cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Depletion of MCP-1 increases development of herpetic stromal keratitis by innate immune modulation

Chemokines are important chemoat- tractant inflammatory molecules, but their interde- pendent network in disease pathogenesis remains unclear. Studies in mouse models have shown that herpetic stromal keratitis (SK) is produced by the consequence of a tissue-destructive immunoinflam- matory reaction involving herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV) infection. Here we found that ocular HSV infection leads to increased expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), one of the major chemoattractants for immune cells that express CCR2, in the SK cornea. How- ever, MCP-1 is unlikely to be a chemoattractant for infiltrating Gr-1, CD11b cells in SK, as these cells are found to be CCR2 negative. Nevertheless, infection of MCP-1 / mice resulted in more se- vere SK lesion severity compared with WT mice (P<0.01). We demonstrated that the loss of MCP-1 in the SK cornea caused a significant over- expression of macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) (P<0.01) on days 2 and 4 postinfection and increased infiltration of inflammatory cells (Gr-1-high and CD11b) expressing CXCR2, a re- ceptor for MIP-2, into the cornea. Subsequently, increased infiltration of inflammatory cells accel- erated by MIP-2 overexpression might result in the high production of inflammatory molecules, in- cluding vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and IL-1 in SK, as well as CpG oligodeoxynucle- otide (ODN)-implanted eyes of MCP-1 / mice. These results indicate that MCP-1 in the SK cornea might regulate the expression of other chemo- kines, as well as the infiltration of inflammatory cells and control development of SK. J. Leukoc. Biol. 80: 1405-1415; 2006.
Chlorination mechanism of polyethylene crystals

A new chlorination mechanism has been suggested for polyethylene crystals. Based on electron microsocopy and infrared spectroscopy of chlorinated high-density polyethylene single crystals, it is proposed that beyond the initial chlorination of the lamellae surfaces, which accounts for only 2-3% chlorine uptake, the reaction proceeds through the lamellar side faces from the periphery inward. Thus at intermediate degrees of chlorination two major phases coexist: the undamaged interior regions of the lamellae and the surrounding chlorinated material. This mechanism differs from that of oxidative degradation, and also from the generally Accepted mechanism of chlorination. Rather than proceeding through the reacted fold surface into the crystalline core, it is proposed that the direction of chemical attack is prependicular to that suggested previously. This mechanism probably describes any chemically nondestructive attack on the crystalline regions of polymers in general.
The Effects of Education Accountability on Teachers: Are Policies Too-Stress Provoking for Their Own Good?.

Education policies in the United States and other nations have established academic standards and made teachers accountable for improved standardized test scores. Because policies can have unintended effects, in this study we investigated U.S. elementary school teachers’ perceptions of their state’s accountability policy, particularly its effect on their job engagement. We found support for a path model relating lack of policy support to teacher burnout via two mediators: role conflict and reduced self-efficacy. Results of interviews with a subset of teachers were consistent with the model. We conclude with recommendations to reduce teacher stress in manners consistent with the goals of accountability policies.
Antimicrobial activity of the DNA minor groove binders furamidine and analogs

Aryl diamidine analogs of pentamidine and berenil that bind to the minor groove of DNA have been developed which show broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. Several series of analogs of 2,5-bis[4-amidinophenyl]furan (furamidine) have been described which are quite effective when given intravenously, however they are ineffective on oral administration. Amidoxime and carbamate prodrugs of furamidine are quite effective when given orally. One of these prodrugs, a bis-O-methylamidoxime is currently in Phase II clinical trials.
Holomorphic curves in the orthogonal twistor space

A complete description of holomorphic curves in the Hermitian symmetric space SO(6)/U(3) is given in terms of orthogonal differential invariants
Concerning “Maximum Power Point Tracking for Photovoltaic Optimization Using Ripple-Based Extremum Seeking Control”

This paper highlights key contributions in extremum seeking (ES) control and ripple correlation control (RCC). Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) utilizing the 120-Hz inherent inverter ripple is shown to be developed in the early 1980s. Even though that specific MPPT development did not explicitly mention ES control, the analysis presented there shows otherwise. RCC stability and operating properties are also addressed where the fundamental difference between RCC and popular ES control methods is the perturbation source. Since RCC utilizes inherent switching ripple in power electronics, the high ripple frequency leads to fast RCC convergence.
Verbal memory processes in schizophrenia patients and biological relatives of schizophrenia patients: Intact implicit memory, impaired explicit recollection

