cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A survey of patients' out-of-pocket payments for complementary and alternative medicine therapies.

Abstract Objective: Investigate the out-of-pocket payments for complementary and alternative therapies. Design: Cross-sectional study using the 1996 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Setting: Fourteen thousand and twenty-six US adults aged ≥25 years from 10,597 answering households. Respondents to the survey were only included in this analysis if they used a single CAM therapy which was not covered by insurance. Main outcome measure: Reported out-of-pocket payments. Results: Out of 836 users of alternative therapies, 577 used only a single therapy. Massage therapy (23.7%), spiritual healing (16.6%) and herbal therapy (14.7%) were the most frequently single used therapies. The out-of-pocket payments per visit for providers was on average $49 for nutritional advice, $44 for acupuncture, $33 for massage, $23 for herbal therapies, and $9 for spiritual healing. Conclusions: These are the first estimates of the out-of-pocket payments for specific complementary and alternative therapies. They can help understand the importance people place on these therapies.
An efficient implementation of stack filters

Stack filters constitute a general class of nonlinear filters, including all order statistic filters such as median filters. Because of the stacking and threshold decomposition property, one can realize a stack filter as a sum of positive Boolean functions, which provides a simple VLSI implementation. The authors present a novel implementation of stack filters with complexity lower than previously developed architectures. In particular, the complexity of the implementation increases only linearly with window size. >
The Contribution of Classroom Setting and Quality of Instruction to Children’s Behavior in Kindergarten Classrooms

Abstract The present article examined 2 questions about the relation between kindergarten classroom processes (setting and quality) and children’s engagement in activities, compliance with teachers’ requests, and interactions with peers. First, how do children’s engagement, compliance, and cooperation vary as a function of teachers’ use of classroom settings, and second, how does classroom quality moderate the co‐occurrence between teachers’ choice of classroom settings and children’s behaviors? The classrooms of 250 kindergarten children were observed once for approximately 3 hours each. Data on classroom setting (e.g., whole class or small group) and children’s behaviors (e.g., engagement, compliance with the teachers’ requests) were gathered using a time‐sampled method. Classroom quality was assessed using global ratings. Results showed that children’s on‐task and off‐task behavior and aggression toward peers varied as a function of the teachers’ choice of classroom setting. However, compliance with te...
Induction of decision making rules for context sensitive systems

System design and analysis of highly context-setrsitive systems is both a difficult and time consuming problem. An induction program is discussed that greatly mitigates this problem. The Operational Evaluation Modeling (OpEM) Induction program receives, as input, a case file generated by an OpEM discrete event simulation program. Each case consists of a decision fact plus all knowledge base facts available for this decision (i.e., the decision context). The OpEM induction program analyzes this set of cases and produces an optimal set of rules that decides all of these cases correctly. An OpEM directed graph model is presented that describes the complex, context-sensitive parallel processes of a single-track railroad system, and a Pascal simulation of this railroad system is described to demonstrate that effective decision rules can be induced from extracted expert knowiedge obtained from simulation generated cases. A description of the OpEM induction program is provided, and rules generated by it are comp...
Low-grade fibromatosis-like spindle cell carcinoma of the breast

Low-grade fibromatosis-like spindle cell carcinoma is a rare tumor in the breast, and represents a variant of the very heterogeneous group of metaplastic carcinomas of the breast. These tumors warrant distinction because of their resemblance to pure fibromatosis, their propensity for local recurrence, and their favorable prognosis among the metaplastic carcinomas of the breast. The diagnosis is potentially challenging, particularly on core needle biopsies, because of the morphologic overlap with other low-grade spindle cell lesions. Recognition of a proliferation of cytologically bland spindle cells with areas of epithelial differentiation in combination with immunohistochemistry using antibodies against cytokeratins and myoepithelial markers should aid in producing a definitive diagnosis. These tumors can be locally aggressive with an increased incidence of local recurrence, but the potential for lymph node or distant metastasis is low. Complete excision with adequate margins is considered curative in the majority of cases.
Indefinite noncooperative self-association of chicken deoxy hemoglobin D.

The minor tetrameric hemoglobin (Hb), Hb D, of chicken red blood cells self-associates upon deoxygenation. This self-association enhances the cooperativity of oxygen binding. The maximal Hill coefficient is greater than 4 at high Hb concentrations. Previous measurements at low Hb concentrations were consistent with a monomer-to-dimer equilibrium and an association constant of ∼1.3–1.6 × 104M−1. Here, the Hb tetramer is considered as the monomer. However, new results indicate that the association extends beyond the dimer. We show by combination of Hb oligomer modeling and sedimentation velocity analyses that the data can be well described by an indefinite noncooperative or isodesmic association model. In this model, the deoxy Hb D associates noncooperatively to give a linear oligomeric chain with an equilibrium association constant of 1.42 × 104M−1 at 20°C for each step. The data are also well described by a monomer–dimer–tetramer equilibrium model with monomer-to-dimer and dimer-to-tetramer association constants of 1.87 and 1.03 × 104M−1 at 20°C, respectively. A hybrid recombinant Hb D was prepared with recombinant αD-globin and native β-globin to give a Hb D tetramer (αβ2). This rHb D undergoes decreased deoxygenation-dependent self-association compared with the native Hb D. Residue glutamate 138 has previously been proposed to influence intertetramer interactions. Our results with recombinant Hb D show that Glu138 plays no role in deoxy Hb D intertetramer interactions. Proteins 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
On the scaling up leaf stomatal resistance to canopy resistance using photosynthetic photon flux density

