cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Gracilis and Semitendinosus Tendons Comparison of Through-the-condyle and Over-the-top Graft Placements

Eighty-seven patients had anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using one-limbed gracilis and semitendinosus tendon graft. No extraarticular or associated ligamentous procedures were performed. A 44-patient subgroup was alternated on an every-other-case basis between 2 graft placements, either over the top or through the femoral condyle; 64 patients (32 of each type) returned for complete evaluations. Average followup was 2.9 years. Groups were similar in age, gender, injury chronicity, number of meniscectomies, and preoperative activity levels. No statistical differences between groups were seen in overall knee rating, range of motion, KT-1000 arthrometer measurements, isokinetic muscle testing, or one-legged hop test. Injured minus normal anterior laxity at 89 N was 2.1 +/- 2.0 mm. Isokinetic testing demonstrated an average 95% normal knee extension strength and 106% normal flexion strength, measured at 60 deg/sec. Average hop index was 95%. Eight of 64 patients evaluated demonstrated injured minus normal differences of 4.5 mm or greater. Three of 8 had frankly positive 2+ and 5 had 1+ pivot shifts; however, 4 of these returned fully to sports, and 4 returned with modifications. Overall, 55 of 64 patients returned to preinjury sports.
Relating biochemical, physiological, and psychological disorders to the social environment.

(1968). Relating Biochemical, Physiological, and Psychological Disorders to the Social Environment. Archives of Environmental Health: An International Journal: Vol. 16, No. 1, pp. 77-82.
The correlations between article citation and references' impact measures: what can we learn?

We examined the correlations between an article's citation count (as an indicator of the article's quality) and different impact measures regarding the article's references (as indicators of the quality of the authors' information seeking while producing the article). Two research questions of interest were studied. First, do authors' information seeking and use affect the quality of their research output? Second, if yes, which metrics can better identify those references that may inspire researchers to produce high quality research work (so that we can recommend these references to others)? We found that the impact measures for the references have a slight or moderate correlation with article citations. Among these measures, references' article level impact measures calculated based on altmetrics data sources have a consistently stronger correlation with high quality research output, which may serve to identify helpful articles for researchers.
Release engineering practices and pitfalls

The release and deployment phase of the software development process is often overlooked as part of broader software engineering research. In this paper, we discuss early results from a set of multiple semi-structured interviews with practicing release engineers. Subjects for the interviews are drawn from a number of different commercial software development organizations, and our interviews focus on why release process faults and failures occur, how organizations recover from them, and how they can be predicted, avoided or prevented in the future. Along the way, the interviews provide insight into the state of release engineering today, and interesting relationships between software architecture and release processes.
Selected peripheral neuropathies associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection and antiretroviral therapy.

A variety of peripheral neuropathies are associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Although the incidence of certain forms of neuropathy is increased in HIV infection, in other cases, the association may be fortuitous. Different forms of peripheral neuropathy occur with increased frequency at particular stages of HIV disease. For example, inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy (IDP) is often the first manifestation of HIV disease, when CD4 lymphocyte counts are relatively high. As immunosuppression progresses and HIV viral load becomes uncontrolled, the incidence of distal symmetrical polyneuropathy (DSP) increases. In advanced stages of HIV disease (CD4 count <50 cells/mm 3 ), patients may develop opportunistic cytomegalovirus (CMV) nerve infection, which can present as progressive polyradiculopathy (PP) or mononeuropathy multiplex (MM). In addition to the neuromuscular disorders caused by HIV and its concomitant immunosuppression, the use of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs and other therapeutic agents in HIV disease is frequently limited by neuromuscular side effects. This paper will review the symmetrical forms of polyneuropathy that occur in association with HIV infection and nucleoside analogue therapy. The clinical, electrophysiologic, and pathologic features of these disorders will be described along with a discussion of theories of pathogenesis and results of treatment to date. Journal of NeuroVirology (2002) 8(suppl. 2), 33‐41.
A small-signal model utilizing amplitude modulation for the Class-D converter at fixed frequency

A small-signal model for the dynamic analysis of the Class-D power converter with a variable capacitance switch (VCS) is presented. Conventional small-signal analysis is not suitable because of the time-varying capacitor in the VCS. The new model is derived based on the amplitude modulation (AM) from communication theory. The key to the derivation is to define two frequency components, lower and upper sidebands, which are related to the switching and injected small-signal perturbation frequencies, as the resonant state variables such as tank current. The required dynamic responses are obtained by adding these two frequency components for the appropriate variables to obtain the desired transfer function. All the calculated results of the dynamic responses are verified based on the experimental measurements from a prototype Class-D power converter operating at 350 kHz.
Illegitimate Science: Why Most Empirical Discoveries in Finance Are Likely Wrong, and What Can Be Done About It (Presentation Slides)

The proliferation of false discoveries is a pressing issue in Financial research. For a large enough number of trials on a given dataset, it is guaranteed that a model specification will be found to deliver sufficiently low p-values, even if the dataset is random.Most academic papers and investment proposals do not report the number trials involved in a discovery. The implication is that most published empirical discoveries in Finance are likely to be false. This has severe implications, specially with regards to the peer-review process and the Backtesting of investment proposals.We make several proposals on how to address these problems.
Giovanni Battista Morgagni (1682-1771), the First Pediatric Pathologist.