Verbal memory deficits are arguably the most common cognitive abnormalities in biological relatives of schizophrenia patients. Because verbal memory is a complex cognitive function, it is necessary to differentiate its intact and compromised aspects in order to reveal aberrant neural systems that reflect genetic risk in relatives of schizophrenia patients. Using an experimental verbal memory task, we examined encoding, free-recall, repetition priming, and recognition of verbal material in 22 schizophrenia patients, 22 first-degree biological relatives of schizophrenia patients, and 23 nonpsychiatric control participants. Schizophrenia patients exhibited intact repetition priming, but worse size judgment task performance (encoding), recall, and recognition than the control participants. Biological relatives of schizophrenia patients exhibited intact size judgment task performance, repetition priming, and recognition, but a free-recall deficit. Although size judgment task performance at encoding was associated with recall of verbal material in schizophrenia and control groups, in the relative group encoding performance was associated with the degree of repetition priming. Findings are consistent with impaired explicit recollection of verbal material, but intact implicit verbal memory in schizophrenia patients and biological relatives of schizophrenia patients.
’A’ is for abolition?: Race, authorship, The Scarlet Letter

(1993). ’A’ is for abolition?: Race, authorship, The Scarlet Letter. Textual Practice: Vol. 7, No. 1, pp. 13-30.
Steroidal Conditioning of the Endometrium for Nidation

Summary The question of the direct action of steroids on the blastocyst has been studied almost exclusively under in vitro conditions, with no clear evidence of a stimulatory influence. Studies of in vivo conditions have resulted in a body of information revealing critical requirements for steroids -estrogen and progesterone- in order to insure ovum-implantation, but not to achieve normal blastocyst development. The production of the secretions which provide a receptive luminal milieu for the developing blastocyst is dependent upon differentiation and maturation of the secretory apparatus (i.e. glandular and luminal epithelia); this is directed by the concerted actions of estrogen and progesterone. The steroidal action also prepares the stroma for reactivity to deciduogenic stimuli. The synchrony of the preparation of the receptive luminal milieu and of the reactive stroma with the arrival of the blastocyst (and the deciduogenic stimuli) results in implantation. As a corollary, the induction of an asynchrony in these events frustrates nidation. Recent experiments provide cytological evidence which adds support to the authors' basic concept of nidation.
Biliary tract emergencies. Endoscopic and medical management.

Therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has assumed an increasing and essential role in the diagnosis and treatment of biliary tract emergencies. Although cholecystectomy remains the principal treatment for acute cholecystitis, both calculous and acalculous, endoscopic and radiologic drainage procedures can be used in patients at high risk for surgery. Urgent endoscopic biliary drainage is life saving in patients with refractory cholangitis. It is as effective as surgical decompression but with significantly lower morbidity and mortality. In patients with gallstone pancreatitis, urgent endoscopic sphincterotomy and common duct stone extraction are superior to conventional medical management or early surgical intervention. ERCP is crucial in diagnosing and treating the increased incidence of bile duct leaks and injuries following laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
The Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment Employment Restrictions

This paper examines the determinants of FDI employment restrictions. We construct a political economy model where the TNE and the government have different objective functions: the TNE maximizes profits, and the host government cares about tax revenue and local employment. We show that the level of employment preferred by the government exceeds the level preferred by the TNE - the divergence in preferences motivates the government to impose restrictions. We test the implications of the model using data on employment restrictions derived from the World Bank's World Business Environment Survey conducted in 1999/2000. The analysis employs data for up to 1147 foreign-owned firms operating in 44 countries.
Cost Impacts of Prevailing Wage Laws in Construction

A major survey of the U.S. Construction Industry has recently been concluded by the MIT’s Department of Civil Engineering. Data from this study permit a preliminary assessment of the impact of the Davis-Bacon Act and other prevailing wage laws on construction labor costs. The effect on direct wages was found, as expected, to be generally upward. However, Davis-Bacon prevailing rates were found to be lower than union rates in many cases, and sometimes even lower than true average wage rates for a given area. The effect of prevailing wage laws on productivity, typically assumed to be negligible by critics, was found to be positive. This study did not attempt to quantify these productivity gains, but nevertheless provided strong evidence for their existence. Finally, the study identified several types of indirect costs resulting from prevailing wage laws, which amplify their effect on public construction costs.
A videotape approach to teaching interpretation of Amerind signs.

