cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Indian Gaming Revenues Showing Signs of Recovery

This research note continues our investigation into the connection between Indian gaming revenues and the economic climate by providing an update on the current condition of Indian gaming in several states including New Mexico, California, Arizona, Connecticut and Oklahoma, all of which were subjects of previous notes. Our research notes have shown that the Indian gaming industry, while previously considered “recession-resistant,” is, in fact, susceptible to fluctuations in the economy (Conner and Taggart 2009a, 2009b, 2010; McArthur, Conner, and Taggart 2011). Following the collapse of the American housing finance market in 2007, Indian gaming revenues in Connecticut, New Mexico and Arizona showed significant revenues losses. Further investigation revealed that some Indian tribes were utilizing defensive business strategies to offset, at least to some extent, the effects of the recession on gaming revenues (Conner and Taggart 2009; 2010). The two main strategies observed were decreasing the number of casino employees and increasing the number of slot machines on the floor, which are both more lucrative than table games and less costly, as they do not require labor for operation. Specifically in California, where information on tribal revenues was unavailable, a non-trivial increase in slot machines was observed, indicating that difficult times were being experienced by Indian gaming nations from coast to coast (Conner and Taggart 2010b). Oklahoma was the only state analyzed in past notes where revenues did not show significant changes in correlation with the recession (Conner and Taggart 2010a). We concluded that this is likely due to the relatively recent introduction of Class III gaming in the state, which is still realizing its revenue potential.
The epidemiology and clinical features of obsessive compulsive disorder

During the past decade, there has been rapid growth in understanding the clinical features, pathophysiology, and treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). This article reviews the current state of knowledge of the epidemiology and clinical features of OCD with a focus on the disorder's phenomenologic heterogeneity and its comorbidity with other Axis I and Axis II syndromes.
Expression of sialylated Leu-M1 antigen in histiocytosis X.

The purpose of this study is to determine the versatility of the monoclonal antibody anti-Leu-M1 in histiocytosis X diagnosis. This antibody recognizes an unsialylated lacto-N-fucopentaose III (hapen X) carbohydrate moiety that is linked to the cell membrane protein in interdigitating reticulum cells and Langerhans’ cells. Previously, the authors have shown that anti-Leu-M1 can be used to stain Reed-Sternberg cells, which are likely related to interdigitating reticulum cells. In this study, the authors tested the usefulness of anti-Leu-M1 in staining formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue sections from eight patients with histiocytosis X. For staining of histiocytosis X cells, unlike Reed-Sternberg cells in Hodgkin’s disease, neuraminidase treatment was required for removal of sialic acid residues from the Leu-M1 antigen. The staining characteristics of anti-Leu-M1 in histiocytosis X cells resembled those of normal Langerhans’ cells and lymphocyte and histiocyte variants (L & H cells) in the lymphocyte-predominant type of Hodgkin’s disease. The significance of sialylation of Leu-M1 antigen in histiocytosis X cells has yet to be deter-mined in order to correlate the prognosis of the disease. The authors suggest that anti-Leu-M1 used together with neuraminidase treatment is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of histiocytosis X when electron microscopy or frozen sections for OKT6 immunostaining are not available.
Informed consent--survey of Auckland, N.Z. anaesthetists' practice and attitudes.

Auckland anaesthetists were surveyed. Of these, 68% obtain written informed consent, 67% are familiar with the New Zealand Medical Council's statement on informed consent, and 57% believe that they conform with this statement in their practice. 4% of anaesthetists always warn their patients of the possibility of death, 9% never do. 87% warn of minor complications such as vomiting, 28% warn of possible awareness, 27% of possible paralysis with spinal or epidural. 83% felt that some form of risk-disclosing anaesthetic information leaflet would be of value for elective patients. After perusing a proposed information leaflet, 40% answered "yes" they would be happy for it to be combined with the non-risk-specific anaesthetic information currently given to patients, 23% answered "yes, with reservations", 18% answered "yes, if modified first", 13% "no, only if the patient asks to know more about risks,", and 5% "no, not to any patient".
The High Cost of Prescription Drugs in the United States: Origins and Prospects for Reform

