cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Care for the Hispanic poor: a growing segment of American society.

AMERICA'S new minority group is coming of age: the Hispanic. Surges in Hispanic birth rates and legal and illegal immigration make this growing component of American society a population to be reckoned with. Hispanics totaled 21 million Americans in 1987 (7.9% of the US population). 1 The Hispanic population is expected to increase 40% by the year 2000 (to almost 30 million people). Birth rates for Hispanics are three to four times that of the non-Hispanic white population. Most of us in health care see a lot of this new "poor" American in our clinics and emergency departments, sick and Spanish speaking. Hispanics, with a median age of 23 years, are younger than the US population as a whole. Hispanics (on average) are poor. About 30% of all Hispanic families are living below the poverty level compared with 15% of the total US population. One of every five Hispanic adults,
Source dimensions in ultrarelativistic heavy ion collisions

collision zone, are compared with models that distinguish a prehadronic phase and a hadronic phase. The models include prehadronic longitudinal expansion, conversion to hadrons in local kinetic equilibrium, and rescattering of the produced hadrons. We find that the longitudinal and outward radii are surprisingly sensitive to the algorithm used for two-body collisions. The longitudinal radius measured in collisions of 200 GeV/nucleon sulfur nuclei on a heavy target requires the existence of a prehadronic phase which converts to the hadronic phase at densities around 0.8 — 1.0 GeV/fm . The transverse radii cannot be reproduced without introducing more complex dynamics into the transverse expansion. PACS number(s): 25.75.+r
Integrating process and genre into the second language writing classroom: Research into practice

The field of second language (L2) writing has moved beyond the false dichotomies between process- and genre-based pedagogies perpetuated in the 1980s and 1990s, but there has still been little research on how the two are actually reconciled in the classroom. Consequently, L2 writing instructors are left with an incomplete picture, unsure how to incorporate such research into their own classrooms. This paper describes how one teacher, Juval, encountered the research on process- and genre-based pedagogies and negotiated his understanding of this research into his practice. Alongside Juval's voice is the voice of a teacher educator, Paul, setting these frameworks in the context of larger developments in the field of L2 writing. Their discussion takes Juval from his initial view of writing as a grammar-elicitation task to his resort to research for answers to the complex needs of his students. With further support from colleagues, Juval reaches a place where the two pedagogies are not only reconciled but work together to prepare his students for their writing tasks. His narrative chimes with the experience of many L2 writing teachers and should inspire novice and experienced teachers to reflect on their relationship with theory and research.
Increased ion conductance across mammalian membranes modified with conjugated oligoelectrolytes

Variation in conjugated oligoelectrolyte (COE) repeat units is shown to affect the rate of COE insertion into mammalian membrane patches and membrane patch stabilities. These findings suggest that it is possible to find COE structures that do not destroy membranes while at the same time allow for more facile transmembrane movement of ions/substrates.
A 2,3-Connected Tellurium Net and the Cs3 Te22 Phase

The bonding in the recently reported Cs3 Te22 phase, which contains both Te8 rings and remarkable Te6 sheets, is studied by approximate molecular orbital theory. Our focus is on the geometric and electronic features of the unique 2,3-connected Te net found as a substructure in this phase. The calculations show that both the linear and T-shaped Te geometries in the 2,3-connected Te net of Cs3 Te22 are determined by their particular electron count. Both types of tellurium atoms are hypervalent; we make connections to other well known hypervalent molecules, such as XeF2, I3−, and BrF3. Several possible variations and distortions of this net are discussed, all of which are found to be less stable. The discrete crown-shaped Te8 units that appear in the phase show normal covalent bonding and should occur in smaller molecular entities, too. According to our computations, Cs3 Te22 should be metallic. Two structurally related phases, CsTe7 and Cs2 Te15, are suggested.
The Classical Encomium, Too

In the same vein as my Burkean Parlor essay (2011), another ready classical discourse form useful for learning rhetoric and for non-academic speaking and writing opportunities is the encomium. This...
Psychometric Properties of the Healthful Eating Belief Scales for Persons at Risk of Diabetes

Objective: To examine the validity and reliability of Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) scales for healthful eating for persons at risk for diabetes. Design: Cross-sectional, using a self-administered questionnaire. Setting: Community in the Midwest. Participants: 106 adults who self-identified based on one or more American Diabetes Association diabetes risks. Variables Measured: Behavioral, normative, and control beliefs; and attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and intention to eat a healthful diet. Analysis: Construct validity was assessed with factor analyses and measurement and structural models using structural equation modeling. Reliability of the scales was assessed with Cronbach alpha and a 2-month test-retest. Results: Factor analysis loadings were greater than .37. Cronbach alphas for the behavioral, normative, and control belief scales were .80, .91, and .84, respectively. The measurement model revealed that the measures were significant estimates for the TPB constructs, and they fit well as indirect measures of attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control in predicting intention to eat a healthful diet. Test-retest revealed 2-month stability of the scales. Conclusions and Implications: Scales for measuring TPB behavioral, normative, and control beliefs were valid and reliable for use with adults at risk for diabetes. Further examination with minority persons is warranted.
A racial/ethnic diversity interpretation of politics and policy in the states of the U.S.