American Indian (Amerind) sign has been used as an alternative or augmentative communication system with members of several clinical populations including adults who have oral verbal apraxia ( 3 ) and nonverbal mentally retarded children (2). While many of the signs in this system are interpretable by untrained observers (particularly those related to basic needs), others have to be taught to persons in a useis environment (home or institution). An approach to providing this training that should require very little time from clinicians is having such persons view a videotape on which the signs are demonstrated, one or more times. This study was intended to assess the effectiveness of such an approach. Ten persons viewed the 193-sign Amerind Video Dictionmy ( 1 ) twice. Four were males and six were females. They ranged in age from 14 to 51 yr. (mean was 25 yr.). None had previous training in manual communication. They represented a variety of occupations including sales, bartending, hairdressing, teaching (preschool), and general office work. The time interval separating the two viewings of the Dictionary was less than one hour for five subjects and of two to four days for the others. Each subject was asked to identify the 193 signs in the Dictionary three times (with the sound turned off so that he or she would not hear the meanings of the signs). They were presented in a different random order each time. Test 1 was administered prior to the first training session to view the Dictionary; Test 2 after the second one; and Test 3 two to three weeks after Test 2. The number of correct identifications on each test was determined for each subject. All 1 0 subjects improved in their ability to understand Amerind signs. The number of signs they identified correctly before viewing the Dictionary ranged from 96 to 115 (mean was 105). Immediately following the second viewing of the Dictionary the number correct ranged from 156 to 186 (mean was 175). The difference between these two sets of scores was significant at the 0.01 level ( 8 = -17.39, d f = 18) . Two to three weeks post-viewing the number of signs identified correctly ranged from 136 to 170 ( M was 157). The difference between this set of scores and the second was significant at the 0.01 level ( t = 3.03, d f = 18) . Though there was some regression, the subjects' abilities to identify signs correctly were still significantly better than they had been on the pretest ( t = 12.67, d f = 18) . These findings suggest that the families of users of Amerind sign and others with whom they communicate can be taught to interpret a high percentage of these signs by viewing a videotape dictionary several times. Since there was some regression, it probably would be desirable to have such persons view the dictionary periodically after the initial training period, particularly if they are not interpreting the signs daily that are demonstrated in it.
Response of three Chelonus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) species to kairomones in scales of six Lepidoptera

Three species of egg–larval parasites in the genus Chelonus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) exhibited host-searching behavior when exposed to body scales from 6 species of Lepidoptera representing 3 families. The nonspecific response to scales from several hosts appears to be of adaptive value to Chelonus spp., as it is consistent with the polyphagous habits reported for this genus. The searching response was more widespread and intense in an Ethiopian Chelonus sp. than in 2 other species. It is thought that the broad responsiveness to host scales may detrimentally affect parasite searching ability through excessive loss of searching time, although sensory adaptation to the kairomones might serve to attenuate such effect. Some coevolutionary aspects of this host–parasite chemical interaction are discussed.
Plasmonic Nanoantennas Array Enabling Optical Communication

This paper demonstrates a novel approach for designing photonic nanoantennas by placing plasmonic core-shells over an engineered layered-substrate. We illustrate that by manipulating the layered-substrate and antenna radiators one can achieve focused-beams in desired directions.
Gaussian Mixture Nonlinear Filtering With Resampling for Mixand Narrowing

A new Gaussian mixture filter has been developed, one that uses a resampling step in order to limit the covariances of its individual Gaussian components. The new filter has been designed to produce accurate solutions of difficult nonlinear/non-Gaussian estimation problems. It uses static multiple-model filter calculations and extended Kalman filter (EKF) approximations for each Gaussian mixand in order to perform dynamic propagation and measurement update. The resampling step uses a newly designed algorithm that employs matrix inequalities in order to bound each mixand's covariance. Resampling occurs between the dynamic propagation and the measurement update in order to ensure bounded covariance in both of these operations. The resampling algorithm also attempts to economize on the number of new mixands. The resulting filter has been tested on a difficult seven-state nonlinear filtering problem. It achieves significantly better accuracy than a simple EKF, an unscented Kalman filter, a moving-horizon estimator/backwards-smoothing EKF, and a regularized particle filter.
Binocular low-contrast letter acuity and the symbol digit modalities test improve the ability of the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite to predict disease in pediatric multiple sclerosis

