cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Loss of FXR Protects against Diet-Induced Obesity and Accelerates Liver Carcinogenesis in ob/ob Mice

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is known to play important regulatory roles in bile acid, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism. Aged (>12 months old) Fxr−/− mice also develop spontaneous liver carcinomas. In this report, we used three mouse models to investigate the role of FXR deficiency in obesity. As compared with low-density lipoprotein receptor (Ldlr) knockout (Ldlr−/−) mice, the Ldlr−/−Fxr−/− double-knockout mice were highly resistant to diet-induced obesity, which was associated with increased expression of genes involved in energy metabolism in the skeletal muscle and brown adipose tissue. Such a striking effect of FXR deficiency on obesity on an Ldlr−/− background led us to investigate whether FXR deficiency alone is sufficient to affect obesity. As compared with wild-type mice, Fxr−/− mice showed resistance to diet-induced weight gain. Interestingly, only female Fxr−/− mice showed significant resistance to diet-induced obesity, which was accompanied by increased energy expenditure in these mice. Finally, we determined the effect of FXR deficiency on obesity in a genetically obese and diabetic mouse model. We generated ob−/−Fxr−/− mice that were deficient in both Leptin and Fxr. On a chow diet, ob−/−Fxr−/− mice gained less body weight and had reduced body fat mass as compared with ob/ob mice. In addition, we observed liver carcinomas in 43% of young (<11 months old) Ob−/−Fxr−/− mice. Together these data indicate that loss of FXR prevents diet-induced or genetic obesity and accelerates liver carcinogenesis under diabetic conditions.
Department of Health and Human Services Changes: Implications for Hospital Social Workers

In April 2010, President Obama issued a directive to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding patient visitation, advance directives, and other initiatives to improve the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families. The HHS response to this directive has implications for hospital social workers. The purpose of this secondary data analysis was to explore indicators of social work readiness to support implementation of the resulting initiatives. A historical context for the changes is provided, inclusive of the cases that spurred the presidential memorandum. The findings are presented within the framework of the profession's standards for social work practice in health care and end-of-life care. Recommendations for enhancing social work readiness for a critical role in implementation of the new regulations are presented.
Tracing lineage beyond relational operators

Tracing the lineage of data is an important requirement for establishing the quality and validity of data. Recently, the problem of data provenance has been increasingly addressed in database research. Earlier work has been limited to the lineage of data as it is manipulated using relational operations within an RDBMS. While this captures a very important aspect of scientific data processing, the existing work is incapable of handling the equally important, and prevalent, cases where the data is processed by non-relational operations. This is particularly common in scientific data where sophisticated processing is achieved by programs that are not part of a DBMS. The problem of tracking lineage when non-relational operators are used to process the data is particularly challenging since there is potentially no constraint on the nature of the processing. In this paper we propose a novel technique that overcomes this significant barrier and enables the tracing of lineage of data generated by an arbitrary function. Our technique works directly with the executable code of the function and does not require any high-level description of the function or even the source code. We establish the feasibility of our approach on a typical application and demonstrate that the technique is able to discern the correct lineage. Furthermore, it is shown that the method can help identify limitations in the function itself.
The Racial Wealth Gap: Origins and Implications for Philanthropy in the African American Community

In this article, the author argues that any consideration of race and formal philanthropic activity must consider the issue of wealth differences; it is in the area of wealth that the greatest degree of racial inequality exists, with Black families owning about one eighth the assets of White families. In addition to this empirical rationale for investigating the role of net worth in accounting for Black-White differences in philanthropic activity, the author provides a theoretical argument, distinguishing between the role of income and that of wealth in giving. The author concludes by arguing for a new research agenda that links the burgeoning literature on race and wealth to that on race and philanthropy.
Effects of ketoprofen and phenylbutazone on chronic hoof pain and lameness in the horse

The analgesic effects of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ketoprofen (2.2 and 3.63 mg/kg bwt) and phenylbutazone (4.4 mg/kg bwt) were compared in 7 horses with chronic laminitis. Hoof pain was quantified objectively by means of an electronic hoof tester and lameness was subjectively graded on a modified Obel scale. Ketoprofen at a dose of 3.63 mg/kg bwt (phenylbutazone equimolar dose) reduced hoof pain and lameness to a greater extent than the 2.2 mg/kg dose and phenylbutazone. These effects were still present at 24 h in 3 of the 4 pain tests, including lameness grade. These data suggest that ketoprofen at the dosage rate of 1.65 times the recommended therapeutic dose was more potent than phenylbutazone in alleviating chronic pain and lameness in horses.
Thermal stability of “living” polymer–lithium systems