Theory: This paper examines a new interpretation of politics in the states of the U.S.-that racial and ethnic diversity, and the levels and types of this diversity, are central to understanding politics and policy in the states. We conceptualize and statistically model states in terms of their homogeneous, heterogeneous, or bifurcated racial/ethnic composition. Hypothesis: Racial/ethnic diversity provides a theoretical and empirical explanation for policy variations in the states. Methods: Data are used to develop two measures of racial/ethnic diversity: an index of minority diversity and white ethnic diversity. These indices are compared with "political culture" categories using descriptive and inferential statistics. Using regression analysis, the measures of racial/ethnic diversity are examined relative to several state policies. Results: Racial/ethnic diversity explains much of the variation in the grouping of state political cultures. Increased minority diversity (bifurcation) is associated with lower overall education and social policy outcomes. But when the policies are disaggregated by race, we find that policies for minorities are especially poor in homogeneous states. The unique contribution of the diversity interpretation is that it can account for policy variation in the aggregate, as well as with respect to specific policies as they affect minorities. Previous research concerning race and public policy addresses the former (aggregate) outcomes, but does not anticipate nor explain the latter, especially the dynamics of race/ethnicity in homogeneous contexts. Also, different types of "political pluralism" -consensual, competitive, and hierarchical-are associated with varying levels of racial/ethnic diversity.
A single-pool inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-receptor-based model for agonist-stimulated oscillations in Ca2+ concentration.

Abstract Relying on quantitative measurements of Ca2+ activation and inhibition of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor in the endoplasmic reticulum, we construct a simplified kinetic model to describe the properties of this channel. Selecting rate constants to fit key kinetic and equilibrium data, we find that the model reproduces a variety of in vivo and in vitro experiments. In combination with Ca(2+)-ATPase activity for Ca2+ uptake into the endoplasmic reticulum, the model leads to cytoplasmic oscillations in Ca2+ concentration at fixed IP3 concentration and only a single pool of releasable Ca2+, the endoplasmic reticulum. Incorporation of a positive-feedback mechanism of Ca2+ on IP3 production by phospholipase C enriches the properties of the oscillations and leads to oscillations in Ca2+ concentration accompanied by oscillations in IP3 concentration. We discuss the possible significance of these results for the interpretation of experiments.
The Right to Truth: The Evolution of a Right

This piece traces the history of the right to truth and considers whether or not it has achieved normative status.
Preoperative localization of occult medullary carcinoma of the thyroid gland with single-photon emission tomography dimercaptosuccinic acid

Background. Patients who undergo thyroidectomy for medullary carcinoma of the thyroid gland (MTC) often have elevations of postoperative serum calcitonin levels, which are indicative of metastatic or residual disease. It has been extremely difficult to localize tumor in these patients with standard diagnostic studies such as ultrasonography, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imagin scans. Previous studies have suggested that planar technetium 99m (V) dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphic scans can localize MTC in these patients
New Device for Open Twin Incision Technique for Carpal Tunnel Syndrom

Open twin incision has been performed for 200 cases of carpal tunnel syndrome since 1990. The operation is performed with twin skin incisions; a proximal incision is made on the distal wrist crease and a distal incision is made on the thenar crease. The proximal flexor retinaculum is excised and the proximal median nerve is explored. The distal flexor retinaculum is excised, and the superficial palmar artery, digital nerve, and thenar branch of the median nerve are exposed. The transverse carpal ligament is incised subcutaneously with our new device. The device has a round curved tip and long shaft with groove in order to prevent complications. The 200 cases who underwent the open twin incision technique with our new device were analyzed. There were no operative complications and residual symptoms disappeared within a month. We recommend our new device for the open twin incision technique for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Prospective detection of cortical dysplasia on clinical MRI in pediatric intractable epilepsy

Background Cortical dysplasia is the most common cause of pediatric refractory epilepsy. MRI detection of epileptogenic lesion is associated with good postsurgical outcome. Additional electrophysiological information is suggested to be helpful in localization of cortical dysplasia. Educational measures were taken to increase the awareness of cortical dysplasia at our institution in the context of a recent International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE 2011) classification of cortical dysplasia.
The Progress of Gene Engineering Pharmacy

Recombinant DNA technique is the core of modern biotechnology It is a kind of high technique complex continually developing system,which is also one kind of high technique first developed in the world.It is medicine science that was initially apply to and now most active since gene engineering was invented in the 1970's. Recombinant DNA technique has not only provided drugs of gene engineering such as IFN,EPO,etc,which preventing and curing the heart-brain blood vessels disease,malignant tumor,major infectious disease and hereditary disease, but also widely used to transform some old medicine industry such as antibiotics and living thing products etc. Gene engineering pharmacy has formed a huge industry of high and new technology.
The Sage encyclopedia of quality and the service economy