Abstract Background Outcome measures to capture disability, such as the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC), were developed to enhance outcome measurements for clinical trials in adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). The MSFC initially included three components: a timed 25-foot walk [T25FW], 9-hole peg test [9HPT], and the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task [PASAT]. Modifications to the original MSFC, such as adding binocular low-contrast letter acuity (LCLA) or substituting the symbol digit modalities test (SDMT) for the PASAT, improved the capacity to capture neurologic impairment in adults. Similar outcome scales for pediatric MS have not yet been established. Objective To determine whether the three-component MSFC or a modified MSFC with LCLA and the SDMT better identifies neurological deficits in pediatric MS. Methods We evaluated 5 measures (T25FW, 9HPT, Children's PASAT [ChiPASAT], SDMT, and binocular LCLA [Sloan charts, 1.25% contrast]) in children with MS (disease onset Results Twenty pediatric-onset MS subjects, aged 6–21 years, and thirteen healthy controls, aged 6–19 years, were enrolled. MS subjects demonstrated worse scores on the 9HPT (p=0.004) and SDMT (p=0.001), but not the 25FTW (adjusted for height, p=0.63) or the ChiPASAT (p=0.10): all comparisons adjusted for age. Decreased (worse) binocular LCLA scores were associated with MS (vs. control status, p=0.03, logistic regression; p=0.08, accounting for age). The MSFC composite score for the traditional 3 components did not differ between the groups (p=0.28). Replacing the ChiPASAT with the SDMT (OR 0.72, p=0.05) better distinguished MS from controls. A modified MSFC-4 with the SDMT replacing the ChiPASAT and including binocular 1.25% LCLA had the greatest capacity to distinguish pediatric MS from controls (OR 0.89, p=0.04, logistic regression). Including all 5 metrics as a composite MSFC-5 did not improve the model (p=0.18). Conclusions A modified MSFC (25FTW, 9HPT, SMDT, and binocular 1.25% LCLA) is more sensitive than the traditional MSFC or its components to capture the subtle impairments that characterize pediatric MS and should be validated in order to be considered for future pediatric MS trials.
Should Olympic Medals Be Taxed

Ronda Rousey won the Bronze Medal in judo at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. She was the first American woman to do so. The medal itself would have brought her a measly four bucks, if she had been crass enough to sell it. Her reward from the United States Olympic Committee for her unique accomplishment was, as she put it, “Ten grand and a handshake.” A few months after she came home from Beijing, she was living in her car. Other American Olympic medal winners have also faced financial hardship, either before or after the Olympics. Of course, not all Olympic athletes are financially challenged. Fourteen athletes who competed in the Brazil Olympics each made more than $18 million annually. However, most Olympic medal winners — especially those who do not play basketball or tennis — make much less. So, should we give these heroic Americans a tax break? Congress thinks so. The U.S. Appreciation for Olympians and Paralympics Act of 2016, signed into law in October of 2016, says that any prize money received from the United States Olympic Committee, plus the value of the medal itself, should be tax-free. Except, of course, if the medal winner is already rich.
Early ictal and interictal patterns in FIRES: The sparks before the blaze.

SummaryObjective Febrile infection–related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) is a catastrophic epileptic encephalopathy described as explosive onset of super refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) in previously healthy children. We describe electroencephalography (EEG) abnormalities in the hyperacute phase of FIRES, with the aim of contributing to the diagnostic characterization of a syndrome otherwise lacking specific biomarkers. Methods This is a retrospective single-center, case series of seven children with FIRES. Cases were identified from a Neurocritical Care database. Patient characteristics and clinical course were obtained from electronic medical records. Electroencephalography recordings were reviewed in two segments: the initial 12 h of recording and the 12 h prior to initiation of a medically induced burst suppression (BS). Results Fourteen 12-h segments of video–electroencephalography (EEG) recordings were analyzed for commonalities. A beta–delta complex resembling extreme delta brush (EDB) occurred in at least one 12-h segment for all patients. In six patients, seizures were brief and relatively infrequent during the first recording, with a gradual evolution to status epilepticus by the second. We observed a characteristic electrographic seizure pattern in six of seven patients with prolonged focal fast activity at onset. Shifting seizures were seen in four of seven patients. Significance The diagnosis of FIRES is typically assigned late in a patient's clinical course, which has broad implications for clinical care and research. We retrospectively analyzed acute EEG features in seven patients with FIRES and discovered three common features: gradual increase in seizure burden, presence of a recurrent EDB, and a typical seizure pattern. Recognition of this pattern may facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.
Connecting the Maximum Number of Grid Nodes to the Boundary with Non-Intersecting Line Segments

We consider the problem of finding the maximum number of nodes in a grid (from a given set of such nodes) that can be connected to the boundary of the grid by means of non-intersecting line segments parallel to the grid axes. The work is motivated from the VLSI/WSI array processor technology, and in particular, the single-track switch model for configurable array processors ([4]). The problem has been investigated by Bruck and Roychowdhury, who described an algorithm to find the maximum number of compatible connections of n given nodes in the grid in O(n3) time and O(n2) space ([2]). In this paper, we present methods that take advantage of the dependency of similar configurations and enable us to resolve the problem in O(n2log n) time and O(n2) space; instrumental in our algorithm is the use of a new type of priority search trees which is of interest in its own right.
The relationship between anxiety about prostate cancer among patients with biochemical cancer recurrence and the use of complementary and alternative medicines, diet, and exercise