Importance The increasing cost of prescription drugs in the United States has become a source of concern for patients, prescribers, payers, and policy makers. Objectives To review the origins and effects of high drug prices in the US market and to consider policy options that could contain the cost of prescription drugs. Evidence We reviewed the peer-reviewed medical and health policy literature from January 2005 to July 2016 for articles addressing the sources of drug prices in the United States, the justifications and consequences of high prices, and possible solutions. Findings Per capita prescription drug spending in the United States exceeds that in all other countries, largely driven by brand-name drug prices that have been increasing in recent years at rates far beyond the consumer price index. In 2013, per capita spending on prescription drugs was $858 compared with an average of $400 for 19 other industrialized nations. In the United States, prescription medications now comprise an estimated 17% of overall personal health care services. The most important factor that allows manufacturers to set high drug prices is market exclusivity, protected by monopoly rights awarded upon Food and Drug Administration approval and by patents. The availability of generic drugs after this exclusivity period is the main means of reducing prices in the United States, but access to them may be delayed by numerous business and legal strategies. The primary counterweight against excessive pricing during market exclusivity is the negotiating power of the payer, which is currently constrained by several factors, including the requirement that most government drug payment plans cover nearly all products. Another key contributor to drug spending is physician prescribing choices when comparable alternatives are available at different costs. Although prices are often justified by the high cost of drug development, there is no evidence of an association between research and development costs and prices; rather, prescription drugs are priced in the United States primarily on the basis of what the market will bear. Conclusions and Relevance High drug prices are the result of the approach the United States has taken to granting government-protected monopolies to drug manufacturers, combined with coverage requirements imposed on government-funded drug benefits. The most realistic short-term strategies to address high prices include enforcing more stringent requirements for the award and extension of exclusivity rights; enhancing competition by ensuring timely generic drug availability; providing greater opportunities for meaningful price negotiation by governmental payers; generating more evidence about comparative cost-effectiveness of therapeutic alternatives; and more effectively educating patients, prescribers, payers, and policy makers about these choices.
The Comparative Cell Cycle and Metabolic Effects of Chemical Treatments on Root Tip Meristems

The effects of three chemicals, propham (Isopropyl carbanilate), chlorpropham (Isopropyl m-chloro-carbanilate), and DNP (2, 4-dinitrophenol) on oxygen uptake, ATP synthesis, cell division and cell cycle distribution in root tips of pea (Pisum sativum L.) ‘Alaska’ are reported. At the lowest concentration tested for each chemical (chlorpropham, 4.1×10-7 M; DNP, 1×10-6 M; and propham, 1.2×10-6 M) a reduction in the number of cells able to enter into mitosis was observed. DNP and propham induced a small number of abnormal mitoses, but chlorpropham caused a significant percentage of aberrancies (50%). At the higher range of concentrations tested, chlorpropham (4.1×10-4M) induced a similar mitotic inhibition response, but DNP and propham showed differences. Propham (1.2×10-3 M) caused a rapid decrease in number of mitoses so that by 6 hrs less than 1% of the total cells were dividing and all of them were abnormal, by 24 hrs this level was reduced to about 0.2%. DNP (1×10-3 M) caused an initial reduction in the number of mitotic figures followed by severe inhibition of entry into mitosis; division figures were abnormal from 3 hrs onward. DNP at 1×10-3 M caused the complete inhibition of oxygen uptake and ATP synthesis and inhibited mitotic entry and exit after 3 hrs. This study shows that although DNP (an uncoupler of respiration) and propham (a protein synthesis inhibitor) have different modes of action, both have severe and rapid mitotic inhibitory effects. It also reiterates with mitotic kinetic evidence that chlorpropham is a direct mitotic poison.
Improvement in long-term survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) after liver resection with modern chemotherapy and hepatic arterial infusion (HAI).

3563 Background: Hepatic resection of liver metastases from CRC is associated with 5-year (y) and 10-y overall survival (OS) of 30-50% and 20%. The aim of this study was to update OS of 5 consecuti...
Comparing methods of targeting obesity interventions in populations: An agent-based simulation

Social networks as well as neighborhood environments have been shown to effect obesity-related behaviors including energy intake and physical activity. Accordingly, harnessing social networks to improve targeting of obesity interventions may be promising to the extent this leads to social multiplier effects and wider diffusion of intervention impact on populations. However, the literature evaluating network-based interventions has been inconsistent. Computational methods like agent-based models (ABM) provide researchers with tools to experiment in a simulated environment. We develop an ABM to compare conventional targeting methods (random selection, based on individual obesity risk, and vulnerable areas) with network-based targeting methods. We adapt a previously published and validated model of network diffusion of obesity-related behavior. We then build social networks among agents using a more realistic approach. We calibrate our model first against national-level data. Our results show that network-based targeting may lead to greater population impact. We also present a new targeting method that outperforms other methods in terms of intervention effectiveness at the population level.
Full annual cycle climate change vulnerability assessment for migratory birds

