cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical Study of Hericium Extractive Grannla on Chronic Superficial Gastritis Associated by Helicobacter Pylori

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of the Hericium Extractive Granula with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and gastric mucous membrane protective agent against Helicobacter pylori (Hp) associated chronic superficial gastritis, including the improvement of clinical symptoms, Hp eradication rate, endoscopic survey changes and the development of anatomy. Methods: From June 2006 to June 2008 we took a parallel randomized controlled clinical study for the 120 cases of Hp associated chronic superficial gastritis in children who visited the outpatients' Department of the Digestion. They were randomly divided into a radical cure group using amoxicillin+clarithromycin +Omeprazole, a group using Hericium Extractive Granula+Omeprazole+Hydrotalcit, a group using only Hericium Extractive Granula, and a group using Hydrotalcit+Omeprazole, each of 30 cases, in a treatment course of 4 weeks. Results: After two courses of the treatment, the improvement of clinical symptoms in the 4 groups was different, among which, the classic radical group and the group using Hericium Extractive Granula + PPI improved more significantly than the other groups. Review of endoscopy and Helicobacter pylori at the end of the 8th week showed that the eradication rate, endoscopic mucosal changes and the subsiding of the histological inflammation in the group using Hericium Extractive Granula + PPI were more statistically significant ( P 0.05 ) than in the classical radical group; and also more statistically different than the group using only Hericium Extractive Granula and the group using Hydrotalcid + Omeprazole ( P 0.05 ). Conclusions:The therapeutic effect of the Hericium Extractive Granula with acid-suppressing agents and gastric mucous membrane protective agents against Hp associated chronic superficial gastritis was significant, particularly in improvement of clinical symptoms and endoscopic features. It was no worse than that in the classic radical cure group against Hp, but in the cure rate of Hp and the changes of organizations the former was not as good as the latter. Furthermore, the shape and taste of Hericium Extractive Granula is suitable for children, so it is economic and effective, and recommendable for those children patients allergic to antibiotics or resistant to the Hp-associated gastritis.
Psychiatric symptoms and antiretroviral nonadherence in US youth with perinatal HIV: a longitudinal study.

Objectives The relationship of specific psychiatric conditions to adherence has not been examined in longitudinal studies of youth with perinatal HIV infection (PHIV). We examined associations between psychiatric conditions and antiretroviral nonadherence over 2 years. Design Longitudinal study in 294 PHIV youth, 6-17 years old, in the United States and Puerto Rico. Methods We annually assessed three nonadherence outcomes: missed above 5% of doses in the past 3 days, missed a dose within the past month, and unsuppressed viral load (>400 copies/ml). We fit multivariable logistic models for nonadherence using Generalized Estimating Equations, and evaluated associations of psychiatric conditions (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, disruptive behavior, depression, anxiety) at entry with incident nonadherence using multivariable logistic regression. Results Nonadherence prevalence at study entry was 14% (3-day recall), 32% (past month nonadherence), and 38% (unsuppressed viral load), remaining similar over time. At entry, 38% met symptom cut-off criteria for at least one psychiatric condition. Greater odds of 3-day recall nonadherence were observed at week 96 for those with depression [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-15.42] or disruptive behavior (aOR 3.36, 95% CI 1.02-11.10], but not at entry. Those with vs. without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder had elevated odds of unsuppressed viral load at weeks 48 (aOR 2.46, 95% CI 1.27-4.78) and 96 (aOR 2.35, 95% CI 1.01-5.45), but not at entry. Among 232 youth adherent at entry, 16% reported incident 3-day recall nonadherence. Disruptive behavior conditions at entry were associated with incident 3-day recall nonadherence (aOR 3.01, 95% CI 1.24-7.31). Conclusion In PHIV youth, comprehensive adherence interventions that address psychiatric conditions throughout the transition to adult care are needed.
Nova Laser Fusion Facility — Design, Engineering, and Assembly Overview

The Nova laser fusion research facility, currently under construction at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), will provide researchers with powerful new tools for the study of nuclear wea...
Treatment Challenges of Group A Beta-hemolytic Streptococcal Pharyngo-Tonsillitis.

Introduction Despite its in vitro efficacy, penicillin often fails to eradicate Group A β-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS) from patients with acute and relapsing pharyngo-tonsillitis (PT). Objective This review of the literature details the causes of penicillin failure to eradicate GABHS PT and the therapeutic modalities to reduce and overcome antimicrobial failure. Data Synthesis The causes of penicillin failure in eradicating GABHS PT include the presence of β lactamase producing bacteria (BLPB) that “protect” GABHS from any penicillin; the absence of bacteria that interfere with the growth of GABHS; co-aggregation between GABHS and Moraxella catarrhalis; and the poor penetration of penicillin into the tonsillar tissues and the tonsillo-pharyngeal cells, which allows intracellular GABHS and Staphylococcus aureus to survive. The inadequate intracellular penetration of penicillin can allow intracellular GABHS and S. aureus to persist. In the treatment of acute tonsillitis, the use of cephalosporin can overcome these interactions by eradicating aerobic BLPB (including M. catarrhalis), while preserving the potentially interfering organisms and eliminating GABHS. Conclusion In treatment of recurrent and chronic PT, the administration of clindamycin, or amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, can eradicate both aerobic and anaerobic BLPB, as well as GABHS. The superior intracellular penetration of cephalosporin and clindamycin also enhances their efficacy against intracellular GABHS and S. aureus.
Safety of Continuous Peripheral Infusion of 3% Sodium Chloride Solution in Neurocritical Care Patients.

