cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Formal Analysis of Substantive Law: Kapauku Papuan Laws of Inheritance

"IN THE literature," observes Murdock, "two primary modes of inheritance are commonly distinguished, namely, patrilineal and matrilineal. They are differentiated according to whether the preferred heir traces his relationship to the deceased through males or through females" (1949:37). On the following page of the same book Murdock stresses the importance of exactness in the analysis of social systems and complains about the study of the rules of inheritance: "In actuality, the complexity of inheritance rule is such as to make the simple dichotomy of patrilineal and matrilineal highly inadequate for satisfactory analysis." In the following text he points out the various factors that obviously play a significant role with respect to inheritance, but which the dichotomy neglects. Accordingly, ethnographic expositions employing the patrilineal versus matrilineal dichotomy generally obscure or even omit such considerations as that some parts of the property may be destroyed, that proprietary rights of "the two sexes may exert a significant influence upon inheritance," that some articles may be regarded as belonging exclusively to the sex that uses them and inherited only by persons of the same sex, that "distinct rules of inheritance may prevail for different types of goods," and that "all the relatives of a given category may share alike, or a preference may be shown for the eldest or the youngest" (Murdock 1949:38). This lack of exact inquiry in the laws concerning inheritance was much too frequent until recently, despite some outstanding exceptions to this generalization (such as Llewellyn and Hoebel's The Cheyenne Way, 1941) and despite many scholars of anthropology like Murdock and, before him, Lowie (1920:157), who claimed that the transmission of property rights was important (along with the mode of residence) for establishing the various principles of unilineal descent. Since Murdock's legitimate complaint was registered, other anthropologists have helped to correct this anomalous situation and have supplied much more adequate and exact data on inheritance. In one respect this article tries to contribute to this accumulation of precise knowledge by describing the rules that govern the disposition of inheritance among the Kapauku Papuans of West New Guinea. However, the study of the laws of inheritance and, indeed, the realm of substantive law lack not only a solid body of comparative and exact ethnographic data from various cultures, but also a precise analytical method. Such a method should be capable of breaking down particular systems into their significant components and of abstracting from the bodies of rules the legal principles that, first, would enable scholars to define the essence of the various systems and that, second,
The Role of Cytokines in Bone Remodeling

Abstract Autocrine (skeletal to skeletal) or paracrine interactions (hematopoietic to skeletal) can be mediated by direct cell-to-cell contact, contact with matrix proteins, or binding of cytokines or growth factors to their cognate receptors. Cytokines appear to play an important role in the regulation of bone resorption and formation during pathologic bone remodeling and may also play a central role during normal remodeling. The ability of osteoblasts to respond to a specific set of cytokines is restricted by the expression of cell surface receptors. Binding of cytokine (ligand) to its receptor generates a signaling event from the plasma membrane to the nucleus, resulting in increases in the transcription of specific genes and, ultimately, the activation of different cellular processes. One such process is the secretion of a specific set of cytokines; the specific cytokine(s) secreted is dependent on the activation signal and is necessarily limited to the repertoire of cytokines that osteoblasts are capable of secreting. The secretion and binding of cytokines and growth factors forms the autocrine and paracrine circuitry involved in the regulation of bone remodeling.
Biological Sex and Psychological Gender as Predictors of Routine and Strategic Relational Maintenance

The current study contributes to 2 growing areas of research: one distinguishes between routine and strategic relational maintenance behaviors, and the other concerns the relative utility of biological sex and psychological gender as predictors of communication behaviors. Specifically, we sought to uncover sex and gender differences in routine and strategic maintenance and to test the relative strength of each as predictors of routine and strategic maintenance. Survey data were collected from 189 individuals in romantic relationships. Results indicated only one sex difference; women use routine openness more than men do. However, femininity was positively associated with the routine use of advice, conflict management, and openness. Masculinity was positively associated with the strategic use of openness and tasks. Femininity was not associated with strategic maintenance, and masculinity was not associated with routine maintenance. The value of distinguishing between sex and gender to explain how individuals function in relationships is discussed.
Substitution reactions of metallic complexes of 2,2′,2″-triaminotriethylamine. XV. Kinetics of the primary acid hydrolysis of the dichloro(2,2′,2″-triaminotriethylamine)cobalt(III) cation in water-alcohol mixtures

Abstract The kinetics of the primary acid hydrolysis of [Co(tren)Cl 2 ]Cl· 1 2 H 2 O have been measured in methanol- and ethanol-water mixtures of alcohol mole fractions 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20. In all the solvents investigated the primary acid hydrolysis occurs via a dissociative mechanism. The rate constants and thermodynamic activation parameters were determined. The dependence of the rate constant of the mole fraction, dielectric constant and ionizing power of the solvent was investigated.
Progression to dementia in patients with isolated memory loss