Objective We aimed to explore associations between anxiety and specific health behaviors such as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), diet, and exercise among prostate cancer patients. Methods PCa patients enrolled in a prospective cohort study of men with biochemical cancer recurrence were surveyed about use of CAM, diet, and exercise. Anxiety was measured with the Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer (MAX-PC) and the anxiety subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results Nearly 70% (44 of 67) of the original cohort of patients completed the supplementary CAM survey. The mean age was 68 years. Eighty percent of respondents reported engaging in a relevant health behavior, and 64% reported doing so in direct response to their PCa diagnosis. Overall, the most prevalent specific behaviors were exercising (56%), making dietary changes (50%), taking calcium supplements (41%), and taking vitamin D supplements (39%). Elevated baseline PCa-specific anxiety (MAX-PC score >16) after biochemical cancer recurrence was associated with use of any CAM (P=0.01), use of herbs/supplements (P=0.01), and dietary changes (P=0.04). Conclusion PCa patients commonly use CAM, dietary changes, and exercise in response to their diagnosis, and these changes are associated with elevated general and PCa-specific anxiety.
Immunotherapy for thoracic malignancies

Historically, thoracic malignancies, such as non-small cell lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma, have been marked by poor prognosis. Current standard of care for these diseases results in limited improvements in survival benefit. This has prompted researchers to explore new and innovative treatment alternatives. Immunotherapy is an emerging therapeutic modality that harnesses the power of the human immune system against cancer cells. Herein, we summarize the concepts and current status of immunotherapy for the treatment of thoracic malignancies. Using ClinicalTrials.gov , we conducted a literature review using the terms “immunotherapy” and “immune therapy,” and combined them with the conditions “pleural mesothelioma” and “carcinoma, non-small cell lung.” The search results yielded 452 trials, among which 122 trials met our specific criteria. Our search identified immune checkpoint blockade, immunotoxin therapy, anticancer vaccines, and adoptive cell therapy as the most common and relevant immunotherapies that are currently being assessed in clinical trials. We have highlighted the successes, as well as the limitations, of immunotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma. We have identified early phase clinical trials that assess immunotherapy as first-line, second-line, and maintenance therapy, and compared these drugs as monotherapeutics or in combination with chemotherapy or other types of immunotherapy.
Epidemiology and Outcomes of Clostridium difficile Infection in Hospitalized Patients within the US Military Health Care System

Background Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has become an emerging epidemic in the healthcare community. Our study aims to characterize the epidemiology and measure the attributable cost, length of stay, and in-hospital mortality of CDI among hospitalized patients in the US military health system (MHS).
Understanding the Idea: Dynamic Equivalence and the Accurate Translation of Jihadist Concepts

This article argues that inaccurate translation of commonly-transliterated jihadist terms poses a major difficulty to scholars and policy makers who are seeking to understand the appeal and potenti...
Restless Bandits visiting Villages: A Preliminary Study on distributing Public Health Services

Distributing public health services is a major challenge. Health workers are responsible for spreading awareness about preventable health problems among the general public by physically visiting the at-risk individuals. However, a limited number of health workers are often responsible for a large population with a variety of health problems. It is therefore essential to design an effective policy to maximize the coverage and spread of health information with limited resources. In this paper, we propose a novel hierarchical visitation policy design, scalable to regions of various sizes and diversities, which consists of two levels of planning: i) Macro-level planning (region-level) by adapting the p-functional regions problem (PFRP) to our setting, and ii) Micro-level planning (village-level) by formulating a restless multi-armed bandit (RMAB) model and using POMDPs with Whittle Index Policy. We also consider how to address the heterogeneity of health problems across villages to ensure better service delivery and the dynamic nature of public health priorities, which have not been attempted in previous literature, to the best of our knowledge. Our preliminary experiments show promising results which demonstrate the potential of this methodology to be applied for health policy planning.
Small spacecraft for planetary atmospheric, surface, and interior structure using radio links