Background Numerous drug information resources recommend that continuous intravenous 3% sodium chloride solution be administered via a central catheter. Objectives To evaluate the incidence of infusion-related reactions and electrolyte abnormalities in neurocritical care patients treated with continuous intravenous infusion of 3% sodium chloride solution via a peripheral catheter. Methods Data on patients treated with continuous intravenous infusion of 3% sodium chloride solution at 2 academic medical centers were evaluated retrospectively to determine the administration site. Electronic notes on catheter status were reviewed to determine the occurrence of infusion-related reactions. Prespecified thresholds were used to assess electrolyte abnormalities. Results Of 213 patients who had peripheral continuous intravenous infusions of 3% sodium chloride solution, 15 (7%) had infusion-related reactions. Administration was changed to a central catheter in 56 patients (26.3%), but only 5 changes were due to an infusion-related reaction. Most (157 patients, 73.7%) received their entire treatment peripherally, for a median duration of 44 hours, 3 minutes. The most common electrolyte abnormalities were hyperchloremia in 49.3% and hypokalemia in 46.9% of patients. Conclusion Current recommendations that a central catheter is required for continuous intravenous infusion of 3% sodium chloride solution should be reevaluated. Only a few patients who had peripheral infusions had infusion-related reactions. Electrolyte abnormalities occurred frequently with peripheral infusion, but the clinical importance of the abnormalities remains unclear.
Coordination of Cellular Localization-Dependent Effects of Sumoylation in Regulating Cardiovascular and Neurological Diseases

Sumoylation, a reversible post-transcriptional modification process, of proteins are involved in cellular differentiation, growth, and even motility by regulating various protein functions. Sumoylation is not limited to cytosolic proteins as recent evidence shows that nuclear proteins, those associated with membranes, and mitochondrial proteins are also sumoylated. Moreover, it is now known that sumoylation plays an important role in the process of major human ailments such as malignant, cardiovascular and neurological diseases. In this chapter, we will highlight and discuss how the localization of SUMO protease and SUMO E3 ligase in different compartments within a cell regulates biological processes that depend on sumoylation. First, we will discuss the key role of sumoylation in the nucleus, which leads to the development of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. We will then discuss how sumoylation of plasma membrane potassium channel proteins are involved in epilepsy and arrhythmia. Mitochondrial proteins are known to be also sumoylated, and the importance of dynamic-related protein 1 (DRP1) sumoylation on mitochondrial function will be discussed. As we will emphasize throughout this review, sumoylation plays crucial roles in different cellular compartments, which is coordinately regulated by the translocation of various SUMO proteases and SUMO E3 ligase. Comprehensive approach will be necessary to understand the molecular mechanism for efficiently moving around various enzymes that regulate sumoylation within cells.
Nanoparticle fullerol alleviates radiculopathy via NLRP3 inflammasome and neuropeptides

The present study aimed to evaluate the analgesic effect of the antioxidant nanoparticle fullerol in a mouse radiculopathy and a dorsal root ganglion (DRG) culture models. Intervertebral disk degeneration causes significant hyperalgesia and nerve inflammation. Pain sensitization and inflammatory reaction were counteracted by fullerol when disk material was bathed in 10 or 100μM of fullerol prior to implantation. Immunohistochemistry showed similar massive IBA1 positive macrophage infiltration surrounding implanted disk material among groups, but IL-1β and IL-6 expression was decreased in the fullerol treated group. In the DRG explant culture, after treatment with TNF-α, the expression of IL-1β, NLRP3, and caspase 1 was significantly increased but this was reversed by the addition of fullerol. In addition, fullerol also decreased the expression of substance P and CGRP in the cultured DRGs. Nanoparticle fullerol effectively counteracts pain sensitization and the inflammatory cascade caused by disk degeneration.
An Autoethnographic Quest1: Searching for “Peace” in Seoul, South Korea:

This autoethnographic narrative explores the cultural contours of “Peace” in Seoul, South Korea, bringing together elements of cultural criticism, narrative travelogue, and cultural anthropology. W...
BECOMING PROFESSIONAL: CHINESE ACCOUNTANTS IN EARLY 20TH CENTURY SHANGHAI

This paper examines the experience of Chinese accountants transforming themselves into a profession during the early 20th century. It delineates how the experience was shaped by an intersection of economic development, the political culture and the nationalist movement in semi-colonial Shanghai. Chinese accountants responded to the daily manifestations of these larger historical forces by combining their professional self-interests with a nationalist agenda and by adapting to the changing political environment. The history and legacy of this experience provides a point of reference for observing the re-emergence of the accounting profession in China since the end of the Maoist era.
Image-Based Content Retrieval via Class-Based Histogram Comparisons