Summary Background The diagnosis of dementia requires both memory loss and at least one other type of cognitive impairment. The natural history of patients with severe memory loss but no other type of cognitive impairment is poorly understood. We studied progression to dementia in patients with isolated memory loss. Methods From a registry of 811 patients with cognitive complaints, 21 patients with severe isolated memory loss of unknown cause were identified and followed up for a mean of 48 months. A comparison group of 198 patients on the same register was identified with newly recognised cognitive complaints but without dementia or isolated memory loss (mean follow-up 31 months). We did a range of neuropsychological tests at intake. Findings During follow-up, 48% (n=10) of patients with isolated memory loss developed dementia compared with 18% (n=36) of the comparison group. Life-table analysis showed the mean times to a diagnosis of dementia was 3·77 years (95% CI 2·99–4·56) and 5·96 years (5·60–6·31), respectively (p=0·01). The neuropsychological tests did not predict which patients would progress to dementia. Interpretation Patients with severe isolated memory loss have an increased risk of developing dementia and should be closely followed-up.
Defensins and innate host defence of the gastrointestinal tract

When viewed from the perspective of host defence, the mammalian digestive tract presents many challenges. At the outset food contains various micro-organisms that could thrive in the rich growth medium of digested nutrients. Because a large surface area is required for the absorption of nutrients, there are abundant potential sites for microbial attachment and invasion in the long digestive tube with its many folds, villi and microvilli. The requirements of efficient nutrient absorption also place limits on the barrier components of host defence. Indeed, unlike the skin, vaginal epithelium or oral mucosa, intestinal mucosa is comprised of only a single layer of epithelial cells. This delicate barrier is further threatened by the effects of acid, bile salts, and hydrolytic enzymes required for digestion. Although some of these molecules are toxic to microbes, and hence may help to control microbial proliferation and survival, these agents may also subtly damage the mucosa and compromise its barrier functions. The potential for cumulative damage may explain why this epithelium is rapidly and continually replaced throughout the lifetime of mammals. As a result of the need for epithelial renewal, stem cell proliferation and differentiation are critical for normal function of the gastrointestinal tract. Damage to, or parasitisation of stem cells would have severe consequences for the maintenance of the normal digestive epithelium. A continuous microbial threat is also posed by a wide array of colonising microbes throughout the gut, with especially large numbers in the mouth and colon. Infectious complications that often follow treatment with antibiotics suggest that colonising symbionts contribute to host defence against pathogens. Yet, in the absence of effective defence mechanisms, even symbiotic microbes can multiply rapidly and overwhelm the mammalian host. Despite the presence of microbes, normal digestive tract surfaces generally show little evidence of inflammation, the coordinated pattern of vasodilatation, …
Comparison of the Bruker Biotyper and Vitek MS Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry Systems for Identification of Mycobacteria Using Simplified Protein Extraction Protocols

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has recently been described as a fast and inexpensive method for the identification of mycobacteria. Although mycobacteria require extraction prior to MALDI-TOF MS analysis, previously published protocols have been relatively complex, involving significant hands-on time and materials not often found in the clinical laboratory. In this study, we tested two simplified protein extraction protocols developed at the University of Washington (UW) and by bioMerieux (BMX) for use with two different mass spectrometry platforms (the Bruker MALDI Biotyper and the bioMerieux Vitek MS, respectively). Both extraction protocols included vortexing with silica beads in the presence of ethanol. The commercial Bruker database was also augmented with an in-house database composed of 123 clinical Mycobacterium strains. A total of 198 clinical strains, representing 18 Mycobacterium species, were correctly identified to the species level 94.9% of the time when extracted using the UW protocol and compared to the augmented database. The BMX protocol and Vitek MS system resulted in correct species-level identifications for 94.4% of these strains. In contrast, only 79.3% of the strains were identified to the species level by the nonaugmented Bruker database, although the use of a lower identification score threshold (≥1.7) increased the identification rate to 93.9%, with two misidentifications that were unlikely to be clinically relevant. The two simplified protein extraction protocols described in this study are easy to use for identifying commonly encountered Mycobacterium species.
Community networking: managing phobic behaviors at the individual and community levels

Communities do not have a predictive mechanism that will help them adapt to rapid technological change. Instead they react to technological change. This reaction may be a resultant reluctance or resistance to use new technology or to change lifestyles and may cause behavioral complications. This paper articulates behavioral challenges facing the community networking effort and suggests ways in which to overcome the resistance known as cyberphobia.
Flexible mandates for investment in new technology

Environmental regulators often seek to promote forefront technology for new investments; however, technology mandates are suspected of raising cost and delaying investment. We examine investment choices under an inflexible (traditional) emissions rate performance standard for new sources. We compare the inflexible standard with a flexible one that imposes an alternative compliance payment (surcharge) for emissions in excess of the standard. A third policy allows the surcharge revenue to fund later retrofits. Analytical results indicate that increasing flexibility leads to earlier introduction of new technology, lower aggregate emissions and higher profits. We test this using multi-stage stochastic optimization for introduction of carbon capture and storage, with uncertain future natural gas and emissions allowance prices. Under perfect foresight, the analytical predictions hold. With uncertainty these predictions hold most often, but we find exceptions. In some cases investments are delayed to enable the decision maker to discover additional information.
Suppression of the root-lesion nematode (Pratylenchus penetrans) in alfalfa (Medicago sativa) by Streptomyces spp.