Scientific studies using spacecraft radio links have been conducted on almost every Solar System exploration mission in the past five decades and have led to numerous discoveries. Radio Science experiments have elucidated the thermal history of the Moon from high resolution gravitational field measurements, unveiled the interiors of Titan, Enceladus, Mercury, Phobos, Vesta and Ceres providing key evidence for identifying subsurface oceans on icy moons; sounded Titan, Saturn, and Pluto's atmospheres, and refined models for the atmospheres, surfaces, and interior structure of Mars and Venus. A Juno experiment is in progress measuring the gravitational field of Jupiter to reveal its interior structures, as did a similar recent Cassini experiment with Saturn. Experiments at Mercury, the Jovian system, and other targets, are in development or planning phases. Over the next 30 years, significant advances in radio and laser link-science technologies, including nearly one order of magnitude improvement achievable in range-rate and range accuracy, could enable many new scientific breakthroughs. Future exploration concepts in many cases focus on applications of small spacecraft and can include spacecraft constellations for studies of atmospheric dynamics, interior structures, and surface properties. A set of science-enabling radio link technologies specific to small spacecraft instrumentation on future solar system missions are under study and development. Examples include field tests of radio scattering to determine soil properties, smallsat constellations for dense geographic and temporal atmospheric probing, small science-quality software-defined transponders, miniature ultra-stable oscillators, and advanced radio-metric calibrations at the Deep Space Network. This paper describes many of these technologies and their scientific applications.
Algorithms for Exploiting the Structure of the Simple Plant Location Problem

The paper is concerned with a number of approaches to the important simple plant location problem. In addition to describing several decomposition approaches, the paper focuses on modified simplex methods which exploit triangular bases.
Notch in Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the deadliest malignancy in the world. The Notch signaling pathway plays an important role in both normal lung development and the pathobiology of lung cancer. By understanding the function of the Notch pathway in normal development, we can begin to appreciate the intricate role that it plays in lung cancer. The complexity of Notch signaling includes multiple Notch receptors and ligands, posttranslational modifications affecting Notch receptor function, and significant cross talk with other signaling pathways. Dysregulation of the Notch signaling pathway occurs in every type of lung cancer, but the specific role of the Notch pathway in the different subtypes of lung cancer is still unclear. There is evidence that Notch can act in a pro-tumorigenic manner under some circumstances and in an anti-tumorigenic manner under others. Notch can facilitate tumor growth and proliferation, apoptosis, cell differentiation, survival, immune response, angiogenesis, cancer stem cell biology, and chemoresistance. Understanding how Notch naturally usurps these mechanisms to promote or suppress tumors can provide new insights regarding therapeutic intervention while minimizing toxicity.
The Agricultural Sector, Airborne Residuals, and Potential Economic Losses

This article summarizes the results of two U.S.E.P.A.-funded studies dealing with potential economic losses to the agricultural sector from airborne residuals. Results are reported for the Ohio River Basin and the northeast United States by selected crop and pollutant and for state shares in total regional losses. For each region, losses appear to be relatively large and concentrated by crop and state area. Policy implications of these results are discussed with particular emphasis given to NOx standards in existing U.S.E.P.A. regulations.
Facile preparation of ionotropically crosslinked chitosan-alginate nanosorbents by water-in-oil (W/O) microemulsion technique: Optimization and study of arsenic (V) removal

Abstract Chitosan-alginate nanosorbents were prepared by cross-linking of chitosan and alginate with tripolyphosphate and calcium chloride, respectively following the water-in-oil (w/o) microemulsion cross-linking technique. The prepared nanosorbents were characterized by FTIR spectral analysis that provided spectral evidences for interactions between the chitosan and alginate biopolymers, and binding of arsenic ions with the nanosorbent. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the size of nanosorbent fell into the range of 20–110 nm whereas the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated almost spherical morphology of the nanosorbents. The size of the nanosorbents was determined by dynamic light scattering measurements which also confirmed the nanosize of the sorbent particles. The nanosorbents were employed for removal of arsenic ions from aqueous solutions and the effect of various experimental conditions such as varying metal ion concentration, pH and temperature of the metal ion solutions, doses of the nanosorbent, and chemical composition of the nanosorbents were studied on the percent removal of arsenic ions. The adsorption data was applied to Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models, and the kinetics of the adsorption process was also studied. A plausible mechanism of adsorption of arsenic ions was also proposed.
2885 Endosee(R) Cystoscopy: An Alternative for Evaluating Ureteral Patency Following Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

