cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The synthesis of prostaglandin F by human endometrium in organ culture.

Abstract Slices of human endometrium obtained from hysterectomy specimens were cultured for 48 hours in an organ culture medium supplemented with ethanol (control, vehicle), 17-β-estradiol (.5 μg/ml), or progesterone (.5 μg/ml). Uncultured endometrial tissue, cultured tissues, and the media were assayed for prostaglandin F (PGF) by a radioimmunoassay technique. Hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-Schiff stain histologic controls were done on all tissues. The concentrations of PGF in picograms/milligram, corrected for percent recovery, in the differently treated tissues were: preculture 298; culture control 2210; estrogen-treated 2680; progesterone-treated 1260. All differences except those between estrogen and control (p >; .10) and progesterone and control (p
The Hookworm Platelet Inhibitor: Functional Blockade of Integrins GPIIb/IIIa (αIIbβ3) and GPIa/IIa (α2β1) Inhibits Platelet Aggregation and Adhesion In Vitro

Hookworms, aggressive, blood-feeding, intestinal nematodes, are currently a leading cause of iron deficiency anemia in the developing world. An inhibitor of platelet aggregation and adhesion has been partially purified and characterized from soluble protein extracts of adult Ancylostoma caninum hookworms. This protein, named the hookworm platelet inhibitor, has an estimated molecular mass of 15 kDa as determined by size-exclusion chromatography. In addition to blocking platelet aggregation in response to a variety of agonists, the partially purified inhibitor also prevents adhesion of resting platelets to immobilized fibrinogen and collagen. Inhibitory monoclonal antibodies were used to identify specific blockade of cell surface integrins GPIIb/IIIa (alphaIIbbeta3) and GPIa/IIa (alpha2beta1), the platelet receptors for fibrinogen and collagen, respectively. This broad-spectrum anti-platelet activity is also present in excretory and secretory products of adult worms, suggesting a biologic role for the hookworm platelet inhibitor in vivo.
Crack propagation in concrete composites influenced by interface fracture parameters

Abstract The mechanical behavior of concrete composites is influenced by the characteristics of mortar aggregate interfaces. Initiation and propagation of cracks at the interface or penetration of cracks into the aggregate can greatly influence the global behavior of the material. In the interfacial regions of concrete composites the crack path criterion will involve relative magnitudes of the fracture toughnesses between the interface and the constituent materials. This study investigates fracture of two-phase composites in terms of parameters that influence the cracking scenarios in the interfacial regions and affect the fracture behavior of the concrete. These parameters include elastic moduli mismatch between the mortar and the aggregate and the ratios of the interface fracture toughness to the fracture toughness of the aggregate and the mortar. Numerical and physical model tests were performed to study the influence of these variables on the global load-deformation behavior of composite beams. Physical beam models consisting of circular aggregate inclusions in mortar matrices were tested in three-point bending. An analysis capability is developed for cracking in the composite incorporating transgranular or interfacial fracture scenarios using finite element simulations performed with the material fracture properties. The simulation is of a cohesive force type that allows parametric variation of fracture parameters to study influences on load-deformation performance of the composite. Results of the simulation are used to quantify the effect of different interfacial properties on the fracture and load-deformation behavior of the specimens. The results of both the experimental and analytical model studies show that ductility improves when cracks propagate through mortar-aggregate interfaces and also improves with rougher aggregate surfaces. This study advances the understanding of the role of interfaces in the global behavior of the cementitious composites and furthers the development of high-performance cementitious materials.
Lipoprotein lipase activity in rat heart myocytes

Abstract Previous indirect evidence suggested that lipoprotein lipase originated in the parenchymal cells of the heart. In the present study extracts of heart myocytes isolated from maturing rats hydrolyzed triglycerides. The enzyme activity was inhibited by NaCl and protamine sulfate. The data provide direct evidence for the presence of lipoprotein lipase in heart cells.
Properties of AA6061 Processed By Multi-Axial Compressions/Forging (MAC/F)

Multi-axial compressions/forgings (MAC/F) were conducted at room temperature to obtain severe plastic deformation (SPD) of AA6061 alloy. Microhardness measurements taken across the cross-section of each of the MAC/F processed samples indicated that the hardness distribution is nonuniform during initial compressions/forgings and becomes uniform with subsequent compressions. Microhardness and tensile testing showed that the hardness, yield strength, and elongation of the MAC/F processed material followed similar trends to that for AA6061 processed by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP). The MAC/F material exhibited high strain rate sensitivity and high percentage of elongation to failure in the temperature range of 300–350°C. This observation is in agreement with the high formability of SPD-processed AA6061 over the same temperature range.
Balloon Catheter Occlusion of the Ascending Aorta

Dense calcification of the ascending aorta predisposes to aortic injury and distal embolization when the aorta is cross-clamped or partially clamped in the performance of cardiac operations. We occluded the ascending aorta with a Foley balloon catheter in 2 patients undergoing aortocoronary bypass grafting. The technique used is described in this report.
Laser produced directed neutron beams

