cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does (or should) chronologic age influence the choice of cancer treatment

With rare exceptions, age alone should not determine the diagnostic and therapeutic plan for the management of cancer. Unfortunately, a number of studies show that older individuals have more advanced stages of certain cancers than younger persons, and that this is probably the result of less intensive screening in the elderly. For example, fewer elderly women receive regular breast palpation, mammograms, and pelvic examinations, even though older women are at higher risk for breast and gynecologic cancers. In addition, several studies suggest that older persons may not be treated as appropriately as younger persons, even taking into account complicating medical conditions. In brief, there seems to be considerable age bias by physicians in offering cancer screening and treatment to elderly patients. In addition, elderly persons sometimes contribute to these difficulties by failing to obtain screening tests that are recommended.
Dissecting a Known RNA–Protein Interaction using a Yeast Three-Hybrid System

The yeast three-hybrid system has been applied to known protein-RNA interactions for a variety of purposes. For instance, protein and RNA mutants with altered or relaxed binding specificities can be identified. Mutant RNAs can also be analyzed to better understand RNA-binding specificity of a specific protein. Furthermore, this system complements other biochemical techniques, for example, SELEX, co-immunoprecipitation and cross-linking experiments (see UV crosslinking of interacting RNA and protein in cultured cells and PAR-CLIP (Photoactivatable Ribonucleoside-Enhanced Crosslinking and Immunoprecipitation): a step-by-step protocol to the transcriptome-wide identification of binding sites of RNA-binding proteins).
Pricing Decisions by Manufacturers

The structure of industry has changed dramatically in the last decade. The major forces of change are the global impact, changing competitive conditions calling for a sharper focus on customers, greater operational effectiveness and flexibility, and critical changes in customers and market structures.
Romans, barbarians, and Franks in the writings of Venantius Fortunatus

This paper aims to contribute to the broader discussion of strategies of identification and of Romanness by exploring the changing meaning of Roman, barbarian, and Frankish identity in the writings of Venantius Fortunatus. A close examination of the cultural, ethnic and political nuances of these terms in Fortunatus's works highlights the ways he used the resources available to him within his social context to promote Roman identity as still prestigious and as compatible with a barbarian-ruled society.
Resolving critical degrees of entanglement in Olympic ring systems

Olympic systems are collections of small ring polymers whose aggregate properties are largely characterized by the extent (or absence) of topological linking in contrast with the topological entanglement arising from physical movement constraints associated with excluded volume contacts or arising from chemical bonds. First, discussed by de Gennes, they have been of interest ever since due to their particular properties and their occurrence in natural organisms, for example, as intermediates in the replication of circular DNA in the mitochondria of malignant cells or in the kinetoplast DNA networks of trypanosomes. Here, we study systems that have an intrinsic one, two, or three-dimensional character and consist of large collections of ring polymers modeled using periodic boundary conditions. We identify and discuss the evolution of the dimensional character of the large scale topological linking as a function of density. We identify the critical densities at which infinite linked subsystems, the onset of percolation, arise in the periodic boundary condition systems. These provide insight into the nature of entanglement occurring in such course grained models. This entanglement is measured using Gauss linking number, a measure well adapted to such models. We show that, with increasing density, the topological entanglement of these systems increases in complexity, dimension, and probability.
Ergonomic comparison between a ‘right angle’ handle style and standard style paint brush: An electromyographic analysis

Abstract Background Epidemiologic studies have consistently demonstrated a strong positive association between repetition and “occupational overuse syndromes” (OOS). The repetitive nature of painting then can predispose many people to these disorders. Objective The purpose of this study was to conduct an electromyographic analysis (EMG) comparing a right angle handle paint applicator with a commonly used, equal quality standard handle paint brush. Method A randomized cross over repeated measures design was implemented where 30 volunteers were randomly given a paint brush handle type while muscle activity (EMG) was recorded from eight upper limb muscles groups. Subjects were their own controls returning within one week to perform the same painting activity with the other paint brush handle type. ANOVA with repeated measures was used to analyze the EMG data among muscles between the two painting trials. Results EMG analysis revealed that there was no difference in EMG activity or median frequency between the two types of paint brush handles in the eight muscles studied (p > 0.05). Conclusion A right angle handle has no added ergonomic advantage in modifying muscle activity or decreasing muscle fatigue over a commonly used standard handle paint brush in people without injury. It was suggested that the right angle style brush may not prevent OOSs from occurring, although there still could be a decrease risk of injury based on the posture used when gripping the brush handle. It must be emphasized, however, that this study's results cannot be extrapolated to people who already have an OOS and need a device to prevent further injury and pain. Further study is needed.
Environmental Life Cycle Analysis of Water and CO2-Based Fracturing Fluids Used in Unconventional Gas Production