The service sector plays a huge role in most economies. Services account for the largest share of gross domestic product (GDP) in most countries and provide the major source of employment in both d...
The Safe Act: New York's Ban on Assault Weapons and Large Capacity Magazines

The January 2013 New York State Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act (SAFE Act) was the most immediate and strongest gun control response to the December 2012 massacre at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown Connecticut. Among other provisions, it banned new manufacture, sale and possession of semi-automatic rifles, shotguns and pistols with one or more military-style features. Existing owners of these prohibited weapons were grandfathered if they registered with the State Police, but they cannot, even at death, transfer possession to any New York State resident. In addition, the Act prohibits possession of greater than seven (amended to 10) round magazines; there is no grandfathering. This Article closely analyzes the SAFE Act as conceived, implemented and enforced. It cautions that even this strongest of assault weapon and large capacity magazine bans is likely to have little effect on mass killings or gun crime because of conceptual, implementation and enforcement problems.
Nanosatellite Science Applications

The notion of a “nanosat” or satellite in the range of 1 to 10 kg is not new. In fact, some of the very earliest satellites were technically “nanosats”. These were barely functional but did demonstrate that artificial satellites were feasible. Driven by the belief that bigger is better, spacecraft grew larger and larger for the next thirty years. Mission designers took full advantage of the large launch vehicles developed for human flight and military endeavors. This approach has proven to be very successful. Complex, sophisticated spacecraft now perform incredible missions on a regular basis.
The Journey to Tracking Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Acuity

Abstract In 2001, The Institute of Medicine (IOM) proposed six aims for changing the American health care system. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (n.d.) 1 Those aims were intended to make the future health care system; Safe, Timely, Effective, Efficient, Equitable, and Patient-Centered. With the acronym of STEEEP, the proposal provided a very steep learning curve for the United States Health Care System. Fortunately for nursing leaders, having been trained in providing a safe environment for patients, monitoring trends, and solving problems, the learning curve was not as steep. A small group of multidisciplinary leaders have been working on achieving these aims in a midwest level IV neonatal intensive care unit. The focus has been to improve patient safety through appropriate staffing and communication amongst health care providers with the use of evidence, structure, and technology.The team of multidisciplinary leaders have redesigned the rounding process, improved communication, tracked acuity, and enhanced staffing as a result of tracking productivity and acuity in the NICU.
Shall We Deconstruct Science

Science and the so-called “scientific method” have been deconstructed and critiqued by many in the humanities. Do we have to redo science or is it okay as it is? This article based on a talk given at a Partisan Review conference “Breaking Traditions 1896 and 1996”, and subsequently published in Partisan Review, 64(2), in 1997 . As a scientist (a hard scientist with a soft heart) before this audience, I believe it is appropriate to quote a remark made by Ed Bloom, a departed colleague. Once, when addressing the Modern Language Association, Ed said he felt like a lion thrown to the Christians. I was very much influenced by Freud's writings on psychoanalysis, particularly by his theory of dreams. I didn't believe all of Freud's elaborations, but I thought he touched on concepts that were enormously deep, such as the unconscious, the conscious, and the very powerful interaction between them. It is of great interest to me since biologists and neurophysiologists expect to find the underlying physical correlate for such concepts as the unconscious. For example, we might say that the unconscious is related to stored memory and what is conscious is memory in play. I seem to remember that Freud believed we would eventually find the biological basis for psychoanalytic concepts. But at the beginning of the past century that time had not arrived. So the best way was to proceed without such a basis. He was right.
The Implications of HO and IRS Theories in Bilateral Trade Flows within Sub-Saharan Africa

Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries tend to trade less among themselves. This article analyzes the driving forces of bilateral trades within the SSA region. To do so, I use the gravity equations from Evenett and Keller (2002) and study what trade theories, the Heckscher–Ohlin theory of factor abundance or the increasing return to scale theory of product differentiation, account for the bilateral trade flows within this region. My results indicate that trades within this region do not arise from factor abundance or product differentiation. Trade policies that are aimed to promote trade within the region (i.e. FTA, custom unions) are likely to fail, because SSA countries produce similar homogeneous products. The key factor for economic success from international trade for the SSA region relies on how to manufacture products in different varieties and how to export their comparative advantage goods outside the region.
Diapers and Day Care