Climate change is a serious challenge faced by all plant and animal species. Climate change vulnerability assessments (CCVAs) are one method to assess risk and are increasingly used as a tool to inform management plans. Migratory animals move across regions and continents during their annual cycles where they are exposed to diverse climatic conditions. Climate change during any period and in any region of the annual cycle could influence survival, reproduction, or the cues used to optimize timing of migration. Therefore, CCVAs for migratory animals best estimate risk when they include climate exposure during the entire annual cycle. We developed a CCVA incorporating the full annual cycle and applied this method to 46 species of migratory birds breeding in the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes (UMGL) region of the United States. Our methodology included background risk, climate change exposure × climate sensitivity, adaptive capacity to climate change, and indirect effects of climate change. We compiled information about migratory connectivity between breeding and stationary non-breeding areas using literature searches and U.S. Geological Survey banding and re-encounter data. Climate change exposure (temperature and moisture) was assessed using UMGL breeding season climate and winter climate from non-breeding regions for each species. Where possible, we focused on non-breeding regions known to be linked through migratory connectivity. We ranked 10 species as highly vulnerable to climate change and two as having low vulnerability. The remaining 34 species were ranked as moderately vulnerable. In general, including non-breeding data provided more robust results that were highly individualistic by species. Two species were found to be highly vulnerable throughout their annual cycle. Projected drying will have the greatest effect during the non-breeding season for species overwintering in Mexico and the Caribbean. Projected temperature increases will have the greatest effect during the breeding season in UMGL as well as during the non-breeding season for species overwintering in South America. We provide a model for adaptive management of migratory animals in the face of projected climate change, including identification of priority species, research needs, and regions within non-breeding ranges for potential conservation partnerships.
Optimization models for impaired water management in active shale gas development areas

Abstract In this work we present a mixed-integer linear programming model to support upstream operators in identifying optimal strategies for impaired water management in active shale gas development areas. The proposed model is designed to coordinate three key development decisions such that the net present value is maximized: a) the fracturing schedule, b) the water supply sourcing and distribution strategy, and c) the selection of appropriate water storage solutions. We specifically allow return-to-pad operations in the fracturing schedule and we assume that water blending ratios for fracturing jobs are unrestricted, i.e., companies may use only impaired water to meet the completions water demand. Moreover, we explicitly consider the sizing and timing of water storage solutions. By applying the optimization model to a real-world case study, we find that impaired water disposal volumes can be reduced drastically if operators manage to coordinate their fracturing schedule with impaired water availability.
Diagnostic and treatment workup for IgG4-related disease.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: IgG4-Related Disease is a newly recognized condition which is increasingly diagnosed by practitioners due to improvement in clinical awareness. Men and women have been found to be affected by this disease in various organs, more commonly with involvement of the salivary and lacrimal glands as well as pancreas and liver.Areas covered: The diagnosis and management of this condition remain challenging as biomarkers and therapies are being investigated. Hallmark features on histology are still the gold standard for confirmation of diagnosis, whereas serum IgG4 level has been shown to be neither necessary nor sufficient for the diagnosis. Glucocorticoids remain the most effective initial management for this condition while there are limited clinical trials on the effectiveness of maintenance therapy.Expert commentary: This review serves as an update on approaches for diagnosis and management of IgG4-RD. Most of the known data in this field comes from retrospective cohort studies and exper...
Radius and Ulna Fractures

The unique two-bone, dual-joint structure of the forearm allows for rotational motion that increases the ability of the hand to manipulate objects in space. Forearm fractures often result from a high-energy injury and are frequently associated with open injuries and/or compartment syndrome. Restoration of radial bow is crucial to maintaining function. Treatment may consist of nonoperative treatment for select indications; however, operative treatment is usually required. Operative management typically involves open reduction and internal fixation with compression plating.
Influence of Skin Effect on the Current Distribution of Grounded-Gate NMOS Device

For the first time, the influence of fast pulse induced skin effect on the current distribution inside the grounded-gate NMOS (GGNMOS) is reported. The skin effect results in the current crowding at the finger edges of the GGNMOS, leading to the high photoemission and high substrate potential at those regions. This report comprehensively explains some of the decades-old unexplained physical phenomena.
Do host-associated gut microbiota mediate the effect of an herbicide on disease risk in frogs?

1.Environmental stressors, such as pollutants, can increase disease risk in wildlife. For example, the herbicide atrazine affects host defenses (e.g. resistance and tolerance) of the amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), but the mechanisms for these associations are not always clear. Given that pollutants can alter the gut microbiota of hosts, which in turn can affect their health and immune systems, one potential mechanism by which pollutants could increase infection risk is by influencing host-associated microbiota. 2.Here, we test whether early-life exposure to the estimated environmental concentration (EEC; 200 μg/L) of atrazine affects the gut bacterial composition of Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) tadpoles and adults and whether any atrazine-induced change in community composition might affect host defenses against Bd. We also determine whether early-life changes in the stress hormone corticosterone affect gut microbiota by experimentally inhibiting corticosterone synthesis with metyrapone. 3.With the exception of changing the relative abundances of two bacterial genera in adulthood, atrazine did not affect gut bacterial diversity or community composition of tadpoles (in vivo or in vitro) or adults. Metyrapone did not significantly affect bacterial diversity of tadpoles, but significantly increased bacterial diversity of adults. 4.Gut bacterial diversity during Bd exposure did not predict host tolerance or resistance to Bd intensity in tadpoles or adults. However, early-life bacterial diversity negatively predicted Bd intensity as adult frogs. Specifically, Bd intensity as adults was associated negatively with the relative abundance of phylum Fusobacteria in the guts of tadpoles. 5.Our results suggest that the effect of atrazine on Bd infection risk is not mediated by host-associated microbiota because atrazine does not affect microbiota of tadpoles or adults. However, host-associated microbes seem important in host resistance to Bd because the early-life microbiota, during immune system development, predicted later-life infection risk with Bd. Overall, our study suggests that increasing gut bacterial diversity and relative abundances of Fusobacteria might have lasting positive effects on amphibian health. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Evaluation of multiple stochastic rainfall generators in diverse climatic regions

