cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prosthetic Antigen Receptors.

Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have shown great promise for the immunological treatment of cancer. Nevertheless, the need to genetically engineer a patient’s T-cells has presented significant production and safety challenges. To address these issues, we have demonstrated that chemically self-assembled nanorings (CSANs) displaying single chain antibodies can bind to both the CD3 e subunit of the T-cell-receptor/CD3 complex and the CD22 antigen on malignant B cells such as B-leukemias or lymphomas. We demonstrate that the multivalent and bispecific format allows the antiCD3/antiCD22 CSANs to stably bind to T-cell surfaces for greater than 4 days, while being easily disassembled on the cell membrane by treatment with the nontoxic FDA approved drug, trimethoprim. In the presence of CD22+ Raji cells, T-cells modified with antiCD3/antiCD22 CSANs were shown to selectively up-regulate the production of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and to initiate cytotoxicity. Taken together, our results demon...
Zinc(II) Tetraphenylporphyrin on Ag(100) and Ag(111): Multilayer Desorption and Dehydrogenation

The interactions between zinc(II) tetraphenylporphyrin (ZnTPP) molecules and the Ag(100) and Ag(111) surfaces were investigated using a combination of scanning tunneling microscopy as a local probe of the molecular adsorption configuration and X-ray, ultraviolet, and inverse photoemission spectroscopies as probes of the electronic structure. For each surface, a monolayer of ZnTPP, formed by multilayer desorption, exhibits a highly ordered structure in registry with the underlying surface lattice. Subsequent annealing leads to a transition from intact molecular adsorption to dehydrogenation and subsequent rehybridization. This rehybridization is both intramolecular, with a flattening of the molecules and a measurable alteration of the electronic structure, and intermolecular, leading to two-dimensional growth of extended covalently bound structures.
Intracranial pressure modulates distortion product otoacoustic emissions: a proof-of-principle study.

BACKGROUND There is an important need to develop a noninvasive method for assessing intracranial pressure (ICP). We report a novel approach for monitoring ICP using cochlear-derived distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), which are affected by ICP. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that changes in ICP may be reflected by altered DPOAE responses via an associated change in perilymphatic pressure. METHODS We measured the ICP and DPOAEs (magnitude and phase angle) during opening and closing in 20 patients undergoing lumbar puncture. RESULTS We collected data on 18 patients and grouped them based on small (<4 mm Hg), medium (5-11 mm Hg), or large (≥15 mm Hg) ICP changes. A permutation test was applied in each group to determine whether changes in DPOAEs differed from zero when ICP changed. We report significant changes in the DPOAE magnitudes and angles, respectively, for the group with the largest ICP changes and no changes for the group with the smallest changes; the group with medium changes had variable DPOAE changes. CONCLUSION We report, for the first time, systematic changes in DPOAE magnitudes and phase in response to acute ICP changes. Future studies are warranted to further develop this new approach. ABBREVIATIONS DPOAE, distortion product otoacoustic emissionICP, intracranial pressureIIH, idiopathic intracranial hypertensionLP, lumbar punctureTBI, traumatic brain injury.
Functionalized Ultrasound-Propelled Magnetically Guided Nanomotors: Toward Practical Biomedical Applications

Magnetically guided ultrasound-powered nanowire motors, functionalized with bioreceptors and a drug-loaded polymeric segment, are described for "capture and transport" and drug-delivery processes. These high-performance fuel-free motors display advanced capabilities and functionalities, including magnetic guidance, coordinated aligned movement, cargo towing, capture and isolation of biological targets, drug delivery, and operation in real-life biological and environmental media. The template-prepared three-segment Au-Ni-Au nanowire motors are propelled acoustically by mechanical waves produced by a piezoelectric transducer. An embedded nickel segment facilitates a magnetically guided motion as well as transport of large "cargo" along predetermined trajectories. Substantial improvement in the speed and power is realized by the controlled concavity formation at the end of the motor nanowire using a sphere lithography protocol. Functionalization of the Au segments with lectin and antiprotein A antibody bioreceptors allows capture and transport of E. coli and S. aureus bacteria, respectively. Potential therapeutic applications are illustrated in connection to the addition of a pH-sensitive drug-loaded polymeric (PPy-PSS) segment. The attractive capabilities of these fuel-free acoustically driven functionalized Au-Ni-Au nanowires, along with the simple preparation procedure and minimal adverse effects of ultrasonic waves, make them highly attractive for diverse in vivo biomedical applications.
Modulated-Alignment Dual-Axis (MAD) Confocal Microscopy Optimized for Speed and Contrast