Strains of Streptomyces were tested for their ability to reduce population densities of the root-lesion nematode (RLN), Pratylenchus penetrans, in roots of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) in growth chamber assays. Previously, these strains were shown to suppress potato scab disease, caused by Streptomyces scabies, in field experiments and to inhibit in vitro growth of a wide range of plant-pathogenic fungi and bacteria. Inoculation with Streptomyces at planting significantly reduced RLN population densities in roots of both susceptible and resistant alfalfa varieties grown in either heat-treated or untreated soil. Reductions in RLN population densities were observed 6 weeks after nematode inoculation. Shoot dry matter was not affected by any treatment; root dry weight was reduced in Streptomyces plus nematode treatments compared to the nematode inoculation alone in some experiments but was not affected by Streptomyces when RLN was absent. Mutant strains not producing antibiotics in vitro also reduced RLN population densities in alfalfa roots and all strains maintained high population densities after inoculation into heat-treated soil and on alfalfa roots. These strains may be useful in multi-crop, multi-pathogen management programs to augment genetic resistance to plant diseases.
Biology and phylogeny of the Cassidinae Gyllenhal sensu lato (tortoise and leaf-mining beetles) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Abstract A parsimony analysis was undertaken to test subfamily and tribal group concepts of Cassidinae (ca. 2000 genera, ca. 6000 species). An integrated account of their biology was synthesized from the primary literature. A detailed morphological study of adults, using Hemisphaerota palmarum Boheman as a model, formed the basis for evaluating characters previously utilized and for defining novel characters. The data matrix comprised 210 characters (from adults and immature stages, ecology and behavior), 6 outgroups, and 98 ingroup exemplar species (representing 94 genera and 39 of the 43 recognized cassidine tribes). Results support the monophyly of Cassidinae and place it as sister to Galerucinae. The classical Hispinae s.str. is paraphyletic whereas the classical Cassidinae s.str. is monophyletic if some Imatidiine genera are included. Four tribes—Aproidini, Delocraniini, Hemisphaerotini, and Notosacanthini—are well supported by many autapomorphies. Multiple genera were sampled to test the monophyly o...
Specific Bonds between an Iron Oxide Surface and Outer Membrane Cytochromes MtrC and OmcA from Shewanella oneidensis MR-1

Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 is purported to express outer membrane cytochromes (e.g., MtrC and OmcA) that transfer electrons directly to Fe(III) in a mineral during anaerobic respiration. A prerequisite for this type of reaction would be the formation of a stable bond between a cytochrome and an iron oxide surface. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to detect whether a specific bond forms between a hematite (Fe2O3) thin film, created with oxygen plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy, and recombinant MtrC or OmcA molecules coupled to gold substrates. Force spectra displayed a unique force signature indicative of a specific bond between each cytochrome and the hematite surface. The strength of the OmcA-hematite bond was approximately twice that of the MtrC-hematite bond, but direct binding to hematite was twice as favorable for MtrC. Reversible folding/unfolding reactions were observed for mechanically denatured MtrC molecules bound to hematite. The force measurements for the hematite-cytochrome pairs were compared to spectra collected for an iron oxide and S. oneidensis under anaerobic conditions. There is a strong correlation between the whole-cell and pure-protein force spectra, suggesting that the unique binding attributes of each cytochrome complement one another and allow both MtrC and OmcA to play a prominent role in the transfer of electrons to Fe(III) in minerals. Finally, by comparing the magnitudes of binding force for the whole-cell versus pure-protein data, we were able to estimate that a single bacterium of S. oneidensis (2 by 0.5 μm) expresses ∼104 cytochromes on its outer surface.
Left ventricular hypertrophy and cardiovascular disease risk prediction and reclassification in blacks and whites: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study