The thermal stabilities of polybutadienyllithium, polyisoprenyllithium, and polystyryllithium solutions have been determined in hydrocarbon solvents. Kinetic analysis indicated that a complex mechanism was involved in the thermolysis of polybutadienyllithium. The thermal stability was observed to increase with increasing lithium concentration, suggesting the presence of competitive reactions in addition to the expected elimination of lithium hydride. The thermal stability of the three systems studied was consistent with their reported degrees of association: dimeric polystyryllithium was less stable than tetrameric polyisoprenyllithium or hexameric polybutadienyllithium.
Estradiol Induces and Hyperglycosylates the Receptor for Ovine Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone1

The crucial first link between GnRH and its pleiotropic stimulation of the reproductive system is its receptor (GnRHRec). In mammals, 17β-estradiol is a major regulator of GnRH action, and part of its regulation occurs at the level of the GnRHRec. In ovine pituitary cultures, estradiol simultaneously increases GnRHRec and GnRH-stimulated LH secretion (the LH response), but after 6–15 h the effect of estradiol becomes paradoxical, and the LH response rapidly decreases to control levels (by 24 h), whereas GnRHRec remains elevated. A preliminary study used photoaffinity labeling of the GnRHRec to show that estradiol can induce 38- and 43-kDa GnRHRec. The photoaffinity technique has been used here to 1) further investigate estradiol-mediated induction of GnRHRec, 2) define the nature of the different sized GnRHRecs, and 3) determine whether the larger size is related to degradation of the LH response. The effect of estradiol is compared with that of inhibin, which only induces the 38-kDa GnRHRec and always in...
New tools and novel approaches in treating locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is one of the most aggressive malignant tumors and represents the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death. The median survival of locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma is ten to thirteen months. In this year’s American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, several studies were presented with novel approaches towards treating locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Wild et al . (Abstract #4055) explored a novel tool of selective delivery of TNF-alpha intratumoral injection. This approach limited the systemic toxicity, and suggested survival benefit in only the subgroup of patients with locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma with stage T1-T3. Two studies were presented which were designed to assess the use of two novel agents, targeting signaling pathways, in addition to gemcitabine. Van Laethem et al . (Abstract #4050) are testing the MEK inhibitor, BAY 86-9766 in combination with gemcitabine. However, treatment related toxicity is still of concern. In the other study, Evans et al . (Abstract #TPS4134) are testing the combination of dasatinib and gemcitabine. This is a placebo-controlled, randomized, double blind phase II study. However, results are not available. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is an emerging technology with the comparative efficacy of single fraction radiotherapy (as is used in radiosurgery) vs . fractionated SBRT still unknown. Herman et al . (Abstract #4045) examined the role of fractionated SBRT in locally advanced pancreatic cancer. The phase II results showed a median overall survival of 15.9 months, suggesting that SBRT may be an emerging tool in the multi-modality treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Image: The principal teaching hospital for Tufts University School of Medicine . Boston, MA, USA.
Near-Field Electromagnetic Holography in Conductive Media

A new approach to the inversion of ill-posed boundary value (BV) problems is presented for an infinite conductive, homogeneous media. Our interest is to investigate the possibility of imaging underwater electromagnetic sources from remote electromagnetic sensor data when that data is measured coherently over a spatial sheet, commonly referred to as a hologram. Specifically, given independent holograms of two polarizations of the electric and/or magnetic fields on a cylindrical surface exterior to the electric and magnetic sources, we develop a frequency domain, back-projection (inverse) technique that reconstructs the complete electric and magnetic vector fields in the region between the BV (hologram) surface and the sources. Of particular interest is the Poynting vector that is constructed from the back-projected fields, providing the power per unit area radiated from the sources. We believe it may be of immense practical use in diagnosis of electromagnetic sources, such as underwater ship propulsors. Tikhonov regularization, developed here for the two component measured field, is used to stabilize the inversion. To investigate the accuracy and limitations of this new approach, we carry out a numerical experiment in which an array of either magnetic or electric dipole sources are excited in a frequency range of 1 to 1000 Hz in seawater. They are arranged 8 m apart in a line and generate coherent holograms of the axial components of the electric and magnetic fields on an imaginary cylindrical sheet of radius 30 m. Spatially random noise is added to these two holograms to simulate a relatively poor signal to noise ratio of 20 dB. Results show that we can successfully reconstruct the electric, magnetic and Poynting field vectors on the cylindrical sheet of 20 m radius (10 m closer to sources) with an accuracy of less than 30% for both magnetic dipole sources and electric dipole sources from 1 to 1000 Hz. The computations needed for this approach are easily carried out on a laptop computer and reconstructions of the complete field vectors are extremely fast, with a processing time in seconds.
Interactions of thrombospondins with α4β1 integrin and CD47 differentially modulate T cell behavior

Thrombospondin (TSP)-1 has been reported to modulate T cell behavior both positively and negatively. We found that these opposing responses arise from interactions of TSP1 with two different T cell receptors. The integrin α4β1 recognizes an LDVP sequence in the NH2-terminal domain of TSP1 and was required for stimulation of T cell adhesion, chemotaxis, and matrix metalloproteinase gene expression by TSP1. Recognition of TSP1 by T cells depended on the activation state of α4β1 integrin, and TSP1 inhibited interaction of activated α4β1 integrin on T cells with its counter receptor vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. The α4β1 integrin recognition site is conserved in TSP2. A recombinant piece of TSP2 containing this sequence replicated the α4β1 integrin–dependent activities of TSP1. The β1 integrin recognition sites in TSP1, however, were neither necessary nor sufficient for inhibition of T cell proliferation and T cell antigen receptor signaling by TSP1. A second TSP1 receptor, CD47, was not required for some stimulatory responses to TSP1 but played a significant role in its T cell antigen receptor antagonist and antiproliferative activities. Modulating the relative expression or function of these two TSP receptors could therefore alter the direction or magnitude of T cell responses to TSPs.
Measurement of psychosocial adjustment to breast cancer: a unidimensional or multidimensional construct?

Using data from a longitudinal study of Hoskins' 'Patterns of Adjustment to Breast Cancer among Women and their Partners', a conceptually derived multidimensional formulation of psychosocial adjustment was empirically tested. The Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale was administered to both patients and partners at six times post-definitive surgery, i.e., 7-10 days, 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, 180 days, and one year. Extensive factor analytic studies were performed on data from the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale at four of the collection times when complete data sets were available for 128 patients and 121 partners. Results of the principal components analysis with varimax rotation were compared to factor analyses reported by the developers of the scale. The seven-factor matrix reported by Derogatis was not reproduced; instead, one factor was consistently identified at each of the four time periods as the best solution. Although items from all seven domains of the scale loaded on the single factor, items pertaining to psychological distress and role performance in the domestic and social environments were most prominent. These data support the need to validate empirically hypothesized separate dimensions of psychosocial adjustment to breast cancer in both patients and partners as proposed in a number of widely used tests.
Selection of cases and controls: Additional information is needed

The potential for selection bias is a concern in any case-control study. Cases and controls should be representative of the respective diseased and nondiseased persons in a well delineated target population. Even with representative cases and controls, if there is a high (or differential) nonparticipation rate among (or between) cases and controls, selection bias may be introduced. Case-control studies offer an efficient observational analytic design, but they also carry a high potential for the introduction of bias.
Consumer Default of Delinquent Adjustable‐Rate Mortgage Loans

An examination of the default behavior of delinquent Canadian rollover mortgage borrowers suggests that borrower ability-to-pay considerations are relevant to the default decision. They are, however, secondary to housing equity considerations. Results from both ratio and linear-additive specifications suggest that a ratio specification conceals the independent effect of income and wealth variables.
Peripheral Nerve Signals for Neural Control

Neural signals recorded in functional sections of the nervous system where voluntary movement has been retained can be used to control prosthetic devices to assist patients to regain lost function. The number of signals recorded to control these devices can be increased by using a single multi-contact electrode placed over a multi-fasciculated peripheral nerve. Recordings made using these electrodes can then be separated using blind signal separation (BSS) methods to recover individual fascicular neural activity. In this study, we first determine the feasibility of recording selectively using nerve cuff electrodes. A flat nerve interface electrode was applied to the hypoglossal nerve to record signals from 11 contacts. Individual fascicles were activated to determine the ability of the electrode to detect signals from the various fascicles. The results show that fascicular signals can be distinguished in the presence of physiological noise amplitudes. We then investigate the feasibility of recovering the individual fascicular signals. We implement a blind source separation (BSS) algorithm BSS using independent component analysis (ICA) and investigate the effects of the number of contacts used and electrode layout on separation. Peripheral neural signals were simulated using a finite element model of the hypoglossal nerve of adult beagle dogs with a multi-contact cuff electrode placed around it. FastICA was then used to separate simulated neural signals. The separated and processed neural signals were then compared to the original source signals in the fascicles using correlation coefficient (CC) calculations. For n = 50 trials, the CC values obtained were all higher than 0.9 indicating that BSS can be used to recover linearly mixed independent fascicular neural signals recorded using a multi-contact cuff electrode. However, the order of the signals is lost during the recovery process. In order to solve the ambiguity of the recovered signals a novel method was designed and tested. In this method, a template of the demixing matrix is built during a training period. Each new estimated signals is compared to the template and the columns rearranged to restore the correct order of the recovered signals. These results suggest that it is possible to obtain multiple control signals from fasciculated peripheral nerves.
What do we know about entrepreneurship as an intangible asset

The purpose of this paper is two-fold: One, to present the argument that entrepreneurship is an important, albeit difficult-to-measure intangible asset. Two, to discuss what we do know about measurement of other intangible assets at the macro as well as the firm level. Lack of an operational definition of entrepreneur continues to plague empirical research on the role of entrepreneur for innovation. Many proxy measures for entrepreneurs have very little to do with technological innovation. The innovative use of Q ratio as a measure of 'entrepreneurial fever' and the idea of imitating entrepreneur advanced by some scholars are promising. There has been significant progress in the measurement of other intangible capital such as R&D. Intangible assets far exceed the level of tangible assets in the US economy and the conventional accounting practice of expensing intangibles results in a distorted and misleading picture not only at the firm level, but also at the macro level.
Corporate Crisis Communication: Examining the Interplay of Reputation and Crisis Response Strategies

This experiment study used a 2 × 3 between-subjects design to assess two factors in crisis communication and reputation management—prior corporate reputation (good and bad) and crisis response strategies (apology, sympathy, and compensation)—on an organization facing high crisis responsibility. Results indicate that stakeholders prefer apology to compensation response strategies. Organizations with a prior good reputation have better postcrisis reviews that those with a prior bad reputation. Crisis managers facing crises that generate high attribution of crisis responsibility and anger are advised to rely on apology rather than compensation strategy. It would also be advantageous for an organization with prior good reputation to highlight its past achievements when responding to a crisis.
Worldcom, Inc.: Corporate Bond Issuance

This case invites students to estimate the costs of a new debt issue. Designed as an introductory case for use early on in an MBA course, it requires students to compute the yield-to-maturity on the WorldCom bonds from price data and from spreads over Treasury securities for bond-rating categories. The exercise allows for discussion of benchmarking in the context of credit markets.
Multicomponent Kairomonal Lures for Southern and Western Corn Rootworms (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Diabrotica spp.)

The attraction of Diabrotica spp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) to single-component and multicomponent lures was evaluated in corn fields by comparing the relative number of beetles caught on sticky traps over a 24-h period. Initial tests in 1985 showed that a mixture of veratrole (V), indole (I), phenylacetaldehyde (P), trans -anethole (A), and eugenol (E) (=VIPAE mixture) caught 26 times more Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Barber, southern corn rootworms (SCR), than untreated control traps and was at least 3 times more active than any of the traps baited with a single component. Significantly fewer D. virgifera virgifera LeConte, western corn rootworms (WCR), were caught on the traps baited with the VIPAE mixture than those baited with 100 mg of trans -anethole. Furthermore, only SCR adults exhibited a concentration-dependent response to the VIPAE mixture. SCR response to the sequential removal of the individual components from the VIPAE mixture suggested the primary attractants to be veratrole, indole, and phenylacetaldehyde. Additional tests showed traps baited with a three-component VIP mixture (veratrole, indole, and phenylacetaldehyde at 20 mg per component) caught ca. 8 times as many beetles as the expected mean additive response with the individual components; therefore, the SCR response was synergistic. The attraction and synergistic response of SCR adults to the VIP mixture was verified by similar tests conducted in 1986. The VIP mixture was also compared with a chemically related mixture consisting of 1,2,4-trimethoxybenzene (substituted for veratrole or ortho-dimethoxybenzene), indole, and trans -cinnamaldehyde (substituted for phenyla-cetaldehyde) (= TIC mixture) at dosages ranging from 1 to 30 mg per trap. Although both mixtures exhibited approximately the same activity for SCR adults, only the new TIC mixture attracted WCR adults. TIC baited traps caught ca. 6 times more WCR adults than did untreated controls at 1 mg per trap and ca. 29 times more WCR adults than controls at 30 mg per trap.
Effects of Age on Utilization and Perceived Reliability of an Automated Decision-Making aid for Luggage Screening:

An experiment examined the effects of age on utilization and perceived reliability of an imperfectly reliable decision-making aid in a luggage x-ray screening task. Forty-five young adults and 45 e...
Multiscale Modeling of Protein Crystals: Application to Tetragonal Lysozyme

Recently, protein crystals have emerged as promising bionanoporous materials for different applications including highly selective biocatalysis, biosensing, bioseparation, vaccine formulation, and drug delivery. The environmental working conditions require the protein crystals to be both chemically and mechanically stable. The structure, behavior, and mechanical properties of protein crystals play an important role in the performance and life cycle of these materials [1,2]. In this work we introduce a strategy for evaluating the mechanical response of protein crystals with the tetragonal lysozyme crystal as a model.© 2010 ASME
The Motherhood Myth: Black Women and Christianity in The Deity Nodded

Since the publication of The Deity Nodded in 1973, Arthenia Bates Millican has received scant attention for her apprenticeship novel. Yet in it she illuminates a large social problem the inability of many Black Christian mothers to provide for their children a comprehensive learning environment. Millican respects the strength of Black mothers who often have to rear children in the face of unmitigated odds and recalls that during her own childhood in Sumter, South Carolina, in the absence of Black male role models, the women who influenced her greatly were her mother, grandmother and other women in the church. Nevertheless, she is not oblivious to the shortcomings of these women; she maintains that they did not have what is known as the four-fold existence (spiritual, mental, social and physical) advocated by the American Youth Foundation, a leadership training program located at camp Miniwanca in Stoney Lake, Michigan, which Millican attended in the early 1960s.2 Thus, using a consciously designed pattern in The Deity Nodded, Millican explores the images of five Black Christian mothers: in each case the mother fails to provide an environment that will encourage mental, physical, and social growth because of her narcissistic need to follow a Black variant of the motherhood myth as a means of cloaking her oppression. The motherhood myth is anchored in Judeo-Christian belief in the words of God: "Be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis, 1:28). "Motherhood cleaned up sex," says Betty Rollin "[and] it cleaned up women, who have always been considered somewhat evil, because of Eve's transgression"3: ("but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing ..." (I Timothy, 2:1415). Millican recognizes the adaptation of the motherhood myth (the idea that normal women instinctively need, want, and enjoy having babies)4 to Black women's circumstances and extends it by superimposing the African concept of the tribe or clan which is based on blood relationship, adoption, and absorption. The Black variant of the myth, as presented in Millican's novel, is the idea that Black church-going
An Improved Method for Obtaining Blood from Chickens

Abstract A NUMBER of techniques have been described for bleeding chickens from the heart (Sloan and Wilgus, 1931; Andrews, 1944; Gutowska et al., 1943; Genest, 1946; Hofstad, 1950; and MacArthur, 1950). In using a syringe for bleeding from the heart or wing vein, difficulty is frequently encountered, particularly if the chicken struggles. An apparatus has been developed in this laboratory which offers certain advantages over the standard syringe when it is necessary to bleed large numbers of chickens. MATERIALS needle adapter (observation tube), 7 mm.×60 mm. latex tubing, ⅛″ bore two-hole, rubber stoppers, 2 (size 7) and 1 (size 00) suction bulb, 75 ml. bottles, 2 (600 ml.) syringe needles (19, 20, and 22 gauge, 1½″ long), (14 gauge, 2″ long) test tubes, 12 mm.×75 mm. and frosted for labeling air ejector, sink type. PROCEDURE For obtaining blood from either the wing or heart of chickens, the apparastus shown in the …
The fire hazard and fire-resistant protection of steel construction

Construction material is used extensively in modern building field,and steel construction shows fine performance in a great deal of aspects.Although the steel has better intensity and toughness,it is not fire-resistant.When temperature reaches 400～600℃,the steel loses the intensity and rigidity.This paper introduces the fire-resistant performance of steel construction and the calamity factors,pointing out the fire-resistant protection principles and methods of steel construction especially.
Incidence and clinical significance of subclinical scrotal varicoceles.

AbstractA total of 40 infertile men with a normal physical examination underwent gonadal venography to determine the presence of a subclinical varicocele. Of the patients 19 had a left and 3 had a right subclinical varicocele. A total of 21 patients underwent radiographic occlusion of the varicoceles, while 1 required surgical ligation of the internal spermatic vein.Of the 22 patients 13 have been followed for greater than 6 months after correction of the varicocele. In these patients there has been a small but significant increase in sperm number after varicocele occlusion. No significant changes in either sperm motility or morphology have occurred. Although most patients do not have any major improvement after occlusion of a subclinical varicocele, some may experience a significant improvement in sperm number after occlusion. The effect on pregnancy rates is not yet known.
Advanced TEM characterization of oxide nanoparticles in ODS Fe–12Cr–5Al alloys

The oxide nanoparticles present in three oxide-dispersion-strengthened (ODS) Fe–12Cr–5Al alloys containing additions of (1) Y2O3 (125Y), (2) Y2O3 + ZrO2 (125YZ), and (3) Y2O3 + HfO2 (125YH), were investigated using transmission and scanning transmission electron microscopy. In all three alloys nano-sized (<3.5 nm) oxide particles distributed uniformly throughout the microstructure were characterized using advanced electron microscopy techniques. In the 125Y alloy, mainly Al2O3 and yttrium–aluminum garnet (YAG) phases (Y3Al5O12) were present, while in the 125YZ alloy, additional Zr(C,N) precipitates were identified. The 125YH alloy had the most complex precipitation sequence whereby in addition to the YAG and Al2O3 phases, Hf(C,N), Y2Hf2O7, and HfO2 precipitates were also found. The presence of HfO2 was mainly due to the incomplete incorporation of HfO2 powder during mechanical alloying of the 125YH alloy. The alloy having the highest total number density of the oxides, the smallest grain size, and the highest Vickers hardness was the 125YZ alloy indicating, that Y2O3 + ZrO2 additions had the strongest effect on grain size and tensile properties. High-temperature mechanical testing will be addressed in the near future, while irradiation studies are underway to investigate the irradiation resistance of these new ODS FeCrAl alloys.
Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering for Soft Tissue Reconstruction

Abstract The field of regenerative medicine utilizes biomaterial and cell-based approaches to regenerate damaged or diseased tissues. Current clinical strategies for soft tissue reconstruction highlight the need for regenerative medicine therapies. Patients who have significant soft tissue loss often require autologous flap reconstructions whereby tissue is removed from a donor site to repair the defect, resulting in donor site morbidity. Development of an off-the-shelf biomaterial for soft tissue regeneration could provide a readily available soft tissue replacement in cases of trauma or tumor resection. Researchers have investigated a wide range of biomaterial scaffolds for adipose tissue engineering, including synthetic polymers and naturally derived matrices. These scaffolds can be used alone or in conjunction with a cell source to facilitate tissue regeneration. These strategies for soft tissue repair can potentially stimulate regeneration of adipose tissue, obviating the need for donor site tissue to replace damaged soft connective tissues.
The Language Interoperability Portfolio (Linport) Project: Towards an Open, Nonproprietary Format for Packaging Translation Materials

ISO standards for intermodal shipping containers have dramatically improved efficiency within the shipping industry worldwide. The translation/localization industry needs an analogous standard for translation projects and tasks. There are a variety of proprietary translation formats that allow materials relevant to a translation project (the source text, various resources such as translation memory files, etc.) to be put into one or more packages and sent to a translator. The translator can then use the same format to return the requested information, such as the translation. The objective of the Linport Project is to define an open, nonproprietary format for describing translation projects and creating translation packages, plus transmission and remote-access mechanisms needed to support implementation of the format. Linport stands for Language Interoperability Portfolio, where a portfolio is the description of a translation/localization project. An important feature of the Linport Project is structured translation specifications compatible with the system of parameters in recently published ISO/TS 11669. This article is made available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license.
Development and Applications of a Specialty Nickel-Based Alloy and the Need for Corrosion Education

High-performance Nickel-based alloys are proven to be reliable, cost-effective corrosion control measures in many industries (e.g., Chemical/Petrochemical Processing, Pharmaceutical, Oil and Gas, Pollution Control, Energy,…). These alloys’ resistance to corrosion (uniform, localized and stress cracking) and the role of alloying elements (Cr, Mo, W and Fe) are reviewed. The design concepts of a cost-effective corrosion-resistant alloy are presented in terms of optimum resistance to various forms of degradation, along with test data illustrating its improved resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion and to chloride/H2S stress cracking and hydrogen embrittlement. The increasing cost of maintenance/downtime, the concerns about the reliability of equipment along with the emphasis on the safety of personnel, the protection of the environment and sustainability are leading to greater awareness about the deleterious impact of corrosion. Design and Process Engineers, along with Maintenance Managers, are entrusted to ensure (from a corrosion perspective) that the “correct” materials selection and corrosion mitigation technologies are implemented upfront, at the design stage. Hence, there is a need for an engineering workforce, educated in the corrosion science fundamentals and trained in the applied corrosion engineering mitigation techniques. Such engineering workforce will be provided through a Bachelor of Science degree in “Corrosion and Reliability Engineering” (the first such degree in the USA) to start in the fall semester of 2010, at the University of Akron. Details are presented on the curriculum development, corrosion content, courses’ sequencing and industrial interest/support.
Athens between East and West: Athenian Elite Self-Presentation and the Durability of Traditional Cult in Late Antiquity

Christianization in Athens differed from other Greek cities because for most of the fourth century Athens was governed by Western aristocrats, often educated pagans who linked social status, service to the city and its traditional gods, and intellectual achievement.
Radioactive source estimation using a system of directional and non-directional detectors

We derive Maximum Likelihood based source estimation algorithms for a system of Non-Directional (CsI based scintillation detectors) and Directional (CZT based Compton detectors) radiation detectors. For multiple non-directional detectors, source is estimated by grid search on the joint log-likelihood of registered counts to find the MLE. For directional detectors, the well-known List Mode Maximum Likelihood Expectation Maximization Algorithm (MLEM) is extended to fuse information from multiple detectors and estimate the source in cartesian coordinates. Here, the angular event likelihoods from Compton scattering are projected into a common Cartesian grid followed by List Mode MLEM computations. We also derive multi-sensor fusion algorithms for a mix of both non-directional and directional detectors using combinations of MLE and MLEM methods. Results are presented which illustrate the behavior and performance of our proposed approaches.
Correlation and Regression: Measuring and Predicting Relationships

In this chapter you will learn how to recognize and work with the various types of structure we find in bivariate data: a linear (straight-line) relationship, no relationship, a nonlinear relationship, unequal variability, clustering, and outliers. By exploring your data using a scatterplot, you can gain additional insights beyond the conventional statistical summaries. There are two basic approaches to summarizing bivariate data: correlation analysis summarizes the strength of the relationship between the two factors, while regression analysis shows you how to use that relationship to predict or control one of the variables using the other. There are two measures of the performance of a regression analysis: the standard error of estimate will tell you the typical size of the prediction errors, while the coefficient of determination (equal to the square of the correlation r ) tells you the percentage of the variability of the Y variable that is “explained by” the X variable. Statistical inference in regression analysis uses the linear model to produce confidence intervals in the usual way for the estimated effects based on their standard errors. Inference also leads to hypothesis testing which takes a closer look now at the relationship that appears to exist in the data and helps you decide either that the relationship is significant (and worth your managerial time) or that it could reasonably be due to randomness alone.
Impact of screening for metabolic syndrome on the evaluation of obese living kidney donors

Background We report our experience with metabolic syndrome screening for obese living kidney donor candidates to mitigate the long-term risk of CKD. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 814 obese (BMI≥30) and 993 nonobese living kidney donor evaluations over 12 years. Using logistic regression, we explored interactions between social/clinical variables and candidate acceptance before and after policy implementation. Results Obese donor candidate acceptance decreased after metabolic syndrome screening began (56.3%, 46.3%, p Conclusion Metabolic syndrome screening is a simple stratification tool for centers with liberal absolute BMI cut-offs to exclude potentially higher-risk obese candidates.
Risk factors for 30-day outcomes in elective anterior versus posterior cervical fusion: A matched cohort analysis

Objective: Cervical spine fusion is the preferred treatment modality for a variety of degenerative and/or myelopathic disorders. Surgeons select between two approaches (anterior or posterior cervical fusion [ACF; PCF]) based on pathoanatomical features and spinal levels involved. Complications and outcome profiles between the approaches following elective surgery have not been systematically investigated. Methods: Adult patients undergoing elective ACF or PCF were extracted from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program years 2011–2014. Five hundred twenty-eight patients (264 ACF and 264 PCF) were matched 1:1 by age, sex, functional status, vertebral levels operated, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification. Multivariable regression was performed by surgical approach for operation time, complications, hospital length of stay (HLOS), and discharge destination, controlling for body mass index and comorbidities. Mean differences (B), odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are reported. Results: Compared to ACF, PCF was associated with increased odds of blood transfusions >1 unit (OR = 4.31, 95% CI [1.18–15.75]; P = 0.027) and failure to discharge to home (OR = 3.68 [2.17–6.25]; P Conclusions: In a matched cohort analysis by age, sex, functional and physical status, and vertebral levels, elective PCF is associated with increased HLOS and increased likelihood of failing to discharge to home compared to ACF without increased risk of 30-day complications. Increased blood transfusion volume is noted for patients undergoing PCF. Future prospective studies are warranted.
Tricuspid Regurgitation in Patients with Pacemakers and Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) secondary to placement of implantable cardiac devices, including defibrillators and pacemakers, is now a definitive entity. TR usually occurs over time after lead implantation. Mechanisms include laceration of valve leaflets, entrapment of leads causing scar formation, interference with valve coaptation, and asynchronized activation of the right ventricle. Diagnosis by clinical exam and 2-dimensional echocardiography is further supported by 3-dimensional echocardiography and/or computed tomography. Management typically involves medical management as well as percutaneous extraction of the offending leads. Prospective methods to prevent or reduce the incidence of this complication include improved imaging modalities intraoperatively, procedural techniques, and particular lead placement. Newer technologies can help mitigate this problem but their effectiveness remains to be seen in larger prospective trials.
Green synthesis of linear alkylbenzenes via Diels−Alder cycloaddition between furan and linear alkenes over niobic acid catalyst

The synthesis of linear alkylbenzenes (LABs) from biomass-derived furan and linear alkenes via Diels−Alder cycloaddition followed by acid-catalyzed dehydration is presented. Furan was reacted with ...
Pumpless arteriovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A novel mode of respiratory support in a lamb model of congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Abstract Background Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is commonly required in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) complicated by pulmonary hypertension (PH). ECMO carries significant risk, and is contraindicated in the setting of extreme prematurity or intracranial hemorrhage. Pumpless arteriovenous ECMO (P-ECMO) may represent an alternative for respiratory support. The present study summarizes our initial experience with P-ECMO in a lamb model of CDH. Study design Surgical creation of CDH was performed at 65–75 days' gestation. At term (135–145 days), lambs were delivered into the P-ECMO circuit. Three animals were maintained on a low-heparin infusion protocol (target ACT 160–180) and three animals were maintained with no systemic heparinization. Results Animals were supported by the circuit for 380.7 +/− 145.6 h (range, 102–504 h). Circuit flow rates ranged from 97 to 208 ml/kg/min, with adequacy of organ perfusion demonstrated by stable serum lactate levels (3.0 +/− 1.7) and pH (7.4 +/− 0.3). Necropsy demonstrated no evidence of thrombogenic complications. Conclusion Pumpless extracorporeal membrane oxygenation achieved support of CDH model lambs for up to three weeks. This therapy has the potential to bridge neonates with decompensated respiratory failure to CDH repair with no requirement for systemic anticoagulation, and may be applicable to patients currently precluded from conventional ECMO support.
Cortical Stimulation for Depression