Modulated-alignment dual-axis (MAD) confocal microscopy combines the benefits of dual-axis confocal (DAC) microscopy and focal-modulation microscopy (FMM) for rejecting out-of-focus and multiply scattered light in tissues. The DAC architecture, which utilizes off-axis and separated beam paths for illumination and detection, has previously been shown to be superior to single-axis confocal (SAC) microscopy for the spatial filtering (rejection) of unwanted background light. With the MAD approach, a modulation of the alignment between the illumination and collection beam paths tags ballistic photons emanating from the focal volume with a characteristic radio frequency that can be extracted and separated from background signal using lock-in detection. We report here an optimized form of MAD confocal microscopy where we have fully mitigated tradeoffs in performance in an initial proof-of-concept system in order to recover the imaging speed of DAC microscopy while retaining contrast enhancement of 6 dB (signal-to-background ratio) with a secondary improvement in optical-sectioning and in-plane resolution. Validation is demonstrated with light-scattering tissue phantoms and freshly excised tissues.
Role of the EZH2 histone methyltransferase as a therapeutic target in cancer

Besides being a genetic disease, cancer is also an epigenetic disease. The histone methyltransferase EZH2 is the catalytic subunit of PRC2, a highly conserved protein complex that regulates gene expression by methylating lysine 27 on histone H3. Given its role in tumorigenesis and its prognostic value in several tumor types, this protein appears a relevant therapeutic target. This review focuses on the preclinical and preliminary clinical results of studies investigating EZH2 inhibitors in human malignancies. These emerging data suggest that EZH2 inhibitors represent a very promising class of drugs, which will probably have a major impact on improving outcome and reducing toxicity for patients with indolent and aggressive B-cell lymphomas and other specific solid tumors.
A More Rapid, Rapid Response.

Objectives Critical care physicians' standard for arrival to a rapid response team activation is 10 minutes or less at this institution. This study proposes that a FaceTime (Apple, Cupertino, CA) video call between the staff at the bedside and the critical care physician will allow the implementation of potentially life-saving therapies earlier than the current average response (4.5 min). Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Freestanding, tertiary-care children's hospital. Patients Pediatric patients ages 0-17. Interventions Six units were chosen as matched pairs. In the telemedicine units, after notification of an rapid response team, the critical care intensivist established a FaceTime video call with the nurse at the bedside and gathered history, visually assessed the patient, and suggested interventions. Simultaneously, the rapid response nurse, respiratory therapist, and fellow were dispatched to respond to the bedside. After the video call, the intensivist also reported to the bedside. The control units followed the standard rapid response team protocol: the intensivist physically responded to the bedside. Differences in response time, number of interventions, Pediatric Early Warning System scores, and disposition were measured, and the PICU course of those transferred was evaluated. Measurements and main results The telemedicine group's average time to establish FaceTime interface was 2.6 minutes and arrival at bedside was 3.7 minutes. The control group average arrival time was 3.6 minutes. The difference between FaceTime interface and physical arrival in the control group was statistically significant (p = 0.012). Physical arrival times between the telemedicine and control groups remained consistent. Fifty-eight percent of the telemedicine patients and 73% of the control patients were admitted to the PICU (p = 0.13). Of patients transferred to the PICU, there was no difference in rate of intubation, initiation of bilevel positive airway pressure, central line placement, or vasopressors. The study group averaged 1.4 interventions and a Pediatric Early Warning Signs score of 3.6. The control group averaged 1.9 interventions and a Pediatric Early Warning Signs score of 3.1 (p = not significant). Conclusion FaceTime allowed the intensivist to become involved earlier and provide immediate guidance to the inpatient care teams. However, it did not clinically alter the patient course. Further study is necessary.
Trend-Line Fitting and Forecasting

Publisher Summary A time series that appears to contain a smoothly increasing or decreasing component is said to contain a trend term. Some of the trends are because of increases in population, others to improvements in technology, and increases in wealth. This chapter discusses the methods of estimating the trend and then forecasting over the long run. The other two components are of lesser interest and it is usually worthwhile removing, or at least reducing, their importance before analyzing the trend. This is done by smoothing the series and is best achieved by use of a filter, which is a linear transformation of the original series. The problem with trend-curve fitting is the lack of any real theory underlying the forecasts. The curve fitting process appears to be just number crunching, and the method of forecasting consists of the blind hope that whatever mechanism generated the trend in the past will continue to work in the future.
Using Management Quality Techniques for Accreditation

An important characteristic of the latest generation of postsecondary accreditation is the application of business quality initiatives, for instance, the Academic Quality Improvement Project (AQIP) and the education category of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA). These approaches were first developed in the field of business management; they have been used by many institutions of higher education in recent years in certain areas. Some of the US regional and specialized accrediting agencies now require institutions to use these approaches, partly to address the public calls for greater levels of accountability of colleges and universities today. The higher education scholar, Martin Trow (1996) states that provided academic accreditation is viewed as the process by which higher education qualifies and polices itself as opposed to the alternatives, superior systems of improving academe may not receive full attention. Nevertheless, enhancements and other options for the required accreditation self-reviews are currently being implemented by a large number of accreditation associations and institutions being reviewed, and will be investigated in this chapter. Trow also suggests that a more analytical self-study of existing internal institutional quality management processes be considered, perhaps looking at the examples from the international higher education community.
Understanding misfit strain releasing mechanisms via molecular dynamics simulations of CdTe growth on {112}zinc-blende CdS