Background Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a major independent predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) survival and is more prevalent in blacks than whites. In a large biracial population, we evaluated the ability of electrocardiography (ECG)-determined LVH (ECG-LVH) to reclassify CVD/coronary heart disease (CHD) events beyond traditional risk factors in blacks and whites. Methods The analysis included 14,489 participants (mean age 54 ± 5.7years; 43.5% men; 26% black) from the ARIC cohort, with baseline (1987-1989) ECG, followed up for 10 years. Predicted risk for incident CVD and CHD were estimated using the 10-year Pooled Cohort and Framingham risk equations (base models 1A/1B), respectively. Models 2A and 2B included respective base model plus LVH by "any" of 10 traditional ECG-LVH criteria. Net reclassification improvement (NRI) was calculated, and the distribution of risk was compared using models 2A and 2B versus models 1A and 1B, respectively. Results There were 792 (5.5%) 10-year Pooled Cohort CVD events and 690 (4.8%) 10-year Framingham CHD events. Left ventricular hypertrophy defined by any criteria was associated with CVD and CHD events (hazard ratio [95% CI] 1.62 [1.38-1.90] and 1.56 [1.32-1.86], respectively]. Left ventricular hypertrophy did not significantly reclassify or improve C statistic in models 2A/B (C statistics 0.767/0.719; NRI=0.001 [ P = not significant]), compared with the base models 1A/B (C statistics 0.770/0.718), respectively. No racial interactions were observed. Conclusions In this large cohort of black and white participants, ECG-LVH was associated with CVD/CHD risk but did not significantly improve CVD and CHD events risk prediction beyond the new Pooled Cohort and most used Framingham risk equations in blacks or whites.
FREEDOM, RECOGNITION, AND OBLIGATION: A FEMINIST APPROACH TO POLITICAL THEORY

I argue that a feminist methodology can help liberal political theory get beyond the problems that it has been recycling since the seventeenth century. Taking political obligation as the focus for my analysis, I show how feminist psychoanalytic and psychological theory can help uncover the structural sexism of liberal theory and epistemology and point the way toward more consistent—and less biased—theoretical formulations. Rejecting the essentialist view of gender difference that has been attributed to this literature, I argue that it is more interesting and appropriate to read it as a symbolic language of power and as a heuristic device for uncovering the gendered dimensions of supposedly “neutral” concepts like obligation.
Three Dimensional, Sheathless, and High‐Throughput Microparticle Inertial Focusing Through Geometry‐Induced Secondary Flows

A novel inertial focusing platform creates a single-stream microparticle train in a single-focal plane without sheath fluids and external forces, all in a high-throughput manner. The proposed design consists of a low-aspect-ratio straight channel interspersed with a series of constrictions in height arranged orthogonally, making use of inertial focusing and geometry-induced secondary flows. Focusing efficiency as high as 99.77% is demonstrated with throughput as high as 36 000 particles s(-1) for a variety of different sized particles and cells.
The Work-Faith Connection for Low-income Mothers: A Research Note

This paper examines the role of religious faith or spirituality in the work lives of low-income mothers of young children, based on forty-four in-depth interviews. Previous research on higher income workers shows that the primary role of religious faith or spirituality with regard to work is to imbue work with a greater sense of purpose and meaning. My study suggests that for very low-income mothers, the primary role is not to contribute meaning but rather to aid in surviving the low-wage service sector workplace. The paper discusses implications for faith-based social services and for future research.
Iron(III) and Proton Associations with Some Singly Substituted Phenolate Ions in Aqueous Solution

In an earlier study (1) in which the stabilities of 1:1 iron(III)-phenolate complexes were measured in aqueous solution for phenol and several singly substituted para or meta derivatives, an approximately linear relation was observed to exist between the free energies for the association reactions: $${\text{F}}{{\text{e}}^{{\text{3 + }}}}\;{\text{ + }}\;{\text{O}}{{\text{C}}_{\text{6}}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{4}}}{{\text{X}}^{\text{ - }}}\; \rightleftarrows \;{\text{FeO}}{{\text{C}}_{\text{6}}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{4}}}{{\text{X}}^{{\text{2 + }}}}$$ (1) $${{\text{H}}^{\text{ + }}}\;{\text{ + }}\;{\text{O}}{{\text{C}}_{\text{6}}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{4}}}{{\text{X}}^{\text{ - }}}\; \rightleftarrows \;{\text{HO}}{{\text{C}}_{\text{6}}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{4}}}{\text{X}}$$ (2)
Solutions of Charged Polymers

Charged polymers are macromolecules with ionizable groups. The properties of these polymers in solutions depend on the fraction of dissociated ionic groups, distribution of charged monomers along the polymer backbone, solvent quality for the polymer backbone, and salt and polymer concentration. This chapter comprises the current understanding of the solution properties of charged polymers. It discusses in details the conformational properties of charged polymers in dilute and semidilute solutions, the phenomenon of counterion condensation, the necklace structure of polyelectrolyte chains in poor solvent conditions for the polymer backbone, and the dynamics of solutions of charged polymers.
The Location Types of US Retailers

This manuscript presents the results of an inductive analysis of the types of locations chosen by US retailers. Using a large cross-sectional database, including fifty US retail chains and over 70,000 store locations, a classification of retail location types is presented using cluster analysis on situational and trade area data. These data are then applied to create a location profile for each retailer. Based on the results of the first cluster analysis, a second cluster analysis then groups together the chains with the most similar location profiles. A total of twelve distinct location types were identified in the first cluster analysis. Eight groupings of retailers with similar location profiles were identified in the second cluster analysis. Retailers within the same retail business chose similar types of locations and thus were placed in the same clusters. Retailers generally restrict their deployment to one of three overall strategies including metropolitan, large retail areas, or market size variety with specialty retailers favoring large retail areas of urban markets.
The Optimistic Method for Model Estimation

