate.
The Red Wall-paper: Reservation Policy, The Dawes Act, and Gilman's Literature of Argument

This essay offers a reading of Charlotte Perkins Gilman's “The Yellow Wallpaper” as "literature of argument" addressing reservation policy and the Dawes Act. Gilman’s short story, which follows the deterioration of its nameless narrator as she descends into madness while undergoing the “rest cure,” perhaps as a result of post-partum depression, has been interpreted both as a ghost story and a feminist story. I suggest that it is time we consider other sources of inspiration for Gilman’s masterpiece of realism and the literature of argument. “The Yellow Wallpaper” was published more than a decade into the reservation period and several years after the passage of the Dawes Act. A close reading of Gilman’s story reveals a harsh critique of reservation policy and the Dawes Act as well as references to America’s federal Indian policy in broad strokes, including the Marshall Trilogy and The Indian Removal Act. The essay includes a post script that models Gilman’s “Why I Write the Yellow Wall-paper”; in “Why I Wrote the Red Wall-paper,” I provide historical and critical context for the red reading of this American classic.
Ogilvie’s Syndrome

Ogilvie’s syndrome is acute colonic pseudo-obstruction, wherein signs and symptoms of large bowel obstruction occur along with marked dilation of the colon without a mechanical cause for the obstruction. This chapter will describe the pathophysiology, epidemiology, and risk factors for Ogilvie’s syndrome. The signs and symptoms as well as the necessary investigations (abdominal X-ray, computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis, and contrast enema) will be reviewed. A stepwise approach to management, progressing from supportive therapy to decompression (pharmacologic or endoscopic) and ultimately surgery, will be presented.
Building Blocks in Standards: Improving Consistency in Standardization with Ontology and Reasoning

International standardization in ICT has grown in importance due to the rapid technology development, the increasing need for interoperability, and the global nature of the digital infrastructure. However, technical resources available to international standards bodies have become more limited. With its focus on international collaboration and consensus, the standardization community has not invested significantly in the automation of the process of developing standards. In this paper, we describe potential gains in efficiency with an ontology-based approach and automated reasoning. As part of the exploratory phase of the project, we built a prototype ontology and evaluated the benefits of automated reasoning to improve the process of developing and harmonizing broadly understood ICT assessment standards. The exploratory phase confirmed feasibility and clarified the benefits of the ontology-based approach to standardization, but also highlighted difficulties and unsolved problems in this area.
Resection of isolated distant nodal metastasis in metastatic colorectal cancer

Abstract Background Little is known regarding the role of resection in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) who present with isolated non-regional lymph node metastasis (NRLNM). Methods Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database, we identified patients diagnosed with CRC and NRLNM from 2004 to 2013. Results A total of 849 patients presented with CRC and isolated NRLNM. Of these, 90 (10.6%) underwent resection of NRLNM. Median overall survival (OS) did not differ for patients who underwent resection of NRLNM compared to those who did not (33 versus 29 months, p = 0.68). Subgroup analysis by primary tumor site, also did not demonstrate a difference in median OS. Cox proportional hazard model revealed older age (Hazard ratio [HR] 1.34, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.17–1.53, p Conclusion Resection of NRLNM in patients with CRC is not associated with an OS benefit. Further studies are needed to determine if there is a subset of patients who could potentially benefit from this resection strategy.
Application of Three-Dimensional Printed Vascular Modeling as a Perioperative Guide to Perforator Mapping and Pedicle Dissection during Abdominal Flap Harvest for Breast Reconstruction.