Long term synthetic precipitation data are useful for water resources planning and management. Commonly stochastic weather generator (SWG) models are useful to produce synthetic time series of unlimited length of weather data based on the statistical characteristics of observed weather at a given location. However, it is difficult to find a single model which works best for all weather (climate) patterns. The objective of this study is to evaluate five different SWG models namely CLIGEN, ClimGen, LARS-WG, RainSim and WeatherMan to generate precipitation at three diverse climatic regions: a Mediterranean climate of western USA, temperate climate of eastern Australia and tropical monsoon region in northern Vietnam. The performance of SWG models to generate precipitation characteristics (i.e., precipitation occurrence; wet and dry spell; and precipitation intensity on wet days) varies between three selected climatic regimes. It was observed that the second order Markov chain (ClimGen and WeatherMan) performed well for all three selected regions in generating precipitation occurrence statistics. All models are able to simulate the ratio of wet/dry spell lengths with respect to observed precipitation. The RainSim performed well in reproducing wet/dry spell lengths in comparison to other models for wetter regions in Australia and Vietnam. ClimGen and WeatherMan are the two best models in simulating precipitation in the western USA, followed by CLIGEN and LARS. Similarly, ClimGen and WMAN are the two best models for synthetic precipitation generation for eastern Australian and northern Vietnam stations, but CLIGEN performs poorly over these regions. All SWG model performed differently with respect to climatic regimes, therefore careful validation is required depending on the weather pattern as well as its application in different water resources sectors. Although our findings are preliminary in nature, however, in order to generalize the performance of SWG’s in a given climate type, it is recommended that more number of stations needs to be evaluated in future studies.
Abstract 11928: Galectin-3 is Associated With Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes in Asymptomatic Individuals in the Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities (ARIC) Study

Introduction: Although galectin-3, an indicator of myocardial fibrosis, provides prognostic value in patients with established heart failure, its prognostic significance in a diverse, asymptomatic population is largely uncharacterized. Objectives: We measured plasma galectin-3 in 9255 individuals free of cardiovascular disease at baseline (visit 4, 1996-1998) and evaluated prospective associations with incident coronary heart disease (CHD), heart failure (HF) hospitalization, ischemic stroke, or total mortality in the biracial Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. Methods: Outcome incident rates were expressed as number of events per 1,000 patient years. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals for the association of quartiles of galectin-3 with each outcome. The models were adjusted for age, gender, race, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, SBP, anti-hypertensive medication, current smoking, diabetes status, estimated GFR, and log NT-proBNP. Interactions for race and sex were ascertained by adding a cross-product of race or sex and galectin-3 in the model. Results: In the adjusted model, increasing quartiles of galectin-3 were independently associated with incident CHD, HF, and mortality ( Table ), with the highest HR for HF. The relationship was not significantly modified by gender or race, except for CHD where galectin-3 was associated with increased risk in whites but not blacks (interaction p=0.04). Galectin-3 quartiles were not associated with incident stroke in adjusted analysis. Conclusion: In a large, bi-racial cohort of individuals free of CVD at baseline, galectin-3 is associated with increased risk of incident CHD, HF, and death. These data implicate myocardial fibrosis in the development of CVD in a community-based population of black and white adults.
A COMPARISON OF THE EFFECT OF FOUR MILKING MACHINE CLEANING AND SANITIZING PROCEDURES ON THE STANDARD PLATE COUNT OF RAW MILK1

A study of four milking machine washing and/or sanitizing methods indicates that an adequate washing procedure using the proper alkaline detergent, coupled with dry storage and a warm water rinse before use was as satisfactory as chlorine sanitizing, the use of a quaternary ammonium cleaner sanitizer, or lye rack storage. The plate counts obtained on milk where machines were thus treated showed no statistical difference attributable to the method employed.
Renal Cell Carcinoma: Follow-Up with Magnetic Resonance Imaging After Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation

The estimated number of new cases of renal cell cancer (RCC) in the United States in 2005 was 22,490 for men and 13,670 for women (Jemal et al. 2005). This equates to greater than a 30% increase in the incidence of RCC over the last 10 years and a greater than 100% increase in the incidence of RCC since 1950 (Boring et al. 1994; Zagoria 2003). Most of this increase has occurred because of the diagnosis of small, localized tumors detected incidentally in patients imaged for other reasons (Chow et al. 1999; Zagoria 2003).
Inventory of Paramagnetic Defects in Ion-Implanted Silicon