ABSTRACT During the age of enlightenment in the 18th century, radical changes were occurring in the Western world in science, medicine, philosophy, religion, and socio-economic concepts. In medicine, major advances had already been underway since the days of Vesalius.
Increased fibroblast chymase production mediates procollagen autophagic digestion in volume overload.

Abstract Background Previous work has identified mast cells as the major source of chymase largely associated with a profibrotic phenotype. We recently reported increased fibroblast autophagic procollagen degradation in a rat model of pure volume overload (VO). Here we demonstrate a connection between increased fibroblast chymase production and autophagic digestion of procollagen in the pure VO of aortocaval fistula (ACF) in the rat. Methods and results Isolated LV fibroblasts taken from 4 and 12 week ACF Sprague–Dawley rats have significant increases in chymase mRNA and chymase activity. Increased intracellular chymase protein is documented by immunocytochemistry in the ACF fibroblasts compared to cells obtained from age-matched sham rats. To implicate VO as a stimulus for chymase production, we show that isolated adult rat LV fibroblasts subjected to 24 h of 20% cyclical stretch induces chymase mRNA and protein production. Exogenous chymase treatment of control isolated adult cardiac fibroblasts demonstrates that chymase is internalized through a dynamin-dependent mechanism. Chymase treatment leads to an increased formation of autophagic vacuoles, LC3-II production, autophagic flux, resulting in increased procollagen degradation. Chymase inhibitor treatment reduces cyclical stretch-induced autophagy in isolated cardiac fibroblasts, demonstrating chymase's role in autophagy induction. Conclusion In a pure VO model, chymase produced in adult cardiac fibroblasts leads to autophagic degradation of newly synthesized intracellular procollagen I, suggesting a new role of chymase in extracellular matrix degradation.
A leech model for homeostatic plasticity and motor network recovery after loss of descending inputs.

Motor networks below the site of spinal cord injury (SCI) and their reconfiguration after loss of central inputs are poorly understood but remain of great interest in SCI research. Harley et al. (J...
In vivo arteriolar reactivity to norepinephrine and calcium in one-kidney, one-clip Goldblatt hypertensive rats.

The in vivo reactivity of small arterioles to norepinephrine and to changes in external calcium was investigated in normotensive (NT) and one-kidney, one-clip Goldblatt hypertensive rats (1K1C). Rats were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital (50 mg/kg) and arterioles in the cremaster muscle were exposed to increasing concentrations of either norepinephrine (10−10 to 10−5 M) or of bath calcium (0 to 5.1 mM). Third-order arterioles of 1K1C showed almost a ten-fold increased reactivity to NE compared to arterioles of NT rats (pD2 values of 7.88 ±.43 vs 6.92 ±.30). Arterioles of 1K1C rats showed an increased reactivity to re-exposure to calcium (0.65 to 5.10 mM). Following exposure to phentolamine this hyper-reactivity was abolished and arterioles of 1K1C and NT exhibited similar responses to changes in bath calcium concentrations, suggesting that the increased reactivity in the 1K1C was due to stimulation of endogenous norepinephrine release. When arterioles were exposed to increasing bath concentrations o...
An Advanced Histologic Method for Evaluation of Intestinal Adenomas in Mice Using Digital Slides

Background and Methods Mice are used for modelling the biology of many human diseases, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Mouse models recapitulate many aspects of human disease and are invaluable tools for studying the biology, treatment and prevention of CRC. Unlike humans, many mouse models develop lesions primarily in the small intestine, which necessitates removal and examination of this organ in order to evaluate treatment efficacy. Commonly, the small intestine is visually examined for gross lesions and then selectively embedded in paraffin blocks for further microscopic analysis. Unfortunately, this method suffers from inherent bias toward counting large lesions and simultaneously missing smaller lesions. Even more, this method leaves no permanent record of diagnosed and measured lesions. We evaluated inter-observer variability in a mouse model of CRC using visual examination, and directly compared the visual, gross examination with a histologic analytic method using digital slides of hematoxylin and eosin stained tissue sections.
ECG diagnosis: Type I atrial flutter.