We present the method of optimistic estimation, a novel paradigm that seeks to incorporate robustness to errors-in-variables biases directly into the estimation objective function. This approach protects parameter estimates in statistical models from data set corruption. We apply the optimistic paradigm to estimation of linear regression, logistic regression, and Ising graphical models in the presence of noise and demonstrate that more accurate predictions of the model parameters can be obtained.
Racial differences in the perception of lung cancer: Data from the 2005 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS)

6556 Background: Black men have the highest rates of lung cancer incidence and mortality in the US, and yet continue to obtain treatment at lower rates than White patients. Racial differences in th...
Clinical Characteristics of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Immigrants from Sub-Saharan Africa

: Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant, worldwide burden due to it’s high prevalence, and risk of complications, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Current literature suggests that African patients with chronic hepatitis B are at higher risk for hepatocellular carcinoma. The exact mechanism for the explanation for this observation is contentious and may be due to higher rates of chronicity, and/or exposure to hepatotoxins including aflatoxin. We sought to report the clinical characteristics of African born immigrants with chronic hepatitis B referred to a liver clinic in New York City. A total of 111 patients were enrolled. 19 patients (17%) had cirrhosis, and 14 patients (13%) had HCC at initial presentation. During the course of follow up, 13 patients (12%) died of complications of HBV, all of them related to HCC. Our case series revealed that a significant proportion of these patients manifested advanced complications of HBV such as cirrhosis or HCC.
The Diffusion of Human Trafficking Policies in the Post-Soviet Region: A Comparative Analysis of Policy Adoption in Ukraine, Latvia, and Russia

AbstractThis paper analyzes how human trafficking policies diffused in the post-Soviet region. By adapting the diffusion of innovation framework to fit the international context, I examine whether human trafficking adoptions in the post-Soviet region were due to internal determinants and/or diffusion effects. A comparison of Russia, Latvia, and Ukraine found that internal determinants such as state commitment to human trafficking policy and interest group strength were more important to policy adoption than external pressures from the international community while state capacity and bureaucratic restructuring impeded policy adoption. I argue that policymaking, even in authoritarian regimes, is more nuanced than blind compliance with international treaties and shows that interest groups and policy entrepreneurs work within the constraints of national policymaking to adopt human trafficking policies.
One world renaissance: holistic planetary transformation through a global social contract

One world renaissance is an unusual species of book that combines a theoretical overview of the revolution taking place in our fundamental understanding of the universe together with a practical re...
Overheard in passing: Talking weather, funerals and implicit religion

Writing ‘from the parish’, I seek to apply Edward Bailey’s definition of ‘implicit religion’: a person’s priorities, the moral commitments that ‘bring them to life’. Can clerical repartee about wea...
Topiramate Responsive Exploding Head Syndrome

Exploding head syndrome is a rare phenomenon but can be a significant disruption to quality of life. We describe a 39-year-old female with symptoms of a loud bang and buzz at sleep onset for 3 years. EEG monitoring confirmed these events occurred in transition from stage 1 sleep. This patient reported improvement in intensity of events with topiramate medication. Based on these results, topiramate may be an alternative method to reduce the intensity of events in exploding head syndrome.
Survival of patients with CD20-negative variants of large B-cell lymphoma: an analysis of the National Cancer Data Base.

Using records from the National Cancer Data Base, we studied overall survival of CD20-negative variants of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL): primary effusion (PEL, N = 228), plasmablastic (PBL, N = 481), ALK-positive large B-cell (ALK + LBLC, N = 15), and human herpesvirus-8-positive DLBCL (HHV8 + DLBCL, N = 77). Three-year survival was 27% for PEL, 40% for PBL, 34% for ALK + LBCL, and 63% for HHV8 + DLBCL. Compared with unspecified DLBCL, and adjusting for clinical characteristics (including the HIV status), survival was significantly worse for PEL (hazard ratio [HR], 1.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31-1.90), PBL (HR 1.66; 95% CI, 1.41-1.95), and ALK + LBCL (HR, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.27-5.75), but not for HHV8 + DLBCL (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.54-1.45). The HIV status was not an independent prognostic factor in PEL, PBL, or HHV8 + DLBCL. Advanced stage was prognostic for PBL (p = .0002), but not for ALK + LBCL (p = .96), or HHV8 + DLBCL (p = .28). In PEL and PBL survival significantly differed according to primary site. Novel therapeutic approaches are urgently needed for these rare diseases.
Abstract 14699: Patterns of Postoperative Transprosthesis Aortic Valve Gradients Predict Bioprosthetic Structural Valve Deterioration

Objectives: To identify 1) patient, procedure, and postoperative variables associated with the development of structural valve deterioration (SVD) in bioprosthetic aortic valves (AV), and 2) the re...
Same-Hospital Re-Admission Rate Is Not Reliable for Measuring Post-Operative Infection-Related Re-Admission