Molecular dynamics simulations have been used to analyse microstructures of CdTe films grown on {112} surfaces of zinc-blende CdS. Interestingly, CdTe films grow in ⟨331⟩ orientations as opposed to ⟨112⟩ epitaxial orientations. At the CdTe-{331}/CdS-{112} interface, however, there exists an axis that is parallel to the ⟨110⟩ orientation of both CdS and CdTe. It is the direction orthogonal to this ⟨110⟩ that becomes different, being ⟨116⟩ for CdTe and ⟨111⟩ for CdS, respectively. Missing CdTe-{110} planes are found along the ⟨110⟩ axis, suggesting that the misfit strain is released by the conventional misfit dislocation mechanism along this axis. In the orthogonal axis, the misfit strain is found to be more effectively released by the new grain orientation mechanism. Our finding is supported by literature experimental observations of the change of growth direction when Cd0.96Zn0.04Te films are deposited on GaAs. Analyses of energetics clearly demonstrate the cause for the formation of the new orientation, and the insights gained from our studies can help understand the grain structures experimentally observed in lattice mismatched systems.
Closeness and manuscript culture

Why devote a special issue of the Journal of Spanish Cultural Studies to closeness and manuscript culture? What, we might ask, can the medieval period teach us about questions of technology, practi...
Career Advancement: Meeting the Challenges Confronting the Next Generation of Endocrinologists and Endocrine Researchers.

Context: Challenges and opportunities face the next generation (Next-Gen) of endocrine researchers and clinicians, the lifeblood of the field of endocrinology for the future. A symposium jointly sponsored by The Endocrine Society and the Endocrine Society of Australia was convened to discuss approaches to addressing the present and future Next-Gen needs. Evidence Acquisition: Data collection by literature review, assessment of previously completed questionnaires, commissioning of a new questionnaire, and summarization of symposium discussions were studied. Evidence Synthesis: Next-Gen endocrine researchers face diminishing grant funding in inflation-adjusted terms. The average age of individuals being awarded their first independent investigator funding has increased to age 45 years. For clinicians, a workforce gap exists between endocrinologists needed and those currently trained. Clinicians in practice are increasingly becoming employees of integrated hospital systems, resulting in greater time spent on...
Elution of tightly bound solutes from concanavalin A Sepharose Factors affecting the desorption of cottonmouth venom glycoproteins

Some glycoproteins bind so tightly to concanavalin A Sepharose that common desorption techniques are ineffective, so a systematic exploration of factors affecting desorption of cottonmouth venom glycoproteins was undertaken. Glycoprotein desorption is greatly improved by introducing up to four pauses of 5-10 min duration into the elution step. Eluent concentrations above 250 mM methylglucoside or 500 mM methyl-mannoside reduced glycoprotein desorption. Eluent NaCl diminished glycoprotein desorption. Most venom glycoproteins desorb more readily as pH diminishes from 6.0 to 4.0, but phosphodiesterase shows the opposite pattern. Eluents recommended by the supplier for desorbing solutes or for column cleaning were ineffectual.
Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: Outcome, Assessment, and Intervention

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of disability in children. This chapter addresses the unique challenges facing children with TBI. Outcome, assessment, and intervention issues are discussed in relation to injuries sustained during two stages of development: (1) infancy and early childhood and (2) school-age and adolescence. Two cases studies are presented to illustrate issues relevant to children with TBI.
LEFT VENTRICULAR GLOBAL LONGITUDINAL STRAIN PREDICTS ALL-CAUSE MORTALITY IN PATIENTS WITH MITRAL REGURGITATION AND ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE BUT NOT IN NONISCHEMIC MITRAL REGURGITATION

Background: Strain echocardiography (echo) is increasingly recognized as an effective technique for predicting patient survival but its utility in mitral regurgitation (MR) is unclear. We sought to determine if the ability of strain measured by 2D speckle-tracking to predict all-cause mortality is
Social-cognitive and social-behavioral correlates of suicide risk in college students: contributions from interpersonal theories of suicide and depression

Joiner’s interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide (IPTS) is predated by literature examining maladaptive interpersonal behaviors associated with depression; however, research has not examined the potential relevance of such behaviors for the IPTS. The current study aimed to expand understanding of suicide risk by examining two maladaptive interpersonal behaviors in the context of Joiner’s IPTS model. Structural equation modeling examined associations between depressive symptoms, social-cognitive predictors of suicide, maladaptive interpersonal behaviors, and suicide risk in 228 college students (53.9% female; M = 19.5 years, SD = 1.8). Social-cognitive IPTS variables mediated the relation between depressive symptoms and maladaptive interpersonal behavior. Both social-cognition and maladaptive interpersonal behavior mediated the effect of depressive symptoms on suicide risk. Findings have the potential to add to our understanding of the interplay of social-cognitive factors and interpersonal behaviors...
Accelerated development in Johnsongrass seedlings (Sorghum halepense) suppresses the growth of native grasses through size-asymmetric competition.

