cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of the nervi nervorum in neuropathic pain

D octors Sove and Light present an important and interesting hypothesis on the function of unmyelinated sensory fibers with "free endings" in the perineurium. They suggest that these nociceptive fibers of the nervi nervorum serve an integral and unique role in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain by signaling pain from direct stimulation and by initiating and reinforcing the electrophysiologic events that characterize the neuropathic pain state. Their hypothesis is based on several of their own observations and a substantial literature on the anatomy, function, and chemical sensitivity of nerve fibers. As the authors point out, the hypothesis has been expressed in slightly different forms in the past, but has not been formally tested. It extends a more fundamental hypothesis suggesting that the primary role of the nervi nerverum is to guard the fascicular axons from physical injury by nociceptive signaling and to help regulate the endoneurial environment through the release of neuropeptides that alter the blood-nerve barrier. That the nervi nervorum may contribute directly to the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain is an appealing hypothesis, but one that is difficult to test given the technical problems of isolating perineurial fibers and stimulating them without affecting the very large number of adjacent somatic fibers in the fascicular endoneurial space. To think that compression of the perineurium or chemical alterations in its environment could cause aberrant firing in the terminal receptors of the nervi ner-
Endodermal Nodal-related signals and mesoderm induction in Xenopus.

In Xenopus, mesoderm induction by endoderm at the blastula stage is well documented, but the molecular nature of the endogenous inductive signals remains unknown. The carboxy-terminal fragment of Cerberus, designated Cer-S, provides a specific secreted antagonist of mesoderm-inducing Xenopus Nodal-Related (Xnr) factors. Cer-S does not inhibit signalling by other mesoderm inducers such as Activin, Derriere, Vg1 and BMP4, nor by the neural inducer Xnr3. In the present study we show that Cer-S blocks the induction of both dorsal and ventral mesoderm in animal-vegetal Nieuwkoop-type recombinants. During blastula stages Xnr1, Xnr2 and Xnr4 are expressed in a dorsal to ventral gradient in endodermal cells. Dose-response experiments using cer-S mRNA injections support the existence of an endogenous activity gradient of Xnrs. Xnr expression at blastula can be activated by the vegetal determinants VegT and Vg1 acting in synergy with dorsal (beta)-catenin. The data support a modified model for mesoderm induction in Xenopus, in which mesoderm induction is mediated by a gradient of multiple Nodal-related signals released by endoderm at the blastula stage.
Energy and CO2 flux densities above and below a temperate broad-leaved forest and a boreal pine forest

Fluxes of carbon dioxide, water vapor and energy were measured above and below a temperate broad-leaved forest and a boreal jack pine (Pinus banksiania Lamb.) forest by the eddy covariance method. The aim of the work was to examine differences between the biological and physical processes that control the fluxes of mass and energy over these disparate forest stand types. Carbon and latent heat flux (LE) densities over the temperate broad-leaved forest were about three times larger than those observed over the boreal forest. Available energy was the key variable modulating LE over the temperate broad-leaved forest, whereas LE over the boreal jack pine stand was sensitive to variations in water vapor pressure deficits (VPDs) and available energy. It was also noted that VPDs had different impacts on transpiration rates of the two forest stands. Increasing VPDs forced a negative feedback on jack pine transpiration, whereas transpiration rates of the well-watered broad-leaved forest responded favorably to increasing VPDs. Carbon dioxide flux densities over the broad-leaved forest stand were more sensitive to changes in absorbed photosynthetic photon flux density than those over the boreal forest. The efficiency of CO(2) uptake over the jack pine stand was reduced, in part, because the low leaf area of the stand caused a sizable fraction of available quanta to be absorbed by nonphotosynthetic organs, such as limbs and trunks. Over both forest stands, variations in photosynthetic photon flux density of photosynthetically active radiation (Q(P)) explained only 50 to 60% of the variance of CO(2) exchange rates. Consequently, caution should be exercised when scaling carbon fluxes to regional scales based on unmodified, satellite-derived indices. The more open nature of the boreal jack pine forest caused water vapor, CO(2) and heat fluxes at the forest floor to be a significant component of whole canopy mass and energy exchange rates. About 20 to 30% of net canopy mass and energy exchange occurred at the forest floor. Much smaller rates of mass and energy exchange occurred under the temperate broad-leaved forest.
Ongoing life stressors and suicidal ideation among HIV-infected adults with depression

Abstract Background Suicidal ideation is the most proximal risk factor for suicide and can indicate extreme psychological distress; identification of its predictors is important for possible intervention. Depression and stressful or traumatic life events (STLEs), which are more common among HIV-infected individuals than the general population, may serve as triggers for suicidal thoughts. Methods A randomized controlled trial testing the effect of evidence-based decision support for depression treatment on antiretroviral adherence (the SLAM DUNC study) included monthly assessments of incident STLEs, and quarterly assessments of suicidal ideation (SI). We examined the association between STLEs and SI during up to one year of follow-up among 289 Southeastern US-based participants active in the study between 7/1/2011 and 4/1/2014, accounting for time-varying confounding by depressive severity with the use of marginal structural models. Results Participants were mostly male (70%) and black (62%), with a median age of 45 years, and experienced a mean of 2.36 total STLEs (range: 0–12) and 0.48 severe STLEs (range: 0–3) per month. Every additional STLE was associated with an increase in SI prevalence of 7% (prevalence ratio (PR) (95% confidence interval (CI)): 1.07 (1.00, 1.14)), and every additional severe STLE with an increase in SI prevalence of 19% (RR (95% CI): 1.19 (1.00, 1.42)). Limitations There was a substantial amount of missing data and the exposures and outcomes were obtained via self-report; methods were tailored to address these potential limitations. Conclusions STLEs were associated with increased SI prevalence, which is an important risk factor for suicide attempts and completions.
Embryo ethics--the moral logic of stem-cell research.

The question is whether the destruction of human embryos in stem-cell research amounts to the killing of human beings. Professor Michael J. Sandel on the stem-cell debate.
Non‐numeric Intrajudge Consistency Feedback in an Angoff Procedure

The credibility of standard-setting cut scores depends in part on two sources of consistency evidence: intrajudge and interjudge consistency. Although intrajudge consistency feedback has often been provided to Angoff judges in practice, more evidence is needed to determine whether it achieves its intended effect. In this randomized experiment with 36 judges, non-numeric item-level intrajudge consistency feedback was provided to treatment-group judges after the first and second rounds of Angoff ratings. Compared to the judges in the control condition, those receiving the feedback significantly improved their intrajudge consistency, with the effect being stronger after the first round than after the second round. To examine whether this feedback has deleterious effects on between-judge consistency, I also examined interjudge consistency at the cut score level and the item level using generalizability theory. The results showed that without the feedback, cut score variability worsened; with the feedback, idiosyncratic item-level variability improved. These results suggest that non-numeric intrajudge consistency feedback achieves its intended effect and potentially improves interjudge consistency. The findings contribute to standard-setting feedback research and provide empirical evidence for practitioners planning Angoff procedures.
Human Leukocyte Antigen Mismatch and Steroid Maintenance in Kidney Transplantation.

Abstract Background This study aimed to analyze the impact of chronic steroid maintenance (CSM) vs early steroid withdrawal (ESW) in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) stratified by the level of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatch. Methods Adult KTRs between 2001 and 2011 who received antibody induction followed by calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)/mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) maintenance with or without steroid were identified from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network/United Network for Organ Sharing (OPTN/UNOS) database. Using multivariate analysis, graft and patient outcomes were compared for CSM vs ESW in KTRs stratified by HLA mismatch levels separately for depleting and nondepleting antibody-induced patients. Results Among 43,096 study patients, 26,582 received depleting induction (zero HLA mismatch = 5324 [CSM = 3416; ESW = 1908]; 5–6 HLA mismatch = 21,258 [CSM = 13,739; ESW = 7519]) and 16,514 patients received nondepleting induction (zero HLA mismatch = 4109 [CSM = 3453; ESW = 656]; 5–6 HLA mismatch = 12,405 [CSM = 10,890; ESW = 1515]). Adjusted graft failure risks for CSM vs ESW groups for zero HLA mismatch patients were as follows: HR 1.13, P = .07 (depleting induction); HR 1.30, P = .01 (nondepleting induction). Graft outcomes were similar for CSM vs ESW in 5–6 HLA mismatch groups for both induction types. Adjusted patient death risks were significantly higher for CSM vs ESW with depleting (HR 1.3, P = .003) and nondepleting (HR 1.45, P = .006) induction in zero HLA mismatch patients and only with depleting induction in 5–6 HLA mismatch groups (HR 1.16, P Conclusion Our study supports the feasibility of ESW regardless of the level of HLA mismatch in KTRs selected for antibody induction and CNI/MMF maintenance.
Effects of insulin on peripheral nerves.

Abstract Aims To assess the effects of insulin on peripheral nerve under normoglycemic and hyperglycemic conditions in the presence and absence of anoxia. Methods This study uses the in-vitro sciatic nerve model to assess the effect of insulin on peripheral nerve with the nerve action potential (NAP) as an index of nerve function. Results Under normoglycemic conditions, low concentrations of regular insulin (0.01 nM) reduced the conduction velocity of oxygenated nerves. Hyperglycemia increased the duration of the NAP and this increase was nearly completely eliminated by insulin in the 0.1 nM–100 nM concentration range. Insulin (1 nM) also had effects on normoglycemic nerves exposed to intermittent anoxia, producing a decrease in the paired-pulse response and NAP amplitude and an increase in peak duration. This was associated with a reduced time to anoxia-induced conduction block. Similar effects were seen when regular insulin was replaced by insulin detemir, but the latter required much higher concentrations. Conclusions Insulin has concentration dependent effects on the peripheral nerve that are dependent on glucose and anoxia. These effects may be important in modulating neuropathic consequences of diabetes.
Characterizations of Convergence in Probability

(1969). Characterizations of Convergence in Probability. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 76, No. 7, pp. 813-814.
Natural Pyrochlores: Analogues For Actinide Host Phases in Radioactive Waste Forms

Significant amounts of the pyrochlore structure type, and derivative structures like zirconolite, have been reported to occur in crystalline, polyphase, nuclear waste forms [1,2,3,4]. Pyrochlore has abundant and chemically diverse natural analogues. Many of these contain U and Th and have been transformed to the electron-diffraction amorphous, “metamict” state by alpha-recoil nuclei. A variety of geochemical alteration processes may occur before, during, and after reaching the final saturation level for alpha-recoil damage (∼1026 alpha-events/m3). The purpose of this paper is to examine these alteration effects in radiation-damaged natural pyrochlores.
Indian English and the Fiction of National Literature

During the twentieth century, at the height of the independence movement and after, Indian literary writing in English was entrusted with the task of consolidating the image of a unified, seemingly caste-free, modernising India for consumption both at home and abroad. This led to a critical insistence on the proximity of the national and the literary, which in turn, led to the canonisation of certain writers and themes and the dismissal of others. Examining English anthologies of 'Indian literature', as well as the establishment of the Sahitya Akademi (the national academy of letters) and the work of R. K. Narayan and Mulk Raj Anand among others, Rosemary Marangoly George exposes the painstaking efforts that went into the elaboration of a 'national literature' in English for independent India even while deliberating the fundamental limitations of using a nation-centric critical framework for reading literary works.
To Criticize the Tranditional Industrial Technological Sense in View of Development Ethics

Nowadays extensive and thoroughgoing studing on technology embodied the reflexive technological sense at many different levels.In essence,technological sense should be reflexive viewed and criticized in development ethical interpretation principle,because development ethics is the due rule of criticizing technological sense as well as the basic rule to develop technology.
464 TGFβ 1 AND THROMBIN REGULATE α-SMOOTH MUSCLE ACTIN, MMP3 AND TIMP3 MRNA ACCUMULATION IN MURINE PLACENTAL FIBROBLASTS

Background Myofibroblasts are specialized mesenchymal cells that contribute to developmental fibrotic disorders, including placental fibrosis associated with intrauterine growth restriction. TGFβ1 and thrombin, released during thrombosis, stimulate the differentiation of myofibroblasts in many tissues. TGFβ1 and thrombin promote proliferation and migration of mesenchymal cells, synthesis and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), and inhibition of proteolytic enzymes that degrade ECM. MMP3 (Stromelysin-1) and its inhibitor, Timp3, are among major enzymes that are involved in ECM degradation and remodeling. We have developed a transgenic mouse line expressing EGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein) in myofibroblasts, under the control of an α-smooth muscle actin enhancer/promoter. Fibroblasts were cultured from placental tissue, conditionally immortalized with an SV40T plasmid, and cloned. Objective We hypothesize that TGFβ1 and thrombin stimulate placental myofibroblast differentiation and subsequent, coordinate MMP3 and Timp3 mRNA regulation. Design/Method Control, TGFβ1 (10 ng/ml), and thrombin (0.5 U/ml) exposed placental fibroblasts were studied up to 24 hours in cell culture. Cells underwent RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and microarray analysis utilizing an Affymetrix chip array (MOE 430A). We quantitated, in duplicate, mRNA accumulation of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), MMP3 and Timp3. Results TGFβ1 and thrombin induced differentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts. α-SMA mRNA accumulation was increased 7 fold and 1.7 fold by TGFβ1 and thrombin, respectively, vs. control. MMP3 mRNA accumulation decreased by 2.3 fold and 1.3 fold, whereas Timp3 mRNA accumulation was upregulated 3.9 fold and 1.7 fold, respectively, vs. control. This differential mRNA expression is being confirmed by RT-PCR, and protein expression analyzed by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Conclusion These results demonstrate TGFβ1 and thrombin induce differentiation of placental fibroblasts to a unique myofibroblast phenotype. In addition, these ligands, released locally during thrombus formation, may influence placental structure and function by promoting a fibrotic state consisting of increased ECM synthesis and reduced ECM degradation.
Development of Wireless Power Frequency Electric Field Measurement and Alarm Device and Its Application

In this paper,an electric field measurement and alarm device(WEFMA1.0) was developed,which can measure the power frequency electric field and make alarm according to the measured data at the measuring points.What's more,the measurement and alarm device can send the measured data to the PC for further data analysis by wireless transmission.The clerk can confirm the working time for the objective area.Tests were carried out in 2 substations,and results indicate the WEFMA1.0 can work stably and measure the electric field accurately.
Immunotherapy in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia: the role of monoclonal antibodies.

Publisher's Note: This article has a companion [Counterpoint by Davis and Mackall][1]. Publisher's Note: Join in the discussion of these articles at [ Blood Advances Community Conversations][2]. The past decade has witnessed major advances in the development of novel therapies that target specific
S-Band smallsat InSAR constellation for surface deformation science

Surface deformation studies using repeat-pass interferometric SAR have evolved into a powerful tool for geophysicists studying earthquake fault zones, volcanoes, ice sheet motion, and subterranean aquifers. Longer wavelengths (S-Band and L-Band) are preferred because they do not decorrelate as quickly as shorter wavelengths. Rapid revisit (1–3 days) is preferred because it allows the study of these phenomena at the timescales at which they commonly occur. Global access on such timescales is also required. Vector surface deformation measurements, taken from more than one direction, are a desired feature.
Clinical pharmacists in primary care: Provider satisfaction and perceived impact on quality of care provided.

Purpose:The purpose of this study is to evaluate primary care provider satisfaction and perceived impact of clinical pharmacy services on the disease state management in primary care.Methods:A cros...
The influence of lake attributes and predatory bass on the distribution of northern crayfish (Orconectes virilis) in central New Hampshire

Introduced species influence the dynamics and structure of freshwater systems; understanding the variables that shape introduced species’ distributions can aid in anticipating their spread. We examined multiple factors that may influence the distribution of northern crayfish (Orconectes virilis (Hagen, 1870)), an introduced species, in New Hampshire, USA. Sampling occurred July to August 2010 in 20 lakes. We tested catch per unit effort (CPUE) and body size of crayfish against lake trophic status, size, depth, and shoreline development, as well as substrate type. We also compared CPUE and body size in the presence or absence of known predators, smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu Lacepede, 1802) and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides (Lacepede, 1802)). Crayfish body size was not strongly associated with any tested variables, nor were there significant correlations between lake-level parameters and CPUE. CPUE increased with rocky substrates and decreased with macrophyte cover. We also found significa...
A Case for Dispositional Innatism

In An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, John Locke argues against the claim that there are innate ideas. His arguments consisted in the denial of universal assent, the incoherency of innate ideas, and the formation of principles by inductive means. In this paper, I attempt to show why these arguments do not work in showing that there are no innate ideas and also propose and defend Gottfried Leibniz’s model of dispositional innatism — the claim that we are born with at least innate dispositions or tendencies to have particular beliefs. I use the ordinary conception of memories as a proper analogy for how innate ideas can exist in a mind even without the agent being aware of them, as well as how those ideas may vary in degree of innateness in the context of being dispositions. I then end by defending the claim that we are innately disposed to believe in a mind-independent world, despite there being prima facie contrary evidence from Jean Piaget’s stages of development in his work on child psychology. Consequentially, this will allow for further exploration into what innate dispositions, in general, would entail in the development of minds and belief-forming for human beings.
Chapter 5 – Advanced Biostatistics and Epidemiology Applied in Heart Failure Study

In this chapter, four most commonly used multivariate analysis models are introduced. Of them, multiple linear regression and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) are applied to a dependent variable as a continuous variable. Multivariate logistic regression and Cox models are applied to dependent variable as a dichotomized variable. Sample datasets and SAS programs are provided. Readers can learn and practice step by step using the provided SAS datasets and programs.
Biological Model for Predicting Toxicity in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Receiving Proton Therapy.

Abstract Purpose: To use a linear energy transfer (LET) dependent formula for relative biological effectiveness (RBE) to generate a biological model that can be used to predict toxicity in patients treated with proton therapy for cancer of the head and neck. Patients and Methods: Patients treated with protons to a dose of 60 to 70 Gy (RBE = 1.1) for head and neck cancer were eligible to participate in this study. Treatment plans were developed using graphics processing unit Monte Carlo calculations. The equation, RBE = (1.1)[0.08(LETd)+0.88], was the biological model. The physical model assumes RBE = 1.1. Tumor volumes and organs at risk (OARs) were contoured, and isodose lines were created for 105%–120% of the prescribed dose. Dose to volume of OARs was calculated for both models for comparative purposes. Physician-reported toxicity was graded from 0 to 5 using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.03. Patient-reported outcomes were obtained using the Promis10 and European Organis...
Grown-up Anger: The Connected Mysteries of Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, and the Calumet Massacre of 1913

With Bob Dylan winning a Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016, the world will certainly see more books about the man, his songs, and his life. Wolff offers us one of those books, and in particular tak...
Retrodifferentiation--an alternative biological pathway in human leukemia cells.

Human myeloid leukemia cells (i.e., HL-60, U937, THP-1) which are induced to differentiate along the monocytic pathway by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), revert back to the undifferentiated phenotype after 3 to 4 weeks. During this differentiation and retrodifferentiation process the cells obviously establish a distinct sequence of biological processes which is integrally regulated to simultaneously control differentiation and cell growth. Thus, induction of monocytic markers by TPA is associated with a down-regulation of cell cycle genes and cessation of proliferation. In particular, crosstalk between the TPA-induced translocation of protein kinase C (PKC) and the activation of transcription factors, especially AP-1, enhances the expression of genes associated with the monocytic phenotype. This is accompanied by induction of intermediate filament proteins, surface glycoproteins, changes in membrane properties and intracellular metabolism. In parallel, the cells cease to divide, and genes associated with cell cycle progression including cdc2, cyclins, cdc25, and histones are down-regulated. Although signals responsible for arrested cell growth remain unclear, there are several control mechanisms regarding cell cycle genes and differentiation parameters (for a review, see Nigg, E. A., Seminars in Cell Biol., 2, 262-270, 1991). For example, activated p34cdc2 kinase is involved in lamina disassembly by direct phosphorylation of lamin proteins which may contribute to nuclear envelope breakdown during mitosis (Enoch, T., M. Peter, P. Nurse, J. Cell Biol. 112, 797-807 (1991)). Moreover, endomembrane traffic is arrested by a cdc2-like kinase probably via phosphorylation of members of the rab protein family which contributes to vesiculation and membrane transport by hydrolyzing GTP (Tuomikoski, T., et al., Nature 342, 942-945 (1989)). Although there are several reports on a possible feedback control between differentiation and cell cycle, including phosphorylation of cyclins and activation of a ubiquitin-dependent proteolytic degradation, signaling pathways and possible mechanisms for retrodifferentiation and reentry into the cell cycle remain unclear. While some terminally differentiated cells are committed to die, the major part of the differentiated monocytic population undergoes retrodifferentiation. All cellular signals characterized so far are reverted during retrodifferentiation: Redistribution of PKC and down-regulation of c-fos and c-jun contribute to an interruption of the differentiation-associated transsignaling cascade. Thus, down-regulation of markers associated with monocytic differentiation in combination with metabolic changes restore the original cell phenotype. At the same time cell cycle genes are up-regulated, and the cells regain proliferative capacity. Finally, retrodifferentiated and untreated control cells demonstrate indistinguishable properties.
Psychogenesis, Stress, Immunity and Cancer Etiology and Prognosis: Discussion of Dr. Fox’s Paper

Although the etiology of most childhood cancers remains elusive, pediatric oncologists find themselves in the paradoxical situation of having effective therapy at hand for about 50% of all malignancies that afflict children. Thus, we are curing leukemia and osteogenic sarcoma before we have a clue as to the cause. That statement isn’t entirely accurate because we are now aware of a number of associated genetic conditions, immune deficiency states (Kersey et al., 1973), chromosomal abnormalities, congenital malformations (Bolande, 1977), and environmental events that may predispose a child to cancer or significantly increase the risk of developing a malignancy. Foremost on the list of predisposing causes are such diverse disorders as (1) aniridia-Wilms* tumor syndrome; (2) chromosomal instability syndromes (Fanconi1s anemia, Bloom’s syndrome, ataxia-telangiectasia) and leukemia; (3) 21-tri-somy and leukemia; (4) immune deficiency diseases (severe combined immune deficiency disease (SCID), Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, ataxia-telangiectasia and lymphoma; and (5) multimodality therapy (alkylating agents and radiation therapy) in Hodgkin’s disease or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma followed by a second malignant neoplasm, acute non-lymphocytic leukemia.
The Motivational Dimensions of Leadership: Power, Achievement, and Affiliation1

In this chapter I focus on the motivational aspects of leadership. Motives, both as conscious representations of desired states of affairs and as unconscious or implicit strivings, represent the “purposes” or end points-the goals toward which we use our many and varied intelligences to guide our behavior. As we have seen in the other chapters of this book, the domain of leadership involves many different kinds of “intelligence”—cognitive resources, social and sociopolitical intelligence, emotional intelligence, tacit knowledge and practical intelligence, and cultural intelligence. In the end, however, it is the leaders’ motives that determine the leadership goals toward which these multiple intelligences will be mobilized and directed.
Using an instructor authored visual simulation framework in a CS3 course

The premise that using a visual simulation framework would facilitate learning about and implementing algorithms was tested in a CS 3 course. A visual simulation framework written by the author has been used for three semesters in a CS 3 course taught by the author. The goals for using the framework and its design and usage by students on a path-finding assignment based on the A* algorithm are presented. A survey was administered to students to assess its advantages and disadvantages. The results of the survey are presented. The survey showed that the majority of students thought the simulation framework provided educational benefit. Given the results of the survey and the instructor's experience with using the framework in the course, guidelines were presented to help instructors considering using their own instructor authored framework in their courses.
Anomalous Behavior of Teflon-based Helium Permeation Leak Standards

Helium leak testing is a vital step in assuring product reliability for anything that must be packaged in a sealed container. Examples of problems caused by leaks abound; from leaks in blister pack...
A comparison of emulsion-based and electrosprayed particle architectures to sustain the release of small hydrophilic agents

Lipid and polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) have been utilized as drug delivery vehicles for a variety of applications. However, achieving the sustained-release of small hydrophilic agents is a primary challenge for their use in prolonged delivery applications. This study investigates how emulsion and electrospray processes, may be used to tailor the release profiles of small hydrophilic encapsulants. Here, poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) NPs, incorporating rhodamine B (RhB) as a model small molecule hydrophilic agent, were produced via emulsion and electrospray techniques. The emulsion method was used to produce NPs with matrix architectures, while electrospraying produced NPs with either uniaxial (core) or coaxial (core-shell) architectures. Nanoparticles produced using the emulsion method were coated with a lipid layer using in situ assembly (one-step) or gentle hydration (post-synthesis, two-step), and the ability of these architectures to modulate the release of RhB was examined. We hypothesized that electrosprayed coaxial NP formulations would provide prolonged release of hydrophilic agents due to their more complex core-shell architecture. Coaxial core-shell NPs demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency (EE) (~90%) of RhB. In contrast, NPs fabricated via the emulsion process had a lower EE of ~70%, with the two-step lipid-coated NPs exhibiting a significantly lower EE of ~25%, likely due to RhB leaching during the fabrication process. Moreover, our data suggest that electrosprayed coaxial core-shell NPs, without a lipid coat, sustain the release of RhB, indicating their potential to extend the release of small molecule hydrophilic agents.
Career Movement of Female Employees Holding Lower-Level Positions: An Analysis of the Impact of the Type A Behavior Pattern

This paper examines the role of the Type A behavior pattern (TABP) in predicting several types of career movement of women. In general, TABP and in particular the job involvement facet of TABP, had a strong impact on several types of promotion. Relevant results and implications for future research are discussed.
Maternal Stroke: an Update.

Maternal morbidity and mortality is rising in the USA, and maternal stroke is a major contributor. Here, we review the epidemiology, risk factors, and current recommendations for diagnosis and acute treatment of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke during pregnancy and postpartum, focusing on recent evidence. The incidence of maternal stroke has risen in recent years, possibly due to increasing rates of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The risk of maternal stroke is highest in the peripartum and early postpartum period. Preeclampsia is highly associated with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and is also associated with long-term increased risk of stroke and vascular dementia. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, migraine, and infections are risk factors for maternal stroke. Limited data suggest that thrombolytics and endovascular reperfusion therapy are safe and effective in pregnant women with ischemic stroke, but few data are available regarding safety of thrombolytics in the postpartum period. New consensus guidelines are now available to assist with management of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in pregnancy. Many gaps remain in our understanding of maternal stroke. While risk factors have been identified, there are no prediction tools to help identify which women might be at highest risk for postpartum stroke and require closer monitoring. The risk of recurrent maternal stroke has not been adequately quantified, limiting clinicians’ ability to counsel patients. The complex pathophysiology of preeclampsia and its effects on the cerebral vasculature require further targeted study. An increased focus on the prevention, recognition, and optimal treatment of maternal stroke will be critical to reducing maternal morbidity and mortality.
Proteomic profiling of FBXW7‐mutant serous endometrial cancer cells reveals upregulation of PADI2, a potential therapeutic target

Background Despite advancements over the past decade revealing molecular aberrations characteristic of endometrial cancer (EC) subtypes, serous ECs remain difficult to treat and associated with poor outcomes. This is due, in part, to the rarity of these tumors within clinical trials and the inability to directly target the most frequent genomic abnormalities. One of the most commonly somatically mutated genes in serous ECs is the tumor suppressor F-box and WD repeat domain containing 7 (FBXW7). Methods To identify changes in protein expression associated with FBXW7 mutation, we clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-edited ARK4 FBXW7 nonmutant serous EC cells to insert recurrent FBXW7 mutations. We then compared the liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry-based proteomic profiles of CRISPR-edited ARK1 and ARK4 serous EC cells to matched parental cells. Results Among distinct total and phosphorylated proteins that were significantly differentially expressed in FBXW7-mutant cell lines compared to matched parental lines, we identified increased PADI2 (peptidyl arginine deiminase 2) expression in all ARK1 and ARK4 CRISPR-edited FBXW7-mutant cell lines. We further confirmed the correlation between FBXW7 mutation and increased PADI2 expression in a third biological background, JHUEM-1 endometrioid EC cells. Finally, we established that PADI2 protein is expressed in primary serous endometrial tumors. Conclusion Our findings provide novel insight into proteomic changes associated with FBXW7 mutation in serous ECs and identify PADI2 as a novel potential therapeutic target for these tumors.
Effect of Clay Mineralogy, Particle Size, and Chemical Admixtures on the Rheological Properties of CCIL and CCI/II Systems

A major challenge of calcined clay cements is the flow properties. This research addresses binary and ternary CCIL (calcined clay blended with an ASTM C595 Type IL cement at the ready-mixed plant) and CCI/II systems and the effect of particle size and chemical admixtures on rheological characteristics. The effects of six different calcined clays and a superplasticizer and viscosity reducing admixture on the static and dynamic yield stress and viscosity of the blended paste were measured. While calcined clay systems alter the cementitious system flowability, modern chemical admixtures can custom-tailor the concrete rheological properties for robust placement and consolidation.
Endophthalmitis following combined cataract extraction and placement of an iStent trabecular bypass device.

Abstract Purpose To report a case of post-operative endophthalmitis following combined cataract extraction and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery with placement of the iStent drainage device. Observation An 87-year-old woman with a nuclear sclerotic cataract and primary open angle glaucoma underwent elective phacoemulsification cataract extraction with iStent placement. Surgery was complicated only by the inability to properly place the second iStent despite several attempts. At 4 days post-operatively she was diagnosed with endophthalmitis. Despite the prompt intravitreal injections of broad spectrum antibiotics, she lost all perception of light. Cultures of anterior chamber aspirates failed to identify a causative organism. Conclusion and importance In what we believe to be the first report of endophthalmitis associated with placement of the iStent, complete loss of vision occurred. Surgeons need to be aware that iStent placement may be complicated by severe endophthalmitis.
Quantum Discriminator for Binary Classification

Quantum computers operate in the high-dimensional tensor product spaces and are known to outperform classical computers on many problems. They are poised to accelerate machine learning tasks in the future. In this work, we operate in the quantum machine learning (QML) regime where a QML model is trained using a quantum-classical hybrid algorithm and inferencing is performed using a quantum algorithm. We leverage the traditional two-step machine learning workflow, where features are extracted from the data in the first step and a discriminator acting on the extracted features is used to classify the data in the second step. Assuming that the binary features have been extracted from the data, we propose a quantum discriminator for binary classification. The quantum discriminator takes as input the binary features of a data point and a prediction qubit in the zero state, and outputs the correct class of the data point. The quantum discriminator is defined by a parameterized unitary matrix $U_\Theta$ containing $\mathcal{O}(N)$ parameters, where $N$ is the number of data points in the training data set. Furthermore, we show that the quantum discriminator can be trained in $\mathcal{O}(N \log N)$ time using $\mathcal{O}(N \log N)$ classical bits and $\mathcal{O}(\log N)$ qubits. We also show that inferencing for the quantum discriminator can be done in $\mathcal{O}(N)$ time using $\mathcal{O}(\log N)$ qubits. Finally, we use the quantum discriminator to classify the XOR problem on the IBM Q universal quantum computer with $100\%$ accuracy.
Chronic Constipation Presenting With Severe Abdominal Pain

An 80-year-old black male presents with severe abdominal distention and no bowel movement or gas per rectum for 3 days, as well as recent onset of vomiting. He has Parkinson’s disease and chronic constipation and lives in a nursing home. His medications include levodopa and benztropine, which he has been taking for several years. His temperature is 37 °C, heart rate 90/min, blood pressure 116/70 mmHg, and respiratory rate 22/min. He appears to be tachypneic but otherwise nontoxic, with mental status unaltered from his baseline. Lungs are clear to auscultation bilaterally. His abdomen is severely distended. He does not have any abdominal surgical scars. He is tympanitic but has no significant tenderness to palpation. There are no palpable hernias, and rectal exam demonstrates an absence of stool and no palpable masses or strictures. Laboratory tests include metabolic panel with BUN 26 mg/dL (normal 7–21 mg/dL), creatinine 1.4 mg/dL (0.5–1.4 mg/dL) and electrolytes within normal limits, white blood cell (WBC) 6.8 × 103/μL (4.1–10.9 × 103/μL), lactate 0.9 mmol/L (0.5–2.2 mmol/L), and arterial blood gas (ABG): pH 7.48//PaCO2 30//PaO2 80//HCO3 24//SpO2 99%. A plain upright abdominal radiograph shows a massively dilated loop of sigmoid colon with the apex pointing toward the right upper quadrant, consistent with the “coffee bean” or “bent inner tube” sign; upright chest radiograph shows no free air under the diaphragm.
Beating a dead horse: Is there any basic empirical evidence for the deterrent effect of imprisonment?

Crime has declined over the past several years, renewing the belief that punishments such as imprisonment are useful mechanisms for deterring criminal activity. This article assesses this claim by examining data on U.S. crime and imprisonment trends from 1972 through 1993, a period that saw a continuous increase in levels of incarceration. This period was purposefully chosen because it represents a “natural” experiment concerning the impact of continuous increases in the rate of incarceration on crime rates. A second analysis examining cross-sectional, state level data for the period 1980-1991 is also presented. The findings from these analyses indicate that sentiments concerning the deterrent effect of imprisonment are overstated, and there appears to be no statistically significant relationship between imprisonment rates and crime rates for the period and areas under study.
Defining indicators for drug overdose emergency department visits and hospitalisations in ICD-10-CM coded discharge data.

Introduction The drug overdose epidemic has worsened over the past decade; however, efforts have been made to better understand and track nonfatal overdoses using various data sources including emergency department and hospital admission data from billing and discharge files. Methods and findings The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed surveillance case definition guidance using standardised discharge diagnosis codes for public health practitioners and epidemiologists using lessons learnt from CDC’s funded recipients and the Council for State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) Drug Poisoning Indicators Workgroup and General Injury ICD-10-CM Workgroup. CDC’s guidance was informed by health departments and CSTE’s workgroups and included several key aspects for assessing drug overdose in emergency department and hospitalisation discharge data. These include: (1) searching all diagnosis fields to identify drug overdose cases; (2) estimating drug overdose incidence using visits for initial encounter but excluding subsequent encounters and sequelae; (3) excluding underdosing and adverse effects from drug overdose incidence indicators; and (4) using codes T36–T50 for overdose surveillance. CDC’s guidance also suggests analysing intent separately for ICD-10-CM coding. Conclusions CDC’s guidance provides health departments a key tool to better monitor drug overdoses in their community. The implementation and validation of this standardised guidance across all CDC-funded health departments will be key to ensuring consistent and accurate reporting across all entities.
Steady-State and Transient Performance of Ion-Sensitive Electrodes Suitable for Wearable and Implantable Electro-chemical Sensing.

Traditional Potentiometric Ion-selective Electrodes (ISE) are widely used in industrial and clinical settings. The simplicity and small footprint of ISE have encouraged their recent adoption as wearable/implantable sensors for personalized healthcare and precision agriculture, creating a new set of unique challenges absent in traditional ISE. In this paper, we develop a fundamental physics-based model to describe both steady-state and transient responses of ISE relevant for wearable/implantable sensors. The model is encapsulated in a generalized Nernst formula that explicitly accounts for the analyte density, time-dynamics of signal transduction, ion-selective membrane thickness, and other sensor parameters. The formula is validated numerically by self-consistent modeling of multispecies ion-transport and experimentally by interpreting the time dynamics and thickness dependence of thin-film solid-contact and graphene-based ISE sensors for measuring soil nitrate concentration. These fundamental results will support the accelerated development of ISE for wearable/implantable applications.
Synthetic Kramers Pair in Phononic Elastic Plates and Helical Edge States on a Dislocation Interface

In conventional theories, topological band properties are intrinsic characteristics of the bulk material and do not depend on the choice of the reference frame. In this scenario, the principle of bulk-edge correspondence can be used to predict the existence of edge states between topologically distinct materials. In this study, a 2D elastic phononic plate is proposed with a Kekule-distorted honeycomb pattern engraved on it. It is found that the pseudospin and the pseudospin-dependent Chern numbers are not invariant properties, and the ℤ2 number is no longer a sufficient indicator to examine the existence of the edge state. The distinctive pseudospin texture and the pseudomagnetic field are also revealed. Finally, the synthetic helical edge states are successfully devised and experimentally implemented on a dislocation interface connecting two subdomains with bulk pattern identical up to a relative translation. The edge state is also imaged via laser vibrometry.
Clinical Considerations in the Conduct of Cancer Next-Generation Sequencing Testing and Genetic Counseling

Over the last decade, there have been tremendous advances in genetic testing through the development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. This has led to plummeting costs of testing making it possible to test for multiple genes simultaneously at a cost comparable to testing for 1–2 genes through older Sanger sequencing technology. As a consequence, clinical practice has been greatly impacted resulting in the need to develop new models for genetic counseling and informed consent. This chapter will highlight clinical considerations when using NGS to evaluate for inherited cancer predisposition. Topics to be covered include factors to consider when conducting NGS tests, considerations of various multigene tests available, resulting paradigm shifts, and other clinical and laboratory considerations when testing is conducted. We will conclude with the evolving role of genetics health professionals given the emerging landscape and highlight the importance of education and outreach efforts.
Pick Interpolation and Hilbert Function Spaces

Prerequisites and notation Introduction Kernels and function spaces Hardy spaces $P^2(\mu)$ Pick redux Qualitative properties of the solution of the Pick problem in $H^\infty(\mathbb{D})$ Characterizing kernels with the complete Pick property The universal Pick kernel Interpolating sequences Model theory I: Isometries The bidisk The extremal three point problem on $\mathbb{D}^2$ Collections of kernels Model theory II: Function spaces Localization Schur products Parrott's lemma Riesz interpolation The spectral theorem for normal $m$-tuples Bibliography Index.
Thermospheric composition variations due to nonmigrating tides and their effect on ionosphere

[1] The TIMED/GUVI thermospheric composition (O/N 2 ratio) over 2009 reveals clear wave-3 (summer season) and wave-4 (Fall season) longitudinal dependence. The wave peak to valley varies from 7 to 11% of the background O/N 2 . The low Kp (yearly mean of 0.9) and low solar EUV flux indicates that the wave features were not caused by geomagnetic activity or solar EUV variation. A more likely explanation is nonmigrating diurnal eastward propagating DE2 and DE3 tides. Model calculations indicate that a 10% variation in O/N 2 makes 1/3 contribution to the nightside equatorial 135.6 nm intensities compared to the variation due to the E-region dynamo electric field. This study confirms that nonmigrating tides can penetrate toward the upper thermosphere, both O/N 2 and the E-region dynamo should be considered in analyzing ionospheric density variations due to nonmigrating tides. Comparison with MSIS results indicates that the nonmigrating tides have stronger effect on O/N 2 than the migrating tides.
Phospholipid requirement for Rh antigenic activity.

Abstract The Rh antigen activity of human erythrocyte membranes was lost following extraction with 100% 1-butanol, but could be regenerated by the addition of the membrane extract or of a chloroform-methanol extract of human plasma. Studies of the extract by silicic acid and diethylaminoethyl cellulose chromatography, thin layer chromatography, and digestion with snake venom indicate that the active component is phosphatidylcholine. Preliminary data suggest that the lecithin must contain unsaturated fatty acids.