Content-based image retrieval has proved to be a fundamental research challenge for disciplines like search and computer vision. Though many approaches have been proposed in the past, most of them suffer from poor image representation and comparison methods, returning images that match the query image rather poorly when judged by a human. The recent rebirth of deep learning neural networks has been a boon to CBIR, producing much higher quality results, yet there are still issues with many recent uses of deep learning. Our method, which makes use of a pre-trained deep net, compares class-based histograms between the known image database and query images. This method produces results that are significantly better than baseline methods we test against. In addition, we modify the base network in two ways and then use a weighted voting system to decide on images to display. These modifications further improve image recall quality.
Beyond Polls: Using Science and Student Data to Stimulate Learning

ABSTRACTIn an effort to promote learning in classrooms, political science instructors are increasingly turning to interactive teaching strategies — experiments, simulations, etc. — that supplement traditional lecture formats. In this article, I advocate the use of student-generated data as a powerful teaching tool that can be used in a variety of ways to support learning. The “data-driven classroom” is one in which original student data are collected via survey at the beginning of the course and the results presented throughout the term. Examples and case studies across multiple courses and classroom settings are used to illustrate how the method may be applied in practice. Feedback from student assessment surveys reveals strong support for the method, even among nonmajors. The article concludes with recommendations for instructors interested in creating more data-driven classrooms.
1 Blockchain’s roles in meeting key supply chain management objectives

Abstract Arrival of blockchain is set to transform supply chain activities. Scholars have barely begun to systematically assess the effects of blockchain on various organizational activities. This paper examines how blockchain is likely to affect key supply chain management objectives such as cost, quality, speed, dependability, risk reduction, sustainability and flexibility. We present early evidence linking the use of blockchain in supply chain activities to increase transparency and accountability. Case studies of blockchain projects at various phases of development for diverse purposes are discussed. This study illustrates the various mechanisms by which blockchain help achieve the above supply chain objectives. Special emphasis has been placed on the roles of the incorporation of the IoT in blockchain-based solutions and the degree of deployment of blockchain to validate individuals’ and assets’ identities.
Asymptotic analysis of a class of nonlinear integral equations

Here ¢ > 0 is a constant and f is a given function. Some background and references related to this physical problem are given in [4]° For f bounded, locally integrable and positive, it is known that a unique positive solution u of (i.I) exists° This solution has been studied in various asymptotic limits [3], [4], [6]° Of particular interest here are the limits t ~ for s fixed and ¢ ~ 0 for all t ~ O. We shall discuss both of these cases.
Transgender Health and Healthcare

Transgender health and healthcare refer to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of health issues for transgender or gender-non-conforming people. Like the general population, transgender people desire access to safe, non-discriminatory, culturally sensitive, and affordable healthcare. However, although their healthcare needs are similar to that of the cisgender population, transgender people have specific physical health and psychological health needs related to their transgender identity – such as support surrounding gender transition. For the past century, Western medicine has treated transgender bodies – using gender-confirming surgery, also known as sex reassignment surgery (SRS) or gender reassignment surgery (GRS), to align trans people's primary and secondary sex characteristics with their gender identity. Transgender patients are medicalized, often diagnosed with gender dysphoria before receiving gender-confirming care such as hormones or SRS. The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) provides “standards of care,” a set of clinical guidelines to help practitioners treat patients diagnosed with gender dysphoria. Keywords: health; LGBTQ; medical practices; sexual minorities; transgender
Achieving competency in vaginal examinations: The challenge of balancing student learning needs with best practice in maternity care

Assessment of labor progress through vaginal digital examination (VE) remains one of the most challenging skills for midwifery students. As VE during labor has become a less frequent occurrence there are less opportunities for student midwives to gain mastery of the skill. Best practices for teaching and evaluating VE involve a step-wise, multi modal approach. More research is needed on how to standardize teaching for this essential skill.
Hirschsprung Disease beyond Infancy.

Hirschsprung disease (HD) is a common cause of neonatal intestinal obstruction in which a variable segment of the distal intestinal tract lacks the normal enteric nervous system elements. Affected individuals present with varying degrees of obstructive symptoms, but today most patients are diagnosed within the first several months of life owing to the well-recognized symptoms and the ease of making the diagnosis by way of the bedside suction rectal biopsy. Thus, for the adult general or colorectal surgeon, the vast majority of patients who present for evaluation will have already undergone surgical treatment within the first year of life by a pediatric surgeon. Despite several safe operative interventions to treat patients with HD, the long-term results are far from perfect. These patients may reach adult life with ongoing defecation disorders that require a systematic evaluation by a multidisciplinary group that should be led by a surgeon with a thorough knowledge of HD operations and the potential problems. The evaluation of these patients will form the basis for the majority of this review—however, some patients manage to escape diagnosis beyond the infant and childhood period—and a section herein will briefly address the case of an older patient who is suspected of having HD.
The Effectiveness of Mnemonic Instruction for Students with Learning and Behavior Problems: An Update and Research Synthesis