The new generation of ultrashort pulse lasers offers a novel way of producing high-energy (1–100 MeV) neutrons from table-top devices. Ultrashort lasers of sufficiently high intensity (1018–1021 W/cm2) are capable of producing fast ions with energies in the megaelectronvolt (MeV) range from thin (∼1–10 µm) planar foils, which drive nuclear fusion reactions and generate a copious amount of neutrons. The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) in collaboration with the Center for Ultrafast Optical Science (CUOS) at the University of Michigan have been performing basic and applied research on the development of laser-based non-thermal neutron sources. The program's focus is on production of collimated neutron beams with energy in the 10's of MeV at moderate peak fluence (∼106–109 neutrons/ster per shot). We study the neutron production from protons/deuterons impinging on low-Z material and compare the neutron yield with that from traditional sources such as d-d and d-t. Recent simulation results and experimental data on both light ion acceleration and ion-induced nuclear fusion reactions driven by high-intensity lasers will be presented [1,2]. The mechanism of the neutron production process will be discussed with emphasis on the underlying fundamental physics and numerical implementation, as well as technological issues and challenges associated with the neutron production. An introduction to the current state of the art will be given and possible applications will be discussed.
Comparison of Single-Copy and Multicopy Real-Time PCR Targets for Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Paraffin-Embedded Tissue

Real-time PCR can rapidly identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis in paraffin-embedded tissue in the absence of microbiological culture. In a comparison of single-copy and multicopy PCR targets in 70 tissue samples, the sensitivities were 26% and 54%, respectively, with 100% specificity. Sensitivity was 75% for newer samples and was not decreased for acid-fast bacillus (AFB) stain-negative specimens.
Endothelial necrosis at 1 hour postburn predicts progression of tissue injury

Burn injury progression has not been well characterized at the cellular level. To define burn injury progression in terms of cell death, histopathologic spatiotemporal relationships of cellular necrosis and apoptosis were investigated in a validated porcine model of vertical burn injury progression. Cell necrosis was identified by high mobility group box 1 protein and apoptosis by Caspase 3a staining of tissue samples taken 1 hour, 24 hours, and 7 days postburn. Level of endothelial cell necrosis at 1 hour was predictive of level of apoptosis at 24 hours (Pearson's r = 0.87) and of level of tissue necrosis at 7 days (Pearson's r = 0.87). Furthermore, endothelial cell necrosis was deeper than interstitial cell necrosis at 1 hour (p < 0.001). Endothelial cell necrosis at 1 hour divided the zone of injury progression (Jackson's zone of stasis) into an upper subzone with necrotic endothelial cells and initially viable adnexal and interstitial cells at 1 hour that progressed to necrosis by 24 hours and a lower zone with initially viable endothelial cells at 1 hour but necrosis and apoptosis of all cell types by 24 hours. Importantly, this spatiotemporal series of events and rapid progression resembles myocardial infarction and stroke and implicates mechanisms of these injuries, ischemia, ischemia reperfusion, and programmed cell death in burn progression.
Comparison of diametral shrinkage of centrifuged and uncentrifuge simplex P® bone cement

Reducing the porosity of bone cement substantially strengthens the cement in fatigue. However, concern has been raised that reducing the porosity of the cement would increase the shrinkage of the cement and thus compromise the cement-bone interface. We measured diametral shrinkage of cement mantles prepared with and without centrifugation of the cement. Four cement preparations (centrifuged and uncentrifuged mixed with monomer at either room temperature or 0°C) were used to form cement mantles of four different thicknesses (2, 4, 6, and 8 mm) around a stainless steel rod. We conclude that porosity reduction dramatically increases the fatigue strength of bone cement without substantially changing the diametral dimensions of the polymerized cement when studied in the shape and volume of a cement mantle that would be used for total hip replacement. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
THE EXPANDING UNIVERSE OF UBIQUITIN AND UBIQUITIN-LIKE MODIFIERS

The post-translation addition of ubiquitin (Ub) and structurally related polypeptide modifiers to other intracellular constituents is now known to be an important intermediate driving a wide assortment of metabolic and regulatory processes in plants. Although the most common targets are other proteins, conjugation of specific modifiers to lipids and prenyl groups or participation in sulfur chemistry, tRNA modification, and RNA splicing also occur. The Ub system is clearly the most complex in terms of targets (~1000s) and underpinning enzymatic machinery (~6% of the Arabidopsis proteome), with its primary role to initiate the selective turnover of unwanted proteins by the 26S proteasome. However, recent studies revealed that several other modifiers also direct critical plant functions, especially with respect to autophagic recycling, the regulation of transcription and chromatin structure, and RNA metabolism. In fact, emerging studies have unearthed an intricate interplay between Ub and several of the Ub-like modifiers that sometimes works in synergy with or against ubiquitylation. While first thought to be restricted to eukaryotes, proteins related in structure and/or biochemistry to the Ub superfamily have been found in eubacteria and Archaea, indicating that this modification scheme evolved very early in cellular life, with prokaryotic sulfur transferase chemistry being the likely antecedent. Given their widespread distribution, diversity of targets, and multifaceted activities, Ub-type proteins are fast assuming their rightful places as fundamental regulators of plant biology.
Gregarious Oviposition and Clutch Size Adjustment by a Heliconius Butterfly1

Female Heliconius hewitsoni butterflies were found to aggregate during oviposition, producing multi-parent egg clutches. This behavior occurred when host plants were locally plentiful, indicating that females chose to oviposit gregariously. Collective clutch size correlated with host growth rate and with the number of females contributing to a clutch. Eggs did not positively bias host plant growth. Collective clutch size adjustment may represent a mechanism for facilitating larval aggregation while reducing intraspecific competition.
Impervious surface mapping using satellite remote sensing

Landsat TM data have been used to map the percentage of impervious surface area of the seven-county Twin Cities Metropolitan Area in 1991, 1998 and 2000. Following classification of land cover types, a regression model relating percent impervious surface area to "tasseled cap" greenness was used to estimate the percent impervious surface area for pixels classified as urban or developed. Eighty to 90 percent of the variation in imperviousness is accounted for by greenness. Classification of the Landsat TM data provides a means to map and quantify the degree of impervious surface area, an indicator of environmental quality, over large areas and over time at modest cost.
Genetic basis for variations in the effect of physical activity on cardiometabolic risk

Have you ever wondered why exercise helps your metabolism? Is there a genetic basis for exercise-induced benefits on your health? Why response to physical activity is different between individuals? A study conducted by Halder and coauthors asked exactly those questions. Investigators recruited
Why low-flying fighter planes crash: perceptual and attentional factors in collisions with the ground

A detailed analysis of a recent jet fighter mishap is made in terms of perceptual and attentional factors that may have contributed to or caused the mishap. The crash occurred in clear air while th...
Novel design and verification of a 16 x 16-b self-repairable reconfigurable inner product processor

A novel self-repairable and reconfigurable inner-product processor with low-power, fast CMOS circuits and DFT techniques is presented. It takes the advantage of recently proposed decomposition based arithmetic circuit design approach for simple implementation of the reconfigurations, component replacements, and high-quality tests.The processor can be dynamically reconfigured for two types operations: 4 x 8 x 8-b inner product computation and 16 x 16-b multiplication. The self-repair is provided by choosing a fault-free one from 17 possible architectures during the test, which covers more than 52% transistors for the specified faults. Only one extra bit is needed for all reconfigurations, repairs, and tests. The proposed exhaustive DFT technique greatly reduces the test vector length, from 17*232 to 1.5*213, which is as short as that required by the pseudo-exhaustive DFT method recently reported in literature.
Validity of seasonal pattern as a modifier for recurrent mood disorders for DSM-IV

Data are reviewed regarding the validity of seasonal pattern (SP), according to DSM-III-R, as a modifier for recurrent mood disorders. The relationship of the DSM-III-R formulation of SP is compared with that of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) as used by the bulk of researchers in the area. Both definitions are evaluated against the criteria for validity suggested by Robins and Guze, by Kendell, and by Spitzer and Williams. While the two definitions are similar and available data support a distinct clinical syndrome of recurrent winter decrements of mood and energy, it is not yet clear whether what is identified as SP or SAD represents a distinct affective syndrome, a subtype of recurrent affective illness, or the most severe form of a widely distributed population trait. Several options for operationalized criteria sets are discussed.
Quality Certification vs. Product Traceability: Consumer Preferences for Informational Attributes of Pork in Georgia *

Consumer willingness-to-pay for informational attributes of food products is important information for food producers and supply chain participants and policy makers. We examine consumer demand in the pork sector of the Republic of Georgia. Results of conditional and mixed logit estimation, conducted on choice experiment data, reveal that Georgian consumers treat quality certification and product traceability attributes as substitutes. We also find that producers and other supply chain participants should be concerned primarily with maintaining the appearance of pork products. Retailer specific factors such as location and type of outlet can also substitute for product traceability. Store location and product appearance, however, are complementary attributes. In light of the recent turbulence in Georgia these consideration may be of paramount importance as participants in the supply chain seek to rebuild damaged infrastructure.
Measurements on the interfacial areas of hydrocarbon in yeast fermentations and relationships to specific growth rates.