Atrial flutter (AFl) is a cardiac dysrhythmia characterized by rapid and regular depolarization of the atria that appears as a sawtooth pattern on the electrocardiogram (ECG) and is categorized into type I (typical) and type II (atypical) AFl.1 The ECG in type I (typical) AFl is characterized by an inverted sawtooth flutter (F) wave pattern in the inferior leads II, III, and aVF, low amplitude biphasic F waves in leads I and aVL, an upright F wave in precordial lead V1, and an inverted F wave in lead V6.2 Type I AFl is most commonly caused by the presence of a macro-reentrant circuit in the right atrium that includes a small strip of tissue between the inferior vena cava and the tricuspid annulus known as the cavotricuspid isthmus.3 The ECG in atypical (type II) AFl is characterized by upright F waves in leads II, III, aVF, and V6 and by biphasic F waves in leads I, aVL, and V1. The underlying mechanism of type II AFl is unclear.1 Risk factors for AFl include presence of heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, antiarrhythmic medications, thyrotoxicosis, pulmonary embolism, prior cardiac surgery or prior atrial ablation. Common symptoms of AFl include palpitations, light-headedness, fatigue, presyncope, mild shortness of breath, and possibly chest pain or hypotension. The initial treatment for AFl focuses on rate control of the ventricular response with AV nodal blocking agents such as beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers.4 If rhythm identification is unclear and the patient is stable, adenosine or Valsalva maneuver may be employed to slow conduction through the AV node such that the atrial flutter waves are more readily apparent.1 Hemodynamically unstable patients with AFl should receive synchronized electrical cardioversion.1
Mechanics of cocoon secretion in a segmented worm (Annelida: Hirudinidae)

Clitellate annelids (e.g., segmented earthworms, leeches) secrete proteinaceous cocoons into which eggs are deposited. The process of cocoon production is characterized by the coordinated release of micro-granules from secretory cells positioned asymmetrically within the clitellum. Collectively, these assemble into a tubular cocoon sheath that is sealed at either end by globular opercula. By transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we show here that granules destined to the cocoon operculum in the leech, Erpodbdella obscura, display a series of concentric rings surrounding a structureless core with dimensions approximating a single nanoglobule found in the operculum. Upon their channeling to the surface through narrow tubules, granules are secreted into the cocoon lumen where they appear to fragment upon contact with the operculum matrix. The distribution of partial concentric ring structures throughout the operculum suggests that granular fusion causes dynamic fragmentation of outer surface material, which thereafter integrates into operculum nanoglobules and cavities. Other granules within the same secretory cell display a punctate pattern and likely fuse with the cocoon sheath prior to crystallization.
Investigation on the use of insecticides in Tianjin

Objective To study the use of insecticides in Tianjin and provide the basis information for using insecticides reasonably.Methods With a questionnaire,choosing the unit which engaged in prevention and control of vectors and analysing on variety,quantity and the use of insecticides in Tianjin.Results The use of insecticides was for controlling mosquitoes,flies,rats,cockroaches.Main kinds of insecticides pyrethroids(69.2%),organophosphorus(21.6%)and carbamates(4.4%).Conclusion The variety and dosage forms of insecticides have a major change in Tianjin,which has been made over the past organophosphorus and organochlorine change in the pyrethroids gradually.But some varieties already produce resistance.It's necessary to strengthen the management of using insecticides,and have scientific and effective use of insecticides in the future.
EGFR expression in human cancer cells is down-regulated by the phenolic anti-oxidant ellagic acid.

Fifth AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research, Nov 12-15, 2006 A88 Ellagic acid is a phenolic compound found in organic products in nature. It is abundant in many members of the fruit family, has already displayed anti-cancerous effects in many previous studies, and is a potent tool for chemoprevention. However, only a few modes of action have been proposed for ellagic acid's influence on cancer cells. Cell culture studies indicate that pure ellagic acid works through a p53-independent mechanism. Although ellagic acid and its analogs have been shown to modulate non-specific receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), not much is known about their function as inhibitors of a particular tyrosine kinase called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which plays a key role in cell signal transduction and tumor growth. To determine whether ellagic acid is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor in cancer cells, we focused on the effects of ellagic acid on EGFR expression in two human cancer cell types. These were cervical carcinoma (Caski) and lung cancer (A549) cells. Caski cells lack a functioning tumor suppressor gene (p53) because of the Human papillomavirus 's (HPV 16) ability to disable it. This made it a perfect candidate for identifying a p53-independent mechanism for ellagic acid. Lung cancer cells were chosen because of their high expression of EGFR. First, to monitor the effects of ellagic acid on both cell types, we completed a cell growth analysis. We exposed the cells to varying amounts of ellagic acid over a period of 48 hours. During treatment, the amount of living cells and cells going through mitosis significantly decreased within 48 hours of exposure. Next, a flow cytometry analysis showed a clear halt in cell cycle activity with an arrest in the G1 phase of the treated cells. With this finding, we hypothesized that ellagic acid must work through a cell cycle regulatory protein. Cyclin D1 is a protein that is also involved in the regulation of cell signal transduction and cell communication. In observing a decrease in cyclin D1 activity, we hoped to pinpoint a definite mechanism through which ellagic acid works to inhibit cell cycle activity in cancer cells. In this part of the study, using an RT PCR, we discovered a prominent decrease in the mRNA expression of cyclin D1 in the treated cells. Because of the similar roles held by cyclin D1 and EGFR in cancer cell growth, we hypothesized that a possible link could exist between the two. By using a Western blot analysis, we saw a significant decrease in the expression of phosphorylated EGFR (pTyr100 and pTyr102) protein. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that ellagic acid inhibited cancer cell proliferation by down-regulating the tyrosine kinase EGFR. We believe that more progress can be made in the field of chemoprevention with further research into ellagic acid and tyrosine kinase mechanisms.
Biosynthesis, Metabolism, and Biological Effects of Gangliosides