Background Advancements in three-dimensional (3D) printing have enabled production of patient-specific guides to aid perforator mapping and pedicle dissection during abdominal flap harvest. We present our early experience using this tool to navigate deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) topography and evaluate its impact on operative efficiency and clinical outcomes. Patients and Methods Between January 2013 and December 2018, a total of 50 women underwent computed tomographic angiography (CTA)-guided perforator mapping prior to abdominal flap breast reconstruction, with (n = 9) and without (n = 41) 3D-printed vascular modeling (3DVM). Models were assessed for their accuracy in identifying perforator location and source-vessel anatomy, as determined by operative findings from 18 hemi-abdomens. The margin of error (MOE) for perforator localization using 3DVM was calculated and compared with CTA-derived measurements for the same patients. Flap harvest times, outcomes, and complications for patients who were preoperatively mapped using 3DVM versus CTA alone were analyzed. Results Overall, complete concordance was observed between 3DVM and operative findings with regards to perforator number, source-vessel origin, and DIEA branching pattern. By comparison, CTA interpretation of these parameters inaccurately identified branching pattern and perforator source-vessel origin in 28 and 33% of hemi-abdomens, respectively (p = 0.045 and p = 0.02). Compared with operative measurements, the average MOE for perforator localization using 3DVM was significantly lower than that obtained from CTA alone (0.81 vs. 8.71 mm, p Conclusion The results of this study support the accuracy of 3DVM for identifying DIEA topography and perforator location. Application of this technology may translate to enhanced operative efficiency and fewer perfusion-related complications for patients undergoing abdominal free flap breast reconstruction.
Pupillary Light Reflex Is Not Abolished by Epinephrine and Atropine Given During Advanced Cardiac Life Support in Patients Who Achieve Return of Spontaneous Circulation.

Introduction:Absence of pupillary light reflex (PLR) is a well-studied indicator of poor neurologic recovery after cardiac arrest. Interpretation of absent PLR is difficult in patients with hypothe...
Locally-invasive, castrate-resistant prostate cancer in a Pten/Trp53 double knockout mouse model of prostate cancer monitored with non-invasive bioluminescent imaging

Here we have improved an existing mouse model of prostate cancer based on prostate-specific deletion of Pten and Trp53 by incorporating a Cre-activatable luciferase reporter. By coupling the deletion of those genes to the activation of a luciferase reporter, we were able to monitor tumor burden non-invasively over time. We show that, consistent with previous reports, deletion of both Pten and Trp53 on a C57BL/6 background accelerates tumor growth and results in both the loss of androgen receptor expression and castrate resistant tumors as compared with loss of Pten alone. Loss of Trp53 results in the development of sarcomatoid histology and the expression of markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition Zeb1 and vimentin, with kinetics and penetrance dependent on whether one or both alleles of Trp53 were deleted. Homozygous deletion of Trp53 and Pten resulted in uniformly lethal disease by 25 weeks. While we were able to detect locally invasive disease in the peritoneal cavity in aggressive tumors from the double knockout mice, we were unable to detect lymphatic or hematogenous metastatic disease in lymph nodes or at distant sites.
A Missionary Minefield or Millennial Partnership? American Presbyterians, Catholics, and Jews Before and After Nostra Aetate

Nostra Aetate’s significance goes beyond the twentieth-century Catholic Church: it has shaped twenty-first century ecumenism by serving as a model for Protestant–Jewish relations in the United States, particularly for the mainline Presbyterian Church (USA). Yet in its scriptural and theological approach to the question of Jews’ covenant with and salvation in God, Nostra Aetate is more conservative theologically on the question of supersessionism than the PC(USA). An examination of how this American Presbyterian denomination differs in its hermeneutical approach in interpreting Scripture on the question of supersession theology and modern Israel not only helps to explain its contrasting relations with Jews since Nostra Aetate; it also sheds light on how it has made common cause at different times with Catholics as well. Ultimately, comparing Catholic–Jewish solidarity with the PC(USA)’s currently strained relations with some quarters of American Judaism illumines by stark relief Nostra Aetate’s successful legacy for Rome. The Catholic Church, despite its own traditional theology on biblical Israel and Christian salvation, has managed both to cultivate deeper appreciation from contemporary Jews and to question their treatment of Palestinians through other diplomatic channels—things in which the PC(USA) has not yet succeeded.
Racial Bias as an Explanatory Factor for Racial Disproportionality and Disparities in Child Welfare

Race continues to permeate all facets of the child welfare system and is especially problematic for children of color involved in this system. There has been an increased focus over the past decade on the disproportionate number of children of color in the child welfare system as well as their disparate treatment and outcomes. Several factors continue to be exposed in an attempt to explain racial disproportionality and disparities at each decision point in the child welfare system. One of these explanatory factors is racial bias. Racial biases can occur in the form of implicit biases and refer to stereotypes or attributes based on race that affect one’s understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconsciousness manner. Implicit and explicit biases can be equal contributors to discriminatory behavior. These biases often impact language, referrals, judgement, assessments, and recommendations for the disproportionate number of children in the child welfare system. The discourse in this chapter is focused on the extent and ramifications of racial bias as an explanatory factor for racial disproportionality and disparities in the child welfare system.
Threatening an Irrational Breach of Contract