Many of the environmental impacts associated with hydraulic fracturing of unconventional gas wells are tied to the large volumes of water that such operations require. Efforts to develop nonaqueous alternatives have focused on carbon dioxide as a tunable working fluid even though the full environmental and production impacts of a switch away from water have yet to be quantified. Here we report on a life cycle analysis of using either water or CO2 for gas production in the Marcellus shale. The results show that CO2-based fluids, as currently conceived, could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 400% (with sequestration credit) and water consumption by 80% when compared to conventional water-based fluids. These benefits are offset by a 44% increase in net energy use when compared to slickwater fracturing as well as logistical barriers resulting from the need to move and store large volumes of CO2. Scenario analyses explore the outlook for CO2, which under best-case conditions could eventually reduce life cycl...
A Network Science Approach to Entropy and Training

In this paper we introduce a new measure of team behavior called Efficiency based upon work of Conant on team interdependence. We use Shannon’s information as a basis our measure. We then introduce a 2nd law of thermodynamics approach to team efficiency. We conclude the paper by relating our definition of team efficiency to the spectral analysis of the adjacency matrix from the areas of epidemiology and network science.
Trends in open abdominal surgery in the United States—Observations from 9,950,759 discharges using the 2009–2013 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) datasets

Abstract Introduction Incisional hernia (IH) represents a complex and costly surgical complication. We aim to address trends in open surgery to better understand potential drivers of hernia risk. Material and methods Using the 2009–2013 NIS, a cross-sectional review of hospital discharges associated with an open abdominal surgery was performed. Results Between 2009 and 2013, there were nearly 10 million discharges associated with an open abdominal surgery. Overall, there were 2,140,616 patients receiving open surgery in 2009, decreasing to 1,760,549 in 2013 (18% decrease, p Conclusions Our analysis allowed for a unique view of surgical trends, health care population dynamics, and an opportunity to use evidence-driven analytics in the understanding of IH.
Gyroscope drift correction algorithm for inertial measurement unit used in hand motion tracking

This paper proposes an algorithm to correct the gyroscope drift problem in Inertial Measurement Units used in human hand motion tracking. The algorithm will predict the bias offset error only when the sensor is static using a linear regression model. A quaternion orientation estimate was calculated using unbiased gyroscope data. The angular difference between the measured gravity vector from the accelerometer and the gravity vector calculated using the current quaternion was determined and used to update the quaternion orientation estimate. The result shows that using gravity-vector compensation can reduce the gyroscope drift problem in orientation tracking for human hand motion.
Growth suppressive effect of phenethyl isothiocyanate against human prostate cancer cells involves caspase mediated apoptosis and G2/M phase cell cycle arrest

1370 Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), a constituent of cruciferous vegetables, has exhibited impressive activity against chemically induced cancer in experimental animals. Evidence is also mounting to indicate that PEITC (Ph-CH 2 -CH 2 -N=C=S) can inhibit proliferation of cancer cells in culture. The present studies were undertaken to gain insights into the molecular mechanism for antiproliferative effect of PEITC using PC-3 human prostate cancer cells as a model. Choice of PC-3 cells was based on epidemiological data indicating an inverse correlation between dietary intake of cruciferous vegetables and the risk for prostate cancer. We found that the viability of PC-3 cells was reduced significantly in the presence of PEITC in a concentration- and time-dependent manner with an IC 50 of about 5-7 μM following a 24 h exposure. In contrast, phenyl isothiocyanate (PITC), which is a close structural analog of PEITC but lacks the –CH 2 spacers that link the aromatic ring to N=C=S moiety, did not result in significant killing of PC-3 cells. Treatment of PC-3 cells with PEITC, but not PITC, resulted in dose-dependent apoptosis induction that was characterized by appearance of cells with sub-G0/G1 DNA content and generation of cytoplasmic histone associated DNA fragments. Time course studies using 10 μM PEITC indicated cleavage of procaspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) at 16 and 24 h time points. Similar treatment of PC-3 cells with PITC failed to cause cleavage of procaspase-3 or PARP. In addition, PEITC, but not PITC, treated cells exhibited cleavage of procaspase-9 and procaspase-8. The PEITC induced apoptosis was associated with a significant decrease in the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, but the expression of Bax was not affected by either PITC or PEITC. Dose-dependent arrest of cells in the G2/M phase was also observed in PEITC, but not PITC, treated PC-3 cultures that was associated with a significant decline in the expression of Cdc25C phosphatase and Cdk1, which play critical roles in regulation of G2/M progression. For instance, the expression of Cdc25C was reduced by >80% following a 4 h exposure to 10 μM PEITC. Expression of Cdc25B or cyclinB1 was not significantly altered in PITC or PEITC treated cells. These results indicate that subtle changes in ITC structure could have a significant impact on its anticancer activity, and that the mechanism for growth suppressive effect of PEITC involves caspase mediated apoptosis and cell cycle arrest due to down-regulation of key G2/M regulators. This investigation was supported by USPHS grant CA101753, awarded by the National Cancer Institute.
Sepsis and Challenging Infections in the Immunosuppressed Patient in the Intensive Care Unit