Invasive plant species often dominate native species in competition, augmenting other potential advantages such as release from natural enemies. Resource pre-emption may be a particularly important mechanism for establishing dominance over competitors of the same functional type. We hypothesized that competitive success of an exotic grass against native grasses is mediated by establishing an early size advantage. We tested this prediction among four perennial C4 warm-season grasses: the exotic weed Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparius) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). We predicted that a) the competitive effect of Johnsongrass on target species would be proportional to their initial biomass difference, b) competitive effect and response would be negatively correlated and c) soil fertility would have little effect on competitive relationships. In a greenhouse, plants of the four species were grown from seed either alone or with one Johnsongrass neighbor at two fertilizer levels and periodically harvested. The first two hypotheses were supported: The seedling biomass of single plants at first harvest (50 days after seeding) ranked the same way as the competitive effect of Johnsongrass on target species: Johnsongrass < big bluestem < little bluestem/switchgrass, while Johnsongrass responded more strongly to competition from Johnsongrass than from native species. At final harvest, native plants growing with Johnsongrass attained between 2–5% of their single-plant non-root biomass, while Johnsongrass growing with native species attained 89% of single-plant non-root biomass. Fertilization enhanced Johnsongrass’ competitive effects on native species, but added little to the already severe competitive suppression. Accelerated early growth of Johnsongrass seedlings relative to native seedlings appeared to enable subsequent resource pre-emption. Size-asymmetric competition and resource-pre-emption may be a critical mechanism by which exotic invasive species displace functionally similar native species and alter the functional dynamics of native communities.
Emergency Preparedness in the Workplace: The Flulapalooza Model for Mass Vaccination.

Objectives. To explore whether an emergency preparedness structure is a feasible, efficient, and sustainable way for health care organizations to manage mass vaccination events.Methods. We used the Hospital Incident Command System to conduct a 1-day annual mass influenza vaccination event at Vanderbilt University Medical Center over 5 successive years (2011–2015). Using continuous quality improvement principles, we assessed whether changes in layout, supply management, staffing, and documentation systems improved efficiency.Results. A total of 66 591 influenza vaccines were administered at 5 annual Flulapalooza events; 13 318 vaccines per event on average. Changes to the physical layout, staffing mix, and documentation processes improved vaccination efficiency 74%, from approximately 38 to 67 vaccines per hour per vaccinator, while reducing overall staffing needs by 38%. An unexpected finding was the role of social media in facilitating active engagement.Conclusions. Health care organizations can use a cl...
Limb-viewing hyperspectral image simulation based on a polygonal earth cross-section (PEX) model

This paper will discuss recent improvements made to the Monte Carlo Scene (MCScene) code to enable limb-viewing scenarios and situations where the sun is below the horizon. MCScene is a high-fidelity model for full optical spectrum (UV through LWIR) hyperspectral image (HSI) simulation. MCScene generates HSI scenes for algorithm validation, utilizing a Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) approach for modeling 3D atmospheric radiative transfer (RT). MCScene includes treatment of molecular absorption, Rayleigh scattering, aerosol absorption and scattering, multiple scattering and adjacency effects, as well as scattering off spatially inhomogeneous surfaces described by bidirectional reflectance distribution functions (BRDFs). The algorithm models land and ocean surfaces, 3D terrain, 3D surface objects, and effects of realistic finite clouds with shadowing. This paper will provide a brief overview of RT elements incorporated into the Monte Carlo engine and the recent addition of a polygonal earth cross-section (PEX) method for modeling.
Das tetanische Verhalten als eine Reaktionsweise des Nervensystems

Man hat die Tetanie fruher als ein atiologisch einheitliches Krankheitsbild aufgefast. Seit Kocher erkannte, das die Tetanie mit den Nebenschilddrusen zusammenhangt und man im weiteren Beziehungen zwischen Tetanie und Kalkstoffwechsel feststellte, identifizierte man die Tetanie mit Nebenschilddruseninsuffizienz. Damit wurde dem von Corvisart nach dem klinischen Bild gepragten Begriff eine einseitige und einengende Atiologie unterstellt, die sich als falsch erwiesen hat. Man weis namlich heute, das das tetanische Verhalten, sei es in Form des grosen tetanischen Anfalls, sei es in Form von tetanisch bedingten Spasmen im Bereich innerer Organe, aus den verschiedensten Ursachen entstehen kann. Eine Storung im Kalkstoffwechsel ist nur eine von vielen Moglichkeiten. Aus diesem Grunde sollte man nicht mehr von Tetanie, sondern von tetanischem Syndrom (Jesserer, Parade) oder von tetanischer Bereitschaft sprechen. „Tetanie“ heist namlich nichts anderes, als allgemeine Ubererregbarkeit des Nervensystems mit Erniedrigung der neuromuskularen Reizschwelle (Pette) mit dem Effekt, das normale Impulse krampfauslosend wirken (Fancont). Das ubergeordnete Zentrum ist im Zwischenhirn (Pette) bzw. im Hirnstamm (Spiegel und Nishikawa) zu suchen.
Lack of confidence interval reporting in dermatology: a call to action