When circumstances surrounding the contract change, a party might consider breach a more attractive option than performance. Threatening breach, this party may induce the other party to modify the original agreement. The contract law doctrine of modification determines whether and when these modifications are enforceable. To promote social welfare as well as the interests of the threatened party, the law should enforce modifications if and only if the modification demand is backed by a credible threat to breach. This paper argues that credibility is not a function of pecuniary interests alone. A decision to breach can be motivated also by sentiments towards the fairness of the division of the surplus between the parties. A party whose share in the surplus is reduced in an unexpected fashion might have a credible threat to breach, even if his absolute payoff from performance is still positive and greater than his payoff from breach. The paper explores the patterns by which such fairness concerns arise. Rec...
Human-Understandable Classifiers for COPD from Biosensor Data

This work addresses the task of analyzing data from a biometric sensor operating on saliva samples in order to predict the sample-donor’s status in regard to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It emphasizes the use of human-understandable classification methods, such as those based on a small number of rules. Using recently published data, it studies the characteristics of such biosensor data and presents some concrete results in that context. It also summarizes the results of an experimental evaluation of such methods on this dataset.
Covenants without Swords

In one-shot social dilemma experiments, cooperation rates dramatically increase if subjects are allowed to communicate before making a choice. There are two possible explanations for this `communication effect'. One is that communication enhances group identity, the other is that communication elicits social norms. I discuss both views and argue in favor of a norm-based explanation.
Clinical Importance of Binaural Information: Extending Auditory Assessment in Clinical Populations Using a Portable Testing Platform.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to use variability on tests of basic auditory processing to allow identification of those tests that could be used clinically to describe functional hearing abi...
Wage Regulation and Training: The Impact of State Prevailing Wage Laws on Apprenticeship

This paper analyzes the impact of the Prevailing Wage Laws (PWL) on the recruitment of apprentices, their completion and cancellation rates, and the minority share in apprenticeship programs. Statistical analysis shows that, controlling for the size of the trade, the supply of apprenticeship is higher in the PWL states. It also rises with the strength of the PWL. Secondly, apprentices complete graduation requirements at a slower rate in states without PWLs, indicating a lower efficiency in producing certified skilled workers. Finally, there is no evidence that PWLs serve as a means to exclude minorities from training for the skilled trades.
Simulation of a DC to DC power conversion module for the all-electric ship

The design of electric ships requires a tool to evaluate the relative merits of different electrical power distribution configurations; the MIT end-to-end simulator [1] is just such a tool. This paper models one module to be used in conjunction with the end-to-end simulator: a power converter that converts MVDC bus voltage to 1kV DC. First, the power converter was designed to use commercially available technology. This design resulted in a low-frequency, 2 kHz, 200 kW power converter commonly called a double-ended, isolated forward converter [2]. The initial converter design was then modeled in Simulink. The response characteristics of the converter were analyzed to ensure the response followed demonstrated behavior consistent with this type of converter. Finally, the model was tested against a nominal set of specifications [3] that determined adequate response characteristics.
The influence of swirl ratio on turbulent flow structure in a motored HSDI diesel engine : A combined experimental and numerical study

Simultaneous two-component measurements of gas velocity and multi-dimensional numerical simulation are employed to characterize the evolution of the in-cylinder turbulent flow structure in a re-entrant bowl-in-piston engine under motored operation. The evolution of the mean flow field, turbulence energy, turbulent length scales, and the various terms contributing to the production of the turbulence energy are correlated and compared, with the objectives of clarifying the physical mechanisms and flow structures that dominate the turbulence production and of identifying the source of discrepancies between the measured and simulated turbulence fields. Additionally, the applicability of the linear turbulent stress modeling hypothesis employed in the k-e model is assessed using the experimental mean flow gradients, turbulence energy, and length scales.