In 2017, most intensive care units (ICUs) worldwide are admitting a growing population of immunosuppressed patients. The most common causes of pre-ICU immunosuppression are solid organ transplantation, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and infection due to human immunodeficiency virus. In this article, the authors review the most frequent infections that cause critical care illness in each of these 3 immunosuppressed patient populations.
Afterword: Begging the Questions

This afterword offers a brief commentary on the chapters in this volume, addressing key themes with regard to the role of the request in religious humanitarianism, while highlighting other, less explicit but no less prevalent themes. Included here is the capacity for acts and processes of asking to generate moral anxieties, miscommunications, and uncertainties, even as they are imagined or fashioned to function as means of disambiguation. Building on the ethnographic case studies, the afterword analyzes the category of the request as a multimodal medium, based in ethical and religious norms of reciprocity and yet suffused with elements of mystery regarding outcomes and affordances that are often difficult for interested parties to anticipate.
Factors associated with distant recurrence following R0 lobectomy for pN0 lung adenocarcinoma

Abstract Objective We investigated factors associated with distant recurrence, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) following R0 lobectomy for pathologic node-negative (pN0) lung adenocarcinoma. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of patients with pT1-3N0M0 non–small cell lung cancer. Exclusion criteria included metachronous lung cancer, sublobar/incomplete resection, nonadenocarcinoma histology, and induction/adjuvant therapy. The primary outcome was distant recurrence; secondary outcomes were DFS and OS. Associations between variables and outcomes were assessed by Fine–Gray competing-risk regression for distant recurrence and Cox proportional hazard models for DFS and OS. Results Of 2392 patients identified with pT1-3N0M0 lung adenocarcinoma, 893 met the inclusion criteria. Median follow-up was 35.0 months (range, 0.1-202 months). Thirteen percent of patients developed recurrence (n = 115), of which 86% (n = 99) were distant. The 5-year cumulative incidence of distant recurrence was 14% (95% confidence interval [CI], 11%-17%). On multivariable analysis, pT2a (hazard ratio [HR], 2.84; 95% CI, 1.56-5.16; P = .001) and pT2b/3 (HR, 6.53; 95% CI, 3.17-13.5; P Conclusions In patients undergoing R0 lobectomy with pN0 lung adenocarcinoma, pT stage and lymphovascular invasion were associated with distant recurrence and decreased DFS. These observations support the inclusion of these patients in future clinical trials investigating adjuvant targeted and immunotherapies.
Mental Stress Testing in the Physician’s Office and in the Field

Simple mental stress tests were performed in the laboratory, the physician’s office, and at the worksite in adults and children. The average blood pressure increases seen in children during a simple mental arithmetic task were similar in all three conditions. In hypertensive middle aged male executives, free of medication, similar blood pressure levels were attained during video task performance at the worksite and mental arithmetic in the laboratory. However, resting blood pressures were higher at the worksite. Hence, hyperreactivity to mental challenge in patients with mild hypertension was not observed during performance of a video game at the worksite. When mental stress testing in the physician’s office was repeated, test-retest correlations of r=.79 for systolic blood pressure and r=.87 for diastolic blood pressure (p.001) were recorded. These indicate that blood pressure reactivity is highly reproducible and might well be applied in the early diagnosis and the management of hypertension.
Sebum Secretion and Sebaceous Lipids

Sebum is secreted by a continuous holocrine process, which requires two to three weeks from cell division to final secretion. The authors present the mechanism of secretion of sebum, methods for measurement of the rate of secretion, factors that affect the rate of secretion, and the effect of secretion rates on acne. Also included is a section on the composition of sebum.
Effect of storage temperature and time on fiber content of fresh and ensiled alfalfa

To determine effects of storage temperature and time on fiber content, fresh alfalfa (late vegetative) was hand-clipped from three locations (blocks) and stored fresh or ensiled at -20 degrees C or +60 degrees C for 0, 24, 48, 96, 168, or 336 h. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Main effects were method of forage conservation (fresh or ensiled) and temperature of storage (-20 degrees C or + 60 degrees C). Length of storage (0, 24, 48, 96, 168, or 336 h) was in the subplot. Conservation method x storage temperature x time interactions were detected (P < .05) for NDF, IVDMD, ADIN, and N content of NDF. Large increases in alfalfa NDF were observed up to 168 h of storage at 60 degrees C, whereas when fresh alfalfa was stored at -20 degrees C, small increases were observed up to 48 h but a large increase was observed after 168 h. Ensiled alfalfa stored at -20 degrees C had no change in NDF content. Contributors to increased NDF seemed due to changes in protein solubility and glycosylamine formation when fresh forage was stored at 60 degrees C, and changes in protein solubility, glycosylamine formation, and Maillard product formation when ensiled forage was stored at 60 degrees C. At -20 degrees C, formation of adducts with arabinose and glucose from nonstructural carbohydrates as well as polymerization and fragmentation of cell wall monosaccharides probably contributed to altered NDF content of alfalfa.
Countability and Uncountability: The Precursors of “Encoding”