Abstract The economic and societal burden of treatment-resistant depression, which comprises 12%–20% of all depressed patients, remains a significant challenge to the psychiatric and neurosurgical communities. Cortical stimulation, in its various forms, has been used for decades as an effective treatment option for treatment-resistant depression. This chapter focuses on several of these techniques, including electroconvulsive therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and transcranial direct current stimulation.
Sex Differences in Adipose Tissue CD8+ T Cells and Regulatory T Cells in Middle-Aged Mice.

The prevalence of cardiovascular disease has increased among middle-aged women in the United States, yet has declined in middle-aged men. In experimental stroke, middle-aged females have larger strokes and greater inflammation than age-matched males or younger females. The mechanism underlying this shift from an "ischemia-protected" to an "ischemia-sensitive" phenotype in aging females is unknown. One potential factor is an age-related increase in systemic factors that induce inflammation. Increased abdominal fat deposition is seen in women during middle age. Adipose tissue plays a key role in obesity-induced systemic inflammation, including increased pro-inflammatory cytokines. We hypothesized that age and sex differences in adipose immune cells promote an augmented pro-inflammatory milieu in middle-aged females driven by a balance shift between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory T cells. Abdominal adipose tissue immune cells from young (3-4 months) and middle-aged (15-16 months) male and female C57BL/6J mice were analyzed by flow cytometry. Plasma triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were determined with colorimetric assays. Middle-aged mice had higher adipose tissue mass compared to young mice. Lipid profiling showed no sex differences in TG and LDL, but middle-aged females had lower HDL (0.84 ± 0.07 μg/μl) than middle-aged males (1.35 ± 0.06 μg/μl). Flow cytometry data demonstrated an age-associated increase in adipose tissue CD8+ T cells that was augmented by female sex, with middle-aged females having a higher percentage of CD8+ cells (34.4 ± 3.2% of CD3+ T cells) than middle-aged males (24.4 ± 2.2%). This increase in CD8+ T-cell proportion was adipose tissue-specific, as this change was not observed in blood. Middle-aged females had higher numbers of activated (CD69+) CD8+ T cells than males. In addition, female CD8+ T cells produced higher levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and granzyme B ex vivo, and females had higher adipose levels of IFN-γ, RANTES and MIP-1β than middle-aged males. In parallel, females had lower levels of regulatory T cells (Tregs), an anti-inflammatory T-cell subtype, compared to age-matched males. In conclusion, middle-aged females have a detrimental combination of elevated pro-inflammatory T cells and decreased anti-inflammatory Tregs in adipose tissue, which may promote a pro-inflammatory milieu and contribute to increased cardiovascular disease burden in aging females.
Reflections on three populisms

Akeel Bilgrami’s paper considers the populist surges of our times in three countries: Trump’s America, Brexit Britain, and Modi’s India, distinguishing the special features of each, and philosophic...
Understanding Excellence in Public Administration: The Report of the Task Force on Educating for Excellence in the Master of Public Administration Degree of the American Society for Public Administration

Understanding Excellence in Public Administration, the report of the Task Force on Educating for Excellence in the Master of Public Administration Degree of the American Society for Public Administ...
Power System Stability in Single Machine System

An interconnected power system consists of generating units (including turbine-governor and excitation systems), transmission lines, loads, transformers (including off-nominal ratio and phase shifting transformers), static var compensators and HVDC lines. The size of the interconnection varies but the technical problems are the same. It is not uncommon for some utilities to study systems which have 10,000 buses. As a rule of thumb about one fourth of these buses will have generators connected. At the planning level, after examining the adequacy of transmission capacity, economy of generation etc., the planner would invariably study the stability of the system for a set of disturbances ranging from the worst, such as three phase to ground fault (whose probability of occurrence is rare) to single phase faults which constitute about 70% of the disturbances. There are good production grade programs which simulate the time behavior of the system for such disturbances. There are literally thousands of variables that can be monitored even on a moderate sized system such as a 500 bus system. The planner wants to see if a fault is properly cleared without the system losing synchronism. A system is said to be synchronously stable (i.e., retain synchronism) for a given fault if the system variables settle down to some steady state values as t → ∞. These simulation studies are called transient stability studies. A typical transient stability study with detailed modeling for a 500 bus 100 machine system might take up to an hour.