Video Objective To demonstrate an alternative method to evaluate for ureteral patency following benign hysterectomy. Design This is a retrospective cohort study of ten patients undergoing cystoscopy following benign hysterectomy to assess for ureteral patency. Setting This study took place at a single academic institution in the inpatient setting. Patients or Participants Patients were included in the study if they underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign indications from February 2019 to April 2019. Interventions Five patients underwent cystoscopy with traditional 70 degree rigid 17 French cystoscope. Five patients underwent cystoscopy with Endosee. Measurements and Main Results We compared cost, time, diameter size, and amount of bladder distending fluid required in patients undergoing traditional cystoscopy versus Endosee cystoscopy. The average cost for traditional cystoscopy was $246 and $165 (not including cost for hand piece) per case for Endosee cystoscopy. The average time for set-up and procedure was 7-12 minutes and 3 minutes for traditional and Endosee cystoscopy, respectively. The diameter of traditional cystoscope was 5.7 mm and 4.8 × 4.2 mm of Endosee cystoscope. Traditional cystoscope required approximately 200-300 mL distending fluid versus less than 60 mL distending fluid with Endosee. Conclusion Endosee cystoscopy is an efficient and reliable way to evaluate ureteral patency following benign total laparoscopic hysterectomy.
Atomizing the Clean Water Act: Ignoring the Whole Statute and Asking the Wrong Questions

When attempting to resolve difficult issues of statutory construction involving complex statutes, courts sometimes focus on individual words and phrases without evaluating how they fit within the text and structure of the whole statute. We call this “atomization” of the statutory text. Judges have fallen into this trap in construing the Clean Water Act (CWA) and other lengthy, complex federal environmental statutes. That tendency contributes to ongoing confusion about the scope and coverage of the CWA. During the 2019-2020 Term, the U.S. Supreme Court will resolve a circuit split in the most recent line of cases exhibiting this tendency. Courts have struggled to ascertain the scope of CWA permitting jurisdiction when pollutants reach water bodies through an intermediary conduit such as groundwater. Some courts have “atomized” that analysis, leading to further analytical confusion. Evaluating this issue in light of the functions CWA permits serve in the whole statutory scheme leads to more logical results. The “conduit” cases thus serve as a good example of the perils of atomization, and how it can be avoided through a whole text analysis. That method, in turn, can allow courts to avoid altogether separate debates about the relevance of legislative history and other non-textual indicia of congressional purpose in statutory construction.
Strategies for Building Community among Learners in Online Courses

AbstractBuilding relationships and community in online courses can be challenging, particularly if those courses are also limited by tight time constraints. In this brief commentary, I share some o...
Reducing Hospitalization in Mild Acute Pancreatitis: Results of Long-term Follow-up.

GOALS AND BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common emergency department (ED) diagnosis, amounting to enormous costs. Our previous pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of reducing hospitalization using an ED-based observation pathway. In this follow-up study, we hypothesize that the pathway is durable in clinical practice, outside of research supervision, and patients can safely be managed without hospitalization. STUDY We reviewed patients prospectively enrolled in the observation pathway after the end of the pilot study. We compared outcomes to patients enrolled in our pilot study and with a historic cohort of patients admitted with mild AP. Our primary outcome was hospitalization rate during the enrollment period and secondary outcomes included length of stay, 30-day readmissions, mortality, and health care utilization. RESULTS Over a 2-year period 165 patients met criteria for AP with 118 (71.5%) having mild AP. Fifty-four of 118 patients (45.8%) were enrolled in the observation pathway and of these, 45 patients were discharged from the ED, reducing hospitalization by 31.2%, compared with pilot study (22.2%) and historic cohort (0%) (P<0.05). Median length of stay was shorter [19.9 (observation) vs. 72.0 h (historic cohort), P<0.01]. There were fewer radiographic examinations in the observation cohorts (pilot and current study) than in the historic cohort (P<0.05), with similar 30-day readmissions, and no reported deaths. CONCLUSIONS This follow-up study demonstrates the durability of an observation-based pathway to manage mild AP outside of a research protocol and maintain its ability to reduce hospitalizations without affecting readmission rates or mortality.
The Incidence of Child Maltreatment Resulting in Hospitalizations for Children Under Age 3 Years.

Objective To assess the incidence of child maltreatment-related hospitalizations for children under 3 years for the population of Washington State. Study design A population-based study using retrospective linked administrative data for all children born in Washington State from 2000 through 2013 (n = 1 191 802). The dataset was composed of linked birth and hospitalization records for the entire state. Child maltreatment-related hospitalizations were identified using diagnostic codes, both specifically attributed to and suggestive of maltreatment. Incidence were calculated for the population, by birth year, by sex, and by maltreatment subtype. Results A total of 3885 hospitalizations related to child maltreatment were identified for an incidence of 10.87 per 10 000 person-years. Hospitalizations related to child maltreatment accounted for 2.1% of all hospitalizations for children under the age of 3 years. This percentage doubled over time, reaching a high in 2012 (3.6%). More than one-half of all hospitalizations were related to neglect. Maltreatment-related hospitalizations occurred most frequently in the first year of life for all subtypes except for neglect, which occurred the most between 1 and 2 years of age. Male children had higher incidence than female children in general (11.97 vs 9.70 per 10 000 person-years) and across all subtypes. Conclusions Hospitalizations can be a useful source of population-based child maltreatment surveillance. The identification of neglect-related hospitalizations, likely the result of supervisory neglect, because the most common subtype is an important finding for the development of prevention programming.
Relationship between extreme obesity and mortality in patients with reduced ejection fraction.