Early speculation on ganglioside function was fashioned in the belief that these substances are localized primarily in the neuron. Current awareness of their widespread distribution has considerably broadened the range of potential functions receiving consideration, although neuronal aspects continue to command special interest owing to the relatively high content and molecular complexity of gangliosides in these cells. Further interest derives from the fact that neurons contain approximately two-thirds of their total glycoconjugate sialic acid in these lipid-bound forms, in contrast to extra-neural cells which contain only minor proportions of ganglioside. However, it should be emphasized that despite such relative enrichment, gangliosides comprise only an estimated 2–3% of the neuronal plasma membrane phospholipid content on a molar basis. Even considering that this figure doubles when focusing on the outer half of the bilayer where they are localized, they remain relatively minor components of the membrane. In terms of cell surface carbohydrate, they are viewed as making an important contribution to the glycocalyx surrounding the neuronal membrane and determining many of its surface characteristics. This general perception, while probably correct, has been lacking in details concerning the specific roles of the myriad structural forms known to occur in this and other membranes.
DNA Preparation from Schizosaccharomyces pombe

This protocol includes two methods for genomic DNA preparation from Schizosaccharomyces pombe The first is a quick method for preparation of DNA suitable for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genotyping. The second, longer method yields high-quality DNA that can be used for amplification of targeting cassettes.
A Ship with Two Prows: Evaluating Professional Development for Contemporary Art Educators

This chapter describes a multi-methods evaluation using dialogue, survey data, and video documentation. In 2009, Art21 Educators, a professional development program for Art21, an organization producing a video series on contemporary art, invited art teachers to a summer institute in New York City. During the following year, teachers built a professional community through distance learning webinars and shared content on an asynchronous social networking platform. More systematic evaluation began in year 2 to address multiple needs: supporting program development and co-developing longitudinal surveys about participant outcomes. Early on, the evaluation seemed in conflict with itself. Ultimately, all stakeholders learned from the evolving approaches, leading to a theory of change about professional development that emerged from the process.
The Political Economy of Energy in Russia

Energy is central to understanding the dynamics of Russia’s politics and economy, from both domestic and international aspects. After emerging from the Soviet Union in 1991 Russia exhibited many of the characteristics of a petrostate—a country whose political and economic dynamics revolve around the export of hydrocarbons. Energy exports have boosted the Russian economy to being seventh largest in the world, just ahead of Italy and Brazil, and its elite have joined the ranks of the global super-rich. Resources have created large trade surpluses and greatly increased Russia’s holdings of foreign currencies.
DPF soot as an adsorbent for Cu(II), Cd(II), and Cr(VI) compared with commercial activated carbon

The use of carbon soot recovered from diesel particulate filters (DPF) has been investigated as a potential adsorbent for heavy metals including cadmium, chromium, and copper from wastewater. Results were compared with the adsorption performance of powder activated carbon (PAC). The uptake capacity of heavy metals for soot was found to be higher than PAC. And the thermodynamic study result for both soot and PAC indicated the adsorption procedures are exothermic. The adsorption studies were carried out for both single and binary systems. The data are best modeled by the monolayer model and Langmuir isotherm model for single systems. The adsorption mechanisms are more complex for binary systems. The kinetic studies indicated the adsorption happens rapidly within the first 1 h, and the results can be best modeled by pseudo-second-order model. The SEM-EDS analysis revealed the soot possesses higher porosity and surface area. Carboxylic and hydroxyl functional groups are the predominant surface functional group on both soot and PAC as revealed by FTIR and IEP values. The adsorption can be explained by both Van Der Waals force and electrostatic force.
Transparency and the marketplace for student data