The theory of countability (and uncountability) began with Georg Cantor’s deliberations on the nature of infinity [10]. Cantor concentrated on questions that can be framed intuitively as follows: Are there “more” rational numbers than integers? Are there “more” real numbers than integers? (Note that we need to put “more” in quotes, because all three sets, the integers, the rational numbers, and the real numbers, are infinite—so what does “more” mean?)
Patient management strategies for interferon alfa-2b as adjuvant therapy of high-risk melanoma

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To review results of Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) trial E1684 in the context of nursing issues concerning interferon alfa-2b (IFN alpha-2b) as adjuvant therapy for high-risk melanoma. DATA SOURCES Published results of ECOG trial E1684 and additional safety data provided by the trial sponsor. Selection of material was based on information that would expand on published safety results and present patient-management strategies relevant to oncology nurses. DATA SYNTHESIS High-dose IFN alpha-2b significantly prolonged median relapse-free survival (< 0.01) and overall survival (p = 0.047), but side effects required extensive nursing interventions. With appropriate patient management, including dose modifications, 74% of patients who did not relapse received a full course of therapy. CONCLUSIONS Adjuvant, high-dose IFN alpha-2b can significantly prolong relapse-free and overall survival in patients with high-risk melanoma, but nursing interventions are required to ensure patient compliance. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE Accurate nursing assessment and appropriate interventions can help patients safely complete this effective adjuvant therapy.
Carcinogenic effects of steroids.

Publisher Summary There are structural similarities between the carcinogenic hydrocarbons and the steroids. Under certain conditions, at least in rodents, steroids might produce carcinogenic effects as dramatic as those of the hydrocarbons. The concept of a normal body constituent functioning as a carcinogen might appear paradoxical. It is under such a circumstance that the areas of contemporary thought regarding the carcinogen and carcinogenesis are challenged. The mechanism of solid state carcinogenesis is conjectural: there might be no carcinogen involved. A chemical carcinogen would have a minimal effective dose and would enhance cancer production with increasing dosage. A weak carcinogen requires the effective dose of a strong carcinogen and might not show increasing tumorigenesis with increasing dosage. A cocarcinogen does not produce cancer by itself but in conjunction with another substance, which is carcinogenic in its own right.
Auditory central gain compensates for changes in cochlear output after prolonged low-level noise exposure.

Abstract Remarkably, the central auditory system can modify the strength of its sound-evoked neural response based on prior acoustic experiences, a phenomenon referred to as central gain. Gain changes are well documented following traumatic noise exposure, but much less is known about central gain dynamics following prolonged exposure to low-level noise, a common acoustic experience in many urban and work environments. We recently reported that the neural output of the cochlea is reduced, while gain was enhanced in the inferior colliculus (IC) following a 5-week exposure to 75 dB noise. To determine if similar effects were present at even lower intensities, we exposed rats to a 65 dB noise expecting to see little to no change in the cochlea or IC. The exposure had little effect on distortion product otoacoustic emissions and did not cause any hair cell loss. However, the amplitude of the CAP, which reflects the neural output of cochlea, was depressed by 50–75%. Surprisingly, neural responses from the IC were enhanced up to 70%, mainly at frequencies within the noise exposure band. One-week post-exposure, CAP amplitudes returned to normal at frequencies within or above the exposure band, whereas responses evoked by frequencies below the exposure band were enhanced by more than 80%. In contrast, IC responses below the exposure frequency were depressed 10–20% whereas responses within the exposure frequency band were enhanced 10–20%. Thus, the central auditory system dynamically up- and down-regulates its gain to maintain supra-threshold neural responses within a narrow homeostatic range; a function that likely contributes to the prevention of sounds from being perceived as muffled or too loud.
Effects of patient education on desire for twins and use of elective single embryo transfer procedures during ART treatment: A systematic review

Abstract Twin births among users of assisted reproductive technology (ART) pose serious risks to both mothers and infants. However, patients may prefer twins and may be unaware of the risks of twin pregnancies. Increasing use of elective single embryo transfers (eSET) through improved patient education could help to reduce twin births and related adverse health consequences. A systematic review of PUBMED and EMBASE databases was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of patient education among ART users on knowledge of twin pregnancy risks, desire for twins, preference for or use of eSET, and twin pregnancy rates. Of 187 references retrieved, six met the selection criteria. Most focused on patients undergoing their first ART cycle aged
How Structural Biologists and the Protein Data Bank Contributed to Recent FDA New Drug Approvals