Abstract Background: Post-operative infections cause morbidity, consume resources, and are an important quality measure in assessing and comparing hospitals. Commonly used metrics do not account for re-admission to a different hospital. The Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) tracks re-admissions across United States (US) hospitals. Infection-related re-admission across US hospitals has not been studied previously. Patients and Methods: The 2013 NRD was queried for admissions with a primary International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 9th revision, Clinical Modification code for the most frequently performed operations. Non-elective all-cause, infection-related, and different hospital 30-day re-admission rates were calculated, using All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Groups codes. Multi-variable logistic regression identified risk factors for re-admission. Results: Of 826,836 surviving to discharge, 39,281 (4.8%) had an unplanned re-admission within 30 days, occurring at a d...
Eficácia e segurança do tramadol em indivíduos com ejaculação prematura: uma revisão baseada na evidência

Objective: Premature ejaculation (PE) is the most prevalent male sexual dysfunction, affecting 20-30% of all men. In recent years, many pharmacological alternatives have been used to treat PE. One of the treatments that has recently proved to be promising in the treatment of PE is on demand use of tramadol. However, some studies have showed inconsistent results regarding its use. Thus, the aim of this study was to review the most current evidence on the efficacy and safety of tramadol in the treatment of PE. Data sources: National Guideline Clearing House, NICE, Canadian Medical Association Practice Guidelines, DARE, Cochrane, PubMed and TRIP Database. Methods: We searched for meta-analyses systematic reviews, observational studies and clinical guidelines / evidence-based guidelines published in Portuguese, Spanish and English, using the MeSH terms ‘tramadol’ and ‘premature ejaculation’. The Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT) scale of the American Academy of Family Physicians was used to assign levels of evidence and strength of recommendations. Results: Fifty six articles were found and, amongst these, seven met the inclusion criteria: two clinical practice guidelines, four meta-analyses, and one systematic review. Most studies showed that the use of tramadol is effective when compared to placebo, but not when compared with the use of paroxetine. However, the use of different methodologies contributed to the heterogeneity of the results, reducing the strength of the conclusions obtained. Conclusion: According to the evidence, this review allowed us to conclude that the use of tramadol in the treatment of PE has limited evidence (SORT B). Further studies of high quality, including a greater number of individuals with homogenous inclusion criteria and outcomes are needed in order to obtain stronger conclusions about the long term use of tramadol in the treatment of PE.
Jaw-Dropping: Functional Variation in the Digastric Muscle in Bats

Diet and feeding behavior in mammals is strongly linked to the morphology of their feeding apparatus. Cranio-muscular morphology determines how wide, forcefully, and quickly the jaw can be opened or closed, which limits the size and material properties of the foods that a mammal can eat. Most studies of feeding performance in mammals have focused on skull form and jaw muscles involved in generating bite force, but few explore how jaw abduction is related to feeding performance. In this study, we explored how the morphology of the digastric muscle, the primary jaw abducting muscle in mammals, and its jaw lever mechanics are related to diet in morphologically diverse noctilionoid bats. Results showed that insectivorous bats have strong digastric muscles associated with proportionally long jaws, which suggests these species can open their jaws quickly and powerfully during prey capture and chewing. Short snouted frugivorous bats exhibit traits that would enable them to open their jaws proportionally wider to accommodate the large fruits that they commonly feed on. Our results support the hypothesis that digastric muscle and jaw morphology are correlated with diet in bats, and that our results may also apply to other groups of mammals. Anat Rec, 301:279-290, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Knowledge, Information, Rules, and Structures

Knowledge is frequently defined as separate from information and as existing only in the heads of people. To the contrary, information is critical to a pragmatic approach to knowledge consistent with epistemic game theory. Such information is frequently protected by intellectual property claims, re-inforcing their importance as knowledge assets in an economy and in society. Moreover, knowledge exists at the group, firm, and system level through the organizational coordination of individuals. Individuals may enter and exit, but work is still coordinated. In an age where increasingly work is accomplished through intelligent machines, an understanding of social rules and mechanisms is critical for the analysis of the generative rules that guide the structure of knowledge in an economy and society. This point is demonstrated through a simple simulation of three rules (random, preferential, and transitive) that generate three distinctive network structures. In this perspective, knowledge is structure and structure is the network. These simulations show that much as people influence structure, structure also influences the decisions of agents. Crucial to this analysis is the assumption made on the local information available to agents that informs their choices.
Utilizing telemedicine in oncology settings: Patient favourability rates and perceptions of use analysis using Chi-Square and neural networks.