The inventory of paramagnetic defects in silicon was measured as the lattice disorder was increased from the crystalline to the amorphous phase by ion implantation. Measurements were made on n-type silicon implanted with 160 keV oxygen ions ranging in fluence from 1010 to 2 • 1016 O+/cm2. The EPR spectra of the negative divacancy (Si-G7), the neutral phosphorus-vacancy (Si-G8), the neutral 1-vacancy-oxygen (Si-Sl), and a new defect (Si-S2), which could be the negative charge state of the 4-vacancy, have been observed. These results were obtained by implanting 160 keV O+ ions into silicon samples which had previously been implanted with 200 keV P31 and annealed to form a degenerate n-type layer in the implanted region.
Regulated expression of non-polymorphic gp49 molecules on mouse natural killer cells

Murine natural killer (NK) cells express inhibitory receptors belonging to the C-type lectin-like (Ly-49, CD94/NKG2) and Ig-superfamily related (gp49) receptors. The murine gp49B receptor displays structural homology with human killer inhibitory receptors (KIR) and other Ig-like receptors. By contrast to most of these receptors, gp49 molecules are not expressed by resting NK cells but are expressed when NK cells are activated in vitro. Importantly, gp49 molecules are also upregulated in the context of murine cytomegalovirus infection. Furthermore, the gp49 molecules do not appear to display allelic polymorphism, suggesting a unique functional role for gp49 molecules in regulating NK cells long after initial stimuli.
The Central Retinal Artery

The central retinal artery (CRA) is the primary source of blood supply to the retina. A detailed discussion of it is essential for an understanding of the various aspects of CRA occlusion (CRAO). Though the CRA is of vital importance, its anatomy has been the subject of much controversy. A review of the literature reveals a striking lack of unanimity in the views of different workers [1–10]. Much of this confusion seems to be due to attempts to cover endless variations by rigid and dogmatic statements. Moreover, the number of specimens examined in each series has been rather small. It is also necessary to remember that the anatomical results from blood vessels depend upon the efficiency and completeness of the injection. I conducted a detailed, comprehensive anatomical study on various aspects of the CRA in 106 human specimens – in 100 specimens by injection with liquid neoprene latex and 6 by serial sectioning of the part of the optic nerve containing the CRA; this constituted the largest number of CRA specimens studied. The findings of that study are described in detail elsewhere [11–13]. This study showed that no two examples (even from the two eyes of the same person) wholly agreed in their pattern of origin, course, branches, distribution, and anastomoses; this means that any dogmatic ruling is likely to lead to error. The following discussion primarily represents a brief account of the findings of my study [11–13], with review of the relevant literature.
Abstract 5891: ABCG2 expression contributes to CC-115 resistance

Introduction: A major obstacle in the treatment of cancers is innate or acquired resistance. Multi-drug resistance proteins such as MDR1, ABCG2, MRP1, and LRP have been shown to be involved in resistance and are predictors of clinical outcomes. Expression of ABCG2, an ATP-binding cassette efflux transporter, may be responsible for observed variability of the efficacy of CC-115, a dual mTOR/DNA-PK inhibitor, currently in clinical trials. Here we evaluate the role of ABCG2 in CC-115 resistance. Methods: Western blots, methylene blue and MTT assays, and FACS were used to determine ABCG2 expression, cell survival/viability with and without inhibitors, and accumulation of CC-115 respectively. Results: MCF7/AdVp3000 (M3K) cells have been shown to have a significant increase in ABCG2 as compared to parental MCF7 cells. M3K cells had a 50-fold increase in IC50 to CC-115 compared to MCF7. Use of ABCG2 inhibitors FTC and C8 (1uM), decreased the IC50 of CC-115 in M3K cells by 10-fold. Accumulation studies using FACS showed that M3K cells had significantly lower accumulation of CC-115 as compared to MCF7 and addition of FTC and C8 (1uM) significantly enhanced accumulation of CC-115 to the same extent as seen in MCF7 cells. Next, HEK293/ABCG2 stable clone with overexpression of ectopic ABCG2 and its control HEK293/vec cells were used to determine ABCG29s direct impact on CC-115 resistance. HEK293/ABCG2 cells had a 10-fold increase in resistance to CC-115 with an IC50 of 2.05 uM as compared to 0.23 uM in HEK293/vec cells. Addition of FTC and C8 (1uM) decreased the IC50 by 10-fold in HEK293/ABCG2 cells. Accumulation of CC-115 in HEK293/ABCG2 cells was also significantly lower than that in HEK293/vec cells and addition of FTC and C8 (1uM) significantly increased its accumulation only in HEK293/ABCG2 cells. Discussion: The results from this study suggest that ABCG2 contributes to and possibly is responsible for CC-115 resistance and that inhibiting ABCG2 could lead to reversal of CC-115 resistance, increased response rate, highlights the importance of personalized therapies, and has the potential to increase patient survival. Citation Format: Jenny Beebe. ABCG2 expression contributes to CC-115 resistance [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5891.
Oxidation and extraction of Am(VI) using a monoamidic extractant in 3D printed centrifugal contactors