Student lists are commercially available for purchase on the basis of ethnicity, affluence, religion, lifestyle, awkwardness, and even a perceived or predicted need for family planning services. This study seeks to provide an understanding of the commercial marketplace for student data and the interaction with privacy law. Over several years, Fordham CLIP reviewed publicly-available sources, made public records requests to educational institutions, and collected marketing materials received by high school students. The study uncovered and documents an overall lack of transparency in the student information commercial marketplace and an absence of law to protect student information. The study first describes the legal framework for data brokers selling student information and shows that existing privacy laws do not encompass these activities. Next, the study shows what this commercial ecosystem looks like. Specifically, the study maps the types of commercial solicitations students receive, the identities of data brokers confirmed to advertise the sale of student information, sources of student data in the commercial marketplace, the types of student data offered for sale, and the ways in which data brokers package it. Based upon on the research and the large gap in law and regulation of the commercial marketplace for student data, the study offers a set of recommendations as follows: 1) The commercial marketplace for student information should not be a subterranean market. Parents, students, and the general public should be able to reasonably know (i) the identities of student data brokers, (ii) what lists and selects they are selling, and (iii) where the data for student lists and selects derives. A model like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) should apply to compilation, sale, and use of student data once outside of schools and FERPA protections. If data brokers are selling information on students based on stereotypes, this should be transparent and subject to parental and public scrutiny. 2) Brokers of student data should be required to follow reasonable procedures to assure maximum possible accuracy of student data. Parents and emancipated students should be able to gain access to their student data and correct inaccuracies. Student data brokers should be obligated to notify purchasers and other downstream users when previously-transferred data is proven inaccurate and these data recipients should be required to correct the inaccuracy. 3) Parents and emancipated students should be able to opt out of uses of student data for commercial purposes unrelated to education or military recruitment. 4) When surveys are administered to students through schools, data practices should be transparent, students and families should be informed as to any commercial purposes of surveys before they are administered, and there should be compliance with other obligations under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA).
Diastolic dysfunction is common and predicts outcome after cardiac surgery.

Diastolic dysfunction (DD) identified on echocardiography predicts mortality after cardiac surgery, however the most useful diastolic parameters for assessment and the association of DD with prolonged mechanical ventilation, ICU re-admission, and hospital length of stay are not established. We included patients that underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), aortic valve replacement (AVR) or a combined procedure (CAB-AVR) from 2010 to 2016, and who had preoperative transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) at our institution within 6 months of the operation. Diastolic function was graded using the transmitral E and A waves and the septal tissue Doppler velocity. We performed logistic regression to assess the association of grade of DD with a composite endpoint of death, prolonged mechanical ventilation, ICU readmission during hospitalization, and hospital length of stay longer than 14 days. Between 2010 and 2016, 577 patients were eligible for inclusion. DD was common, with 42% of the cohort manifesting grade II or grade III DD. Rates of death and prolonged ventilation increased across grades of DD and across quartiles of increasing LV filling pressure, assessed by the E/e’ ratio. Adjusting for age, sex, procedure, systolic and diastolic function, both systolic (odds ratio 0.68 95% CI 0.55–0.85 per inter-quartile increase in LVEF) and diastolic function (odds ratio 1.31 95% CI 1.04–1.66 per increasing DD grade) both independently predicted outcome. Diastolic dysfunction is common among patients undergoing cardiac surgery and is associated with death, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and prolonged hospital and ICU length of stay independent of systolic dysfunction.
Dasatinib sensitises KRAS-mutant cancer cells to mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor via inhibition of TAZ activity.

Abstract Purpose Oncogenic KRAS mutations occur frequently in solid tumours, but no clinically applicable targeted strategy is yet available for treating human cancers with mutant KRAS. Here we aimed to identify a strategy for the treatment of KRAS-driven cancers. Experimental Design Cell viability and colony forming assays were used to assess the in vitro effect of dasatinib and trametinib as single agents or in combination. Western blot was used to analyse the phosphorylated protein and total protein levels. Xenograft models were used to evaluate the in vivo effect of drug combination on KRAS-driven tumour growth. Results Here, we report the discovery of a synergistic interaction between dasatinib (ABL and SRC family kinase inhibitor) and the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor trametinib in KRAS-mutant cancer cells. We demonstrated that dasatinib enhanced the antitumour effect of trametinib against the KRAS-mutant cancer models both in vitro and in vivo, and the combination resulted in a significant reduction of cytoplasmic and nucleic TAZ protein level, and therefore decreased downstream protein levels of YAP/TAZ signalling pathway. Furthermore, direct knockdown of TAZ by small interfering RNA was able to increase the sensitivity of KRAS-mutant cells to trametinib treatment. Conclusion These results indicate that dasatinib enhances the antitumour activity of MEK inhibitor through inhibition of TAZ activity and identify dasatinib and trametinib combination as a potential strategy for the treatment of KRAS-driven cancers.
Models of Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is a rare and difficult to characterize subtype of breast cancer for which few in vitro and in vivo models are currently available. In this chapter we describe the characteristics and limitations of the models that have been published to further study the pathology of IBC and to develop therapeutic approaches for IBC. Published information regarding receptor status, E-cadherin expression, 2D and 3D culture, xenografts, ability to form metastases and identified tumor-initiation cell sub-populations are reviewed.
A review of therapeutic agents and contact lens wear