One of the most commonly described problems of students with learning and behavioral difficulties is memory for academic content. Using research integration techniques, this paper describes the effects of specific mnemonic (memory-enhancing) strategies in addressing this critical need area. The overall effectiveness of mnemonic techniques was found to be associated with an overall mean standardized “effect size” of 1.62, indicating an unusually large effect for treatment and replicating closely a research synthesis reported in the literature in the 1980s. Also, laboratory (or, “decontextualized”) research yielded results similar to those obtained in field-based investigations using established school curricula. Further, an evaluation of unpublished, descriptive teacher applications of mnemonic instruction provides further support that mnemonic strategies are effective and useful in ecologically valid settings.
Abstract 2650: Clinical implication of microsatellite instability in early gastric cancer

Purpose: The role of microsatellite instability is well established in advanced gastric cancer. However, its clinical implication has not been well addressed in early gastric cancer. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical characteristics of microsatellite instability in early gastric cancer. Methods: Patients who underwent gastrectomy with curative intent in Severance hospital from January, 2005 to December, 2010 and diagnosed as early gastric cancer (pT1a/b) were enrolled in this study. Remnant gastric cancer and patients who received chemotherapy before operation were excluded. Microsatellite instability status was evaluated by two mononucleotide repeat markers (BAT25 and BAT26) and three dinucleotide repeat markers (D5S346, D2S123, and D17S250) and instability in two or more markers was defined as miscrosatellite instability high (MSI-H), otherwise classified as microsatellite stable (MSS). Results: Of 1156 tumors that included the final analysis, 85 (7.4%) were MSI-H. MSI-H cancer was related to frequent female gender (54.1% vs. 32.8%, p 2.3%, p=0.755 and 3.2% vs. 2.3%, p=0.755, respectively). In sumbucosal gastric cancer, however, lympho-vascular invasion was frequently observed in MSI-H tumor (38.9% vs. 25.0%, p=0.027) but there was no difference in lymph node metastasis (25.9% vs. 19.9%, p=0.298). When we compared the disease free survival by MSI status, the prognosis of MSI-H tumor was similar compared to that of MSS tumor (log-rank test p=0.797, adjusted Hazard ratio of MSI-H by age, sex, pTstage and number of metastatic LNs: 0.932 [95% confidence interval: 0.423-2.054, p=0.861]). Conclusions: MSI status could not be a useful biomarker in early gastric cancer to predict prognosis of it. However, frequent lympho-vascular invasion of MSI-H early gastric cancer would be a warning that careful patient9s selection for endoscopic treatment or limited lymph node dissection for surgery is necessary. Citation Format: Yoon Young Choi, Dong Gyu Kim, Taeil Son, Hyoung-Il Kim, Jae-Ho Cheong, Woo Jin Hyung, Sung Hoon Noh. Clinical implication of microsatellite instability in early gastric cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2650.
Altered overnight levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in men and women with posttraumatic stress disorder

Abstract Background Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with disturbed sleep and elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Studies in animals and healthy humans have also shown that disrupted sleep elevates pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6 and TNF-α. A better understanding of overnight cytokine levels and sleep might shed light on possible mechanisms for elevated inflammation in PTSD. Thus, we investigated overnight levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in individuals with and without PTSD while recording sleep polysomnography (PSG). Method Serum samples were collected from otherwise healthy, medication-free participants with chronic PTSD (n = 44; 50% female; M age = 30.34 ± 8.11) and matched controls (n = 49; 53% female; M age = 30.53 ± 6.57) during laboratory PSG. Levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were measured at hours 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 after typical sleep onset time using serial serum samples. Plasma IL-6 and TNF-α levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results Growth model analysis indicated a significantgroup by time interaction for IL-6 (t[247] = -2.92, p = .005) and a significant group by sex by time interaction for TNF-α (t[275] = 2.02, p = .04). PTSD positive men and women initially had higher IL-6 and TNF-α at sleep onset, but not at the end of their sleep cycle. Men with PTSD showed a peak of TNF-α at the end of the sleep cycle, whereas male control subjects demonstrated an inverted U-shaped profile. There were no significant differences in TNF-α levels overnight between women with and without PTSD. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the largest study to examine IL-6 overnight in a PTSD sample and the first study to examine overnight TNF-α in PTSD. Overnight IL-6 and TNF-α levels may be altered in individuals with PTSD compared to those without PTSD, and TNF-α trajectories also differed by sex. The current findings highlight the need to consider sex, sleep, time of day, and circadian variation when examining inflammation in PTSD. Additional research in broader study samples will be necessary to clarify associations between disrupted sleep, cytokines, and increased risk for disease in PTSD.
Science achievement within the United States: a view through affective and demographic lenses