A series of tests were performed using centrifugal contactors to evaluate the separation of Am(VI) from cerium, as well as to determine the efficiency of the contactors. All experiments were performed using 2-cm, acrylic 3D-printed centrifugal contactors. Solvent extraction tests were performed using 1 M N,N-di(2-ethylhexyl)butyramide (DEHBA)/dodecane and a nitric acid feed solution spiked with 243Am and 139Ce and oxidized with 60 mg mL−1 sodium bismuthate. Approximately 72% of the Am was extracted with a single contactor stage. Co-stripping of Am and Ce was demonstrated but attempts at selective stripping were not successful. Successful recycle of the used organic phase was demonstrated. Contactor efficiencies of 95–100% were obtained.
Phenotypic and genetic relationship between BMI and cigarette smoking in a sample of UK adults

In addition to the health hazards posed individually by cigarette smoking and obesity, the combination of these conditions poses a particular impairment to health. Genetic factors have been shown to influence both traits and, to understand the connection between these conditions, we examined both the observed and genetic relationship between adiposity (an electrical impedance measure of body mass index (BMI)) and cigarettes smoked per day (CPD) in a large sample of current, former, and never smokers in the United Kingdom. In former smokers, BMI was positively associated with cigarettes formerly smoked; further, the genetic factors related to a greater number of cigarettes smoked were also responsible for a higher BMI. In current smokers, there was a positive association between BMI and number of cigarettes smoked, though this relationship did not appear to be influenced by similar genetic factors. We found a positive genetic relationship between smoking in current/former smokers and BMI in never smokers (who would be unmarred by the effects of nicotine). In addition to CPD, in current smokers, we looked at two variables, time from waking to first cigarette and difficulty not smoking for a day, that may align better with cigarette and food 'craving.' However, these smoking measures provided mixed findings with respect to their relationship with BMI. Overall, the positive relationships between the genetic factors that influence CPD in smokers and the genetic factors that influence BMI in former and never smokers point to common biological influences behind smoking and obesity.
A power series method for solving ordinary and partial differentials equations motivated by domain growth

In this work we present a power series method for solving ordinary and partial differential equations. To demonstrate our method we solve a system of ordinary differential equations describing the movement of a random walker on a one-dimensional lattice, two nonlinear ordinary differential equations, a wave and diffusion equation (linear partial differential equations), and a nonlinear partial differential equation (quasilinear). The inclusion of boundary conditions and the general solutions to other equations of interest are included in the Supplementary material.
The effective control of Cu through-silicon via extrusion for three-dimensional integrated circuits by a metallic cap layer

Abstract This work demonstrated a new and promising approach to control via extrusion for three-dimensional integrated circuits (3DICs). By depositing 50 nm of Ta as a metallic cap, a significant reduction in both the magnitude and the statistical spread of extrusion was achieved. Thermo-mechanical and interfacial characterization were further carried out to study the mechanism of the observed effect. The results suggested that the Ta cap layer was able to effectively suppress the mass transport at via top surface and along grain boundaries, therefore reducing extrusion.
Cost-effectiveness of real-world administration of tobacco pharmacotherapy in the United States Veterans Health Administration.

Background and aims Cost-effectiveness studies in randomized clinical trials have shown that tobacco cessation pharmacotherapy is among the most cost-effective of health-care interventions. Clinical trial eligibility criteria and treatment protocols may not be followed in actual practice. This study aimed to determine whether tobacco cessation pharmacotherapy is cost-effective in real-world settings. Design A retrospective analysis of costs and outcomes. Setting Hospitals and clinics of the US Veterans Health Administration, USA. Participants A total of 589 862 US veterans who screened positive for tobacco use in 2011. Intervention and comparator Tobacco users who initiated smoking cessation pharmacotherapy in the 6 months after screening were compared with those who did not use pharmacotherapy in this period. Pharmacotherapy included nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion (if prescribed at 300 mg per day or specifically for tobacco cessation) or varenicline. Measures Effectiveness was determined from responses to a subsequent tobacco screening conducted between 7 and 18 months after the treatment observation period. Cost of medications and prescribing health-care encounters was determined for the period between initial and follow-up tobacco use screening. Multivariate fixed-effects regression was used to assess the effect of initial treatment status on cost and outcome while controlling for differences in case-mix with propensity weighting to adjust for confounding by indication. Findings Thirteen per cent of participants received tobacco cessation pharmacotherapy within 6 months of initial screening. After an average of an additional 218.1 days' follow-up, those who initially received pharmacotherapy incurred $143.79 in additional treatment cost and had a 3.1% absolute increase in tobacco quit rates compared with those who were not initially treated. This represents an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $4705 per quit. The upper limit of the 99.9% confidence region was $5600 per quit. Without propensity adjustment, the cost-effectiveness ratio was $7144 per quit, with the upper limit of the 99.9% confidence region $9500/quit. Conclusions Tobacco cessation pharmacotherapy provided by the US Veterans Health Administration in 2011/12 was cost-effective in this real-world setting, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $4705 per quit.
Do Different Price Points Exhibit Different Investment Risk and Return Commercial Real Estate