BACKGROUND The complex interaction between contact lens wear and therapeutic drug use can account for physical and physiological changes in contact lens tolerance as well as changes in lens appearance. METHODS/RESULTS Selected therapeutic drug issues are reviewed and recommendations are provided to assist clinicians in choosing management strategies for lens and therapeutic agent selection. The efficacy of drug absorption, whether from topical application or systemic secretion into the tear film, depends on the nature and water content of the polymer, lens thickness, drug and tear volume, and on adnexal and environmental factors. The reservoir effect of drug absorption in hydrogel lenses has led to its application as a method of enhanced drug delivery to the cornea and anterior segment. This same property, however, can also lead to excessive contact time between drug and cornea, leading to exacerbation of topical drug side effects and toxicity reactions with some therapeutic agents. Systemic medications used concurrently with contact lenses may have adverse effects on the blink mechanism and associated contact lens metabolism as well as on aqueous tear production, with resulting dry eye symptomatology. CONCLUSIONS adrenochrome discoloration, antihistamines, decongestants, drug delivery, lens discoloration, mast cell stabilizer, oral contraceptives, preservative toxicity, rebound hyperemia, reservoir effect
Transport Phenomena in Polymer Blends

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the phenomena of low molecular weight penetrant transport, in and through polymer blends, in terms of the miscibility of the blend system. Polymer blending is an effective means for constructively altering transport properties of polymeric materials. The chapter discusses the general principles of mass transport in polymeric materials. It provides an overview of the membranes prepared from polymer blends. Although membranes are usually supported, they must exhibit sufficient mechanical stability to permit normal handling during installation, use, and maintenance, and selective membranes, in addition, must be resistant to biological attack. The chapter discusses poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) that has been blended with polyurethane to form a blend membrane suitable for dialysis. Reverse osmosis membranes prepared by blending a hydrophilic-hydrophobic block or graft copolymer with a homo-polymer composed of the corresponding hydrophilic moieties in the block or graft copolymer. Under specific conditions of temperature and hexane activity, blends of polystyrene and poly (phenylene oxide) exhibit solubility and sorption rates that are significantly lower than those measured for the parent homopolymers, and the tendency of either of these homopolymers to undergo deleterious morphological changes consequent to solvent contact is reduced significantly by blending.
The Sixth Amendment Rights To Fairness: The Touchstones of Effectiveness and Pragmatism

The Sixth Amendment is aptly described by Akhil Amar as the “heartland of constitutional criminal procedure.” It is a major part of the Framers’ designed to ensure a fair trial and provides the opportunity for the accused to challenge the prosecution’s case and to demonstrate innocence. However, as woeful inadequate funding for indigent defense undercuts the reality of the constitutional right to counsel and as trials become more and more rare, a broader focus is needed. In a time in which it is painfully obvious that we have limited resources available to meet public needs and a reticence to extend legal doctrines, those interested in progressive reform should look beyond developing new legal doctrine. The fundamental Sixth Amendment interest in fairness can be furthered by administrative mechanisms and aided by actors in the criminal justice system beyond defense attorneys. The victories may not be stirring or draw public note, but for the individuals not prosecuted or incarcerated erroneously, they can be extraordinarily significant and fulfill the basic promise of the Sixth Amendment.
Employee Commitment in the Informal Economy

The informal economy has recently received increased attention from scholars in the strategy and entrepreneurial fields. However this secondary economy has been overlooked by researchers in organiz...
The Trial of Socrates

A model Socrates' trial is presented. Two important features of the trial is, first, both the prosecutor and the defendant propose sanctions and, second, a jury takes a simple majority vote over the two proposals. This is shown to have good properties. First, a median-juror result is derived. This sanction is a Condorcet Winner among all possible sanctions. Second, the imposed sanction responds to both the harm of the act and the uncertainty of guilt. Third, under mild conditions, the expected sanction that arises should deter resulting in fewer crimes being committed.
Examining the Impact of School Type on Physical Activity Participation in High School Students