This study investigated the predictive effects of science self-efficacy, value in learning science, science attitudes, gender, and race on science achievement, among United States middle school stu...
Stimulation of constitutive nitric oxide uniquely and compensatorily regulates intestinal epithelial cell brush border membrane Na absorption

In the mammalian small intestine, sodium is primarily absorbed by Na+ /H+ exchange (NHE3) and Na-glucose cotransport (SGLT1) in the brush border membrane (BBM) of villus cells. However, how enhanced cellular constitutive nitric oxide (cNO) may affect NHE3 and SGLT1 remains unclear. Both in vivo in rabbit intestinal villus cells and in vitro IEC-18 cells, administration of NO donor, GSNAP, modestly increased cNO. GSNAP stimulated SGLT1 in villus and IEC-18 cells. The mechanism of stimulation was secondary to an increase in the affinity of SGLT1 for glucose. The change in SGLT1 was not secondary to altered Na-extruding capacity of the cell since Na+ /K+ -ATPase was decreased by GSNAP treatment. In contrast, GSNAP inhibited NHE3 activity in villus cell BBM. The mechanism of NHE3 inhibition was secondary to reduced BBM transporter numbers. These studies demonstrated that the physiological increase in cNO uniquely regulates mammalian small intestinal NHE3 and SGLT1 to maintain Na homeostasis.
Acknowledging privilege in an intentional community while working with adolescents in residential treatment

ABSTRACTIn this original narrative the author describes her experience living in an intentional community of volunteers the year after she completed her undergraduate studies. The author and her fo...
Behavioral and molecular markers of death in Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract Fly movement was tracked through 3-dimensional (3D) space as the fly died, using either reflected visible light, reflected infrared (IR) light, or fly GFP fluorescence. Behaviors measured included centrophobism, negative geotaxis, velocity, and total activity. In addition, frequency of directional heading changes (FDHC) was calculated as a measure of erratic movement. Nine middle-aged flies were tracked as they died during normal aging, and fifteen young flies were tracked as they died from dehydration/starvation stress. Episodes of increased FDHC were observed 0–8 h prior to death for the majority of the flies. FDHC was also increased with age in flies with neuronal expression of a human Abeta42 protein fragment associated with Alzheimer's disease. Finally, green autofluorescence appeared in the eye and body immediately prior to and coincident with death, and fluorescence of GFP targeted to the retina increased immediately prior to and coincident with death. The results suggest the potential utility of FDHC, green autofluorescence, and retinal GFP as markers of neuronal malfunction and imminent death.
Do Increased Intra-alveolar Squamous Cells at Autopsy Correlate With Acute Fetal Asphyxia?:

It is a generally held concept that finding increased aspirated amniotic fluid squames at autopsy supports a diagnosis of acute fetal asphyxia, the massive aspiration of squames being an indicator ...
Discursos conflictivos en la conquist de las Américas en La Relación de Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, 1542.

Este articulo examina la seccion de La Relacion en la cual Cabeza de Vaca se reune una vez mas con conquistadores y trabaja con Melchior Diaz, alcalde mayor de Culiacan, con el fin de pacificar a los nativos agredidos y desplazados por los espanoles. El articulo esta dividido en dos partes. La primera presenta el discurso de Cabeza de Vaca en choque con el del conquistador espanol encomendero. La segunda, trata del discurso imperial en lucha con los indigenas que intentan mantener su independencia. El trabajo analiza el lenguaje civilizador de Cabeza de Vaca que promueve la oficializacion, la regularizacion, y la centralizacion del imperio espanol en las Americas.
The Joint Impact of Goal Type and Goal Completion Magnitude on Consumer’ Post-Goal-Completion Behavior: An Abstract