The transport of insoluble substrates such as hydrocarbons to microorganisms is often postulated to be dictated by the availability of the hydrocarbon surface area. Many publications, qualitative and quantitative, have appeared to substantiate this hypothesis. Experiments have been performed in our laboratory to assess the absolute values of the interfacial area of hexadecane as the carbon source for the growth of Candida intermedia. A sedimentometer, mounted directly in the fermentor, was used to measure the interfacial hydrocarbon area during active growth of this organism. The specific hydrocarbon interfacial area was found to be directly related to the impeller speed, hydrocarbon concentration and surfactant concentration in a 1-liter working volume, turbine-agitated fermentor. The specific growth rate was in turn found to be directly related to the specific hydrocarbon interfacial area. Lastly, cessation of logarithmic growth and onset of linear growth was found at all instances to be governed by the specific hydrocarbon surface area.
Hypoxic induction of the human erythropoietin gene: cooperation between the promoter and enhancer, each of which contains steroid receptor response elements.

Abstract Transcription of the human erythropoietin (Epo) gene is stimulated by exposure to hypoxia and/or cobalt in whole animals and in Hep3B cells. We have systematically investigated the promoter and 3' enhancer elements necessary for this induction by transient transfection of Hep3B cells. We define a promoter region of 53 bp and an enhancer region of 43 bp that confer hypoxia and cobalt inducibility. Each element gives rise to a 6- to 10-fold induction alone. In combination they produce a 50-fold induction after stimulation, similar to the 50- to 100-fold induction of the endogenous Epo gene. Two areas of DNA sequence homology are present in these regions. We demonstrate specific DNA-protein interactions in the enhancer and the ability of the promoter element to compete with these interactions in electrophoretic mobility shift assays. DNase I footprinting and methylation interference data further refine the cis-acting element in the 43-bp enhancer to a short region containing a direct repeat of a steroid/thyroid hormone receptor response element half-site separated by a 2-bp gap. Two half-site consensus sequences are also present in the 53-bp promoter. Site-specific mutation of the half-site sequences in the enhancer destroys the functional activity of the enhancer.
VIBRATIONAL ANALYSIS OF GLUTATHIONE

Infrared and Raman spectra have been obtained of crystalline glutathione and its deuterated derivative and interpreted by normal mode analysis. The force field consisted of our empirical force fields for the peptide group and NH and CO end groups, plus our ab initio force fields for the CH2SH and CH2COOH moieties. Observed bands are reproduced with an average error of 5 cm−1, demonstrating that the vibrational spectrum of such a complex molecule can be understood in great depth. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Genetically Engineered Insulin Analogs: Diabetes in the New Millenium

Tight glucose control is essential to minimize complications in diabetic patients. However, the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the currently available rapid-, intermediate-, and long-acting preparations of human insulin make it almost impossible to achieve sustained normoglycemia. Until recently, improvements in insulin formulations were seriously limited as advances were only achieved in insulin purity, species, and characteristics of the retarding agent. The availability of molecular genetic techniques opened new windows to create insulin analogs by changing the structure of the native protein and to improve the therapeutic properties. The first clinically available insulin analog, Lispro, confirmed the hopes by showing that improved glycemic control can be achieved without an increase in hypoglycemic events. This requires, however, optimal basal insulin replacement, either by multiple daily injections of neutral protein Hagedorn (NPH) insulin or by insulin pump. Evidence suggests that short-acting insulin analogs would be better matched by a true basal insulin than by the erratically absorbed and rather short-acting NPH insulin. Therefore, future availability of long-acting analogs raises the hope to realize the true potential benefits of the currently available short-acting analog, Lispro, and of those still awaiting approval. The introduction of new short-acting and the first truly long-acting analogs, the development of analogs with increased stability, less variability and perhaps selective action will help to develop more individualized treatment strategies targeted to specific patient characteristics and to achieve further improvements in glycemic control.
Searching for software learning resources using application context

Users of complex software applications frequently need to consult documentation, tutorials, and support resources to learn how to use the software and further their understand-ing of its capabilities. Existing online help systems provide limited context awareness through "what's this?" and simi-lar techniques. We examine the possibility of making more use of the user's current context in a particular application to provide useful help resources. We provide an analysis and taxonomy of various aspects of application context and how they may be used in retrieving software help artifacts with web browsers, present the design of a context-aware augmented web search system, and describe a prototype implementation and initial user study of this system. We conclude with a discussion of open issues and an agenda for further research.
Feature space trajectory representation for active vision

A new feature space trajectory (FST) description of 3D distorted views of an object is advanced for active vision applications. In an FST, different distorted object views are vertices in feature space. A new eigen-feature space and Fourier transform features are used. Vertices for different adjacent distorted views are connected by straight lines so that an FST is created as the viewpoint changes. Each different object is represented by a distinct FST. An object to be recognized is represented as a point in feature space; the closest FST denotes the class of the object, and the closest line segment on the FST indicates its pose. A new neural network is used to efficiently calculated distances. We discuss its uses in active vision. Apart from an initial estimate of object class and pose, the FST processor can specify where to move the sensor to: confirm close and pose, to grasp the object, or to focus on a specific object part for assembly or inspection. We advanced initial remarks on the number of aspect views needed and which aspect views are needed to represent an object.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Interaction of Postoperative Morbidity and Receipt of Adjuvant Therapy on Long-Term Survival After Resection for Gastric Adenocarcinoma: Results From the U.S. Gastric Cancer Collaborative

Postoperative complications (POCs) can negatively impact survival after oncologic resection. POCs may also decrease the rate of adjuvant therapy completion. We evaluated the impact of complications on gastric cancer survival and analyzed the combined effect of complications and adjuvant therapy on survival. We analyzed 824 patients from 7 institutions of the U.S. Gastric Cancer Collaborative who underwent curative resection for gastric adenocarcinoma between 2000 and 2012. POC were graded using the modified Clavien–Dindo system. Survival probabilities were estimated using the method of Kaplan and Meier and analyzed using multivariate Cox regression. Median follow-up was 35 months. The overall complication rate was 41 %. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) of patients who experienced complications were 27 and 23 %, respectively, compared with 43 and 40 % in patients who did not have complications (p < 0.0001 for OS and RFS). On multivariate analysis, POC remained an independent predictor for decreased OS and RFS (HR 1.3, 95 % CI 1.1–1.6, p = 0.03 for OS; HR 1.3, 95 % CI 1.01–1.6, p = 0.03 for RFS). Patients who experienced POC were less likely to receive adjuvant therapy (OR 0.5, 95 % CI 0.3–0.7, p < 0.001). The interaction of complications and failure to receive adjuvant therapy significantly increased the hazard of death compared with patients who had neither complications nor adjuvant therapy (HR 2.3, 95 % CI 1.6–3.2, p < 0.001). Postoperative complications adversely affect long-term outcomes after gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Not receiving adjuvant therapy in the face of POC portends an especially poor prognosis following gastrectomy for gastric cancer.
Perspectives on decision-making: implications for understanding psychopathology in psychiatric and psychoanalytic practice

Research on decision-making from the perspectives of economics, game theory, and neuroscience has been expanding rapidly over the last three decades [Kable, J. W., & Glimcher, P. W. (2009). The neurobiology of decision: Consensus and Controversy. Neuron, 63, 733–745]. However, there is relatively little exploration of impairment of decision-making, as a symptom of psychic dysfunction, in clinical psychiatric or psychoanalytic literature. As a result there is a widening gap between the understanding of psychopathology among clinically oriented psychiatrists and psychoanalysts, and the evolving importance of decision-making as presented by the neuroscience research community. “Decision-making” as a psychic function is not currently considered an important criteria for defining, classifying, understanding or treating psychopathology. This paper is an attempt by a clinician to point to the significance of decision-making as a clinical phenomenon, and to explore the various components of decision-making that a...
Response to elemental sulfur by calves and sheep fed purified diets.

Free amino acid profiles in plasma and liver as well as body, organ and gastrointestinal growth were compared in 20 weanling bulls (four per treatment) fed diets deficient (.04%), excessive (.94 and 1.72%) or adequate (.34%) in S. Body, organ and gastrointestinal comparisons also were made with yearling rams fed .04 and .34% S diets. The .34% S diet was fed at two levels, one ad libitum, the other in amounts equal on a body weight.75 basis to that consumed by animals fed the .04% S diet ad libitum. Animals were allowed to consume other diets ad libitum. The calves fed the .04% S diet had negative S, but slightly positive N, balance and were unable to maintain body weight. As dietary S content was increased, plasma and liver methionine increased linearly. An increased histidine in plasma of calves fed the .04% S diet may be due to reduced intake because the calves restricted-fed the .34% S diet also had high plasma histidine. Plasma citrulline, cystine, serine and total nonessential amino acids decreased markedly as dietary S intake became adequate. Intermediate S diets resulted in reduced concentrations of plasma alanine, serine, proline and total nonessential amino acids. Calves restricted-fed the .34% S diet were the most efficient in retaining N with less urinary N. Excesses of S were not detrimental to growth, but plasma valine increased linearly as S intake increased. The S deficiency in calves reduced the ratio of the rumen-reticulum tissue to body weight, and in rams it reduced the ratio of gastrointestinal tissue and preintestinal tissue to body weight. Per kilogram of intestinal-free body weight, there was a linear decrease in liver and testes but an increase in adrenals as S was decreased for calves. The kidney, adrenals and pituitary were increased by S deficiency in rams. Of the amino acids assayed, only methionine from the plasma and liver in calves reflected both an excess and a deficiency of S independent of feed intake effects.
Lateral Cricoarytenoid Release: Development of a Novel Surgical Treatment Option for Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia in a Canine Laryngeal Model.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of a novel adductor muscle-releasing technique designed to decrease the force of vocal fold adduction, as a potential surgical therapy for patients with adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD).Study Design:Experimental animal study.Methods:A canine laryngeal model was used to assess the acute and sustained efficacy of a lateral cricoarytenoid (LCA) muscle release. A total of 34 canine hemilaryngeal preparations were divided among 7 experimental groups. The LCA muscle was separated from its cricoid cartilage origin via an open, anterior, submucosal approach. The laryngeal adductory pressures (LAP) were assessed pre- and post-muscle release via direct recurrent laryngeal nerve stimulation. Measurements were repeated at 1.5, 3, or 6 months postoperatively. Another study evaluated release of the thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle from its thyroid cartilage origin.Results:Releasing the LCA muscle demonstrated a significant decrease in LAP acutely and was maintained at all 3 time point...
The Development of an Assessment Protocol for Reactive Attachment Disorder

Attachment is a critical issue among children in foster and adoptive settings. It is essential for mental health counselors who work with these children to develop appropriate appraisal skills for diagnosing Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), a syndrome associated with extreme attachment problems. However, there is no comprehensive procedure to assess a child for RAD.Thus, we propose a battery of semi-structured interviews, global assessment scales, attachment-specific scales, and behavioral observations to help mental health counselors identify the disorder. We provide a case example to illustrate the utility of each assessment process.
Health Care Research: Old Wine in New Bottles

Thank you for inviting me to participate in UVA's History of Health Sciences Series. My hope is that this brief discussion of Health Care Research's evolution over the centuries may help to place contemporary pursuits in some historical perspective. As in all branches of enquiry each generation benefits from the prior contributions of our predecessors. As one observer of the passing scene put it: "If you see a tortoise on a fence post, you know it didn't get there by itself!"
Precordial catch syndrome in elite swimmers with asthma

Precordial catch syndrome is a benign cause of chest pain in children and adolescents that remains underrecognized. Because of distinctive symptoms, precordial catch syndrome is not necessarily a diagnosis of exclusion. However, a detailed history eliciting diagnostic features is important, along with a physical examination excluding other pathologic disorders. We present the cases of 2 elite swimmers with asthma who had acute episodes of precordial catch syndrome, one associated with an acute asthma exacerbation and one not, while swimming during competitive swim meets that required rescue efforts for both and eventual evaluation in the emergency department.
Targeting Mac-1-mediated leukocyte–RBC interactions uncouples the benefits for acute vaso-occlusion and chronic organ damage

Vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) is one of the most common complications of sickle cell disease (SCD). Recurrent episodes of VOC may cause irreversible organ damage and early mortality in patients with SCD. Emerging evidence suggests that VOC arises from a complex cascade that involves interactions among multiple blood and endothelial cells in the vasculature. Previous studies have identified α M β 2 integrin (Mac-1) as a critical molecule that mediates heterotypic interactions between red blood cells (RBCs) and adherent leukocytes and promotes VOC in SCD mice. Here, we show that RBC–leukocyte interactions are significantly diminished in Mac-1-deficient SCD mice, leading to an improvement of blood flow rates and prolonged survival time in a tumor necrosis factor-alpha and surgical-trauma-induced VOC model. Mac-1-deletion, however, was not sufficient to reduce SCD-related chronic organ damage. Our results thus suggest uncoupled mechanisms between acute VOC benefits and the long-term complications of SCD that should be considered in future clinical trials.
Intergenerational Dialogue on Public Administration Theory

(2007). Intergenerational Dialogue on Public Administration Theory. Administrative Theory & Praxis: Vol. 29, No. 2, pp. 281-291.
Divergent Social Worlds: Neighborhood Crime and the Racial–Spatial Divide, by Peterson, R. D. & Krivo, L. J.

With the long history of research on neighborhoods, race, and crime, one would think, by now, that there are few new or refreshing ideas on the subject. However, Peterson and Krivo's volume, Diverg...
On random ±1 matrices: Singularity and determinant

This papers contains two results concerning random n × n Bernoulli matrices. First, we show that with probability tending to 1 the determinant has absolute value $\sqrt{n!}\exp(O(\sqrt{n \ln n}))$. Next, we prove a new upper bound 0.958n on the probability that the matrix is singular.© 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2006
Article 34 [Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities] Article 35 [Reports by States Parties] Article 36 [Consideration of Reports]

Articles 34–36 of the CRPD set up an international mechanism on monitoring the implementation of the Convention. Although there were innovative proposals during the preparatory works, the mechanism that has been put in place and which is mandatory to all Contracting Parties is very simple. It does not substantially differ from the model of “self reporting” by national governments to an ad hoc treaty body provided by the earlier UN human rights treaties. The system is complemented by further procedures laid down in the OP-CRPD, which is, however, a distinct treaty (and is therefore discussed in another chapter of this Commentary). Articles 34–36 of the CRPD provide the general legal framework regarding state obligations on reporting, and the competences of the CRPD Committee to review the reports and make recommendations to Contracting Parties. The expected result is supporting implementation of the rights of disabled persons at the state national level, and preventing non-compliance by Contracting Parties. Like the other human rights treaty bodies, the CRPD Committee cannot impose further legal obligations upon States Parties. This does not mean that its recommendations remain ineffective. The effectiveness of the procedure is enhanced by the relevant CRPD Committee’s RP, “Working Methods” and adopted guidelines, which have embedded some progressive practices (for example, when a given question needs to be considered by the CRPD Committee as a matter of urgency), and to which States Parties generally conform, on a voluntary basis.
Learning Object and State Models for AR Task Guidance

We present a method for automatically learning object and state models, which can be used for recognition in an augmented reality task guidance system. We assume that the task involves objects whose appearance is fairly consistent, but the background may vary. The novelty of our approach is that the system can be automatically constructed from examples of experts performing the task. As a result, the system can be easily adapted to new tasks. The approach makes use of the fact that the key features of the object are consistently present in multiple viewing instances; whereas features from the background or irrelevant objects are not consistently present. Using information theory, we automatically identify the features that can best discriminate between object states. In evaluations, our prototype successfully recognized object states in all trials.
Fast Community Detection in Complex Networks with a K -Depths Classifier

We introduce a notion of data depth for recovery of community structures in large complex networks. We propose a new data-driven algorithm, K-depths, for community detection using the L1-depth in an unsupervised setting. We evaluate finite sample properties of the K-depths method using synthetic networks and illustrate its performance for tracking communities in online social media platform Flickr. The new method significantly outperforms the classical K-means and yields comparable results to the regularized K-means. Being robust to low-degree vertices, the new K-depths method is computationally efficient, requiring up to 400 times less CPU time than the currently adopted regularization procedures based on optimizing the Davis–Kahan bound.
P047 Stability of anti-A2 blood group subtype titers among blood group B candidates

Aim Kidney allocation based on blood type inadvertently disadvantages ABO B blood group candidates due to their disproportionate representation on the waitlist. To mitigate this situation, OPTN/UNOS modified the allocation system such that group B candidates could receive kidneys from group A2 or A2B donors if their anti-A titers are Methods Anti-A titer information and candidate demographics were reviewed from blood bank records. Patients included in the study were group B, renal allograft candidates who had ⩾2 anti-A titers performed between January 2011 and December 2014. An anti-A titer of >1:8 excluded a group B candidate from receiving an out of group allograft. Variability in titers was assessed by delta dilution change between assays. Results Anti-A titers were assessed on 193 group B, renal allograft candidates with ⩾2 anti-A titers. Following the first titer, 50 patients (26%) were ineligible (i.e.,titer >1:8). Of the remaining 143 patients, 19 (13%) became ineligible following a second titer reaching >1:8. Forty patients (28%) had no delta dilution change between titers and 72 (50%) had a titer change that never reached >1:8. Only 12 patients (6% of total) experienced a titer change that affected eligibility after the second test. Conclusions Although the majority of patients experience some variability in their anti-A titers over time, in most cases the variability does not affect their eligibility to receive an out of blood group renal allograft. Furthermore, the likelihood of a titer change affecting eligibility after two tests is limited to a small subset of patients. Our data suggest that testing of anti-A titers more than twice may not be necessary to effectively monitor recipient eligibility.
Osteonecrosis and intravascular coagulation revisited

The primary pathophysiologic feature of advanced osteonecrosis is a zone of necrotic bone containing trabeculae with dead osteocytes associated with marrow necrosis and fibrosis [1]. This pathognomonic feature led to the use of the expression “avascular necrosis,” although the international society for the study of the circulation to bone and its disorders, ARCO International (Association Internationale pour la Recherche sur la Circulation Osseuse), recommends using the term “osteonecrosis.” There are several theories regarding the pathogenesis of osteonecrosis [ON], as discussed in several outstanding review articles [2–6]. These can be categorized as (1) extraosseous, (2) intraosseous, or (3) direct cellular. There are many other theories as well, such as intravascular or extravascular pathologies. John Paul Jones, Jr., suggested that multiple etiologies may lead to a final common pathway of intravascular coagulation. He hypothesized that intravascular coagulation is an “intermediary mechanism” in the development of ON [7]. The evidence that intravascular coagulation plays an integral role in the pathogenesis of ON is both direct and indirect and will be the focus of this chapter.
Inside the Literature: An Interview with Sally G. Hoskins, 2017 Recipient of the Elizabeth W. Jones Award for Excellence in Education.

The Genetics Society of America’s Elizabeth W. Jones Award for Excellence in Education recognizes significant and sustained impact on genetics education. The 2017 recipient is Sally G. Hoskins, in recognition of her role in developing and promoting the transformative science education method CREATE (Consider, Read, Elucidate hypotheses, Analyze and interpret data, and Think of the next Experiment). This innovative approach uses primary literature to engage students, allowing them to experience for themselves the creativity and challenge of study design, analysis, interpretation, collaboration, and debate. Comprehensive evaluation of CREATE has consistently found that students improve in difficult-to-teach skills like critical thinking and experimental design, while showing improved attitudes and beliefs about science. This is an abridged version of the interview. The full interview is available on the Genes to Genomes blog, at genestogenomes.org/hoskins/.
On the relationship between logic programming and non-monotonic reasoning

In spite of the existence of a close relationship between logic programming and non-monotonic reasoning, in the past the two research areas have progressed largely independently of each other. Recently, however, a new declarative semantics of logic programs has been proposed and it has been shown to be equivalent to suitable forms of four major non-monotonic formalisms: McCarthy's circumscription, Reiter's closed world assumption, Moore's autoepistemic logic and Reiter's default logic. The importance of these results stems not only from the fact that they shed new light on the relationship between logic programming and nonmonotonic reasoning, but also from the fact that they establish a close relationship between four major formalizations of non-monotonic reasoning for an important class of theories.
Seasonal variations in severity of experimental atherosclerosis in rabbits.

For fifteen years, we have been conducting numerous experiments on the induction of atherosclerosis in male Dutch belted rabbits, testing a variety of dietary fats and several hypolipidemic drugs. In all of these experiments, the standard atherogenic regimen that provided the basis for comparison of treatments was 2% cholesterol and 6% corn oil added to laboratory ration. Although each experiment contained its own control, we noted that the atheromata in the control rabbits varied from experiment to experiment. In an effort to ascertain a possible seasonal variation in atherosclerosis we have collated by month of autopsy data from 74 experimental identical 2-month feeding periods.
Hunger to Change the Game: Using Assessment to Continually Evolve a Library Orientation

Abstract Skillman Library at Lafayette College used continuous assessment to transform their library orientation for incoming students. In crafting library orientations, especially when competing for students' time and attention, it can be tempting to be drawn to the splashy and ornate. Based on student feedback, librarians decided to replace a complicated, themed game-based orientation with a tour, which included interactive game elements. This chapter describes the evidence-based evolution and the shape of the current orientation and includes considerations for implementation at other schools.
Verwaltung im Meinungsstreit : Politisierung als Herausforderung für die Behördenkommunikation

Governmental strategies of public communication are an important part of Public Management. Governance requires an integration of policy analysis and planning, decision-making and strategic communication management. For this purpose, communication management must be understood mainly as argumentation and deliberation management and as public storytelling in convergent media.
Predictive Models of Departure and Arrival Occupancy Time and Takeoff Distance

Values of departure and arrival runway occupancy time and takeoff distance are commonly used parameters for many airport and air transportation simulation models. However, these data are typically ...
Contemporary Practical Alternatives to a “Right To Be Forgotten” in the United States

The “right to be forgotten” (RTBF), perhaps more accurately described as a “right of erasure”, first emerged into mainstream public consciousness and practice with the European Court of Justice’s M...
The Theory of Matrices

The theory of matrices arose as a means to solve simultaneous, linear, algebraic equations.
Has Higher Education Solved the Problem? Examining the Gender Wage Gap of Recent College Graduates Entering the Workplace:

While there has been extensive historical evidence demonstrating the gender wage gap, gains made by women in terms of higher education may be reducing the gap among those recently entering the work...
Islamophobia East-West and the politics of hospitality in contemporary Germany

In this article I trouble the terms of hospitality and guest, as well as of east and west, in relationship to Islamophobia. In particular, I consider the graphic novel Im Land der Fruhaufsteher, by...
Effect of Biomechanical and Anatomic Characteristics on Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background and Hypothesis: The success of total hip arthroplasty (THA) is often reported in terms of infection and dislocation rates. While studies have examined the effect of acetabular cup position, anteroposterior (AP) femoral stem alignment, changes in leg length and femoral stem offset on dislocation rates, few studies have investigated the effect of these biomechanical parameters on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate how PROMS may differ by THA component placement in a consecutive series of primary THAs. Awareness of the importance of implant positioning may lead to improved surgical technique and optimized PROMS. Experimental Design or Project Methods: 933 consecutive posterolateral approach primary THAs performed between 2011 and 2018 by one surgeon were retrospectively reviewed. Acetabular cup abduction, femoral stem alignment, changes in leg length and total femoral offset were measured on APview radiographs. Prospectively collected Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score/HOOS Jr., University of California Los Angeles/UCLA Activity Level, and satisfaction (5-point Likert scale) were evaluated at minimum one-year. Results: 743 THAs were analyzed. Mean age and BMI were 64 years and 31 kg/m2, respectively. After multivariate analysis, females with neutral to valgus stem placement (p=0.020) and patients with neutral to valgus stem placement regardless of lumbar pain (p=0.034) were more satisfied. In addition, patients with lumbar pain (p<0.001) and patients with high BMI in combination with increased change in femoral offset (p=0.056) had lower overall HOOS Jr. scores. Interestingly, change in leg length was not a significant predictor of any PROMS (power [1-β]≥88.4%). Conclusion and Potential Impact: AP stem alignment may play a role in increased activity level and satisfaction. In addition, high BMI in combination with increased change in femoral offset negatively influenced HOOS Jr. scores. Unsurprisingly, the presence of lumbar pain continues to negatively affect PROMS. Further research is warranted on the influence of THA component placement, spinopelvic parameters, and PROMS.