Background Confidence intervals (CIs) offer a complete and intuitive presentation of results and are more informative than P-values. The current prevalence of CI reporting in the dermatology literature has not been discussed. Objectives To evaluate CI reporting prevalence in the dermatology literature, factors predicting reporting and to compare CI reporting in the dermatology literature with dermatology research in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). Methods MEDLINE was queried for trials and observational studies published from 2007 to 2017 in six dermatology journals with varying impact factors: British Journal of Dermatology, Journal of Investigative Dermatology, JAMA Dermatology, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, European Journal of Dermatology and Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Randomly selected studies were reviewed to calculate CI reporting prevalence, and logistic regression identified factors predictive of CI reporting. Results Of 97 studies meeting the inclusion criteria, only 21 (22%; 95% CI 14-31%) reported CIs for the primary outcome. Of the remaining 76 studies, 43 reported a measure of variance (57%; 95% CI 45-67%). More recent year of publication was the strongest predictor for CI reporting [odds ratio 1·44; 95% CI 1·10-1·89 (P = 0·01)] in multivariable analysis. CI reporting in NEJM was significantly higher than in the dermatology literature (64% vs. 22%; P Conclusions CI reporting in the dermatology literature is low. We urge both dermatology journals and researchers to improve clinical interpretation of study results by taking steps to increase CI reporting.
Two-Pursuer, One-Evader Pursuit Evasion Differential Game

We analyze a two-team differential game in which a single evader strives to maximize time to capture against a two-pursuer team. The global equilibrium solution of the differential game divides the admissible state space into regions of qualitatively different behavior. Each of these regions exhibit varying levels of cooperation between the two pursuers. Similarly, the evader's equilibrium strategy exhibits varying levels of evasion from each of the pursuers depending which region the state lies within. Therefore, this game and the corresponding analysis provides a simple, yet structurally rich, illustration of when cooperation is beneficial and meaningful for multi-agent teams.
Assessment of agrarian sustainability at various levels: The case of Bulgaria

Abstract. The goal of this study is to unpack sustainability in terms of understanding and evaluation using as a case Bulgarian agriculture. A hierarchical system for assessing agrarian sustainability in Bulgaria at national, regional, sub-sectoral, ecosystem and farm level is proposed. It includes 3 aspects (pillars), 17 principles, 35 criteria, and 46 indicators and reference values for evaluating sustainability as well as approach for their integration and interpretation. Assessment is made of agrarian sustainability in the country at various level using aggregate macro and farm level micro data. The assessment has found out that there is a considerable differentiation in the level of integral and aspects sustainability of different type of farms, ecosystems, subsectors and regions. Nevertheless, results on the integral agrarian sustainability based on macro aggregate and micro farm data are quite similar. The later indicates that both approaches are reliable and could be simultaneously used according to the level of analysis, needs of decision makers, and available data. Major factors encouraging improving economic sustainability are market demand and price; direct state subsidies; market competition; financial capability; participation in public support programs; possibility of benefitting immediately; possibility of benefitting in the near future; tax preferences; possibility of benefitting in the long term; and integration with buyers of farm products. Main factors encouraging the enhancement of social sustainability are personal convictions and satisfaction; social recognition of individual contribution; immediate benefits for other people and groups; regional community initiatives and pressure; access to advisory services; European Union policy; and existing regional problems and risks. Important factors encouraging environmental sustainability are problems and risks existing at the global scale; official regulations, standards, and norms; existing regional problems and risks; and European Union policies. Public policies and instruments that improve economic sustainability of Bulgarian agriculture include: direct area-based payments; national top-ups for products and livestock; modernization of agricultural holdings; green payments; support for semi-market farms. At the same time the impact of national and European policies on social and environmental sustainability is relatively weak. Keywords. Sustainability, Assessment, Economic, Social, ecological, Agriculture, Bulgaria. JEL. Q10, Q56, R33.
Fabrication of high-aspect-ratio structures using Bessel-beam-activated photopolymerization

Microfabrication based on photopolymerization is typically achieved by scanning a focal spot within the material point by point, which significantly limits fabrication speed. In this paper, we explore a method for rapid fabrication of high-aspect-ratio microstructures based on photopolymerization using a femtosecond laser beam that is converted into a Bessel beam by an axicon. With stationary exposure, a polymer fiber measured at 200 μm in length and 400 nm in width (500∶1 aspect ratio) was fabricated within 50 ms of exposure time. The exposure conditions can be adjusted to produce fibers with variable widths. A phenomenological polymerization-threshold model is adapted for Bessel-beam exposure. The revised model is applied to analyze the structure width and estimate the order of multi-photon absorption. Examination of the cross section of the fibers shows that they are nearly monolithic, suggesting that active species diffuse during photopolymerization. By scanning the Bessel beam in the plane transverse to the direction of beam propagation, mesh structures are fabricated with a single-pass scan, showing the potential of this method for rapid fabrication of large-scale high-aspect-ratio microstructures for applications in photonics, micro-machines, and tissue engineering.
Small bowel obstructions following the use of barbed suture: a review of the literature and analysis of the MAUDE database.