Discovery and development of 210 new molecular entities (NMEs; new drugs) approved by the US Food and Drug Administration 2010–2016 was facilitated by 3D structural information generated by structural biologists worldwide and distributed on an open-access basis by the PDB. The molecular targets for 94% of these NMEs are known. The PDB archive contains 5,914 structures containing one of the known targets and/or a new drug, providing structural coverage for 88% of the recently approved NMEs across all therapeutic areas. More than half of the 5,914 structures were published and made available by the PDB at no charge, with no restrictions on usage >10 years before drug approval. Citation analyses revealed that these 5,914 PDB structures significantly affected the very large body of publicly funded research reported in publications on the NME targets that motivated biopharmaceutical company investment in discovery and development programs that produced the NMEs.
The Influence of Parental and Self-Expectations on Asian American Women Who Entered College Early:

Asian immigrant parents may hold high expectations for their children to excel academically and professionally. Filial piety and the desire to make their parent(s) proud can motivate these children...
Informal Work: Cuentapropismo, La Lucha, and Jineterismo

This chapter focuses on informal work (cuentapropismo, la lucha, and jineterismo). Unlike the majority of existing studies on cuentapropismo, Jeronimo Kersh demonstrates that female self-employment was often small scale and illegal. Through the combined analysis of press sources and oral history interview testimonies, she discusses the complex ways in which cuentapropismo and la lucha overlap while considering their unique characteristics. This chapter also establishes an original historical argument to the practice of jineterismo: that it was initially practiced out of economic desperation, but that many women continued to use sex work as an advancement strategy. It ultimately highlights new gendered divisions of labor given that unlike the women’s previous state professions, these new earning strategies often drew on ‘feminine’ skills.
Beyond the school, beyond North America: New maps for the critical geographies of education

Abstract This review outlines two directions for the critical geographies of education (CGE), an emergent subfield of critical human geography. Firstly, it rehearses Marxist critiques of schooling and suggests that CGE should not treat existent mass, compulsory schooling (or perhaps even the concept of mass, compulsory schooling) as an automatic social good. Secondly, it encourages CGE to move beyond the current research epicenter of urban North America. CGE should also theorize global schooling policy and practice as a key component of development geopolitics and soft power. If CGE expands outward in these directions—and sharpens its critiques from Afrocentric, feminist, autonomist and other critical traditions—it has the potential to greatly influence cultural, political, and development geographies as well as more generalized critical social/spatial theory on institutions, youth, and labor.
Effect of COVID-19 in selecting otolaryngology as a specialty.

Coronavirus disease 2019 has undoubtedly impacted the health care system while causing lasting and profound implications for medical education. Senior medical students seeking exposure to the field of otolaryngology now find themselves in the challenging position of obtaining the experiences to make an informed decision on a future specialty. Virtual electives using comprehensive online material, discussion, and videos as well as the advent of telemedicine may be potential solutions to increase exposure to otolaryngology. While incorporating opportunities for authentic patient interactions is still a challenge, it is crucial that the academic otolaryngology community prioritize seeking solutions for interested medical students.
Effect evaluation of a health education program on brucellosis in both the population engaged in animal husbandry and non-livestock feeding population

Objective To compare the score of health knowledge and behavior on brucellosis in both the population engaged in animal husbandry and non-livestock feeding population before and after the health education,and to explore appropriate health education methods for different populations.Methods Farmers engaged in animal husbandry and non-livestock feeding population in Jinghai County,Tianjin were randomly selected.Health Care Seminar was given to farmers engaged in animal husbandry,and media and propaganda broadcast were given to non-livestock feeding population for one month.The effects were compared before and after intervention by questionnaires.Results A total of 500 farmers engaged in animal husbandry and 502 non-livestock feeding population were surveyed by questionnaires.250 farmers engaged in animal husbandry were surveyed before and after intervention,and 257,245 non-livestock feeding population were surveyed before and after intervention,respectively.Before the intervention,the brucellosis awareness rate of farmers engaged in animal husbandry [18.8％ (47/250)] was higher than that of non-livestock feeding population [5.8％(15/257),x2=19.84,P ＜ 0.05].After the intervention,the brucellosis awareness rates of the two groups were significantly improved,and the rate of farmers engaged in animal husbandry [100.0％ (250/250)] remained higher than that [68.6％ (168/245)] of nonlivestock feeding population.After the intervention,the recognition rates in health behavior of the two groups were improved in both groups,the rate of farmers engaged in animal husbandry was higher than that of non-livestock feeding population.Conclusions Health Care Seminar can significantly improve the awareness and knowledge of brucellosis in farmers engaged in animal husbandry; media,radio and other forms of publicity coverage may be more suitable for non-livestock feeding population. Key words: Brucellosis ; Health education ; Intervention
Xenotransplantation: The FDA Perspective

To advance xenotransplantation into the clinic relies on (i) an appropriate clinical development plan that includes a robust preclinical program, (ii) the development of suitable animal herds, and (iii) a clinical trial design with built-in protections for the xenograft recipient and the public. The potential public health risks can be mitigated by appropriate animal husbandry that includes (i) animals bred from closed herds of known origin, (ii) maintenance of animal health, and (iii) facility maintenance. Potential physiologic incompatibilities between pig and human need to be investigated as soon as possible before the trial is initiated. When possible, first-in-human studies should be conducted in individuals who can understand and consent to the study procedures and risks and thus should exclude children. For those planning a clinical trial, early consultation with the FDA is recommended.
Multi-material additive manufacturing of functionally graded carbide ceramics via active, in-line mixing