Abstract In addition to the limited availability of canopy resistance (rc) data for a variety of vegetation surfaces at different development stages, and at a range of soil water and climatic conditions, one challenge in practical application of the Penman–Monteith (PM) model is scaling up leaf level stomatal resistance (rL) to rc to represent an integrated resistance from plant communities to quantify field-scale evaporative losses. We present an integrated approach to scale up rL to rc. We measured rL for subsurface drip-irrigated (non-stressed) corn (Zea mays L.) plants and integrated a number of microclimatic and in-canopy radiation transfer parameters to scale up rL to rc. With the espousal of microclimatic and crop factors such as leaf area index for sunlit and shaded leaves, solar zenith angle, direct and diffuse solar radiation, we scaled up rL as a function of measured photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD). We also estimated rc by solving the PM model on an hourly time-step using the Bowen ratio energy balance system-measured latent heat. There was an asymptotic relationship between the rL and PPFD. The rL showed a sudden (almost instantaneous) response to changing PPFD. The minimum value of rL was measured in the morning as 74 s m−1 (PPFD = 400 μmol m−2 s−1), whereas the maximum resistance occurred in the late afternoon as 910 s m−1 (PPFD = 111 μmol m−2 s−1). Beyond a certain amount of PPFD (approximately 800 μmol m−2 s−1), rL became less responsive to PPFD. Despite the changes in microclimatic conditions, the resistance remained relatively constant during the midday hours. A relatively constant pattern of rL was most likely during the period when the supply of water from plant roots kept pace with the transpiration rate. At lower PPFD (0–250 μmol m−2 s−1) and higher rL range (>150 s m−1), rL was very sensitive to PPFD, as a small change in PPFD caused a large change in rL. PPFD alone explained 85% of the variability in rc. The average root mean square difference between the measured and estimated rc was 11.1 s m−1 (r2 = 0.93). Results are encouraging, as the integrated PPFD vs. rc approach to scale up rL to rc for non-stressed plants does not account for the effect of other factors such as vapor pressure deficit, carbon dioxide concentration, wind speed, and soil evaporation.
EXHAUST SYSTEM RELIABILITY EVALUATION

Road vibrations cause fatigue failures in the automotive exhaust system. Evaluation of exhaust system reliability is investigated by using bivariate joint distribution model to account for dependence between exhaust components. Cumulative damages are derived to be used as the random variables in the distribution model. In the case study with a light duty truck exhaust system, the model parameters were estimated using maximum likelihood method based on marginal distributions. The dependence parameters between components were determined through bench tests of twelve (12) exhaust systems. Result comparison demonstrated the influence of component dependence on the point estimate and statistic inference of the system reliability.
A Cost Analysis Case Study Of A Small Chinese Manufacturer

This study investigated whether a small firm, China Umbrella Factory Limited (CUFL), and in fact any firm in a developing country (mainland China), could benefit from a formal, activitybased costing system. 1 Many small firms, even more so than larger firms, find themselves particularly vulnerable to competitive challenges because the smaller firms lack the know-how and resources to know their true costs and profit margins. Smaller firms tend to use heuristics, or rules-of-thumb, in their estimation of costs as opposed to the bonafide use of more sophisticated and validated costing systems, whether traditional or activity-based costing (ABC). Comparisons of this firm’s current estimations of costs were made using both of these costing systems. Results indicated differences across the three methods. It was discovered that cost distortions that disfavored the estimation and traditional methods favored the ABC method. Notwithstanding the benefits found with using ABC, the firm decided not to adopt this method. A major constraining factor rested with the limitation of human resources – particularly with training in ABC as well as general management accounting. Furthermore since ABC, in a greater fundamental sense, benefits firms with significant overhead (when measured as a proportion of total cost), ABC would only provide limited benefits relative to the cost of implementation given the low-tech, primarily labor-based nature of this firm and its products.
Mycobacterium fortuitum Breast Infection Following Nipple‐Piercing, Mimicking Carcinoma

We reviewed a rare breast infection occurring 4 months after nipple piercing. Clinical examination suggested carcinoma. Mycobacterium fortuitum was eventually isolated after surgical biopsy and debridement. Antibiotic therapy was initiated intravenously using two drugs and oral therapy was continued for 6 months. A contralateral mycobacterial lesion emerged and was excised along with a residual fibrotic nodule at the original biopsy site. When adequate sampling of a complex and suspicious breast mass is benign and initial bacterial cultures are sterile, mycobacterial infection should be considered, particularly when there is a history of previous nipple piercing procedures.
The Hierarchical Structure of Intermediate Markets: A New Approach to the Analysis of Trade Flow Tables

The analysis of business-to-business markets is important for marketing managers and public policy makers alike. After all, market exchanges among intermediate sectors are generally around 67% of all market exchanges, yet almost no tools have been developed to systematically analyze business-to-business markets at the macro level.The conversion of input-output tables into trade flow tables is an important step in the analysis of marketing system structures. In this context, triangulation provides a tool to examine the sequence of suppliers and customers in intermediate markets in a longitudinal and cross-sectional manner. In this article, triangulation is applied to the Dutch trade flow table in order to analyze the sequence of market exchanges in the Dutch intermediate markets.
Lymphoblastic Lymphoma in Adults: Results of a Pilot Protocol

Thirteen adult patients with histologically confirmed lymphoblastic lymphoma were treated with an intensive chemotherapy program consisting of induction with cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine, and prednisone (modified CHOP); consolidation and central nervous system (CNS) prophylaxis with methotrexate intrathecally and by high-dose intravenous injection, citrovorum factor and L-asparaginase; reinforcement with CHOP; and maintenance with 6-mercaptopurine and methotrexate. Treatment duration was 1 yr. A 14th patient with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia was also treated at presentation by the same regimen. Thirteen patients had at least a mediastinal mass or abnormal cells in the bone marrow; one presented with CNS disease. The median age was 22 yr (range 16--50), and male--female ratio was 2.5:1. All patients had a rapid complete clinical response. Of the 13 patients without initial CNS disease, 4 have relapsed, 3 with primary CNS relapse and 1 with a recurrent abdominal mass. Five patients have died, 2 from drug toxicity, 2 from CNS relapse, and 1 from chronic myelogenous leukemia, which was diagnosed simultaneously with the lymphoblastic lymphoma. The median follow-up is 19 mo, and all patients have completed their planned therapy. At 3 yr, the actuarial survival is 61% and relapse-free survival is 56%.
Pursuing Pepper Protection: Habanero Pepper Powder Does Not Reduce Raccoon Predation of Terrapin Nests

Abstract We replicated the turtle nest predation-reducing technique used successfully in 2013 by Lamarre-DeJesus and Griffin to test its generality with a different turtle species and a different predator. We found that the application of habanero pepper powder to diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) nests did not reduce predation by raccoons (Procyon lotor). This suggests that the efficacy of predator-reducing techniques should be tested for each combination of turtle and predator species.
Mechanical Model of Vertical Nanowire Cell Penetration

Direct access into cells’ interiors is essential for biomolecular delivery, gene transfection, and electrical recordings yet is challenging due to the cell membrane barrier. Recently, molecular delivery using vertical nanowires (NWs) has been demonstrated for introducing biomolecules into a large number of cells in parallel. However, the microscopic understanding of how and when the nanowires penetrate cell membranes is still lacking, and the degree to which actual membrane penetration occurs is controversial. Here we present results from a mechanical continuum model of elastic cell membrane penetration through two mechanisms, namely through “impaling” as cells land onto a bed of nanowires, and through “adhesion-mediated” penetration, which occurs as cells spread on the substrate and generate adhesion force. Our results reveal that penetration is much more effective through the adhesion mechanism, with NW geometry and cell stiffness being critically important. Stiffer cells have higher penetration efficie...
Synthesis and oxidative reactivity of 2,2'-pyridylpyrrolide complexes of Ni(II).

Synthesis and characterization of divalent nickel complexed by 2-pyridylpyrrolide bidentate ligands are reported, as possible precursors to complexes with redox active ligands. Varied substituents on the pyrrolide, two CF3 (L2), two tBu (L0), and one of each type (L1) are employed and the resulting Ni(Ln)2 complexes show different Lewis acidity toward CO, H2O, tetrahydrofuran (THF), or MeCN, the L2 case being the most acidic. Density functional theory calculations show that the frontier orbitals of all three Ni(Ln)2 species are localized at the pyrrolide groups of both ligands and Ni(Ln)2+ can be detected by mass spectrometry and in cyclic voltammograms (CVs). Following cyclic voltammetry studies, which show electroactivity primarily in the oxidative direction, reactions with pyridine N-oxide or Br2 are reported. The former yield simple bis adducts, Ni(L2)2(pyNO)2 and the latter effects electrophilic aromatic substitution of the one pyrrolide ring hydrogen for both chelates, leaving it brominated.
Plasmonic Coupling in Silver Nanocomposite Glasses

This work demonstrates that an enhanced plasmonic response can be attained and tuned for Ag nanocomposite glasses via a real-time in situ control of the plasmonic coupling between closely spaced Ag nanoparticles (NPs). The result is achieved by a two-step modification of Ag NP-doped glasses. First, confined “super-nucleation” domains are induced by high-fluence nanosecond laser irradiation promoting photofragmentation of Ag NPs in the matrix. Photoluminescence and Raman scattering spectroscopies are put to use in assessing the effects of laser treatment. Subsequently, a particle regrowth process leading to the development of strongly interacting NPs is activated during an in situ isothermal processing, which also allows for the tuning of the optical response of the material in real time. An important finding is that the post-laser thermal treatment results in a significant narrowing of the Ag NP size distribution as revealed by transmission electron microscopy. Further, valuable insights on the laser-indu...
The Macroprudential Role of International Reserves

Abstract There has been a lot of interest since the global financial crisis in policies allowing emerging market economies to smooth the effects of the global financial cycle. Although the literatu...
Punishment continuity and self-punitive behavior

Partial punishment schedules (20% or 50% trials punished) are as effective as 100% punishment in generating and maintaining self-punitive behavior following avoidance training. If punishment is not continued, running extinguishes fairly quickly.
Characteristics of calcium currents in rabbit portal vein myocytes.

The properties of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels were studied in isolated portal vein myocytes using the whole cell voltage-clamp method. Ca2+ currents (ICa) were identified based on their activat...
Neprilysin Inhibition as a PARADIGM Shift in Heart Failure Therapy

Heart failure is a growing global public health problem. With the aging population, increased risk factors for heart failure development, and better survival after myocardial infarction, the prevalence is only expected to increase in the coming years. Although existing therapies have improved the clinical course of heart failure patients, new approaches are urgently needed to enhance quality of life and reduce morbidity and mortality. However, there has been little progress in the treatment of chronic heart failure in the past decade with only two new drugs approved by the US FDA over this time. Better understanding of the neurohormonal axis of heart failure has lead to the development of LCZ696, a first-in-class novel agent that acts as an angiotensin receptor blocker and neprilysin inhibitor. In the PARADIGM-HF study, LCZ696 was superior to an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor in reducing mortality and HF hospitalizations and improving quality of life across a broad spectrum of symptomatic patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. While evaluation of long-term effects is still needed, the completed trials on LCZ696 demonstrate that the drug is generally well-tolerated with a safe side effect profile. LCZ696 should be strongly considered as a favorable alternative to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers in appropriate heart failure patients.
Sequences and Series of Functions

In this chapter we discuss the pointwise and uniform convergence of sequences and series of functions. The significance of uniform convergence with regard to derivatives and integrals is emphasized. Power series representation of functions illustrate the general theory.
Regulation of Vascular Fibrinolysis by Type 1 Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor

Vascular hemostasis results from the regulated interaction of the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems. Any imbalance in these systems leads to a tendency to develop a bleeding diathesis or to an increased risk of thrombosis. Thrombotic events have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarction and stroke. The recent success of thrombolytic therapy in acute myocardial infarction has drawn considerable attention to the role of the fibrinolytic system in vascular disease.
Advancing the 5E's in festival experience for the Gen Y framework in the context of eWOM

Abstract The study queries whether providing a memorable music festival experience will encourage Gen Y attendees to share their experience via electronic word of mouth (eWOM) for a small island destination (SID) and a music festival. The study advances the 5E’s framework in festival experience for Gen Y by adjusting the dependent variable of interest to that of eWOM. The adjustment to the model framework is done in order to address some prominent challenges of confined island economies with regard to festival production, such as: restrictive market access, limited capital for promotions, and the need for generational market succession to sustain tourist arrivals. The research uses the case study of the Aruba Electric Festival, which was created by tourism officials in order to increase Gen Y tourist arrivals without deflecting other generational cohorts from arriving to the island. The study recognizes the importance of creating a music festival experience that would influence attendees’ intentions to promote the event and destination via eWOM, thus increasing market reach and decreasing promotional expenses. The data was assessed using a structural equation model. The results reveal that if festival organizers craft an overall memorable music festival experience that incorporates the 5Es, then Gen Y attendees are likely to provide positive eWOM for the festival and the destination. The results address some immediate industry concerns of Aruba’s destination managers and festival organizers.
Activity-Dependent Regulation of Histone Lysine Demethylase KDM1A by a Putative Thiol/Disulfide Switch.

Abstract Lysine demethylation of proteins such as histones is catalyzed by several classes of enzymes, including the FAD-dependent amine oxidases KDM1A/B. The KDM1 family is homologous to the mitochondrial monoamine oxidases MAO-A/B and produces hydrogen peroxide in the nucleus as a byproduct of demethylation. Here, we show KDM1A is highly thiol-reactive in vitro and in cellular models. Enzyme activity is potently and reversibly inhibited by the drug disulfiram and by hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide produced by KDM1A catalysis reduces thiol labeling and inactivates demethylase activity over time. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry indicates that hydrogen peroxide blocks labeling of cysteine 600, which we propose forms an intramolecular disulfide with cysteine 618 to negatively regulate the catalytic activity of KDM1A. This activity-dependent regulation is unique among histone-modifying enzymes but consistent with redox sensitivity of epigenetic regulators.
Temperature-Driven Enhancement of the Stimulated Emission Rate in Terahertz Quantum Cascade Lasers

We analyze the temperature dependence of the light output power of terahertz quantum cascade lasers (THz-QCLs) and demonstrate an enhancement of the stimulated emission rate triggered by thermally activated electron leakage from the lower laser level into the continuum. Contrary to common sense expectation, we find that this leakage channel contributes positively to the temperature performance of THz-QCLs. We show that this leakage mechanism is the missing component to explain the full temperature dependence of the light output power as it counteracts the population inversion reduction that arises from non-radiative electron scattering from the upper into the lower laser state. We analyze experimental light output power versus temperature data for a 3.87-THz-emitting device with highly diagonal optical transition over a wide temperature range (10-180 K) and show how thermally activated leakage of electrons from the lower laser level leads to a nearly constant output power up to a temperature of ~120 K. These results open the question if new design approaches that exploit this effect can be developed in order to demonstrate devices with higher maximum operating temperature.
Dietary Selenomethionine Administration in the American Alligator ( Alligator mississippiensis ): Hepatic and Renal Se Accumulation and Its Effects on Growth and Body Condition

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace nutrient, but in excess, it can induce toxicity. Incomplete combustion of coal produces coal combustion wastes, which are enriched in Se and often disposed of in aquatic basins. While a multitude of studies have investigated Se accumulation in vertebrates, few studies have examined its effects on longer-lived top trophic carnivores, such as the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). In this study, alligators were fed one of three Dietary Treatments: mice injected with water (controls) or water supplemented with 1000 or 2000 ppm selenomethionine (SeMet). Dietary Treatment significantly affected Se levels in both the liver (p 0.05). Our results demonstrate alligators are capable of accumulating high levels of Se through trophic transfer. The positive effects of accumulation on growth may demonstrate Se essentiality, whereas the negative effects on condition may demonstrate toxicity. Accumulation also was associated with mortality, further demonstrating toxicity. Future studies should further investigate the physiological effects of Se accumulation in long-lived, top-trophic carnivores.
S. Jonathan Singer: A man who loved ideas and detested walls.

S. Jonathan Singer, “Jon” to one and all, died February 2, 2017, at the age of 92. Educated as a physical chemist, he transitioned gracefully by way of protein and immunochemistry to become a cell and molecular biologist of huge renown. His initial bout with fame came in 1949 when Jon was a postdoctoral fellow with Linus Pauling at the California Institute of Technology and, together with Harvey Itano, showed that sickle cell hemoglobin differed from normal hemoglobin by Tiselius electrophoresis (1). The years at the California Institute of Technology also led Jon into the antibody field by way of a collaboration with the immunologist Dan Campbell, something that would stand him in good stead later. After his postdoctoral stint, Jon was appointed to the faculty at Yale in the Department of Chemistry, where he remained until 1961. At that point Jon joined the microbiologist David Bonner, who was leaving the Yale School of Medicine, to set up an innovative department of biology at a new branch of the University of California, La Jolla in San Diego (UCSD).
How Can I Implement Accurate Delirium Screening and Prevention Practices

As a clinical nurse specialist (CNS), I am tasked with improving patient outcomes through collaborative research, evidence-based practice, and process improvement efforts that affect the quality and safety of patient care. However, I have learned over time that it is not enough to simply incorporate the latest evidence into organizational policies and procedures; it has to be followed in practice. .
A Framework For Coordination And Synchronization Of Media

Computer music systems that coordinate or interact with human musicians exist in many forms. Often, coordination is at the level of gestures and phrases without synchronization at the beat level (or perhaps the notion of "beat" does not even exist). In music with beats, fine-grain synchronization can be achieved by having humans adapt to the computer (e.g. following a click track), or by computer accompaniment in which the computer follows a predetermined score. We consider an alternative scenario in which improvisation prevents traditional score following, but where synchronization is achieved at the level of beats, measures, and cues. To explore this new type of human-computer interaction, we have created new software abstractions for synchronization and coordination of music and interfaces in different modalities. We describe these new software structures, present examples, and introduce the idea of music notation as an interactive musical interface rather than a static document.
The Heat Strain of Various Athletic Surfaces: A Comparison Between Observed and Modeled Wet-Bulb Globe Temperatures.

Context: The National Athletic Trainers' Association recommends using onsite wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) measurement to determine whether to modify or cancel physical activity. However, not ...
Human posterior insula to posterior cingulate functional connectivity is related to the subjective intensity of acute pain

Background: Several studies have shown that, in the context of chronic pain, alterations in functional connectivity between the insula and default mode network (DMN) are correlated with pain intensity. However, it is unknown whether a similar relationship between insula-to-DMN connectivity and pain intensity exists in the absence of chronic pain. Our aims were 1) to assess whether insula-to-DMN connectivity changes are correlated to the intensity of ongoing acute pain in healthy subjects, and 2) provide an initial assessment of the capacity of pIns-to-PCC connectivity to differentiate between painful and non-painful states. 3T BOLD functional imaging data were obtained from 13 healthy human subjects in three conditions: rest, non-painful tactile stimulation, and capsaicin-induced pain. Results: Posterior insula to posterior cingulate (pIns-to-PCC) connectivity was significantly correlated with pain intensity. Additionally, we found that discrimination between painful and non-painful states could be achieved based on pIns-to-PCC connectivity. Conclusions: Functional connectivity alterations in healthy subjects experiencing acute ongoing pain are similar to those observed in chronic pain patients, and can be used to classify pain state. This suggests that the inclusion of the pIns and PCC regions in future fcMRI-based methods to detect ongoing pain is warranted.
Antenatal Hormone Therapy for Fetal Lung Maturation

This article reviews the laboratory as well as animal and clinical studies of the effects of antenatal hormone therapy on fetal lung maturation. The review includes corticosteroids and thyrotropinreleasing hormone studies. In addition, antenatal hormone therapy for treatment of congenital diaphragmatic hernia is discussed, as are areas still needing investigation, including administration of multiple courses of antenatal glucocorticoids and use of postnatal steroids.
An Overview of Actin-Based Calcium Regulation

Muscle contraction is initiated by an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. In skinned muscle fiber preparations, where different solutions can be applied, the tension generated is sharply dependent on the pCa2+. Yet it has become increasingly clear that the activation is not simply due to Ca2+ binding to the contractile apparatus, located on the thin filament, but that myosin heads, the tension generating motors originating from the thick filament, are involved in the cooperative response.
Place, Power of

The ‘power of place’ 8 refers to the spatial form of landscapes, towns, and buildings as an important aspect of social and political life. The phrase is used in various contexts: analyzing social life in existing places, advocating the preservation of historic places, and formulating goals for the design of new places. It is related to cultural landscape and local distinctiveness in geography, production of space in sociology and political economy, as well as to sites of memory in historic preservation. Current urban planning controversies include the proposal that non-places such as airports and freeway interchanges dominate contemporary building patterns, and that places are a thing of the past. Advocates of place-based social movements disagree.
Direct and correlated response to selection for earliness in a tropical maize population

Earllness is an Important trait for many tropical maize cultivars for a brief rainy season or for a specific cropping sequence. Selection has been used successfully to decrease days to flowering in maize at temperate environments. Half-sib family selection in Compuesto Selecclon Precoz population, a tropical cultlvar, was performed as a method to decrease days to flower and retaining relatively high yield. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the direct response to selection for earllness; to estimate the genetic contribution to the mean of the base population and the selected cycles; and to evaluate the effect of selection in relation to stability for time to flowering across environments. Fifteen cycles of selection for earllness in Compuesto Selecclon Precoz population were available for this study. We evaluated cycles CO, C3, C6, C9, C12, and CIS per se and selfed; a diallel between cycles per se was generated and each of these crosses was selfed and random mated. The evaluation was performed at 13 environments from North, Central, and South America. Least squares estimates were used to evaluate the response to selection. Smith's (1983) model was used to estimate the genetic contribution to the population mean. Eberhart and Russell's (1966) method was used in the stability analysis. Compuesto Selecclon Precoz population performed as a cultlvar
The art of apology: when and how to seek forgiveness.

If a medical mistake in your practice is worthy of an apology, make sure you offer it skillfully.
2 - Establishment of fetal Sertoli cells and their role in testis morphogenesis

Sertoli cells, the specialized epithelial cell type that surrounds the male germ line, orchestrate the organization of testicular structures and differentiation of other somatic cell linages in the testis (Leydig cells and peritubular myoid cells). The appearance of Sertoli cells in the gonadal primordium is dependent on the expression of the Y-linked sex-determining gene Sry. Differentiation of Sertoli cells marks the onset of dimorphic sexual differentiation of the soma and germ line and the first step of testis morphogenesis. Based on familial mutation studies in humans and genetic models in mice, it has become clear that the path to Sertoli cell fate involves autonomous transcriptional circuitry and paracrine/autocrine regulation. In this chapter, we summarize the current knowledge of the establishment of the Sertoli cell lineage and the molecular and cellular events that follow the appearance of Sertoli cells using the mouse as the model organism.
Needle Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Testicular Leukemia in Children

Aggressive chemotherapy in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia has resulted in a marked upsurge in patient survival. In the course of their management, testicular biopsy and rebiopsy have an important role. We evaluated the histological findings in 50 sets of open wedge and simultaneous needle core biopsy specimens from 44 testes of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia to determine the accuracy of the needle biopsy technique in the evaluation of testis involvement in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. We conclude that needle biopsy of the testis in acute lymphoblastic leukemia is highly accurate and correlates well with the conventional open wedge biopsy, and it may have a role in the management of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Basilar Membrane Velocity and Organ of Corti Impedance from the Physiologically-Based Three-Dimensional Cochlear Model

Basilar membrane (BM) velocity and Organ of Corti (OC) impedance from a physiologically-based gerbil cochlea model are calculated. The model includes the three-dimensional (3-D) viscous fluid and the pectinate zone of the elastic orthotropic BM with dimensional and material property variation along its length. Active process is represented by adding the motility of the outer hair cells (OHCs) to the passive model with the feed-forward approximation of the OC. The intracochlear pressure is computed by adding the fast wave to the slow traveling wave. A WKB (Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin) asymptotic and numerical method combined with Fourier series expansions is used to provide a fast and efficient iterative procedure which requires about one second for obtaining the BM response for a given frequency. The current 3-D model provides a realistic model for explaining recent observations including: (1) matching CF to place map, (2) derived BM velocity, and (3) the OC impedance.
Effects of Leukocytes on Microvascular Rheology

The behavior of leukocytes [WBCs] in the microcirculation has been investigated by many investigators since the classical observations of Dutrochet [4]. Early efforts to quantitate leukocyte flow behavior were made by Fahraeus [6] and Vejlens [19]. At normal flow velocities, few white cells are observed in the smaller capillaries [6, 8, 19, 20]; however, at the slower flow states such as in inflammation or hypotension [1, 2, 3, 15, 20], they are often seen in capillaries and large numbers are found in postcapillary venules. In capillaries, particularly in the smaller microvessels 4–12 µm in diameter, leukocytes tend to flow axially [6] and maintain their spherical configuration; margination does not appear to occur. In postcapillary venules, margination is typical [2, 4, 8, 16, 19], appearing to relate to the divergence of flow, the slower rate of flow, and aggregation of erythrocytes. The more deformable erythrocytes appear to displace white cells toward the venule wall in the postcapillary venule [17, 19]. Proximity to the wall and stasis predispose to adherence to the vessel wall and potential for obstruction of flow.
Unpacking the Racial Disparity in Crime from a Racialized General Strain Theory Perspective

Criminologists have long theorized the relationship between race and crime using traditional criminological theories, suggesting that Blacks simply experience more factors conducive to crime than W...
Abstract 217: Smoking Cessation and Patient Outcomes in the BRIDGE Clinic Population

Background: Cigarette smoking is associated with significant morbidity and mortality among patients with cardiovascular disease. Yet, nearly 1 in 6 people in the US continue to smoke. This study so...
Pharmacodynamic Drug–Drug Interactions

Pharmacodynamic drug-drug interactions (DDIs) occur when the pharmacological effect of one drug is altered by that of another drug in a combination regimen. DDIs often are classified as synergistic, additive, or antagonistic in nature, albeit these terms are frequently misused. Within a complex pathophysiological system, the mechanism of interaction may occur at the same target or through alternate pathways. Quantitative evaluation of pharmacodynamic DDIs by employing modeling and simulation approaches is needed to identify and optimize safe and effective combination therapy regimens. This review investigates the opportunities and challenges in pharmacodynamic DDI studies and highlights examples of quantitative methods for evaluating pharmacodynamic DDIs, with a particular emphasis on the use of mechanism-based modeling and simulation in DDI studies. Advancements in both experimental and computational techniques will enable the application of better, model-informed assessments of pharmacodynamic DDIs in drug discovery, development, and therapeutics.
GLUT1 is associated with sphingolipid-organized, cholesterol-independent domains in L929 mouse fibroblast cells.

Glucose is a preferred metabolite in most mammalian cells, and proper regulation of uptake is critical for organism homeostasis. The glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) is responsible for glucose uptake in a wide variety of cells and appears to be regulated in a tissue specific manner. Therefore, a better understanding of GLUT1 regulation within its various cellular environments is essential for developing therapeutic strategies to treat disorders associated with glucose homeostasis. Previous findings suggest that plasma membrane subdomains called lipid rafts may play a role in regulation of GLUT1 uptake activity. While studying this phenomenon in L929 mouse fibroblast cells, we observed that GLUT1 associates with a low density lipid microdomain distinct from traditionally-defined lipid rafts. These structures are not altered by cholesterol removal with methyl-β-cyclodextrin and lack resistance to cold Triton X-100 extraction. Our data indicate that the GLUT1-containing membrane microdomains in L929 cells, as well as GLUT1's basal activity, are instead sphingolipid-dependent, being sensitive to both myriocin and sphingomyelinase treatment. These microdomains appear to be organized primarily by their lipid composition, as disruption of the actin cytoskeleton or microtubules does not alter the association of GLUT1 with them. Furthermore, the association of GLUT1 with these microdomains appears not to require palmitoylation or glycosylation, as pharmacologic inhibition of these processes had no impact on GLUT1 density in membrane fractions. Importantly, we find no evidence that GLUT1 is actively translocated into or out of low density membrane fractions in response to acute activation in L929 cell.
Compatibility of Various Carbanion Nucleophiles with Heteroaromatic Nucleophilic Substitution by the SRN1 Mechanism