BACKGROUND Telemedicine is an alternative to traditional face-to-face doctor-patient office visits. Although telemedicine is becoming more prevalent, few studies have looked at the perceived favorability rate among patients utilizing telemedicine over the traditional office visit to a provider's office considering data samples from more than 5 clinics in northern Louisiana. OBJECTIVE This study aims to measure patient favorability of using telemedicine to receive care. This study looks at the perceived positive and negative favorability rates of patients in the oncology settings. The researchers analyzed how age, income level, and education level influenced the perceived patient favorability rates and their willingness to utilize telemedicine. METHODS The investigators used Chi-Square analysis to identify favorability with respect to age education and income levels. In addition to this Artificial Neural Networks were used to identify the threshold for favorability with respect to age, income, and education. RESULTS Chi-Square tests of association showed that of the variables analyzed, only education level had a statistically significant relationship with a patient's favorability rate of telemedicine utilization. While our neural network analysis indicated that the threshold for income, age, and education are $34,999, 66 years, and a college degree. CONCLUSION In this article the investigators have successfully demonstrated the use of Artificial Neural Networks in identifying favorability of telemedicine used in addition to the traditional statistical methods such as Chi-Square. Thereby, creating a path for future research using advanced computational techniques like Artificial Neural Networks in analyzing human behavior.
Trends in Comorbid Conditions Among Medicaid Enrollees With HIV.

Background As antiretroviral therapy has become more effective, persons with HIV live longer and develop conditions that are characteristic of older populations. Understanding changes in comorbid conditions has important implications for the complexity and cost of care, particularly for Medicaid programs and their enrollees, which comprise about 40% of all persons with HIV. Thus, our objective was to examine trends in comorbid conditions for Medicaid enrollees with HIV. Methods Using 2001-2012 administrative claims data from the 14 states (NY, CA, FL, TX, MD, NJ, PA, IL, GA, NC, VA, LA, OH, MA) with the highest HIV prevalence, we identified 494 322 unique Medicaid enrollees with HIV, representing 5.8 million person-quarters after exclusions. We estimated changes over time in enrollee characteristics, proportions of enrollees with the 10 most common comorbid conditions, and number of comorbid conditions per enrollee. Results Over time, the average age for HIV Medicaid enrollees increased, and the proportion enrolled in a managed care plan also increased. In 2012, the highest proportion of enrollees exhibited evidence of hypertension (31%), psychiatric disease (26%), any liver disease (25%), and pulmonary disorder (23%). Nine of the 10 comorbid conditions increased over time, whereas HIV-related conditions declined. The largest adjusted relative increases in 2012 vs 2003 were observed for renal insufficiency (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.20; P < .001), hyperlipidemia (aOR, 1.80; P < .001), and psychiatric disease (aOR, 1.45; P < .001). Conclusions Despite improvements in antiretroviral therapy and better control of patients' HIV, we found substantial increases in rates of comorbid conditions over time. These findings have important implications for the complexity and costs of clinical care and for state Medicaid programs.
Video recording and light intensity change analysis during cataract surgery using an animal model

To estimate light exposure changes during cataract surgery through intraoperative images simulated from the “patient’s perspective” using an animal model. In this experimental study, a 3-mm maculostomy was performed through the posterior globe’s surface of 15 porcine eyes. Eyes were fixated to a glass slide and placed over an iPad camera. Video footage of a cataract surgery was obtained through the maculostomy for each eye, keeping light exposure parameters and focus constant. Seventy-five images, five from each eye, were extracted at pre-determined points, and mean gray value (MGV), a light intensity measure, was calculated. Differences in MGV between discrete surgical steps were evaluated using multiple one-sample t-tests. This technique allowed for the capture of a full-length cataract surgery through a 3-mm maculostomy. MGV range was 14.21–132.51. Light intensity was similar across surgeries and varied greatly through each procedure. A 24% decrease in MGV between post-hydrodissection and post-phacoemulsification stages was noted (difference − 18.36; 95% CI − 30.50 to − 6.22; p value = 0.006). A 22.4% decrease in light intensity was noted after phacoemulsification in comparison to the starting image (MGV difference − 16.78; 95% CI − 32.45 to − 1.12; p value: 0.0375). Light intensity was similar at the start and end of surgery (difference − 7.15; 95% CI − 19.35 to + 5.05; p value = 0.229). Light intensity changes through different steps of cataract surgery and may be minimal after phacoemulsification completion. This video and data may serve as informational and educational tools for surgeons and patients.
Re-Worlding Postwar

The exhibition, Postwar: Art between the Pacific and the Atlantic, 1945–1965 (2016-17), presented nearly 350 works by 218 artists from sixty-five countries, providing an ambitious and expansive acc...
Cassidopsis borowieci, a new species from Madagascar (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Basiprionotini)

Cassidopsis borowieci, species new to science, is described and figured from Madagascar. It is a third member of the Madagascan endemic genus.
Determining the Sensitivity of Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy to Dose- and Depth-Dependent Changes in Tumor Oxygenation after Radiation Therapy

Non-invasive diffuse reflectance spectroscopy of tumors post-radiation reveal radiation dose-dependent and longitudinal changes in tumor oxygenation that could help predict tumor response to radiation therapy.
Offset-free Input-Output Formulations of Stochastic Model Predictive Control Based on Polynomial Chaos Theory

Stochastic model predictive control (SMPC) formulations are proposed that have both low on-line computational cost and zero steady-state offset for constrained dynamical systems of high state dimension. The effects of probabilistic parameter uncertainties on the process outputs are quantified using polynomial chaos theory, and the scalability with state dimension is obtained by using an input-output formulation. An explanation is provided for why the structure of some SMPC formulations provide zero steady-state error whereas other seemingly reasonable formulations do not. The article also describes how to incorporate chance constraints on the states and outputs into the SMPC formulations, while retaining an online optimization whose cost has a weak dependency on the number of states and outputs.
Improved estimators of correlation and R2 for skewed hydrologic data

The coefficient of determination R2 and Pearson correlation coefficient ρ = R are standard metrics in hydrology for the evaluation of the goodness of fit between model simulations and observations,...
Tunable sour gas separations: Simultaneous H2S and CO2 removal from natural gas via crosslinked telechelic poly(ethylene glycol) membranes

Abstract Gas separation studies typically investigate polymeric materials in the context of pure gas, and occasionally binary mixed gas properties, yet real world separations involve a myriad of components that can affect separation performance. The purification of sour gas demands efficient separations of both H2S and CO2 from natural gas, making realistic testing critical. In this work, we introduce a novel crosslinking scheme of the commercially ubiquitous polymer, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), via a facile route amenable to thin film composite formation. We crosslinked a systematic series of telechelic PEG oligomers with average molecular weights of 200–2050 g mol−1 and investigated the gas transport properties of the corresponding membranes in pure, binary CO2/CH4, and ternary H2S/CO2/CH4 sour gas mixtures. Crosslinking effectively eliminated PEG crystallinity for molecular weights up to 1000 g mol−1 and favorably increased CO2/CH4 selectivity. Though previously unexplored for H2S separations, crosslinked PEG membranes demonstrated exceptionally high H2S/CH4 selectivities ranging from 65-116 in ternary sour gas feeds. We achieved tunable transport performance of CO2/CH4 and H2S/CH4 separations by balancing PEG content with crosslink density to disrupt crystallinity. Crosslinked PEG derived from a 2050 g mol−1 oligomer showed a semi-crystalline microstructure, defining the upper limit of PEG chain length of this system for gas separation applications. Thermal and diffraction studies on the PEG membranes further revealed only amorphous morphologies up to 1000 g mol−1 and that the resulting membranes spanned both glassy and rubbery regimes, which resulted in profound differences on CO2/CH4 and H2S/CH4 transport performance.
ICU related neuromuscular complications

The spectrum of neuromuscular diseases encountered in the ICUs today has rapidly evolved over the last decades. Multiple predisposing factors are involved in the development of neuromuscular complications in intensive care patients. Those complications broadly classified into weakness from the preexisting neuromuscular disease exacerbated by critical illness or the complication of the critical illness itself. Patients, when unresponsive, confused, or sedated precludes careful clinical examination. A careful schematic approach that involves acquiring extensive history, any underlying infections, use of any offending medications, and the course of presenting illness will help in delineating the underlying etiology. Here in this review, we describe many causes and the pathophysiology that contribute to the development of neuromuscular weakness in the ICU. A comprehensive investigation protocol must strictly be adhered to all the cases in the ICU settings to reduce the mortality and morbidity.
An analysis of student reflections of semester projects in introductory statistics courses

Projects in an introductory statistics course have been implemented for many years as an authentic assessment and learning activity. This article examines student perceptions toward semester projects and the relationship of those perceptions to outcomes. Student semester project data including personal reflections and assessment scores from 254 undergraduate students in six semesters of introductory statistics were analysed using qualitative and quantitative methods, relying heavily on content analysis. The projects comprehensively assessed introductory statistics content, and student reflections were based on three prompts. High levels of learning and interest were reported by the students. Workload issues were not expressed by students to an appreciable degree. Finally, this study illustrates the value of using qualitative methods with case studies to inform teaching and learning.
Child disclosure, parental solicitation, and adjustment problems: Parental support as a mediator

Little is known about how perceived parental solicitation and child disclosure are negatively associated with early adolescent adjustment problems and/or if these associations are consistent across race/ethnic groups. This study used data from 209 early adolescents to examine perceived parental support as a mediator in the associations between perceived parental solicitation and child disclosure and subsequent adjustment problems, while also examining race/ethnic group differences across non-Hispanic White and Hispanic early adolescents using multi-group path analyses. Perceived parent support did not mediate the associations between child disclosure and perceived parental solicitation and subsequent adjustment problems. However, child disclosure was directly associated with subsequent conduct problems for Hispanic adolescents. Child disclosure and perceived parental solicitation may positively influence the parent-adolescent relationship by increasing parental support but may not entirely help in reducing the prevalence of adjustment problems. Child disclosure may be particularly beneficial for Hispanic early adolescents in reducing adjustment problems.