Goal pursuit represents an important psychological mechanism under loyalty programs (Bagchi and Li 2010; Fishbach and Dhar 2005; Lee and Ariely 2006). Although academic research on loyalty programs has examined the extent to which consumers succeed or fail in reward–goal pursuit, insufficient attention has been paid to the consequences of such successes or failures. Addressing this gap, we draw upon research on goal pursuit and counterfactual thinking to examine the effect of goal completion magnitude on individuals’ effort toward achieving subsequent goals, and how maintenance versus attainment goal types moderate this relationship. Analyzing flight activities from 5719 members of a major airline’s frequent flyer program, we found that (1) individuals who failed (vs. succeeded) at achieving an attainment goal will put more (vs. less) effort into subsequent goal pursuit than individuals who failed (vs. succeeded) at fulfilling a maintenance goal; (2) a linear effect of goal achievement magnitude on future goal pursuit effort under the maintenance goal, such that the more one completed his/her previous goal, the more effort he/she will invest in the subsequent goal cycle; and (3) a reverse U-shaped effect of goal achievement magnitude under the attainment goal, such that substantial goal achievement in the previous goal cycle creates a surprising hampering effect (i.e., close-but-no-cigar effect) on subsequent goal pursuit. Instead, moderate achievement of the previous goal leads to the most effort invested in subsequent goal pursuit. These results and the proposed underlying processes are further explored in a lab experiment. Our research provides new insights for marketing scholars and managers with regard to goal pursuit and loyalty programs.
Use of post-discharge heparin prophylaxis and the risk of venous thromboembolism and bleeding following bariatric surgery.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality after bariatric surgery. Roughly 80% of VTEs occur post-discharge. The frequency of post-discharge heparin (PDH) prophylaxis use is unknown, and evidence about benefits and risks is limited. We aimed to determine the rate of use of PDH prophylaxis and evaluate its relationship with VTE and bleeding events. Using the Truven Health MarketScan® database, we performed a retrospective cohort study (2007–2015) of adult patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass. We determined PDH prophylaxis from outpatient pharmacy claims, and post-discharge 90-day VTE and bleeding events from outpatient and inpatient claims. We used propensity score-adjusted regression models to mitigate confounding bias. Among 43,493 patients (median age 45 years; 78% women; 77% laparoscopic gastric bypass, 17% laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, 6% open gastric bypass), 6% received PDH prophylaxis. Overall, 224 patients (0.52%) experienced VTEs, and 806 patients (1.85%) experienced bleeding. The unadjusted VTE rate did not differ between patients who did and did not receive PDH prophylaxis (0.39% vs. 0.52%, respectively; p = 0.347). The unadjusted bleeding rate was higher for the PDH prophylaxis group (2.74% vs. 1.80%, p < 0.001). In our adjusted analysis, a 23% lower risk of VTE in the PDH prophylaxis group was not statistically significant (odds ratio [OR] 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41 to 1.46), whereas the 47% higher risk of bleeding was statistically significant (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.88). PDH prophylaxis after bariatric surgery is uncommon. In our analysis, use was not associated with a lower VTE risk but was associated with a higher bleeding risk.
A VR Teleoperation Suite with Manipulation Assist

Advances in the capabilities of technologies like virtual reality (VR) and their rapid proliferation at consumer price points, have made it much easier to integrate them into existing robotic frameworks. VR interfaces are promising for robotics for several reasons, including that they may be suitable for resolving many of the human performance issues associated with traditional robot teleoperation interfaces used for robot manipulation. In this systems-focused paper, we introduce and document the development of a VR-based robot control paradigm with manipulation assist control algorithm, which allows human operators to specify larger manipulation goals while leaving the low-level details of positioning, manipulation and grasping to the robot itself. For the community, we also describe system design challenges to our progress thus far.
Validating ADME QSAR Models Using Marketed Drugs

Problems with drug ADME are responsible for many clinical failures. By understanding the ADME properties of marketed drugs and modeling how chemical structure contributes to these inherent properti...
Retirement Annuity and Employment-Based Pension Income, Among Individuals Age 50 and Over: 2005

This paper looks at one slice of the income pie of the older population: retirement annuities and employment-based pensions. It analyzes the population age 50 and over in order to take into account the prevalence of early retirement options available to individuals beginning at age 50. Recent data from the March 2008 Current Population Survey, conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, confirm earlier findings that gender, marital status, age, education, and other demographic variables have a significant impact on the likelihood of a worker receiving a retirement annuity and/or employment-based pension income in retirement. There may also be a strong correlation between these same variables and the amount of pension income received from private and/or public-sector employment-based retirement plans. In 2007, 42.6 percent of men age 65 and over received annuity and/or pension income, with a mean amount of $18,293 per year, compared with only 27.9 percent of women age 65 and over, who had mean annual pension income of $11,895. On average, today's younger women tend to spend more time in the work force than did women who were age 50 and over in 2007. Women's participation in retirement plans has risen significantly in recent years, closing the gap in retirement plan participation with men. The aggregate pension and annuity recipiency for women and the amounts they receive are likely to increase relative to men over time as these younger generations retire. The PDF for the above title, published in the November 2008 issue of EBRI Notes, also contains the fulltext of another November 2008 EBRI Notes article abstracted on SSRN: "Employer Spending on Benefits, 2007."
Biodegradable Microfluidic Scaffolds for Vascular Tissue Engineering

Thesis (M. Eng.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Biological Engineering Division, 2004.
Erythropoietin-induced transcription at the murine beta maj-globin promoter. A central role for GATA-1.