Abstract Advanced ceramics are required in many applications including armor, engine components, and wear parts for abrasive, corrosive, and high temperature environments. Heterogeneous structuring in these materials has the potential to unlock extrinsic mechanisms that improve damage tolerance, of vital importance for structural functionality. However, traditional ceramic powder processing and forming techniques limit the design space to simple geometries with chemically homogenous microstructures. Thus, additive manufacturing by direct ink writing (DIW) was applied to fabricate multi-phase carbide specimens with tailored composition and mesostructure. A custom DIW system was developed to allow simultaneous extrusion and mixing of multiple inks, comprised of ceramic particulate suspensions, through a single nozzle. Boron carbide (B4C) and silicon carbide (SiC) were chosen for this study due to their excellent mechanical properties. Aqueous B4C and SiC inks were loaded to 47.5 vol% ceramic content and showed yield-pseudoplastic behavior. The carbide inks were characterized and modified to exhibit similar rheological behavior (yield stress and viscosity), and were used to produce B4C–SiC parts with either discrete or continuous composition variation. Specimens were hot pressed at 35 MPa and 1950 °C, yielding near full density with hardness (Knoop) values of 20–23 GPa. Tailored heterogeneity, achieved via active in-line mixing, is revealed through microstructural characterization. Cracking observed in the specimen with discretely varied composition is the result of thermally-induced residual stress, and is elucidated through analytical calculations.
Stroke and Epilepsy

An 87-year-old female with atrial fibrillation, off anticoagulation, and sick sinus syndrome with permanent pacemaker presents to the emergency department after waking up with new-onset aphasia and right hemiparesis after going to bed normal the night prior. Her initial head CT showed no clear cause, and she demonstrated moderate improvement during the first 24 h of hospital admission. An EEG was obtained, demonstrating left temporal lateralized periodic discharges, and additional follow-up head CTs showed no clear infarct. Her clinical symptoms of aphasia and right-sided weakness continued to fluctuate, and a follow-up EEG demonstrated resolution of the left temporal discharges. She was discharged from the hospital on levetiracetam with a diagnosis of new-onset focal seizures with prolonged postictal state, only to clinically worsen and return 1 day later. Repeat head CT at that time demonstrated an evolving left insular infarct. Levetiracetam was ultimately discontinued, without additional seizures, and the patient was left with ongoing clinical symptoms consistent with a left hemispheric ischemic stroke.
Simulating migration of wind-borne pests: “Deconstructing” representation of the emigration process

Abstract Models capable of simulating both local population dynamics and long-range dispersal of wind-borne pests show promise as components of adaptive areawide pest management programs. Local life cycles and long-range wind-borne transport patterns, especially for small weak fliers, are relatively well-understood. However, modelling proximate causes of emigration from crop fields (and, hence, subsequent infestation of remote crop fields) remains a challenge. We present results of a robustness analysis (RA) in which we systematically “deconstructed” the representation of emigration in a recent model that forecasts regional infestations of North American sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) fields by the sugarcane aphid (Melanaphis sacchari). Results of RA suggested that forecasts of emigration timing were robust, whereas forecasts of emigration magnitude were not. For all deconstructed versions of the model, the time lag between initial infestation of a sorghum field and first emigration of aphids from that field was consistently (in ≈83% of the simulations) less than a week. However, total magnitude of emigration from any given sorghum field differed among model versions by as much as 4- or 5-fold, or by hundreds of thousands of aphids. Placing these RA results within the context of areawide aphid management, they suggest a shift in modelling priorities from further refinement of details representing local population dynamics and magnitudes of emigration events to accurate representation of the dispersion and deposition of migrating aphids. Since (1) forecasted time lags between initial infestation and first emigration were both robust to changes in representation of the emigration process and of short duration, and (2) time lags between a small initial infestation and populations reaching the lower action threshold for pesticide application also can be of short duration, forecasted magnitudes of emigration, in addition to being non-robust, were of marginal utility within an areawide forecasting context. (We hasten to note that details of the terrestrial portion of the aphid life cycle are of the utmost importance from the perspective of modelling local population increase and means of suppression, but that is not our focus here.) Placing our results within the broader context of simulating long-range migration of wind-borne pests as a component of adaptive areawide pest management programs, we advocate the systematic deconstruction of local-scale insect pest models as a matter of habit. Systematic deconstruction could identify robust simplifications that could facilitate linking local-scale models to existing atmospheric transport models, thus increasing transferability of local-levels models from one system to another.
Alternative Liability Regimes for Medical Injuries

In the U.S. physicians and other medical providers are subject to a negligence rule of liability. Under a negligence rule a patient who is injured as a result of medical care is entitled to compensation only if he or she can show that the injury was caused by the physician's failure to take due care. Given a finding of liability, compensation is determined by a civil jury. In recent years the frequency of malpractice claims has been increasing at 10 percent a year and claim severity (average amount per paid claim) has increased at twice the rate of general inflation. Malpractice insurance rates increased at 25 to 40 percent a year between 1985 and 1987 (Danzon, 1988). Coverage for high risk specialities and excess limits of coverage have reportedly been unavailable. Concern over this "crisis" has generated serious consideration of radical alternatives to the present negligence system, including nofault compensation schemes along the lines of those adopted in Sweden and New Zealand.
Highly automated QT measurement techniques in 7 thorough QT studies implemented under ICH E14 guidelines.