Carbanions generated from 2,4,4-trimethyl-2-oxazoline (1a), 2-benzyl-4,4-dimethyl-2-oxazoline (1b), 2,4-dimethylthiazole (13a), 2-benzyl-4-methylthiazole (13b), N,N-dimethylacetamide (17a), tert-butyl acetate (17b), ethyl phenylacetate (17c), N-methyl-N-phenyl-2-butenamide (22), tert-butyl 3-butenoate (25), and dimethyl methylphosphonate (29a) by means of KNH2 in liquid NH3 all reacted with 2-bromopyridine (2) via photoassisted reactions that exhibited characteristics of the SRN1 mechanism. Similar results were obtained in reactions of these carbanions with other substrates, including 2-chloroquinoline (6), iodobenzene (9), bromobenzene (10), and bromomesitylene (11).
A unified constitutive model in simulating creep strains in addition to fatigue responses of Haynes 230

Abstract A unified constitutive model (UCM) specifies that its flow rule for inelasticity computes both the plastic and creep strains as a single state variable. A Chaboche framework based UCM with the modeling features of strain range-dependence, strain rate-dependence, static recovery and mean stress evolution was developed and experimentally validated against a broad set of fatigue and fatigue-creep responses of Haynes 230 (HA 230) under isothermal and anisothermal temperature conditions. This article demonstrates that this advanced Chaboche-based UCM can simulate the secondary minimum creep strain rates reasonably, but is unable to predict the tertiary creep strain responses. To simulate the tertiary creep strain responses a continuum damage model is needed to be coupled to the UCM. This study also evaluated three different unified flow rules, Norton's power law, exponential Norton and sine-hyperbolic Norton for calculating the inelastic strain rates. It is found that the choice of flow rule is important in simulating the stress amplitude saturation rate of fatigue responses, but has minimal effect in simulating the tertiary creep strains. However, the damage coupled UCM independent to the unified flow rules listed above can adequately simulate fatigue, fatigue-creep including the stress relaxation during strain dwell, and creep strain up to the tertiary range for HA 230. The drawbacks of the damage coupled UCM are the hysteresis loop softening at very high temperatures and asymptotic simulation at low creep temperatures, which are identified as challenges to be overcome towards developing a universal UCM for robust design and analysis of high temperature components.
Beyond Hemoglobin: When and How to Work Up Possible Polycythemia Vera.

Background World Health Organization (WHO) 2017 diagnostic criteria for hemoglobin levels in polycythemia vera (PV) were lowered from 185 g/L to 165 g/L for men and from 165 g/L to 160 g/L for women, but these cutoffs were not designed for screening. Objectives The primary aim of this study was to assess the value of laboratory and clinical parameters in deciding whether to further pursue a diagnosis of PV. A secondary aim was to explore the diagnostic utility of bone marrow morphology. Methods We evaluated clinical and laboratory parameters that may be useful when considering further diagnostic work-up, emphasizing PV vs. secondary erythrocytosis (SE). We classified 200 patients with JAK2 V617F testing using WHO criteria. Results Patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) were rarely under age 40 and uncommonly obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). Current smoking history favored SE, and these patients rarely had a platelet count ≥ 450 × 103/uL. Laboratory parameters suggesting greater PV likelihood were: RBC > 6.8 × 106 for men or > 5.9 × 106 for women; low erythropoietin; and low MCV or low ferritin. Bone marrow morphology (available in 111 cases) was generally more cellular in PV vs. SE and assessed disease progression. Conclusions Readily accessible clinical and laboratory data can assist in considering a PV workup, and a possible diagnostic algorithm is presented. These preliminary findings warrant larger studies to develop a more formal PV-risk scoring system with optimal cutoffs and weighting.
Emil Volek. Despistemes: La teoría literaria y cultural de Emil Volek. Una antología de textos. Andrés Pérez-Simón, ed. y trad. Madrid: Verbum, 2018

Resenya de la publicacio Emil Volek. Despistemes: La teoria literaria y cultural de Emil Volek. Una antologia de textos. Andres Perez-Simon, ed. y trad. Madrid: Verbum, 2018. 386 pagines, ISBN: 9788490747544.
Modeling and Analysis Cyber Threats in Power Systems Using Architecture Analysis & Design Language (AADL)

The lack of strong cyber-physical modeling capabilities presents many challenges across the design, development, verification, and maintenance phases of a system [7]. Novel techniques for modeling the cyber-grid components, along with analysis and verification techniques, are imperative to the deployment of a resilient and robust power grid. Several works address False Data Injection (FDI) attacks to the power grid. However, most of them suffer from the lack of a model to investigate the effects of attacks. This paper proposed a cyber-physical model using Architecture Analysis & Design Language (AADL) [15] and power system information models to address different attacks in power systems.