Conventional real estate price indices provide a single measure for the path of asset prices over time (controlling for the quality of the representative or average property). But it could be that properties have different price dynamics based on the price segment they are traded in. On the demand side, investors at different price points are differentiated by the amount of capital the investor has at their disposal and the type and source of financing. Smaller, private investors cluster at lower price points, while large institutions dominate the high price points. On the supply side, properties at different price points may serve different space markets with different types of tenants, and may reflect different supply elasticity and land/structure value ratios. This paper uses an unconventional approach, quantile regression, to estimate price indices for different price segments in commercial real estate. Our results show that there are indeed large differences in price dynamics for different price points. These differences are suggestive of a lack of integration in the property asset market, because we find apparent differences in the risk/return relationship. Lower price point properties exhibit less risk (in the form of volatility and cycle amplitude), but without evidence of lower total returns. Lower price point properties also show greater momentum and hence, predictability.
Why all classical theists should believe in physical premotions, but it doesn’t really matter (for freedom)

“Physical premotions” are a concept associated with Baroque Catholic theological debates concerning grace and freedom. In this paper, I present an argument that the entities identified in this debate, physical premotions, are necessary for any classical theist’s account of divine causality. A “classical theist” is a theist who holds both that God is simple, that is, without inhering properties, and that humans and God are both free in the incompatibilist sense. In fact, not only does the acceptance of physical premotions not entail determinism, physical premotions are the only way for classical theists to preserve the aforementioned two commitments. Nevertheless, the theory of premotions (by itself) cannot help theologians resolve questions of how God causes human free acts without violating their freedom.
Additional B-cell malignancies in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL).

Family and migration studies suggest a genetic risk of developing chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL). We hypothesized that CLL patients have an increased risk of addition...
Crystal Structure of a Flp Recombinase–Holliday Junction Complex

Abstract The crystal structure of a Flp recombinase tetramer bound to a Holliday junction intermediate has been determined at 2.65 A resolution. Only one of Flp's two domains, containing the active site, is structurally related to other λ integrase family site-specific recombinases, such as Cre. The Flp active site differs, however, in that the helix containing the nucleophilic tyrosine is domain swapped, such that it cuts its DNA target in trans. The Flp tetramer displays pseudo four-fold symmetry matching that of the square planar Holliday junction substrate. This tetramer is stabilized by additional novel trans interactions among monomers. The structure illustrates how mechanistic unity is maintained on a chemical level while allowing for substantial variation on the structural level within a family of enzymes.
Support for Diverse Students

This talk is intended to motivate diverse students in their study of computer science and engineering. Prof. Jimenez discusses the path he took to become a computer science professor. He describes his efforts promoting women and under-represented minorities in computer science and engineering. He ends with some advice to diverse students.
Measuring Preschool Teachers’ Social-emotional Practices: A Comparison of Two Measures

Research Findings: Evidence suggests that teachers are effective at improving the social and emotional readiness of low-income children. However, few measures are available to assess teachers’ use ...
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of a Precipitation-Hardened Al–Mn–Zr–Er Alloy

Commercial aluminum alloys are unusable above ~250 °C (523 K, which is 56% of the absolute melting point of aluminum, Tm = 933 K), due mainly to the rapid coarsening/dissolution of their fine strengthening precipitates. The recently developed L12-strengthened alloys exhibit, however, a significantly better coarsening resistance at high temperatures. In this study, we present a new class of L12-strengthed aluminum alloys based on the Al–Mn–Zr–Er system, which exhibits an exceptional combination of high-creep and high coarsening resistance at 300 °C. The microstructure of the isochronally peak-aged alloys has been studied over relevant length scales utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and local-electrode atom-probe (LEAP) tomography, in parallel with microhardness measurements. Compressive creep experiments are performed to determine the creep threshold stresses of these alloys at 300 °C.
Synthesis and Asymmetric Alkene Hydrogenation Activity of C2-Symmetric Enantioenriched Pyridine Dicarbene Iron Dialkyl Complexes

Enantioenriched N-alkyl-imidazole-substituted pyridine dicarbene iron dialkyl complexes have been synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR and zero-field 57Fe Mossbauer spectroscopies as well as sin...
Evaluation of Noninvasive Hemoglobin Measurements in Trauma Patients: A Repeat Study.