ABSTRACTChanging education philosophies and technological advancement have altered the way educational content can be delivered to students. One format growing in popularity is virtual institutions...
Longitudinal changes in glucose metabolism in women with gestational diabetes, from late pregnancy to the postpartum period

This study aimed to determine, in women with gestational diabetes (GDM), the changes in insulin sensitivity (Matsuda Insulin Sensitivity Index; ISOGTT), insulin response and disposition index (DI) from late pregnancy (34–37 weeks gestation, T1), to early postpartum (1–5 days, T2) and late postpartum (6–12 weeks, T3). A secondary aim was to correlate the longitudinal changes in maternal lipids, adipokines, cytokines and weight in relation to the changes in ISOGTT, insulin response and DI. ISOGTT, insulin response and DI were calculated at the three time points (T1, T2 and T3) using the results of a 75 g OGTT. Adipokines, cytokines and lipids were measured prior to each OGTT. Linear mixed-effects models were used to compare changes across each time point. Changes in ISOGTT, insulin response and DI were correlated with changes in maternal adipokines, cytokines and lipids at each time point. A total of 27 women completed all assessments. Compared with T1, ISOGTT was 11.20 (95% CI 8.09, 14.31) units higher at 1–5 days postpartum (p < 0.001) and was 5.49 (95% CI 2.38, 8.60) units higher at 6–12 weeks postpartum (p < 0.001). Compared with T1, insulin response values were 699.6 (95% CI 957.5, 441.6) units lower at T2 (p < 0.001) and were 356.3 (95% CI 614.3, 98.3) units lower at T3 (p = 0.004). Compared with T1, the DI was 6434.1 (95% CI 2486.2, 10,381.0) units higher at T2 (p = 0.001) and was 4262.0 (95% CI 314.6, 8209.3) units higher at T3 (p = 0.03). There was a decrease in mean cholesterol, triacylglycerol, LDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol from T1 to T2 (all p < 0.001), and an increase in mean C-reactive protein, IL-6 and IL-8 from T1 to T2 (all p < 0.001). Mean leptin decreased from T1 to T2 (p = 0.001). There was no significant change in mean adiponectin (p = 0.99) or TNF-α (p = 0.81) from T1 to T2. The mean maternal BMI decreased from T1 to T2 (p = 0.001) and T3 (p < 0.001). There were no significant correlations between any measure of change in ISOGTT, insulin response and DI and change in maternal cytokines, adipokines, lipids or weight from T1 to T2. In women with GDM, delivery was associated with improvement in both insulin sensitivity and insulin production within the first few days. Improvement in insulin production persisted for 6–12 weeks, but insulin sensitivity deteriorated slightly. These changes in glucose metabolism were not associated to changes in lipids, leptin, inflammation markers or body weight. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02082301
Using Dimensionality Reduction to Optimize t-SNE.

t-SNE is a popular tool for embedding multi-dimensional datasets into two or three dimensions. However, it has a large computational cost, especially when the input data has many dimensions. Many use t-SNE to embed the output of a neural network, which is generally of much lower dimension than the original data. This limits the use of t-SNE in unsupervised scenarios. We propose using \textit{random} projections to embed high dimensional datasets into relatively few dimensions, and then using t-SNE to obtain a two dimensional embedding. We show that random projections preserve the desirable clustering achieved by t-SNE, while dramatically reducing the runtime of finding the embedding.
Does Lake Erie still have sufficient oxythermal habitat for cisco Coregonus artedi

Abstract In Lake Erie, cisco (Coregonus artedi) once supported one of the most valuable freshwater fisheries on earth, yet overfishing caused their eventual extirpation from the lake. With warming lake temperatures, some have questioned whether Lake Erie still contains suitable oxythermal conditions for cisco. Using published oxythermal thresholds for adult cisco (which have more stringent requirements than juveniles) and oxythermal profiles from Lake Erie, we sought to answer two questions critical to cisco restoration science. First, is cisco habitat still available during the most restrictive periods? Second, what is the distribution of cisco habitat during these times? Beta regression was used to determine that cisco habitat was most limited during the month of August, and that August of 2010 was the most restrictive period in the time series. We then used Empirical Bayesian Kriging (EBK) to map the spatial extent of cisco habitat during these times. EBK maps revealed large areas of summer refugia for cisco in Lake Erie, even during the least favorable periods. Most of the Central and East Basins contain suitable habitat during the average August, yet during August of 2010, suitable conditions were limited to the eastern edge of the Central Basin and the deep waters of the East Basin. These findings aligned well with historical accounts of cisco landings. While suitable oxythermal habitat still exists for cisco in Lake Erie, future restoration efforts, if attempted, will partially depend on: 1) better management of nutrient inputs, 2) the realization of future climate scenarios, and 3) the ability of cisco to adapt to a changing lake.
Analysis of specific mRNA gene expression profiles as markers of egg and embryo quality for hybrid catfish aquaculture.