Barbed suture has been adopted across all surgical specialties. One of the infrequent complications seen with the use of barbed suture is small bowel obstructions (SBOs). In this study, we perform a review of the literature and the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience Database (MAUDE) to characterize SBOs after the use of barbed sutures in a variety of operative procedures. A review of the literature was performed by searching PubMed and Ovid. We used the search terms: “barbed,” “suture,” “bowel,” and “obstructions.” For each case report, we examined the initial surgical procedure, type of barbed suture used, the type of complication, the time to complication, the presentation, and the type of operative interventions required. We did the same with the MAUDE database. Our review of the literature revealed 18 different cases of SBO secondary to the use of barbed suture. The four most common procedures, with a total of four cases each, were inguinal hernia procedures, myomectomy, hysterectomy, and pelvic floor reconstructive procedures. The average time of presentation to SBO was found to be 26.3 days post-op (1–196 days). A total of 16 patients (88.9%) presented with abdominal pain. Other common complaints included vomiting (33.3%), abdominal distension (27.8%), oral intolerance (22.2%), and constipation (16.7%). A total of 5 cases were also found to have a possible volvulus on computed tomography (CT), and 2 cases were reported to have strangulation. The MAUDE database had 14 cases reporting on obstruction. Surgeons should have a high index of suspicion for SBO if a patient presents with obstructive symptoms after a surgery that used barbed suture. This will often present as a mesenteric volvulus on CT. These particular SBOs require operative exploration, with laparoscopy being successful in the majority of cases.
Pathways to Successful Queer Stepfamily Formation

Queer stepfamilies occupy multiple marginalized statuses (e.g., queer, step). Accordingly, it is logical to expect these stepfamilies might be particularly vulnerable to adjustment difficulties, an...
Developing and Assessing Data Analytics Courses: A Continuous Proposal for Responding to AACSB Standard A5

Data analytics is receiving increasing emphasis in accounting programs. This emphasis has emerged from both practitioners and accrediting bodies. In April 2018, the Association to Advance Collegiat...
Associations between exposure to ethylene oxide, job termination, and cause-specific mortality risk.

Background Previous analyses of mortality were conducted in a large cohort of ethylene oxide (EtO) exposed workers employed at 13 sterilization facilities throughout the U.S. and followed from the start of operation through 1998. Statistically significant elevated mortality was reported from hematopoietic cancer in men and breast cancer in women compared to the general population. Possible healthy worker survivor bias was not addressed. Methods To examine survivor bias in this cohort, employment termination was analyzed with statistical models stratified on sex and race that included age, employment duration, and cumulative EtO exposure. To reduce survivor bias employment duration was included in Poisson regression model specifications for estimating standardized mortality ratios for several cancer outcomes. Results Strong statistically significant effects of unlagged cumulative EtO exposure were observed on rate of employment termination, indicating potential healthy worker survivor effect bias. Adjustment for employment duration in analyses of mortality resulted in statistically significant and stronger associations between cumulative EtO exposure and lung cancer, female breast cancer and hematopoietic cancer. There was a striking reduction in nonmalignant respiratory disease mortality risk with increasing employment duration with a further (nonsignificant) reduction with cumulative EtO, suggesting that EtO itself is driving termination of workers with respiratory morbidity even though the average EtO exposures in this population were generally far below odor and acute irritancy thresholds. Conclusions Important survivor bias was present in this EtO cohort and may be present in many occupational settings involving irritant exposures.
Reduced Equations for Calculating the Combustion Rates of Jet-A and Methane Fuel

Simplified kinetic schemes for Jet-A and methane fuels were developed to be used in numerical combustion codes, such as the National Combustor Code (NCC) that is being developed at Glenn. These kinetic schemes presented here result in a correlation that gives the chemical kinetic time as a function of initial overall cell fuel/air ratio, pressure, and temperature. The correlations would then be used with the turbulent mixing times to determine the limiting properties and progress of the reaction. A similar correlation was also developed using data from NASA's Chemical Equilibrium Applications (CEA) code to determine the equilibrium concentration of carbon monoxide as a function of fuel air ratio, pressure, and temperature. The NASA Glenn GLSENS kinetics code calculates the reaction rates and rate constants for each species in a kinetic scheme for finite kinetic rates. These reaction rates and the values obtained from the equilibrium correlations were then used to calculate the necessary chemical kinetic times. Chemical kinetic time equations for fuel, carbon monoxide, and NOx were obtained for both Jet-A fuel and methane.
Widespread heterogeneity in staple crop mineral concentration in Uganda partially driven by soil characteristics

Calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) deficiencies are widespread in sub-Saharan Africa, with severe implications for human health. In Uganda, where the predominant diet depends heavily on plant-based staples, crop mineral concentration is an important component of dietary mineral intake. Studies assessing the risk of nutrient deficiency or the effectiveness of nutrient-focused interventions often estimate dietary mineral intake using food composition tables that are based on crops grown in developed countries. However, little is known about the actual nutritional content of crops grown in Uganda. Here, we document the Ca, Fe, Se, and Zn concentration of staple crops collected from Ugandan household farms. While median mineral concentrations were similar to those reported previously, variation in crop mineral concentration was high, particularly for Fe and Se. An ordinary least squares regression showed that some soil characteristics were correlated with crop mineral concentrations. Of these, soil pH was often positively associated with crop mineral concentration, while sand and organic carbon concentrations were negatively associated with several crop mineral concentrations. However, much of the variation in crop mineral content was not associated with the soil characteristics measured. Overall, our results suggest that extensive heterogeneity in staple crop mineral concentration in Uganda is likely due to a combination of edaphic characteristics and other variables. Because staple foods constitute a large portion of dietary mineral intake in Uganda and other developing countries, these results have implications for estimates of dietary mineral intake and the development of effective intervention strategies in such regions.
Colonial Stereotypes and Martialized Intellectual Masculinity in Late Qing and Early Republican China

This article adopts an intersectional approach incorporating gender, race, and colonialism to illuminate a martial trend among Chinese men of letters at the turn of the twentieth century. Within th...
Expert review: prevention of obstetrical venous thromboembolism

Venous thromboembolism represents a persistent proportionate cause of maternal mortality in the United States accounting for 9% to 10% of maternal deaths. Given that overall maternal mortality rose >40% since the late 1990s, it is likely that absolute venous thromboembolism mortality risk increased as well. This persistent risk may be secondary to increases in broad population-based risk factors for venous thromboembolism such as obesity and cesarean delivery. Widespread adoption of perioperative cesarean mechanical thromboprophylaxis is associated with reduced risk for venous thromboembolism events but has not been sufficient to reduce mortality. Experts agree that improved clinical care is required to reduce risk as it is unlikely that trends in venous thromboembolism risk factors will reverse course anytime soon. Experts further agree that improving prophylaxis and prevention may provide the largest benefit. However, how to best improve prophylaxis is highly controversial with both experts and guidelines in disagreement. In the United Kingdom, mortality risk decreased substantially following the 2004 recommendations for broader heparin prophylaxis without evidence of increased mortality risk from hemorrhage. A key clinical question in the United States is whether heparin prophylaxis should be expanded to patients hospitalized for cesarean delivery or an antepartum indication. Some experts, including us, support expanded heparin prophylaxis. Evidence supporting heparin prophylaxis includes (1) demonstration of safety and efficacy in the United Kingdom, (2) that mechanical prophylaxis—the primary alternative to heparin—has major limitations outside the immediate perioperative setting, and (3) that hospitalized cesarean and antepartum patients are at high relative risk of events. Experts against broader heparin prophylaxis cite concerns related to safety, efficacy, and cost. This expert review focused on whether heparin prophylaxis should be routinely used during antepartum hospitalizations and after cesarean delivery. First, we review the differences in major society guidelines. Second, we review arguments for and against broader heparin prophylaxis. Third, we discuss what future research may be most likely to further inform best practices. Fourth, we review practical clinical considerations with heparin prophylaxis, including access to neuraxial anesthesia. Given the best available data, we concluded that expanding heparin prophylaxis represents a modest intervention with the potential to meaningfully reduce venous thromboembolism mortality.
Using computerised adaptive tests to screen for perinatal depression in underserved women of colour.

BACKGROUND Compared with traditional screening questionnaires, computerised adaptive tests for severity of depression (CAT-DI) and computerised adaptive diagnostic modules for depression (CAD-MDD) show improved precision in screening for major depressive disorder. CAT measures have been tailored to perinatal women but have not been studied in low-income women of colour despite high rates of perinatal depression (PND). OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the concordance between CAT and traditional measures of depression in a sample of primarily low-income black and Latina women. METHODS In total, 373 women (49% black; 29% Latina) completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), CAD-MDD and CAT-DI at 845 visits across pregnancy and postpartum. We examined the concordance between continuous CAT-DI and PHQ-9 scores and between binary measures of PND diagnosis on CAD-MDD and the PHQ-9 (cut-off score >10). We examined cases with a positive PND diagnosis on the CAD-MDD but not on the PHQ-9 ('missed' cases) to determine whether clinic notes were consistent with CAD-MDD results. FINDINGS CAT-DI and PHQ-9 scores were significantly associated (concordance correlation coefficient=0.67; 95% CI 0.58 to 0.74). CAD-MDD detected 5% more case of PND compared with PHQ-9 (p<0.001). The average per-visit rate of PND was 14.4% (14.5% in blacks, 14.9% in Latinas) on the CAD-MDD, and 9.5% (9.8% in blacks, 8.8% in Latinas) on the PHQ-9. Clinical notes were available on 60% of 'missed' cases and validated CAD-MDD PND diagnosis in 89% of cases. CONCLUSIONS CAD-MDD detected 5% more cases of PND in women of colour compared with traditional tests, and the majority of these cases were verified by clinician notes. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Use of CAT in routine clinic care may address health disparities in PND screening.
Social work student reflections on training in integrated care: opportunities for social work educators