To the Editor. —Since 1987, the Seattle-King County Nurses Association's Diaper Decision Group has followed issues related to diapering methods and has attempted to raise awareness about diapering choices. We are a nonprofit association with no financial ties to either the cloth or disposable diaper industries. From our work, a number of issues can be raised about the article by Van et al. 1 Although no financial support or affiliations were disclosed, Dr Pickering appeared in a 1990 Procter & Gamble videotape about reducing illness in child-care settings. Readers should be cautioned that the results of the study are applicable only to disposable diapers with absorbent gelling material and cannot be generalized to all types of disposable diapers. The use of the term paper diapers was misleading. Paper diapers are composed of 65% wood-pulp fibers, yet the remaining nonbiodegradable materials include polyethylene plastic, tape, and superabsorbing crystals. It is possible
Artifacts of Internment: Archaeology and Interpretation at Two American Civil War Prisoner-of-War Sites

While the American Civil War (1861–1865) is best known for key events such as the Battle of Gettysburg, the horrid Civil War prisoner of war experience is also important, with 56,000 men perishing in Civil War prisons. At two PoW camp sites, managed and interpreted for the public by the US National Parks Service, archaeology has played an important role in enhancing understanding. Andersonville National Historic Site, Georgia, perhaps the most notorious of the Civil War prisons, has few surviving records or remains of the stockade, but archaeology has revealed two construction phases and key architectural features and living areas. At Fort Pulaski National Monument, Georgia, the location of the graves of the Confederate PoWs who died at Fort Pulaski were revealed through archaeology and are now marked and interpreted for the public by an outside exhibit.
TRIM5α Resistance Escape Mutations in the Capsid Are Transferable between Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Strains

ABSTRACT TRIM5α polymorphism limits and complicates the use of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) for evaluation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine strategies in rhesus macaques. We previously reported that the TRIM5α-sensitive SIV from sooty mangabeys (SIVsm) clone SIVsmE543-3 acquired amino acid substitutions in the capsid that overcame TRIM5α restriction when it was passaged in rhesus macaques expressing restrictive TRIM5α alleles. Here we generated TRIM5α-resistant clones of the related SIVsmE660 strain without animal passage by introducing the same amino acid capsid substitutions. We evaluated one of the variants in rhesus macaques expressing permissive and restrictive TRIM5α alleles. The SIVsmE660 variant infected and replicated in macaques with restrictive TRIM5α genotypes as efficiently as in macaques with permissive TRIM5α genotypes. These results demonstrated that mutations in the SIV capsid can confer SIV resistance to TRIM5α restriction without animal passage, suggesting an applicable method to generate more diverse SIV strains for HIV vaccine studies. IMPORTANCE Many strains of SIV from sooty mangabey monkeys are susceptible to resistance by common rhesus macaque TRIM5α alleles and result in reduced virus acquisition and replication in macaques that express these restrictive alleles. We previously observed that spontaneous variations in the capsid gene were associated with improved replication in macaques, and the introduction of two amino acid changes in the capsid transfers this improved replication to the parent clone. In the present study, we introduced these mutations into a related but distinct strain of SIV that is commonly used for challenge studies for vaccine trials. These mutations also improved the replication of this strain in macaques with the restrictive TRIM5α genotype and thus will eliminate the confounding effects of TRIM5α in vaccine studies.
An evaluation of tree marking methods for implementing spatially heterogeneous restoration

ABSTRACTSilviculturists are increasingly focused on the development of structurally complex forests through spatially heterogeneous treatments; however, the implementation of these treatments is challenging. We investigated the effectiveness of three tree marking methods used to implement spatially heterogeneous restoration treatments on Colorado’s Front Range: Individual Tree Marking (ITM) physically marks all trees that are either to be cut or left; Designation by Description (DxD) provides a description of the trees that are to be removed based on specific tree characteristics; and Designation by Prescription (DxP) provides the operator with a description of the desired outcomes of the treatment. We employed a mixed methods approach by (a) quantitatively comparing the heterogeneity of stands that have been treated; and (b) interviewing personnel involved in the implementation of these treatments to qualitatively evaluate their efficiency and effectiveness. Neither the quantitative nor the qualitative s...
Data-Dependent Convergence for Consensus Stochastic Optimization

We study a distributed consensus-based stochastic gradient descent (SGD) algorithm and show that the rate of convergence involves the spectral properties of two matrices: The standard spectral gap of a weight matrix from the network topology and a new term depending on the spectral norm of the sample covariance matrix of the data. This data-dependent convergence rate shows that distributed SGD algorithms perform better on datasets with small spectral norm. Our analysis method also allows us to find data-dependent convergence rates as we limit the amount of communication. Spreading a fixed amount of data across more nodes slows convergence; for asymptotically growing datasets, we show that adding more machines can help when minimizing twice-differentiable losses.
Impact of Gender on 30-Day Complications After Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty

Abstract Background Impact of gender on 30-day complications has been investigated in other surgical procedures but has not yet been studied in total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods Patients who received THA or TKA from 2012 to 2014 were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on gender. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess associations between gender and patient factors and complications after THA or TKA and to assess whether gender was an independent risk factor. Results THA patients consisted of 45.1% male and 54.9% female. In a multivariate analysis, female gender was found to be a protective factor for mortality, sepsis, cardiovascular complications, unplanned reintubation, and renal complications and as an independent risk factor for urinary tract infection, blood transfusion, and nonhome discharge after THA. TKA patients consisted of 36.7% male and 62.3% female. Multivariate analysis revealed female gender as a protective factor for sepsis, cardiovascular complications, and renal complications and as an independent risk factor for urinary tract infection, blood transfusion, and nonhome discharge after TKA. Conclusion There are discrepancies in the THA or TKA complications based on gender, and the multivariate analyses confirmed gender as an independent risk factor for certain complications. Physicians should be mindful of patient's gender for better risk stratification and informed consent.
The changing nature of rainfall during the early history of Mars

Abstract Several explanations have been proposed for the temporal differences in geologic processes associated with the modification of martian impact craters, which occurred throughout the Noachian, and the formation of valley networks, which occurred during the Noachian/Hesperian transition. Here we show that it could be a result of the changing nature of rainfall as the primordial atmospheric pressure on Mars waned through time. We calculate the terminal velocity and resulting kinetic energy from raindrops > 0.5 mm in diameter that would impact the surface of Mars in a CO 2 -rich atmosphere ranging in pressure from 0.5 to 10 bars. Our analyses indicate that the primordial atmosphere of Mars could not have exceeded ∼4.0 bars as raindrop sizes would have been limited to
Prognostic Utility and Clinical Significance of Cardiac Mechanics in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: Importance of Left Atrial Strain.

Background— Left atrial (LA) enlargement is associated with adverse events in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, the role of LA mechanics (ie, LA strain measures) in HFpEF has not been well studied. We hypothesized that in HFpEF, reduced (worse) LA strain is a key pathophysiologic abnormality and is a stronger correlate of adverse events than left ventricular or right ventricular longitudinal strain. Methods and Results— We evaluated baseline LA function in 308 patients with HFpEF who were followed up longitudinally for adverse outcomes. All patients underwent speckle-tracking echocardiography for measurement of left ventricular longitudinal strain, right ventricular free wall strain, and LA booster, conduit, and reservoir strains. The clinical and prognostic significance of left ventricular, right ventricular, and LA strain measures was assessed by regression analyses. The mean age was 65±13 years, 64% were women, 26% had atrial fibrillation, and LA enlargement was present in the majority of patients (67%). Decreased LA reservoir strain was associated with increased pulmonary vascular resistance ( P <0.0001) and decreased peak oxygen consumption ( P =0.0001). Of the left ventricular, right ventricular, and LA strain measures, LA reservoir strain was the strongest correlate of adverse events and was independently associated with the composite outcome of cardiovascular hospitalization or death (adjusted hazard ratio per 1-SD decrease in LA strain, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.15–2.07; P =0.006). Conclusions— Abnormal indices of LA mechanics (particularly LA reservoir strain) are powerful clinical and prognostic factors in HFpEF. Unloading the LA and augmentation of LA function may be important future therapeutic targets in HFpEF. Registration Information— URL: . Unique identifier: [NCT01030991][1]. [1]: /lookup/external-ref?link_type=CLINTRIALGOV&access_num=NCT01030991&atom=%2Fcirccvim%2F9%2F3%2Fe003754.atom
The ‘wicked problem’ of data localisation

ABSTRACTData localisation should be seen as a sign of the current political climate; as the internet grows, so does its ability to empower users, hold governments accountable, and call into question much of the status quo. At the same time, governments are becoming increasingly savvy in their use of the internet to monitor the actions of users, both within their own countries and in others. Edward Snowden's 2013 revelations regarding the U.S. government's secret surveillance programme made other governments realise the potential of utilising the internet as a means to collect, analyse, and store data. It is under this purview that we will discuss data localisation. The main question of which we should keep reminding ourselves is why, in the face of clear evidence regarding the detrimental impact of data localisation in a country, a government would still opt for such a measure. The answer is to be found in power.
Sulfur Hydrides in the Interstellar Medium

Whereas H2S was one of the first triatomic molecules detected in interstellar ▶molecular clouds (in 1972), the identification of SH (in 2011) and SH (in 2012) has been much more recent. Although H2S and SH + were observed using ground-based radio telescopes, radio astronomers used the SOFIA airborne observatory to detect SH (see▶Molecules in Space and the Web page cited there – http://www. astro.uni-koeln.de/cdms/molecules).
The surgical challenges of salvage living donor liver transplantation for Hepatocellular carcinoma; The cumulative experience of 100 cases - A retrospective cohort study and a propensity score analysis.

Abstract Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasingly managed by liver resection first then salvage liver transplantation in case of recurrence within accepted criteria. Many reports compared the safety of the salvage against the primary surgery in the setting of deceased donation but the difference in case of living donation is not sufficiently defined. Salvage living donor liver transplantation (SLDLT) is believed to be a more challenging surgery than primary living donor liver transplantation (PLDLT) due to operative field adhesions, in addition to the inherent difficulties particularly short vasculobiliary stumps. In this report, we compared both pathways from a surgical perspective in a homogenous LDLT-only cohort. Materials and methods Over 15 years, 448 LDLTs for HCC were performed in a single liver transplant institution in Taiwan, including PLDLT (n = 348) and SLDLT (n = 100). A retrospective comparative review of the surgical outcomes of both pathways using a propensity score matching model (1–1, 100 pairs) was performed with adjustment for age, Child score and MELD score. The surgical outcome and survival were compared across 2 time eras. Results The operative data showed that SLDLT surgery encountered more extensive adhesions (57% vs. 0%, p Conclusions The SLDLT surgery is a demanding lengthy procedure with extensive adhesions and possibility of frequent re-explorations. Significant case load and high centre volume are important factors for safe practice of SLDLT and better cumulative OS.
Woodpecker drumming behavior is linked to the elevated expression of genes that encode calcium handling proteins in the neck musculature.

Many animals perform elaborate physical displays for social communication. Identifying molecular mechanisms that co-evolve with these complex behavioral signals can therefore help reveal how forces of selection shape animal design. To study this issue, we examined gene expression profiles in select skeletal muscles that actuate woodpecker drum displays. This remarkable whole-body signal is produced when individuals rapidly hammer their bill against trees. We found that, compared with muscles that play no part in producing this behavior, the main muscle used to drum abundantly expresses two genes that encode proteins that support myocytic calcium (Ca2+) handling dynamics - namely parvalbumin (PV) and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase 1 (SERCA1). Meanwhile, we found no such difference in the expression of another gene similarly vital to Ca2+ handling, ryanodine receptor 1 (RYR1). These differences are not present in a non-woodpecker species, which readily produce much slower drum-like movements for foraging (but not social signaling). Our data therefore point to an association between the fast drum displays of woodpeckers and muscle-specific expression of genes whose protein products enhance select aspects of myocytic Ca2+ handling.
Monoclonal Antibodies to Intracellular Stages of Cryptosporidium parvum Define Life Cycle Progression In Vitro.

ABSTRACT Among the obstacles hindering Cryptosporidium research is the lack of an in vitro culture system that supports complete life development and propagation. This major barrier has led to a shortage of widely available anti- Cryptosporidium antibodies and a lack of markers for staging developmental progression. Previously developed antibodies against Cryptosporidium were raised against extracellular stages or recombinant proteins, leading to antibodies with limited reactivity across the parasite life cycle. Here we sought to create antibodies that recognize novel epitopes that could be used to define intracellular development. We identified a mouse epithelial cell line that supported C. parvum growth, enabling immunization of mice with infected cells to create a bank of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against intracellular parasite stages while avoiding the development of host-specific antibodies. From this bank, we identified 12 antibodies with a range of reactivities across the parasite life cycle. Importantly, we identified specific MAbs that can distinguish different life cycle stages, such as trophozoites, merozoites, type I versus II meronts, and macrogamonts. These MAbs provide valuable tools for the Cryptosporidium research community and will facilitate future investigation into parasite biology. IMPORTANCE Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite that causes gastrointestinal disease in humans and animals. Currently, there is a limited array of antibodies available against the parasite, which hinders imaging studies and makes it difficult to visualize the parasite life cycle in different culture systems. In order to alleviate this reagent gap, we created a library of novel antibodies against the intracellular life cycle stages of Cryptosporidium . We identified antibodies that recognize specific life cycle stages in distinctive ways, enabling unambiguous description of the parasite life cycle. These MAbs will aid future investigation into Cryptosporidium biology and help illuminate growth differences between various culture platforms.
Mediastinal lipoblastoma: a rare entity discovered on physical exam.

A 3-year-old male with no significant medical or surgical history presents to his paediatrician for annual examination. On auscultation, he was noted to have diminished left-sided breath sounds and heart sounds displaced to the right. The patient had no complaints of pain, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath or dyspnoea on exertion. An initial chest X-ray was performed which demonstrated complete opacification of the left hemithorax with mediastinal shift towards the right. This was followed by a radiation dose reduced CT of the chest with intravenous contrast, which demonstrated a 7.8×7.4×13.3 cm fat density mass filling the majority of the left lung and extending …
Exosomes as Drug Carriers for Cancer Therapy

Exosomes, biological extracellular vesicles, have recently begun to find use in targeted drug delivery in solid tumor research. Ranging from 30-120 nm in size, exosomes are secreted from cells and isolated from bodily fluids. Exosomes provide a unique material platform due to their characteristics, including physical properties such as stability, biocompatibility, permeability, low toxicity, and low immunogenicity-all critical to the success of any nanoparticle drug delivery system. In addition to traditional chemotherapeutics, natural products and RNA have been encapsulated for the treatment of breast, pancreatic, lung, prostate cancers, and glioblastoma. This review discusses current research on exosomes for drug delivery to solid tumors.
Renal handling of uric acid.

The pathogenesis of gout has intrigued physicians for centuries. A pathogenetic role for the kidney was first suggested by Garrod more than 125 years ago (1). During the ensuing century, many studies were performed attempting to measure urate excretion in patients with gout. However, the role of the normal kidney in maintaining urate homeostasis was not clearly defined. The first comprehensive study designed to investigate the mechanism of urate handling by the normal kidney, employing contemporary principles of renal physiology, was carried out by Berliner and colleagues in 1950 (2). They concluded that “the difference between the clearance of urate and the clearance of inulin must be due to either non-filterability of a large fraction of the plasma urate, to tubular reabsorption of a major fraction of the filtered urate, or to some combination of these two”. It is remarkable that in the same year, Praetorius and Kirk described a patient with marked hypouricemia, who had a urate to inulin clearance ratio of 1.46 (3). These authors concluded that urate was either secreted or synthesized in the kidney.
High Prevalence of Adenomatous Polyps in Alaska Native People Aged 40-49 years.

Abstract Background Although colorectal cancer occurs earlier in life and at twice the frequency in Alaska Native (AN) people compared with the general population, the colorectal polyp burden in this group has not been quantified. In addition, an appropriate age for initial screening in ANs has not been defined. Materials and methods A retrospective chart review of 766 AN people who had screening colonoscopy from 2015 to 2016 was performed. The polyp burden in patients aged 40-49 y was compared with that in those aged 50-59 y in both the AN and the general US populations. Results In total, 345 adenomas were removed: 121 (35%) from 40- to 49-year-olds and 224 (65%) from 50- to 59-year-olds. Twenty-six percent of AN people aged 40 y to 49 y and 40% of AN people aged 50 to 59 y had at least one adenoma. Low- and high-risk adenomas were significantly less frequent in the younger group (22% versus 29%, P = 0.048; 9.2% versus 15%, P = 0.035; respectively). Advanced adenomas were also less frequent in the younger group, although not statistically significant. Polyp histology, size, location, and morphology did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusions The adenoma and advanced adenoma prevalence in 40- to 49-year-old AN people is high, suggesting colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 40 y in ANs.
Herbicide Tolerance of Selected Ericaceous Species

Abstract This study was conducted to determine the tolerance of seven Ericaceous species to 15 herbicide treatments. Treatment response was species dependent. Pre-M (pendimenthalin) at the 2.2 kg/h...
Physical Games in K-12 despite COVID-19

In this poster, we present the potential of extending 6Fit-a-Part, our recently proposed physical distancing platform, to enable interactive physical games in school campuses despite COVID-19 restrictions. To minimize the risk of infection, traditional physical games must be modified such that the inter-player distance remains beyond 6 feet at all times. Our wearable electronic gadget that beeps when it approaches another similar device can facilitate such games, however, it must first solve 3 fundamental challenges: high accuracy, low delay, and high robustness. We highlight that 6Fit-a-Part adopts an improved two way ranging protocol using ultra-wideband radio (UWB) which can provide accurate inter-player distance measurements in real-time. Furthermore, 6Fit-a-Part leverages wireless channel features to perform occlusion detection continuously so that erroneous measurements caused by human occlusions can be corrected. 6Fit-a-Part is designed to be a lightweight wearable device making it a suitable accessory even during games. By compromising rules of tradition physical games, we show that 6Fit-a-Part is capable of seamlessly re-enabling physical games while still enabling physical distancing.
Correction: Mechanical rigidity of a shape-memory metal-organic framework increases by crystal downsizing.

Correction for ‘Mechanical rigidity of a shape-memory metal–organic framework increases by crystal downsizing’ by Al A. Tiba et al., Chem. Commun., 2021, 57, 89–92, DOI: 10.1039/D0CC05684G.
Autologous Blood Products: When, Where, and How?

In this article, we review the latest clinical outcomes of the treatment of ocular surface diseases with autologous blood products. Besides their well-known use in the treatment of severe dry eye disease, these products have recently been successfully used in the management of other conditions such as post-crosslinking surgery in patients with keratoconus. Also, new and easier-to-preserve presentations of these products are discussed. Autologous blood eye drops have become an interesting, well-known, and widely used therapeutic option for many ocular surface diseases since their introduction into the ophthalmologic field 46 years ago. The foundation for their use in the treatment of pathologies, such as severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca, persistent epithelial defects, ocular chemical burns, recurrent epithelial erosions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, ocular graft versus host disease, and, lately, in many other ocular surface conditions, relies on the fact that they contain proteins, vitamins, cytokines, and growth factors that participate in the signaling pathways of corneal epithelial healing in similar amounts to those found in normal, healthy tear films. These molecules confer on them a huge advantage over conventional artificial tears that can only lubricate the eyes but lack epitheliotropic properties. Despite some reported controversy regarding their composition and safety, the versatility of autologous blood eye drops in terms of source and final products and their proven efficacy in the treatment of ocular surface diseases resistant to conventional therapy have slowly but steadily granted them recognition and acceptance in the modern clinical ophthalmologic practice.
Notch Toughness of Some Aluminum Alloy Castings at Cryogenic Temperatures

There are some applications where aluminum alloy castings, because of the ease with which they can be made into relatively complex shapes, would be very desirable for service at cryogenic temperatures. Parts which would require extensive machining from plate or hand forgings and are too intricate for the effective use of die forgings, would be suited ideally for fabrication by casting.
Vom Umgang mit der Ressource Wissen – Auswirkungen auf die Innovationsfähigkeit am Beispiel von Steuerberatungskanzleien

Mehr denn je wird in Unternehmen und anderen Organisation immer wieder neues Wissen benotigt, aber der Umgang damit zeichnet sich vor allem durch seine Komplexitat und Vielschichtigkeit aus. Daher stellt sich die Frage, welche Unzulanglichkeiten, Mangel und Fehler im Umgang mit Wissen – so genannte Informationspathologien – sich im Unternehmensalltag ereignen und wie sie verhindert werden konnen. Je wissensintensiver die Unternehmensaufgaben sind, umso dringlicher stellt sich diese Frage. Eine Branche, auf die das besonders zutrifft, sind Steuerberatungskanzleien, die mit hoch qualifizierten Mitarbeiter/innen besonders wissensintensive Dienstleistungen erbringen. Wissen gehort in Kanzleien zu den strategischen Ressourcen (neben Reputation und Beziehungskapital) und ist zugleich auch die zentrale Ressource fur Innovationen.
An isoperimetric comparison theorem for Schwarzschild space and other manifolds

We give a very general isoperimetric comparison theorem which, as an important special case, gives hypotheses under which the spherically symmetric (n - 1)-spheres of a spherically symmetric n-manifold are isoperimetric hypersurfaces, meaning that they minimize (n - 1)-dimensional area among hypersurfaces enclosing the same n-volume. This result greatly generalizes the result of Bray (Ph.D. thesis, 1997), which proved that the spherically symmetric 2-spheres of 3-dimensional Schwarzschild space (which is defined to be a totally geodesic, space-like slice of the usual (3 + 1)-dimensional Schwarzschild metric) are isoperimetric. We also note that this Schwarzschild result has applications to the Penrose inequality in general relativity, as described by Bray.
How sweet it is! a course in cocoa

Cocoa is an application framework, a collection of integrated classes designed to make it easy to assemble an application with minimal effort. As with all well-designed frameworks, it hides the details of the application, enabling the developer to concentrate on those aspects that are unique to his or her program.Our overarching goal is to describe Cocoa in sufficient detail to persuade teachers to adopt it in the classroom. To this end, we begin with an overview of the framework itself, and the underlying, "native" language of Cocoa - Objective-C. We thendescribe the sublimely powerful tools used to develop Cocoa applications. Finally, we illustrate the use of these tools in the context of "Aviation Weather Fetcher", a complicated application that requires a surprisingly small amount of code. Throughout, we offer compelling pedagogic and practical reasons for offering a course in Cocoa.
Organization of sensory input to the nociceptive-specific cutaneous trunk muscle reflex in rat, an effective experimental system for examining nociception and plasticity.

Detailed characterization of neural circuitries furthers our understanding of how nervous systems perform specific functions and enables the use of those systems to test hypotheses. We have characterized the sensory input to the cutaneous trunk muscle (CTM; also cutaneus trunci (rat) or cutaneus maximus (mouse)) reflex (CTMR), which manifests as a puckering of the dorsal thoracolumbar skin and is selectively driven by noxious stimuli. CTM electromyography (EMG) and neurogram recordings in naive rats revealed that CTMR responses were elicited by natural stimuli and electrical stimulation of all segments from C4 to L6, a much greater extent of segmental drive to the CTMR than previously described. Stimulation of some subcutaneous paraspinal tissue can also elicit this reflex. Using a selective neurotoxin, we also demonstrate differential drive of the CTMR by trkA-expressing and non-expressing small diameter afferents. These observations highlight aspects of the organization of the CTMR system which make it attractive for studies of nociception and anesthesiology and plasticity of primary afferents, motoneurons, and the propriospinal system. We use the CTMR system to qualitatively and quantitatively demonstrate that experimental pharmacological treatments can be compared to controls applied either to the contralateral side or to another segment, with the remaining segments providing controls for systemic or other treatment effects. These data indicate the potential for using the CTMR system as both an invasive and non-invasive quantitative assessment tool providing improved statistical power and reduced animal use.