Abstract Using J2E cells and the murine βmaj-globin promoter as a model, we have performed the first direct analyses of erythropoietin (EPO)-activated transcription from defined templates. The −346 to +26 βmaj promoter was shown to comprise a target for maximal activation. This included a positive role for a −346 to −107-base pair (bp) domain in J2E cells, but not in F-MEL cells. Mutagenesis of a −215-bp AGATAA element within this domain showed that this effect did not require GATA-1 binding. In contrast, a critical role for GATA-1 at a −60-bp (G)GATAG element was defined by mutagenesis (GGgTAG and TGATAG), complementation with a synthetic TGATAA element, and the demonstrated specific binding of GATA-1. Proximal CCAAT(−75) and CACCC(−90) elements also were shown to contribute to transcriptional activation in J2E cells, yet exerted quantitatively distinct effects in the F-MEL system. Based on these results, minimal [TGATAA]4-TATA and TGATAA-CACCC-TATA promoters were constructed and assayed in each system. Remarkably, the [TGATAA]4-TATA promoter, but not the TGATAA-CACCC-TATA promoter, was induced efficiently by EPO in J2E cells, whereas the TGATAA-CACCC-TATA promoter was highly induced by Me2SO in F-MEL cells. These findings suggest that mechanisms of EPO-induced transcription in J2E cells involve GATA-1 and differ from chemically activated mechanisms studied previously in F-MEL cells. Globin induction in J2E cells was not associated with effects of EPO on levels or nuclear translocation of GATA-1. However, hemoglobinization was induced by okadaic acid, 8-Br-cAMP, and forskolin, a finding consistent with induction mechanisms that may involve modulated serine/threonine phosphorylation.
Grinding methods to enhance the reactivity of olivine

The Albany Research Center (ARC) conducted studies of mechanical activation by conventional and ultrafine grinding techniques to enhance olivine reactivity in mineral carbonation reactions. Activated olivine is one of several solid feed materials used at ARC in reactions with carbon dioxide to form carbonate minerals. This paper compares grinding techniques via energy demand data and product characteristics, including particle size distributions, surface areas, full-width-at-half-maximum (FWHM) XRD analyses, and particle morphology by SEM analyses. Reactivity was calculated by percent conversion to carbonate in subsequent carbonation tests. Particle size reduction has the greatest impact on reactivity, and wet grinding is more energy efficient than dry grinding. Large additional inputs of energy to increase surface area or reduce crystallinity do not result in proportional improvements in reactivity.
Abstract 2709: Identification of Aurintricarboxylic Acid (ATA) as an inhibitor of TWEAK-Fn14 signaling in glioblastoma cells

The long-term survival of patients with glioblastoma (GB) is compromised by the proclivity for local invasion into the surrounding normal brain, escaping surgical resection and contributing to therapeutic resistance. Tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), a member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily, can stimulate glioma cell invasion via binding to fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14) and subsequent activation of the transcription factor NF-κB. In order to discover a small molecule inhibitors that disrupt Fn14-TWEAK signaling axis and subsequently glioma cell invasion, we developed a cell-based drug screening assay using HEK293 cells that overexpresses Fn14 and harbors NF-κB driven Firefly luciferase protein expression. In preliminary drug screening assay using LOPAC1280 library of 1280 pharmacologically active compound, Aurintricarboxylic Acid (ATA) showed suppression of NF-κB driven Firefly Luciferase activity downstreatm of TWEAK-Fn14 signaling. Conversely, ATA did not show any suppression in NF-κB driven Firefly Luciferase activity downstream of TNFα-TNFR1 signaling, suggesting that ATA is a specific inhibitor of TWEAK-Fn14-NF-κB signaling. In vitro, we demonstrated that ATA suppresses TWEAK induced chemotactic migration of glioma cells (T98G and A172) and display no general cytotoxicity. In summary, this work reports a new small molecule inhibitor of TWEAK-Fn14 signaling that could be useful in enhancing the therapeutic targeting of this deadly disease. Citation Format: Harshil D. Dhruv, Ethan Holiday, Donald Chow, Holly Yin, Michael E. Berens, Nhan L. Tran. Identification of Aurintricarboxylic Acid (ATA) as an inhibitor of TWEAK-Fn14 signaling in glioblastoma cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 2709. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-2709
Security aspects of wireless heterogeneous databases - protocol, performance, and energy analysis

Users have been demanding information "anytime, anywhere". The notion of accessing diverse and autonomous information repositories with different APIs is not accepted. This has necessitated the logical integration of diverse information from different sources with common APIs. Current multi-database researchers have effectively addressed issues such as local autonomy, heterogeneity, transaction management, concurrency control, transparency, and query resolution in a "sometimes, somewhere" environment. The concept of mobility, however, introduces additional complexities and restrictions to multi-database designers. A user accessing data through a remote connection with a portable device has high probability to face issues like reduced capacity network connections, frequent disconnections, and processing and resource restrictions. This work extends the scope of our previous effort in the design of an authorization model for a multi-database system. The authorized summary schema model is used as the underlying paradigm and is extended to provide a secure wireless environment. The proposed system is simulated and the impact of a wireless medium on performance is presented, evaluated, and analyzed.
Sugar and Organic Acid Accumulation in Guard Cells of Vicia faba in Response to Red and Blue Light