Integrated care, an approach designed to improve health/ behavioral health outcomes and increase quality of life, has received international interest. Given the important roles social workers play ...
Into the twenty‐first century: From schoolhouse to schoolhome

(2001). Into the twenty‐first century: From schoolhouse to schoolhome. Irish Educational Studies: Vol. 20, No. 1, pp. 22-33.
Bca77I: a new type-II restriction endonuclease from Bacillus caldolyticus cutting at the site

Abstract We describe a new restriction enzyme recognizing a degenerate hexanucleotide sequence and cleaving the 5′- W↑CCGGW site ( W = A or T ). This enzyme cuts with high efficiency all four permutations of this sequence; ACCGGA (TCCGGT on the opposite strand), ACCGGT and TCCGGA. Methylation of the external cytosine completely blocks restriction while methylation of the internal cytosine only decreases the rate of restriction activity.
Utility of postoperative testing of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators.

Background: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) can provide life-saving therapies for ventricular arrhythmias. Arrhythmia induction and defibrillation threshold testing is often performed at implantation and postoperatively during long-term follow-up to ensure proper device function. Methods: We sought to evaluate the prevalence and predictors of occult device malfunction at follow-up defibrillation testing in asymptomatic individuals. A cohort of 853 patients underwent 1,578 defibrillation tests during the 13-year study period. Defibrillation efficacy was evaluated primarily by the two-shock (2S) method, with an adequate safety margin ≥10 joules (J) less than the maximum energy delivered by the ICD. Results: A total of 38 testing failures requiring intervention were discovered during testing (2.4% of all tests). There were 11 ICD system failures resulting in failure to defibrillate, six with underdetection of ventricular fibrillation, and 21 clinically significant increases in defibrillation threshold. There was a higher incidence of failure in older ICD systems (1996–2002) compared to newer ICD systems (2003–2009), reaching statistical significance (3.6% vs 1.0%; P 20-J safety margin on previous testing, detected R waves >7.0 mV, and all system components implanted after 2003 at the time of testing who did not have any testing failures (0% vs 5.6%; P < 0.01). Conclusion: Postoperative defibrillation testing identifies a small number of ICD malfunctions in asymptomatic individuals. ICD testing failure is seen more frequently in older systems and in those with borderline results from prior interrogation or testing. These findings suggest that serial postoperative defibrillation testing is not indicated in asymptomatic patients without suspicion for specific problems. (PACE 2011; 34:186–192)
Redistricting Effect in a Non-Partisan World: Toward a Theory of Reapportionment at the County Board Level of Government

Electoral redistricting shapes political scientists' perceptions of partisan polarization and incumbency. This paper examines the redistricting process at the county level of government, using the cases of McLean and Champaign Counties, Illinois. This research analyzes the McLean County board's voting cleavages in order to highlight considerations of nonpartisan electoral bodies. With Champaign County as a comparison, it also uses a series of linear regression models to analyze redistricting's effects on county incumbency and board composition. Redistricting impact proved insignificant, but the study demonstrates correlations between county electoral composition and state-level electoral trends, and also confirms the important influence of partisanship on redistricting and electoral outcomes. This article is available in Res Publica Journal of Undergraduate Research: http://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/respublica/vol16/iss1/9
Molecular Analysis of the Capsule Gene Region of Group A Streptococcus: the hasAB Genes Are Sufficient for Capsule Expression

Enzymes directing the biosynthesis of the group A streptococcal hyaluronic acid capsule are encoded in the hasABC gene cluster. Inactivation of hasC, encoding UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase in the heavily encapsulated group A streptococcal strain 87-282, had no effect on capsule production, indicating that hasC is not required for hyaluronic acid synthesis and that an alternative source of UDP-glucose is available for capsule production. Nucleotide sequence and deletion mutation analysis of the 5.5 kb of DNA upstream of hasA revealed that this region is not required for capsule expression. Many (10 of 23) group A streptococcal strains were found to contain insertion element IS1239' approximately 50 nucleotides upstream of the -35 site of the hasA promoter. The presence of IS1239' upstream of hasA did not prevent capsule expression. These results elucidate the molecular architecture of the group A streptococcal chromosomal region upstream of the has operon, indicate that hasABC are the sole components of the capsule gene cluster, and demonstrate that hasAB are sufficient to direct capsule synthesis in group A streptococci.
The Concept of Waste

The aim of this article is to explore some of the key issues arising in determining the scope of the deﬁnition of waste used by the European Community. In so doing, we will pay heed to the historical background.
LiF Thermoluminescence for Neutron Image Storage

A thermoluminescent method for displaying thermal-neutron images is described. A sheet of 6 LiF, exposed to the imaging neutrons for periods as long as is necessary to capture the image, can be mad...