Thorough QT (TQT) studies are designed to evaluate potential effect of a novel drug on the ventricular repolarization process of the heart using QTc prolongation as a surrogate marker for torsades de pointes. The current process to measure the QT intervals from the thousands of electrocardiograms is lengthy and expensive. In this study, we propose a validation of a highly-automatic QT interval measurement (HA-QT) method. We applied a HA-QT measurement method to the data from seven TQT studies. We investigated both the placebo and baseline-adjusted QTc interval prolongation induced by moxifloxacin (positive control drug) at the time of expected peak concentration. The comparative analysis evaluated the time course of moxifloxacin-induced QTc prolongation in one study as well. The absolute HA-QT data were longer than the FDA-approved QTc data. This trend was not different between ECGs from the moxifloxacin and placebo arms: 9.6±24msec on drug and 9.8±25msec on placebo. The difference between methods vanished when comparing the placebo-baseline-adjusted QTc prolongation (1.4±2.8msec, p=0.4). The differences in precision between the HA-QT and the FDA-approved measurements were not statistically different from zero: 0.1±0.1msec (p=0.7). Also, the time course of the moxifloxacin-induced QTc prolongation adjusted for placebo was not statistically different between measurements methods.
An Emphatic Geography: Notes on the Ethical Itinerary of Landscape

Abstract: The year 2007 marked the beginning of the fourth International Polar Year, another frenzy of big science and circumpolar interest in questions of sovereignty, climate change, resources, and so on. At the same time, in the domain of the humanities, there are a host of re-elaborations of the very discourses of nordicity that seek to bring to light a North that is no longer merely an empty space and passage to elsewhere; rather, it is a North that has become a site and a figure, and a caution and a limit—a problem, in other words. My text proceeds from the unstable ground of this refigured nordicity. In the summer of 2005, I went North to the Mackenzie River basin with the typewritten field journals of Harold Innis. The young Innis had made the same trip in the summer of 1924, and my initial interest was an attempt to retrace his steps and to reflect on the place of North (as margin) in the development of his ideas at that time. Where his abiding concern had been production, innovation, and social relations, my own interest concerned method, writing, and landscape. Nonetheless, as I travelled up the length of the “River of Disappointment,” as Mackenzie called it, a methodological dialogue emerged.Resume : L’annee 2007 a marque le debut de la quatrieme Annee polaire internationale, evenement marquant pour l’elite des sciences, suscitant un interet pour la souverainete circumpolaire, le changement climatique, les ressources, et ainsi de suite. En meme temps, dans les lettres, il s’elabore une multitude de discours sur la nordicite ou l’on cherche a mettre a jour un Nord qui ne serait qu’espace vide ou lieu de passage; aujourd’hui, le Nord passe au premier plan, devenant avertissement et limite—a certains egards, un probleme. Mon texte jette ses fondements sur le sol instable de cette nordicite reconfiguree. Pendant l’ete 2005, je suis alle vers le nord, jusqu’au bassin du fleuve Mackenzie, y emmenant le journal dactylographie d’Harold Innis qu’il avait redige sur le terrain. En effet, le jeune Innis avait entrepris le meme voyage pendant l’ete 1924, et ma motivation initiale consistait a suivre ses traces et a reflechir sur la position (marginale) du Nord dans le developpement de ses pensees a l’epoque. La ou son souci principal avait ete la production, l’innovation et les relations sociales, mes propres interets ont plutot porte sur la methode, l’ecriture et le paysage. Neanmoins, tout comme je remontais le « fleuve de la Deception », tel que Mackenzie l’avait appele, un dialogue methodologique a emerge.
Properties of Pteroylpolyglutamate Hydrolase in Pancreatic Juice of the Pig

The function of pteroylpolyglutamate hydrolase (PPH) of pancreatic secretion in the hydrolysis of dietary polyglutamyl folates (PteGlun) in humans is unclear. In this study, PPH was detected in pancreatic juice collected from pigs during both fasting and postprandial conditions. The secretion of PPH was markedly increased following feeding. Pancreatic PPH showed the following characteristics: 1) endo/random hydrolysis of gamma-glutamyl peptide bonds of Pte-Glun substrates, yielding folic acid as the terminal product; 2) maximum activity at pH 4.0-4.5 and maximum stability at pH 7.0; 3) stimulation of activity by Zn2+ and 2-mercaptoethanol; 4) Km values for pteroyltriglutamate (PteGlu3) of 28.7 microM at pH 4.0 and 9.1 microM at pH 5.0; 5) apparent molecular weight of 29,000; and 6) isoelectric point within the range of 8.5-9.0. On the basis of PPH activity, volume of the postprandial secretion and pH profile of enzyme activity, it is suggested that pancreatic PPH may act in vivo in folate digestion and absorption to initiate the deconjugation of dietary PteGlun prior to the action of jejunal brush border PPH.
Studies on the mitogen responses of germfree allogeneic chimeras. I. Maturation of mitogen responsiveness with duration of chimerism.