Despite best efforts to optimize reproduction, egg incubation, and larval performance in captivity, inconsistencies in hatchery fish production are still created by high variations in egg quality from individual females. In some hatchery species, egg quality and generation of viable embryos are correlated to abundances of specific mRNAs. Channel catfish females show considerable extremes in egg quality, causing inconsistencies in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, female × blue catfish, Ictalurus furcatus, male hybrid fry production. The objectives of this study were to examine relative transcripts linked to egg and embryo quality and determine expression between low-hatch and high-hatch egg batches through early development (0, 24, 48, and 96 h post-fertilization; HPF). RNA was extracted from eggs/embryos of nine females (n = 4 high-quality, n = 5 low-quality) and Real-Time PCR was used to quantify relative gene expression. The transcripts assessed in this study perform critical cellular functions, including tubulin β (tubb), cathepsin D (ctsd), cathepsin Z (ctsz), cathepsin B (ctsb), cyclin B (ccnb1), exportin-1 (xpo1), ring finger protein 213 (rnf213), glucocorticoid receptor-1 (GR-1), and heat shock protein 70 (hsp70). Relative gene expression of all transcripts except GR-1 and hsp70 were up-regulated in the high-hatch group and peaked at 48 HPF (neurulation stage), indicating the importance of these gene products at this threshold to normally progress until hatch. Due to lack of expression during earlier stages, maternally derived mRNAs for these genes do not seem to impact early embryonic development. Using mRNA markers as a selection mechanism for hatchery broodstock may lead to more high-hatch egg batches by reducing problems associated with poor egg quality.
Daily Peak Expiratory Flow Rate and Disease Instability in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Rationale: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) monitoring could provide a daily objective measurement of lung function in COPD patients at home. We hypothesized that individuals with greater variability in daily PEFR would signal an unstable patient population with worse outcomes. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data using an electronic diary to record daily PEFR and symptoms in severe and very severe COPD patients. Rates of PEFR change were used to characterize patients into stable and unstable groups determined by the distribution of slopes. Exacerbation-free days, time to first hospitalization, hospitalization rate, length of hospitalization, and all-cause mortality were assessed. Results: A total of 104 severe and very severe COPD patients met entry criteria, and were observed for 37,702 patient-days. There were no significant differences in baseline symptoms, demographics, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) or comorbidities between stable versus unstable groups. The unstable group had 34.7 less exacerbation-free days and significantly shorter 6 minute walk distances (6MWD) (227.1 versus 270.7 meters, p=0.031), shorter time to first hospitalization (163 versus 286 days, p=0.017), more frequent hospitalizations (2.6 versus 1.7 per year, p=0.032) and higher all-cause mortality (10.8 versus 5.1%, p= 0.04). Conclusion: Patients with severe to very severe COPD with greater changes in PEFR have shorter 6MWD, reduced time to first hospitalization, more frequent hospitalizations, and higher all-cause mortality despite similar demographic, spirometric and comorbid parameters at baseline. Daily peak flow monitoring can be a useful tool in identifying COPD patients predisposed to worse outcomes.
Effects of Oxygen and Water on the Formation and Degradation Processes of (CH3NH3)PbI3 Thin Films

Thin films of lead halide perovskites have attracted considerable interest for optoelectronic applications, especially photovoltaics. The influence of oxygen and water have been well studied on ful...
A Universal Enemy?: 'Foreign Fighters' and Legal Regimes of Exclusion and Exemption Under the 'Global War on Terror'

This Article argues that the ongoing U.S.-driven “Global War on Terror” stands apart from similar state campaigns in its special focus on confronting “foreign fighters” — armed, transnational, nonstate Islamists operating outside their home countries — in places where the United States is no less foreign. This global hunt for foreign fighters animates diverse attempts to exclude similarly “out-of-place” Muslim migrants and travelers from legal protection by reshaping laws and policies on interrogation, detention, immigration, and citizenship. Yet at the same time, certain other outsiders — namely the United States and its allies — enjoy various forms of exemption from local legal accountability. By juxtaposing the problems of extraordinary rendition and military contractor impunity in post-war Bosnia-Herzegovina and post-invasion Iraq, this Article illustrates this braided logic of exclusion and exemption. Predating and likely to outlast other legacies of the Bush administration, this logical framework undermines the rule of law and other state-building efforts while occluding crucial normative questions surrounding the legitimacy of the exercise of U.S. global power. This Article examines legal structures in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iraq and their underlying premises to reframe post-Cold War debates about nation-building and post-9/11 arguments about the laws of war.