Changes in neutral sugar and organic acid content of guard cells were quantitated by high-performance liquid chromatography during stomatal opening in different light qualities. Sonicated Vicia faba epidermal peels were irradiated with 10 [mu]mol m-2 s-1 of blue light, a fluence rate insufficient for the activation of guard cell photosynthesis, or 125 [mu]mol m-2 s-1 of red light, in the presence of 1 mM KCl, 0.1 mM CaCl2. The low-fluence-rate blue light stimulated an average net stomatal opening of 4.7 [mu]m in 2 h, whereas the saturating fluence rate of red light stimulated an average net opening of 3.8 [mu]m in 2 h. Under blue light, the malate content of guard cells increased to 173% of the initial level during the first 30 min of opening and declined as opening continued. Sucrose levels continuously rose throughout the blue light-stimulated opening, reaching 215% of the initial level after 2 h. The starch hydrolysis products maltose and maltotriose remained elevated at all times. Under red light, guard cells showed very little increase in organic acid or maltose levels, whereas sucrose levels increased to 208% of the initial level after 2 h. Total measured organic metabolite concentrations were correlated with stomatal apertures in all cases except where substantial malate increases occurred. These results support the hypothesis that light quality modulates alternative mechanisms of osmotic accumulation in guard cells, including potassium uptake, photosynthetic sugar production, and starch breakdown.
Impurity control and vacuum pumping system design and analysis for next-generation Tokamaks

Impurity control system design and performance studies were performed in support of the Tokamak Fusion Core Experiment (TFCX) preconceptual design. Efforts concentrated on the pumped limiter and vacuum pumping system design configuration, thermal/mechanical and erosion lifetime performance of the limiter protective surface, and helium ash removal performance. Analysis results indicate that the limiter/vacuum pumping system design provides marginally adequate helium ash removal. Difficulties in providing adequate helium ash removal for more compact or higher fusion-power-density devices are addressed. Erosion, primarily by disruption-induced vaporization and/or melting, limits the protective surface lifetime to about one calendar year or only about 60 full power hours of operation. In addition to evaluating impurity control system performance for nominal TFCX conditions, these studies attempt to focus on the key plasma physics and engineering design issues that should be addressed in future research and development programs.
Applying instructional systems development to software maintenance education

Instructional systems development (ISD) has proved to be effective for developing software maintenance education courses. The process of ISD involves the establishment of specific performance objectives which are addressed through classroom instruction and laboratory experience. Students graduate when they are able to pass stringent tests against the established objectives. ISD incorporates the following five stages: analyze system requirements; define education or training requirements; develop objectives and tests; plan, develop, and validate instruction; and conduct and evaluate instruction. Progressing through these stages ensures that an effective course of instruction is in place. An example is presented of the application of ISD. >
Alternative Forms of Formamidopyrimidine‐DNA Glycosylase from Arabidopsis thaliana¶

Formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase (FPG) catalyzes the initial steps in the repair of DNA containing oxidized purines. Two complementary DNA clones encoding homologs of bacterial FPG, designated Atfpg-1 and Atfpg-2, have been isolated from Arabidopsis thaliana. They are products of alternative splicing of the transcript of a single gene. Proteins encoded by both clones, AtFPG-1 and AtFPG-2, engineered to contain oligohistidine sequences on their C-terminal ends, were expressed in Escherichia coli and purified, and their activities were assayed. Both proteins cleaved DNA that contained apurinic sites, indicating that they have abasic lyase activity. AtFPG-1, but not AtFPG-2, showed significant cleavage of a double-stranded oligonucleotide that contained 8-oxo-guanine, indicating that the structural differences between the two proteins influence their enzymatic activities. However, both proteins were able to cleave the same sites in DNA that was treated with visible light in the presence of methylene blue.
The Interplay of Management Incentives and Audit Committee Communication on Auditor Judgment

ABSTRACT: This study investigates the interplay of management and the audit committee on auditor judgments and evidence documentation. In a 2 × 2 between-subjects experiment, 58 experienced auditors were tasked with evaluating an inventory obsolescence issue when management's incentives to influence the auditor were either higher or lower. The auditors were also either provided or not provided with additional communicated expectations from the audit committee that opposed management's aggressive reporting preference. Drawing on research on competing preferences and source credibility theory, we predict and find that when management's incentives are higher, additional audit committee communication has a significant and positive impact on auditors' evidence evaluation and related judgments. However, we find no effect of added audit committee influence when management incentives are lower. These findings highlight the importance of examining the interrelationships among the various actors contributing to co...
Rupture of an aneurysmal pulmonary trunk 40 years after Blalock-Taussig anastomosis

Abstract The Blalock-Taussig anastomosis has been in continuous use for over 4 decades. 1 Complications resulting from large shunts have been uncommon in contrast to the Potts procedure in which excessive flow, pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary vascular disease were frequent. 2 In The Johns Hopkins report of late complications of anastomotic surgery for tetralogy of Fallot, 3 1 patient is relevant here. In that patient, Blalock found unusually large brachiocephalic arteries. The right subclavian artery was larger than the right pulmonary artery. An end-to-side anastomosis was constructed. Ten years later at age 16 years, the patient died of a dissecting aneurysm of the pulmonary trunk. Pulmonary hypertension was assumed, although a continuous murmur was present. Late development of pulmonary vascular disease is rare after a Blalock-Taussig shunt that uses a normal-sized subclavian artery, and fatal rupture of the pulmonary trunk is unknown except for the following report.