ABSTRACT Introduction Reliable, accurate, and non-invasive hemoglobin measurements would be useful in the trauma setting. The aim of this study was to re-examine the ability of the Masimo Radical 7 in this setting after recent hardware and software improvements. Methods Level 1 Trauma patients were prospectively enrolled in the study over a 9-mo period with the goal of obtaining 3 paired data points from 150 patients admitted to the ICU or IMU. Hospital laboratory hemoglobin values were compared with cyanomethemoglobin (HiCN) and Masimo device hemoglobin (SpHb) values using comparison plots and Bland-Altman analysis. Results A total of 380 patients were enrolled in the study with 150 of those being admitted to the ICU or IMU. Comparison of hospital lab hemoglobin and HiCN (n = 494) found a correlation of R2 = 0.92. Comparison of hospital lab hemoglobin and Masimo device hemoglobin (n = 218) found a correlation of R2 = 0.27. Bland-Altman analysis of the 218 of the comparable hospital hemoglobin and Masimo device hemoglobin values had a bias of 0.505 g/dL with 95% of values within the limits of agreement of 4.06 g/dL to -3.60 g/dL. Conclusions The Masimo Radical 7 device has the potential to provide timely, useful clinical information, but it is not currently able to serve as an initial noninvasive diagnostic tool for trauma patients. There was poor correlation between clinical Hgb and SpHb, and because of that, SpHb should not be used to evaluate hemoglobin levels in trauma patients.
Multi-Level Stakeholder Perspectives on Determinants of Point of Care Ultrasound Implementation in a US Academic Medical Center

There is growing interest from multiple specialties, including internal medicine, to incorporate diagnostic point of care ultrasound (POCUS) into standard clinical care. However, few internists currently use POCUS. The objective of this study was to understand the current determinants of POCUS adoption at both the health system and clinician level at a U.S. academic medical center from the perspective of multi-level stakeholders. We performed semi-structured interviews of multi-level stakeholders including hospitalists, subspecialists, and hospital leaders at an academic medical center in the U.S. Questions regarding the determinants of POCUS adoption were asked of study participants. Using the framework method, team-based analysis of interview transcripts were guided by the contextual domains of the Practical Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM). Thirty-one stakeholders with diverse roles in POCUS adoption were interviewed. Analysis of interviews revealed three overarching themes that stakeholders considered important to adoption by clinicians and health systems: clinical impact, efficiency and cost. Subthemes included two that were deemed essential to high-fidelity implementation: the development of credentialing policies and robust quality assurance processes. These findings identify potential determinants of system and clinician level adoption that may be leveraged to achieve high-fidelity implementation of POCUS applications that result in improved patient outcomes.
Structural attributes of membraneous organelles in bacteria.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the structural attributes of membranous organelles in bacteria. Mesosomes have a characteristic appearance and are widely distributed among the bacteria although they are associated with the Gram-positive bacteria. Within the enclosing cytoplasmic membrane of the eukaryotic cell, certain smaller structures that house subunits of cellular function are themselves surrounded by individual membranes, imposing a barrier between them and other internal regions of the cell. In a prokaryotic cell, there is no equivalent structural separation of major subunits of cellular functions; the cytoplasmic membrane itself is the only major bounding element that can be structurally defined. In the eukaryotic cell, the enzymatic machinery of respiration and of photosynthesis is housed in specific organelles enclosed by membranes, the mitochondrion, and chloroplast, respectively. Homologous, membrane-bounded organelles responsible for the performance of the metabolic functions are not found in the prokaryotic cell.
Ammonium retention and whole-stream metabolism in cave streams

We used 4 short-term ammonium releases and 1 whole-stream metabolism estimate to examine nutrient and carbon dynamics in cave streams. Ammonium uptake lengths (34–157 m) in the cave streams fell within the range reported for surface streams. However, uptake lengths in the cave streams were longer than would be expected in surface streams of similar size. Ammonium mass transfer coefficients and uptake rates were much lower in the cave streams than have been measured in surface streams. Differences in ammonium uptake parameters among cave streams were due to both abiotic and biotic factors. Metabolism in the cave stream was relatively low (32.9 g C m−2 y−1), but fell within the range of values reported for surface streams. Benthic organic carbon (BOC) standing stock was low and turned over faster in the cave stream than in most surface streams. Our results suggest cave streams are carbon, but not nutrient, limited and that standard methods and models for nutrient and carbon cycling in surface streams are applicable to cave streams.
Charge Transport and Recombination in Organic Solar Cells (OSCs)

Organic compounds are mainly hydrocarbon compounds with a backbone of carbon atoms. The strong bonds that form the molecular backbone are a result of overlap of sp2 hybridized atomic orbitals of adjacent carbon atoms, yielding a bonding σ and an antibonding σ* orbitals. The remaining unhybridized p orbitals overlap and form π and π*orbitals. The energies of π and π* orbitals are higher than those of σ orbitals, whereas energies of π* orbitals are lower than those of σ orbitals. Based on Pauli exclusion principle and Hund’s rule, the energies of π and π* orbitals are defined as highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO), and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMO), respectively.