Abstract Germfree allogeneic bone marrow chimeras (ABMC) were produced by the intravenous injection of approximately 10 7 bone marrow cells from DBA 2 mice into lethally irradiated C3H mice. In the germfree state, the ABMC showed no histological signs of graft-versus-host reactions (GVHR), and a normal lifespan was attained. Splenic lymphocytes of the germfree ABMC were shown to be unable to respond with DNA synthesis to the T-cell mitogens PHA and Con A, as measured by tritiated-thymidine ( 3 H-TdR) uptake, but 7 months following bone marrow transplant, they abruptly regained the ability to respond normally to these mitogens. The plaque-forming cell response to sheep red blood cells in vivo , however, remained very low throughout the lifespan of the ABMC and actually declined at the same time as the mitogen responses returned to normal. It was inferred that helper T cells are not required for T-cell-dependent mitogen responsiveness.
Surfactants and Their Effects on Filter/Separators

Abstract : ASSOCIATED WITH COALESCENCE AND THE REMOVAL OF SOLID PARTICULATE FROM HYDROCARBON FUELS. The basic parameters affected include cohesion, adhesion, contact angle, surface free energy, fuel velocity, electrostatic charge generation, and differential pressure across the coalescent media. Tests conducted on military filter/separators indicate that JP-4 and JP-5 jet fuel can be decontaminated properly; however, problems exist in the decontamination of water from Motor Gasoline (MoGas) and No. 2 Diesel fuel. Tests conducted to determine the effect of surfactants versus electrostatic charge generation indicate that small amounts of surfactants or combinations of surfactants and free water or solid particulates can convert a nearly inert fuel into a fuel producing high and dangerous levels of static electricity. (Author)
BODY TEMPERATURE AND SURVIVAL OF PREMATURE INFANTS.

One hundred and twenty-five premature infants were divided into two groups, one being treated in incubators at an air temperature of 31.8°C (89°F) and the other in the same style of incubator, but with more careful regulation of body temperature by a radiant heat device actuated by a thermistor taped to the abdomen and set for 36°C (97°F). There was a trend toward lower mortality among the heat lamp babies which was present in males and females, whites and Negroes, and which was not related to an accidental distribution of high risk infants to the control group. The advantage was most pronounced among babies vaginally born in the vertex position between birth weights of 800 and 1,599 gm inclusive. The cause of the excess mortality was not revealed by autopsy data. The results confirm those of Silverman, but extend them in that his "normothermic" babies were in conditions similar to our cold or control babies. The trends shown in this paper, taken in combination with those of the previous studies of Silverman, of Jolly et al., and of Buetow and Klein14 in this issue, point to the desirability of care in the control of the temperature of premature infants.
An Algebraic Characterization of the Halting Probability

Using 1947 work of Post showing that the word problem for semigroups is unsolvable, we explicitly exhibit an algebraic characterization of the bits of the halting probability Ω. Our proof closely follows a 1978 formulation of Post's work by M. Davis. The proof is self-contained and not very complicated.
Photodamage, photoaging and photoprotection of the skin

Overexposure to ultraviolet and visible radiation causes sunburn. Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cool baths and topical steroids offer only mild relief. Long-term sun exposure causes chronic inflammatory skin changes. Photodamage, rather than the normal aging process, may account for 90 percent of age-associated cosmetic skin problems. Physicians should stress to their patients that all ultraviolet exposure (including sun beds and tanning salons) causes skin damage. Regular sunscreen use during childhood and adolescence may result in an 80 percent reduction in the lifetime incidence of ultraviolet-induced skin damage, including nonmelanoma skin cancers.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers from Sarcocystis neurona, a causative agent of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis

The population genetics and systematics of coccidian parasites of the genus Sarcocystis remain poorly defined, notwithstanding their relevency to veterinary and human health. Despite opportunities for sexual recombination, nonrecombinant parasite clones characterized by distinct transmission and pathogenesis traits persist in related parasites (i.e. Toxoplasma gondii). In order to determine whether this may be generally true for parasitic coccidia, and to address evolutionary and taxonomic problems within the genus Sarcocystis, we isolated 12 polymorphic microsatellite markers (four to 14 alleles) for Sarcocystis neurona, the major causative agent of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM).