cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Linkages among Major Sovereign Bond Yields

This article investigates the dynamic linkages among four major sovereign bond yields (German, Japanese, U.K., and U.S.) for the 1990–2010 period. Using VAR analysis and Engle’s dynamic conditional correlation GARCH specification, the author examines the short- and long-run linkages between yield pairs and finds that yield correlations are time-varying and differ during economic expansions and contractions. Finally, the author assesses the impact of bond yield correlations on the other bond yields’ dynamic correlations and report that the U.S. bond yield volatility affects the other yields’ correlations differently. The results have significant implications for bond portfolio construction and monetary policymaking.
Comparison of the child and parent forms of the Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns in the assessment of children's eating-disordered behaviors.

Objective The assessment of eating-disordered behaviors in middle childhood is challenging. Frequently, both child and parents are queried about the child's eating behavior. However, no direct comparisons between parent and child reports of child eating disturbance have been published. We compared results from the adolescent and parent versions of the Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns (QEWP-A and QEWP-P, respectively) in a nontreatment sample of overweight and normal weight children. Method The QEWP-A and QEWP-P were administered to 142 overweight (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 85th percentile) and 121 normal weight (BMI 15th–84th percentile) children, age 9.7 ± 1.9 years, recruited from the community. Results The QEWP-A and QEWP-P showed good agreement for the absence of eating-disordered behavior but were not concordant in terms of the number or type of binge eating, overeating episodes, or compensatory weight control behaviors in the past 6 months. Children categorized by their own reports (QEWP-A) as engaging in no overeating, simple overeating, or binge eating behaviors did not differ significantly in body composition or in eating and general psychopathology. Children categorized according to their parents' reports (QEWP-P) as engaging in binge eating had significantly greater body adiposity, eating-disordered cognitions, body dissatisfaction, and parent-reported problems (all ps < .001) than children engaging in no overeating or simple overeating according to the QEWP-P. Discussion Child and parent reports of eating behaviors are not concordant regarding the presence of binge eating or compensatory behaviors. Further investigation of the utility of these questionnaires is needed before either can serve as a surrogate for a clinical interview. Published 2004 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. †Int J Eat Disord 36: 183–194, 2004.
Genetic adaptation to untranslated region-mediated enterovirus growth deficits by mutations in the nonstructural proteins 3AB and 3CD.

Both untranslated regions (UTRs) of plus-strand RNA virus genomes jointly control translation and replication of viral genomes. In the case of the Enterovirus genus of the Picornaviridae family, the 5′UTR consists of a cloverleaf-like terminus preceding the internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) and the 3′ terminus is composed of a structured 3′UTR and poly(A). The IRES and poly(A) have been implicated in translation control, and all UTR structures, in addition to cis-acting genetic elements mapping to the open reading frame, have been assigned roles in RNA replication. Viral UTRs are recognized by viral and host cell RNA-binding proteins that may codetermine genome stability, translation, plus- and minus-strand RNA replication, and scaffolding of viral replication complexes within host cell substructures. In this report, we describe experiments with coxsackie B viruses with a cell type-specific propagation deficit in Sk-N-Mc neuroblastoma cells conferred by the combination of a heterologous IRES and altered 3′UTR. Serial passage of these constructs in Sk-N-Mc cells yielded genetic adaptation by mutations within the viral nonstructural proteins 3A and 3C. Our data implicate 3A and/or 3C or their precursors 3AB and/or 3CD in a functional complex with the IRES and 3′UTR that drives viral propagation. Adaptation to neuroblastoma cells suggests an involvement of cell type-specific host factors or the host cell cytoplasmic milieu in this phenomenon.
Update on Urological Management of Spina Bifida from Prenatal Diagnosis to Adulthood

Purpose: We review the current literature regarding urological management of spina bifida from prenatal diagnosis to adulthood.Materials and Methods: We searched MEDLINE®, EMBASE® and PubMed® for English articles published through December 2014 using search terms “spina bifida,” “spinal dysraphism” and “bladder.” Based on review of titles and abstracts, 437 of 1,869 articles were identified as addressing topics related to open spina bifida in pediatric patients, or long-term or quality of life outcomes in adults with spina bifida. We summarize this literature to inform clinical guidelines and create a framework for disease management.Results: The birth prevalence of spina bifida in the United States has recently plateaued at approximately 30 per 100,000. With improved management more individuals are surviving to adulthood, with an economic impact of $319,000 during the lifetime of an individual with spina bifida. Recent advances in prenatal surgery have demonstrated that prenatal closure of spina bifida i...
SIMULTANEOUS DETERMINATION OF OMEPRAZOLE AND DOMPERIDONE IN CAPSULES AND IN VITRO DISSOLUTION STUDIES BY USING STABILITY INDICATING UPLC

A novel stability indicating UPLC method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of omeprazole and domperidone in capsules formulation. The analysis was performed on a waters Acquity UPLC system with an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column (5 mm × 2.1 mm I.D., 1.7 µm). Isocratic elution with a mobile phase consisting of a mixture of phosphate buffer (pH 5.0, 0.05 M) and Acetonitrile in the ratio of 68:32 (v/v). The flow rate was 0.4 mL/min and the column temperature maitained at 50°C. The eluted compounds were monitored at 285 nm. Total run time was 2 min within which the two compounds were well-seperated. Stability indicating capability was established by forced degradation experiments and seperation of known impurities from the two compounds. The method was validated for accuracy, precision, specificity, and linearity and hence the method was concluded to be stability indicating. The method is also applicable for analysis of Assay and also for study of in vitro dissolution profiles.
Coupling Loss From Free Space to Large Mode Area Photonic Crystal Fibers

Simulated and measured results are presented for the coupling loss from free space into a large mode area (LMA) photonic crystal fiber. The total measured loss (using bulk optics) for a signal (? = 1.55 ?m) going in and out of a 1-m-long fiber was -2.15 dB. It was also observed that the fiber is not that sensitive to lateral misalignment compared that to the conventional single-mode fiber. Due to the low loss, this type of fiber could be used to create long delays in optical true-time-delay engines based on the White cell concept and others. The above loss can be further reduced by using field lenses or lensed LMA.
Replicated database recovery using multicast communication

Database replication with update-anywhere capability and one-copy serializability has long been thought impractical. Protocols have been proposed for replicated databases that take advantage of atomic broadcast systems to simplify message passing and conflict resolution. The paper presents global recovery algorithms to handle site failures when such protocols are used.
Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy: Pathophysiology, Imaging Characteristics, and Treatment Options

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to review the biomechanical properties of the rotator cuff and glenohumeral joint and the pathophysiology, imaging characteristics, and treatment options of rotator cuff tear arthropathy (RCTA). CONCLUSION. Although multiple pathways have been proposed as causes of RCTA, the exact cause remains unclear. Increasing knowledge about the clinical diagnosis, imaging features, and indicators of severity improves recognition and treatment of this pathologic condition.
Implant activation in GaN Using an AlN cap

Gallium nitride (GaN) shows great promise as a wide band gap (WBG) semiconductor used in high power RF devices, and it also has the potential to be used for high power, high temperature applications. To date doping by ion implantation, necessary for Schottky diode guard rings and selectively implanted ohmic contact regions, has not been utilized due to the fact that the nitrogen evaporates preferentially at the temperatures required to activate the implants. In this work we describe the properties of a 'dual' AlN annealing cap characterized both before and after the sample is annealed, as well as the surface of the GaN film after selectively etching the cap off. The films are characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray (EDAX) analysis, atomic force microscopy (ATM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The activation of the implants was studied using a Hall effect and van der Pauw system, and the contact resistance of samples annealed at different temperatures was determined using TLM measurements.
Further progress on lateral flow estimation using speckle size variation with scan direction

Conventional blood flow velocity measurement using ultrasound is capable of resolving the axial component (i.e., that aligned with the ultrasound propagation direction) of the blood flow velocity vector. However, these Doppler-based methods are incapable of detecting blood flow in the direction normal to the ultrasound beam. In addition, these methods require repeated pulse-echo interrogation at the same spatial location. In this paper, we report additional data on a new method recently introduced. This method estimates the lateral component of blood flow within a single image frame using the observation that the speckle pattern corresponding to the blood reflectors (typically red blood cells) stretches (i.e., is “smeared”) if the blood is moving in the same direction as the electronically-controlled transducer line selection in a 2D image. The situation is analogous to the observed elongation of a subject photographed with a moving camera. Experiments were performed with a blood flow phantom and high-frequency transducer of a commercially available ultrasound machine. Data was captured through an interface allowing access to the raw beamformed data. Blood flow with velocities ranging from 50 to 110 cm/s were investigated in this paper. Previously, we showed results indicating a linear relationship between the reciprocal of the speckle stretch factor and blood flow velocity when the scan velocity is greater than the blood flow velocity [1]. When the scan velocity is 64.8 cm/s, compared with the theoretical model, fitting results based on experimental data gave us a linear relationship with average flow estimation error of 1.74±1.48 cm/s. When the scan velocity is 37.4 cm/s, the average estimation error is 0.65±0.45 cm/s. The new experiments reported here include blood flow velocities that are close to and greater than the scan velocity. Results show that the linear relationship degrades under these conditions, which we hypothesize is due to speckle decorrelation and flow gradients.
Diltiazem withdrawal before coronary artery bypass surgery.

The authors studied the effects of withdrawing oral diltiazem therapy on the subsequent course of coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Patients with severe coronary artery disease were divided into three groups using a prospective, controlled, randomized protocol. In group D (diltiazem-continuation) patients, diltiazem was administered 2.1 ± 0.1 hours (mean ± SEM) before anesthetic induction (n = 10). Group DW (diltiazem-withdrawal) patients received their final diltiazem dose 17.3 ± 2.9 hours before anesthesia (n = 10). Group R was a reference group of patients not receiving diltiazem (n = 11; not randomized). Anesthesia was induced and maintained with fentanyl and pancuronium without use of halogenated anesthetics. No clinically important differences were detected in measured hemodynamics or drug requirements. Group D patients did not have a lower systemic vascular resistance (SVR) index (P > 0.31) or mean arterial pressure (P > 0.08) compared with group DW. Also, no evidence for a diltiazem withdrawal response was found, because group DW did not have either a higher SVR index (P = 0.99) or a higher pulmonary vascular resistance index (P = 0.99) compared with group R, and no severe myocardial ischemia, coronary artery spasm, or postoperative heart block were seen. Plasma diltiazem concentrations decreased significantly during CPB (P
BCL6 positively regulates AID and germinal center gene expression via repression of miR-155

The BCL6 proto-oncogene encodes a transcriptional repressor that is required for germinal center (GC) formation and whose de-regulation is involved in lymphomagenesis. Although substantial evidence indicates that BCL6 exerts its function by repressing the transcription of hundreds of protein-coding genes, its potential role in regulating gene expression via microRNAs (miRNAs) is not known. We have identified a core of 15 miRNAs that show binding of BCL6 in their genomic loci and are down-regulated in GC B cells. Among BCL6 validated targets, miR-155 and miR-361 directly modulate AID expression, indicating that via repression of these miRNAs, BCL6 up-regulates AID. Similarly, the expression of additional genes relevant for the GC phenotype, including SPI1, IRF8, and MYB, appears to be sustained via BCL6-mediated repression of miR-155. These findings identify a novel mechanism by which BCL6, in addition to repressing protein coding genes, promotes the expression of important GC functions by repressing specific miRNAs.
Effects of delayed first feeding on the nutritional condition and mortality of California halibut larvae

The effect of the timing of first feeding (3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 days post-hatch, dph) on laboratory-reared California halibut Paralichthys californicus larvae was evaluated by means of morphologic, morphometric and histological criteria. Larvae began to feed exogenously at 3 dph (2.7±0.01 mm standard length, L s ) at 18°C. Eye pigmentation, rather than mouth opening was the most distinctive trait of California halibut larvae at first feeding. Larval growth was significantly affected by the time of first exogenous feeding. At notochord flexion (21 dph), the L S of larvae fed for the first time at 3 dph was significantly larger (5.1 ± 0.1 mm) than that of those fed at 4 and 5 dph (4.9 ± 0.1 mm), although the latter fish had a more uniform size distribution. The point of no return was reached at 7 dph. Survival of larvae initially fed at 3. 4 and 5 dph was similar (58.4-60%), while no larvae were able to survive when food was offered for the first time between 6 and 8 dph. Food deprivation resulted in a progressive deterioration of the larval digestive system and atrophy of skeletal muscle fibres. Significant changes in the anterior and posterior enterocyte height were detected after 2 days of food deprivation. Similarly, tail height: L S and trunk length: L S ratios were the most sensitive morphometric indices to detect the effect of fasting on larval condition. Present results show that a combination of morphometric and histological variables can be used to evaluate the nutritional condition of California halibut larvae.
The Effect of Erroneous Computer Interpretation of ECGs on Resident Decision Making

Background . The use of computer interpretations of electrocardiograms (ECGs) as an aid to physician interpretations is widespread. Computer misinterpretations are common and negatively affect physician interpretations.Objective. To measure the effect of computer ECG misinterpretations on clinical decision making.Design. Quasi-randomized trial. Setting. Resident teaching conferences.Participants. Included 105 internal and emergency medicine residents. Intervention. After a brief case presentation, residents were asked to interpret an ECG and choose appropriate management. Residents chose from a concealed stack of handouts; some contained an erroneous computer interpretation of the ECG (citing acute ischemia), and some contained no computer interpretation.Measurements. ECG interpretations and management decisions by residents whose ECG did or did not include an erroneous computer interpretation were compared using chi-square tests.Results. The presence or absence of erroneous computer interpretations of is...
Novel Methyltransferase for Modified Uridine Residues at the Wobble Position of tRNA

We have identified a novel tRNA methyltransferase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae that we designate Trm9. This enzyme, the product of theYML014w gene, catalyzes the esterification of modified uridine nucleotides, resulting in the formation of 5-methylcarbonylmethyluridine in tRNAArg3 and 5-methylcarbonylmethyl-2-thiouridine in tRNAGlu. In intact yeast cells, disruption of the TRM9 gene results in the complete loss of these modified wobble bases and increased sensitivity at 37°C to paromomycin, a translational inhibitor. These results suggest a role for this potentially reversible methyl esterification reaction when cells are under stress.
A Golgi study of the descending medial forebrain bundle

Summary 1. Fibers from several sources in rostral forebrain travel through the lateral preoptic-hypothalamic area into the midbrain tegmentum. Along their course, the fibers give off numerous collaterals to neurons along their path. Furthermore, long collaterals from some of these fibers enter either the stria medullaris thalami or the inferior thalamic peduncle. 2. The neurons in the lateral preoptic-hypothalamic area (termed path neurons) have dendritic trees which stretch perpendicularly across much of the MFB. These dendritic trees are not limited to the lateral preoptic-hypothalamic area but overlap extensively with those of adjoining preoptic and hypothalamic nuclear groups. 3. The axons of the path neurons bifurcate and one axonal division travels caudally with the descending MFB and another division goes rostrally. Both divisions give off collaterals to other path neurons. Additional collaterals go into the stria medullaris, inferior thalamic peduncle, or arch medially over ventromedial hypothalamus into the periventricular fiber system. 4. Although the long MFB fibers and their numerous collaterals converge upon the path neurons and furnish them with a certain common afferent supply, the path neurons are differentiated by (a) the amount of input received from particular forebrain and brain stem areas, and (b) the input received from the medial zone nuclei. 5. It is suggested that the structural features of the MFB furnish the anatomical substrate necessary for the shifting patterns of autonomic activity accompanying the different behavioral states of the animal.
NIOSH health and safety practices survey of healthcare workers: training and awareness of employer safety procedures.

Background The Health and Safety Practices Survey of Healthcare Workers describes current practices used to minimize chemical exposures and barriers to using recommended personal protective equipment for the following: antineoplastic drugs, anesthetic gases, high level disinfectants, surgical smoke, aerosolized medications (pentamidine, ribavirin, and antibiotics), and chemical sterilants. Methods Twenty-one healthcare professional practice organizations collaborated with NIOSH to develop and implement the web-based survey. Results Twelve thousand twenty-eight respondents included professional, technical, and support occupations which routinely come in contact with the targeted hazardous chemicals. Chemical-specific safe handling training was lowest for aerosolized antibiotics (52%, n = 316), and surgical smoke (57%, n = 4,747). Reported employer procedures for minimizing exposure was lowest for surgical smoke (32%, n = 4,746) and anesthetic gases (56%, n = 3,604). Conclusions Training and having procedures in place to minimize exposure to these chemicals is one indication of employer and worker safety awareness. Safe handling practices for use of these chemicals will be reported in subsequent papers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 57:640–652, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Buckling of Columns with Random Initial Displacements

Classical Bernoulli-Euler results for column buckling are compared with those obtained by considering a column that is initially, randomly bent and twisted instead of being ideally straight. The nonlinear column equations of Love are formulated in terms of the displacement components and the angle of twist; linearization proceeds on the assumption that the twist rate is large. A scheme is then developed whereby the statistical moments of these quantities may be calculated to any degree of accuracy. Computations show that the scatter in buckling data may be very large due to the initial geometrical eccentricities in the shape of the column which are generally neglected in obtaining classical buckling results. The addition of frequency components in the twist results in substantially larger increases in the scatter of the displacement components than the addition of the same components to the initial bending; further, the addition of higher frequency components results in smaller increases in the scatter than the addition of lower frequency components.
Arterial alpha-adrenergic responsiveness is decreased and SNS activity is increased in older humans

We tested the hypotheses that 1) there is an age-associated decrease in arterial alpha-adrenergic responsiveness and 2) there is upregulation of this response during suppression of sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity. We measured forearm blood flow (FABF) by plethysmography during brachial artery infusions of the alpha-adrenergic agonist norepinephrine (NE) and the nonadrenergic agonist angiotensin II (ANG II) in 15 young and 14 older healthy human subjects. Among the old (O) relative to the young (Y) we identified greater plasma NE levels (Y: 1.29 +/- 0.07 nM vs. O: 2.14 +/- 0.17 nM; P = 0.0001); a decrease in NE-mediated reduction in FABF [analysis of variance (ANOVA) P = 0.04]; and, in contrast, no difference in ANG II-mediated reduction in FABF (ANOVA P = 0.43). In the nine older subjects studied during guanadrel (G) to suppress SNS activity, we identified decreased plasma NE levels [placebo (P): 2.11 +/- 0.24 nM vs. G: 1.09 +/- 0.09 nM; P = 0.002], increased NE-mediated FABF response (ANOVA P = 0.01), and no difference in FABF response to ANG II (ANOVA: P = 0.69) compared with P. We conclude that there is appropriate desensitization of arterial alpha-adrenergic responsiveness among the older relative to the young subjects that is specific for the alpha-adrenergic system. Among the older subjects there is homologous upregulation of this response when SNS activity is suppressed.
Evolutionary Mechanisms Maintaining Nest Construction in Avian Clades

Most birds construct nests where they raise dependent young, and in some instances species will use a nest as a protective roost for part or all of the year. Given the direct connection between nes...
Gender Differences in Low and High Pain Palpation Thresholds in the TMJ and Neck Areas

AbstractThe null hypothesis was that pain pressure thresholds are the same for young healthy males and females and do not differ between the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and muscle sites. The aim of the current study was to compare pain pressure threshold levels using an algometer with a convex-formed contact piece and pressure increase rates similar to those in conventional finger palpation, making the conditions more like clinical examination of painful spots with commonly used physiotherapeutic methods. Healthy subjects, 12 male, mean age 22.5±1.62 (SD), and 12 female, 22.4±2.19 (SD), were enrolled. A transducer with a calibrated load range, 0 to 25 pounds, was used to measure pressure threshold levels for low (T1), VAS ~ 2, and high (T2), VAS ~ 8, pain levels bilaterally in the occipital (OC), sternocleidomastoid (SCM), upper trapezius (TU), transverse process of first vertebra (C1), and lateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) areas. The null hypothesis was rejected. Levels T1 and T2 were significantly...
Memapsin 2 (β-secretase) as a therapeutic target

As beta-secretase, memapsin 2 cleaves amyloid-beta precursor protein, which leads ultimately to the onset of Alzheimer's disease. As such, memapsin 2 is an excellent target of inhibitor drugs for the treatment of this disease. Here we describe the tools for memapsin 2 inhibitor design that have been developed and results from the structure-based inhibitor design. Strategy for the design of memapsin 2 inhibitors with pharmaceutical potential is also discussed.
Service-Oriented Party: Scientific Positioning of the CPC

First proposed by the Eighteenth Summit of the CPC party, the concept of service oriented party is the new development of Marxism political theory and also the new goal of the party construction. This definition takes current national and international situations into account, and clarifies the content, method, as well as target of the party's services. In practice, party members at all levels should be involved in global and creative thinking to comprehensively promote the construction of service-oriented party.
Study on Anorectal Manometry in Postoperative Incontinence in Children with Imperforate Anus

To explore the mechanisms of postoperative incontinence in children with imperforate anus by manometry.Methods:Clinical score and manometry examinations were recorded in 25 patients with postoperative incontinence, and compared with that in 30 subjects of normal control.Results:The parameters which included maximum contraction amplitude and duration, squeezing vector volume, anal canal resting pressure, anorectal pressure difference,high pressure zone, and resting vector volume in postoperative incontinence group were lower than those in control group (P0.05).Rectal sensation threshold in postoperative incontinence group was higher than those in control group (P0.05).The higher the position of malformation was, the grade was lower. Conclusion:Manometry is helpful to realize the mechanism of incontinence.
Progress in Use of Ultrasonic Integrated Backscatter in Cardiomyopathy

Ultrasonic integrated backscatter is a non-invasive quantitative technology which can evaluate the type and degree of pathological changes in tissue.This article reviews the basic principle of ultrasonic integrated backscatter and progress in its use in dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Prostaglandin E1 uptake by isolated cat lungs perfused with physiological salt solution.

The instantaneous extraction of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) was measured after a bolus injection of PGE1 and [14C]dextran in to the pulmonary artery of isolated cat lungs perfused with a physiological ...
Introduction: The Irish Anomaly

There is a saying current in Ireland that the Irish were the ‘first to find the faith and last to lose it,’ referring to the very early and peaceful conversion of the Irish and to the continuing conservatism and traditionalism of Irish Catholicism despite the sweeping changes which have rocked the Catholic Church since Vatican II. Although the slogan implies an uninterrupted continuity in religious outlook that is clearly exaggerated, its emphasis on tradition is nonetheless justified and reveals durable aspects of Irish religiosity that are crucial to understanding the religious transformations of the early modern period.
Domains of dependent case assignment

We are exploring different aspects of the general schema for dependent case assignment given in (1): (1) If XP bears c-command relationship Y to ZP in local domain WP, then assign case V to XP. In the last chapter, I presented some evidence that c-command is indeed crucial to dependent case assignment, and I surveyed the different c-command relationships that languages can make use of in their case-assigning rules. A second aspect of this schema that calls for clarification – and where we might look for parameterization – is the local domain WP which must contain both XP and ZP in order for dependent case to be triggered. That is the topic of this chapter. Marantz’s (1991) original outline referred to domains in two ways. First, he recognized that case assignment is local to (roughly) the clause. For example, the subject and the object of a single clause interact case theoretically, but the subject of a matrix clause and the subject of an embedded clause typically do not. More specifically, he said that one NP causes dependent case to be assigned to another when both are “governed by the [same] VþI complex.” Second, he envisioned the possibility that different cases might be assigned within different kinds of phrase. In particular, the unmarked case for a single NP in a clause might be nominative/absolutive, whereas the unmarked case for a single NP in a complex nominal might be genitive. Generalizing on this, we might expect two sorts of domain effect. First, there might be some variation across languages in whether phrase WP counts as a domain for dependent case marking at all. Second, given that WP counts as a domain, the particular cases that are assigned in relevant c-command configurations might vary with the category of WP. Indeed, we could see this type of variation in dependent case rules as well as in unmarked case rules.
The success rate of TED upper eyelid retraction reoperations

Although reoperation rates for upper lid retraction surgery for thyroid eye disease (TED) typically range between 8% and 23%, there is little literature describing the outcomes of these second operations. In this retrospective observational cohort study, all patients that underwent surgery for upper eyelid retraction over a 14-year period at a single institution were included. Cases were included if a second eyelid retraction surgery was performed during the study period. Success of surgery was defined as a marginal reflex distance (MRD1) of 2.5 to 4.5 mm in each eye and less than 1 mm difference in MRD1 between the eyes. Overcorrection and undercorrection were defined as above and below these bounds, respectively. 72 eyes in 49 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 56.6 (±11.5) years. By definition, all patients had at least 1 lid lengthening surgery for upper eyelid retraction, and at least 1 subsequent surgery. For this second surgery, 61 eyes (85%) underwent retraction surgery and 11 eyes (15%) underwent ptosis surgery. After this second operation, 31% were undercorrected and 33% were overcorrected. A third surgery was performed in 19 eyes (25%), 12 had surgery for residual retraction and 7 for ptosis. After the third operation 10% of eyes were under corrected and 11% were over corrected. Four patients underwent a fourth surgery: one for retraction and three for ptosis. Success was noted in 35% after the second surgery and 44% after the third. Surgical success in eyelid retraction surgery increases from a second to a third consecutive surgery, and residual asymmetry was roughly equally distributed between over- and undercorrection.
Contraception: Search for an Ideal Unisex Mechanism by Targeting Ion Channels

Targeting sperm ion channels and other sperm-specific proteins is an effective way to develop unisex contraceptives, as they should have decreased side effects. This Science & Society summarizes the current advances in human sperm physiology in attempts to evaluate what would be appropriate targets for unisex contraceptives.
Management and Outcomes of Bleeding Events in Patients in the Emergency Department Taking Warfarin or a Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulant.

Abstract Background Most comparisons of bleeding patients who are taking warfarin or a non–vitamin K oral anticoagulant (NOAC) have been limited to admitted patients and major bleeding events in well-controlled, clinical trial settings. Objectives We describe the clinical characteristics, interventions, and outcomes in patients who are taking warfarin or a NOAC who presented to the emergency department (ED) with any bleeding event. Methods We conducted a structured, retrospective, observational study of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, pulmonary embolism, or deep vein thrombosis warfarin- or NOAC-treated patients presenting with any bleeding event to a large, academic ED between January 2012 and March 2015. We used descriptive statistics to summarize baseline characteristics, treatments, and outcomes and performed subgroup analyses based on the type of anticoagulant and site of bleeding. Results The electronic search yielded 95 cases of patients taking a NOAC (i.e., dabigatran [33], rivaroxaban [32], or abixaban [30]) and 342 patients taking warfarin. Reversal agents were rarely used in all anticoagulant groups. Case fatality rates were similar among warfarin- and NOAC-treated patients for gastrointestinal bleeding (7% vs. 7%) and intracranial hemorrhage (18% vs. 4%), respectively. After adjustment for other factors, only intracranial hemorrhage (odds ratio 4.4; 95% confidence interval 1.4–13.3) was associated with mortality. Conclusions Despite the rare use of reversal strategies, mortality was low and outcomes were comparable among patients with bleeding events presenting to the ED while taking a NOAC compared with warfarin.
A seed-recruited microbiome protects developing seedlings from disease by altering homing responses of Pythium aphanidermatum zoospores

We investigated potential mechanisms by which a seed microbiome recruited from vermicomposted dairy manure alters Pythium aphanidermatum zoospore mediated pathogenesis in cucumber. Bioassays were conducted to measure arrival of zoospores at the seed surface via qPCR and subsequent seedling disease incidence. Seed exudates were collected at relevant time points for use in zoospore microscopy assays. Metabolomic analysis was used to characterize seed exudates. Microbes recruited by the germinating seed from a disease suppressive substrate within 8 hours of sowing prevented zoospore arrival at the seed surface, modified seed exudates and reduced disease incidence. In vitro exposure to microbially modified seed exudates altered zoospore homing responses and reduced both encystment and germination compared to control exudates. Combining modified and control exudates failed to restore zoospore attraction to levels observed with control exudates. Observed zoosporolytic activity of the modified exudates was unique to the ethyl acetate fraction and metabolomic analysis revealed several putative zoosporolytic compounds present at higher relative abundance when compared to control exudates. The observed disease suppression was likely due to the production of a specific zoosporolytic compound or set of compounds in the spermosphere by one or more members of the seed-recruited vermicompost microbiome.
Latina/o Conversion and Miracle-Seeking at a Buddhist Temple

The growing diversification of the US Latino religious’ experiences calls for scholarly attention beyond Protestant or Catholic categories. This study begins to answer this call. Using interview data with 26 Latinos collected over 2 years of observation at the True Lama Meditation Center (TLMC) in Houston, Texas, we describe how Latinos who convert to Buddhism or actively attend the temple while also continuing to attend Christian services (both Catholic and Protestant) see themselves and understand their religious identities and practices. We then explore the reasons for their conversion or changes in religious identities and practices through various theoretical lens. Although the majority of respondents now claim to be Buddhist, many did not switch religions but augmented or extended their religious identities and practices. Reasons for conversion to Buddhism or concurrent involvement at the temple and Buddhist faith practices include seeking material support and miracles and those seeking spiritual fulfillment they felt they were not getting in Christian faith practices.
Teaching psychiatric trainees to respond to sexual and loving feelings. The supervisory challenge

The intimate nature of the psychodynamic psychotherapy process requires that trainees be educated to deal competently with sexual and loving feelings that arise during psychotherapy. The absence of substantive teaching on these complex treatment issues places a responsibility on the psychotherapy supervisor to educate trainees about the erotic aspects of transference/countertransference. A model of supervision addressing sexual feelings in treatment relationships is proposed and discussed with reference to clinical vignettes.
Comparative efficacy of antibiotics in treating experimental Clostridium septicum infection.

ABSTRACT Clostridium septicum is a highly pathogenic microbe that causes gas gangrene in humans, and is the principal cause of spontaneous gas gangrene in patients with gastrointestinal maladies, including adenocarcinoma of the colon. Despite modern approaches to manage C. septicum infection, morbidity and mortality remain high (>60%). At present, no objective in-vivo data exist supporting the current antibiotic treatment recommendations for C. septicum infection. Utilizing an established murine model of clostridial myonecrosis, this study investigated the efficacy of standard antibiotics for anaerobic Gram-positive soft tissue infections (penicillin, clindamycin, tetracycline and vancomycin) in treating C. septicum gas gangrene. Following intramuscular challenge with 1 × 106 colony-forming units of C. septicum, antibiotics were administered by intraperitoneal injection every 4 h for a total of four doses. At 30 h, all animals in all treatment groups survived the C. septicum challenge, compared with no survivors in the untreated controls (100% mortality by 10 h). However, by 60 h, mice treated with vancomycin exhibited 40% mortality, with no mortality observed in any other antibiotic treatment group. Microbroth dilution minimum inhibitory concentration analyses for three strains of C. septicum also demonstrated high susceptibility to penicillin, clindamycin and tetracycline, but considerably lower susceptibility to vancomycin. This study suggests that penicillin, clindamycin and tetracycline are suitable alternatives for the treatment of C. septicum infection in humans.
Effects and feasibility of virtual reality system vs traditional physical therapy training in multiple sclerosis patients

Background/Aims: Traditionally, physical therapy for gait and balance training takes place in a gym setting, which may not fully reproduce situations in everyday activities. The Computer Assisted R...
The devil is in the details: indexes versus Amazon’s X-Ray

The X-Ray feature available on new editions of Amazon’s ereaders could be viewed as a replacement for an index. Comparisons of the details available to readers in X-Ray and in a traditional index s...
Identification of Leukocytes Associated With Midday Fogging in the Post-Lens Tear Film of Scleral Contact Lens Wearers.

Purpose Midday fogging is a frequent complaint among scleral contact lens (ScCL) wearers, and the mechanism and cause of this is unknown. The purpose of this investigation was to understand the relation between midday fogging, ocular surface leukocytes, and ScCL fitting characteristics. Methods Subjects arrived at a clinical exam having worn ScCLs for at least 4 hours. ScCL were removed, and 150 μL of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was used to wash the bowl of the ScCL. Eyes were washed post-ScCL removal with 5 mL PBS per eye. Wash solutions were collected and leukocytes were then isolated and counted, followed by assessment with flow cytometry. Samples from the post-lens tear fluid were stained with fluorescently labeled antibodies to detect leukocyte distributions. Results Thirty-nine eyes from 19 adapted, full-time, ScCL wearers were included, and 46% presented with midday fogging. ScCL corneal clearance was 246 ± 61 μm for nonfoggers, while it was 308 ± 98 μm for those with fogging (P < 0.05). On average, the number of leukocytes collected from the ScCL bowl (9551 ± 18,926) was greater than the number of leukocytes recovered from the eye wash (2195 ± 4384, P < 0.02). ScCL corneal clearance was associated with the presence of fogging, with an odds ratio of 2.24 (95% confidence interval = 1.48-3.38, P < 0.001). Conclusions Leukocytes, predominated by neutrophils, are present in the post-lens tear film of ScCL wearers, and in particular wearers with greater ScCL corneal clearance have greater odds of having midday fogging.
Radioiodine deposition losses from sample air containing particulate and gaseous iodine in nuclear reactor sample lines

Mechanisms of radioiodine deposition from sample air containing both gaseous and particulate radioiodine in reactor sample lines are studied, and experimental methods are developed. A short half-li...
Medications and the larynx.

Purpose of reviewThe larynx is a complex organ that houses some of the most intricate structures of the human body. Owing to its delicate nature, the larynx is affected by different medications to varying degrees. Many of these effects manifest in subjective complaints in one's voice or swallow. Thi
A 99.7% Efficient 300 W Hard Disk Drive Storage Server with Multiport Ac-Coupled Differential Power Processing (MAC-DPP) Architecture

High performance computing needs high performance power electronics. This paper presents the design of an ultra-efficient series-stacked hard-disk-drive (HDD) data storage server with a multiport ac-coupled differential power processing (MAC-DPP) architecture. A large number of HDDs are connected in series and ac-coupled through a multi-winding transformer with a single flux linkage. The MAC-DPP architecture offers very low power conversion stress, can achieve extremely high efficiency, and can reduce the magnetic size and the component count. A hybrid time-sharing and distributed phase-shift control strategy is developed to modulate the ac-coupled multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) power flow. A 10-port MAC-DPP prototype was designed to support a 300 W data storage system with 10 series-stacked voltage domains. The MAC-DPP converter was tested with a 50-HDD 12TB testbench, which can maintain normal operation of the server against the worst hot-swapping scenario. The 300 W MAC-DPP prototype can achieve 99.7% peak system efficiency and over 100 W/in3 power density.
Coordinated Power and Energy Management Using Cluster of Microgrids to Improve Grid Availability and Resiliency

A coordinated power and energy management concept for a cluster of microgrids is presented in this paper. Distributed generation and storage resources at the low voltage end of the electrical power grid can be operated together as microgrids. These microgrids can operate in grid-connected mode and in islanded mode, thereby serving the loads within them during loss-of-service from the transmission network. In the proposed coordinated microgrid cluster management scheme, multiple microgrids operated as a cluster can be connected using tie reclosers or through auxiliary distribution lines as a retrofit operation, which are activated during transmission system failure and power generated or energy stored are shared between microgrids with different power demands. The operation can be achieved with no modified power inverter controls, and minimal changes to the supervisory / dispatch control and communications systems. In this paper, the cluster of microgrids presented include solar photovoltaic (PV) plants, battery energy storage systems (BESS) and loads. A demonstration cluster with two microgrids is operated using a real-time hardware-in-loop platform to show power and energy management during transmission system failure.
Primary biliary cholangitis presenting as acute ischemic stroke: A rare association

Primary biliary cholangitis is associated with hyperlipidemia, but studies show that the condition does not increase cardiovascular risks. The case presents acute ischemic stroke with no underlying risk factors and subsequent new diagnosis of primary biliary cholangitis, which can suggest possible association between primary biliary cholangitis and acute stroke.
Healing Spaces : Designing Physical Environments to Optimize Health, Wellbeing and Performance

This Special Issue on Healing Spaces includes eight articles consisting of studies at the interface between design and health. The articles address some of the latest findings using state-of-the-art technologies, important outcomes for human health and wellbeing, and suggest exciting directions for the future of this research field.
Sex differences in blood pressure responsiveness to spontaneous K-complexes during stage II sleep

K-complexes during stage II sleep are known to elicit acute increases in blood pressure and heart rate. In the present study, we confirm an increase in blood pressure and heart rate following a spo...
External interventions and the duration of civil wars

The authors combine an empirical model of external intervention, with a theoretical model of civil war duration. Their empirical model of intervention allows them to analyze civil war duration, using"expected"rather than"actual"external intervention as an explanatory variable in the duration model. Unlike previous studies, they find that external intervention is positively associated with the duration of civil war. They distinguish partial third-party interventions that extend the length of war, from multilateral"peace"operations, which have a mandate to restore peace without taking sides - and which typically take place at war's end, or at least when both sides have agreed to a cease-fire. In a future paper, the authors will examine whether partial third-party interventions - whatever their effect on a war's duration - increase the risk of war's recurrence. If that proves true, then even if interventions reduce the length of civil war, they may do so at the cost of further destabilizing the political system, and sowing the seeds of future rebellion.
Anatomy of a Ḍākinī : Female Consort Discourse in a Case of Fourteenth-Century Tibetan Buddhist Literature

In the wake of the brave voices of the #metoo movement, Buddhist responses to sexual abuse have led to important questions about Buddhist sexual ethics and the female consort in Tibetan cultures. One issue raised by current debates is the question of who is an appropriate consort, a discourse that has historical precedent. These debates highlight the gaps left by the understudied history of consorts in Tibetan tantric communities. This research addresses that history through a study of female consort discourse in key scriptures of the Great Perfection (rdzogs chen) from the fourteenth century. The text studied is The Ḍākki’s Path and Fruit (dakki lam ‘bras skor), which is part of a corpus known as The Seminal Heart of the Ḍākinī. The scriptures are analyzed in terms of taxonomic discourse, interpreted with attention to structures of knowledge production as described by Foucault. It addresses the discursive transformations that facilitated the inclusion of women in the androcentric world of esoteric Tibetan Buddhism. Overall, the argument is made that this scripture sheds light on how knowledge of women and sexuality was constructed in a web of ever-changing, contradicting, competing discourses that reflect an ambivalent misogyny that simultaneously promoted and subjugated women.
Modeling Structures Using Mixed Integer Programming

In this chapter we shall look at ways in which problems may be formulated using a series of devices mainly involving integer variables for counting indivisible entities (people, living animals, air planes, etc.), and particularly binary variables. Among other things, binary variables can be used to model 1. states, 2. logical conditions and logical expressions, and 3. special nonlinear terms and expressions