Aims Although obesity is associated with increased mortality, epidemiologic studies in heart failure have reported lower mortality in obese patients compared with matched nonobese patients (the 'obesity paradox'). However, the relationship between survival and extreme (morbid) obesity (BMI ≥ 40) is poorly understood. We evaluate survival in low ejection fraction patients across a range of BMI categories, including extreme obesity. Methods In a retrospective review, 12 181 consecutive patients receiving nuclear stress testing at a tertiary care center were stratified based on BMI and ejection fraction. Eight-year mortality data were collected using the social security death index. Results Normal ejection fraction patients (internal control, ejection fraction ≥50%) exhibited the J-shaped association between mortality and BMI that is observed in the general population. Among patients with reduced ejection fraction ( Conclusion In this cohort of reduced Ejection fraction patients, the obesity paradox was observed in all weight categories, with the highest survival of all observed in the extremely obese BMI category. This further supports hypotheses that an obesity-related physiologic phenomenon affects mortality in reduced ejection fraction patients.
Espacios en blanco: Historical Memory, Defeat, and the Comics Imaginary

Tahmassian convincingly argues that graphic narratives are a formidable ground for the recuperation of historical memory in Spain. Focusing on Miguel Francisco’s Espacios en blanco, Tahmassian explores the tension between melancholy’s destructive and creative potentials. She explains that graphic narratives productively render the problem of transmission of memory legible, as a hybrid practice between writing about the past and conveying why there are parts of the past that resist inscription, as well as the circumstances under which they erupt into the present. As such, the intertwining of history, memory, trauma, and self-fashioning in Espacios en blanco leads to a fruitful encounter with the past.
Der Weg zum Weißbuch 2006 und Folgerungen für die sicherheitspolitische Diskussion

Der Beitrag diskutiert am Beispiel des Weisbuchs zur Sicherheitspolitik Deutschlands einen Weg der Formalisierung neuer politischer Ideen und Strategien. Er legt den Entstehungsprozess von dessen Systematik, Eigenschaften und Besonderheiten dar und vergleicht es mit ahnlichen Dokumenten von Partnernationen. Am Ende werden Empfehlungen fur die Gestaltung eines kunftigen Weisbuchprozesses formuliert, der eine logische Konsequenz aus den bisher getroffenen Entscheidungen zur Umsetzung der Bundeswehrreform darstellt.
An instructional experiment in usage of online information retrieval systems by entry-level end-users

An instructional experiment in online retrieval was conducted with twelve biology students. A comparison of online and manual searching was made. While occasional difficulties were encountered, the students were able to complete satisfactory search procedures, without the assistance of an intermediary.
Use of a Pneumatic Limb Positioner for Invasive Skeletal Traction in Posterior Hindfoot Arthroscopy

Posterior hindfoot arthroscopy is a useful tool to treat a variety of foot and ankle pathologies. Skeletal distraction of the hindfoot to increase visualization in posterior ankle arthroscopy has been described in previous studies, but the described distractor is not readily available in most operating rooms. We describe a case of posterior hindfoot distraction in the prone position using a pneumatic limb positioner and other readily available Food and Drug Administration-approved equipment to apply tension to a transcalcaneal wire. The distraction technique we describe does not require any custom equipment, can fit on most standard operating tables, and is readily available in standard operating rooms. This method achieves adequate distraction, resulting in better visualization and more space for arthroscopic instrumentation.
Adjuvant imatinib therapy for gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Surgery is the standard of care for primary resectable gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), but half of surgically treated patients relapse. Imatinib (IM) has been shown to prolong recurrence-free survival after complete surgery and is now approved as adjuvant therapy (400 mg/day) for high-risk GIST patients. IM is well tolerated, with mild to moderate side effects observed. Whether adjuvant IM prolongs overall survival is under evaluation in two ongoing clinical trials. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:896–900. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Human Rights Treaties and Domestic Politics

Mobilizing for Human Rights: International Law in Domestic Politics. By Beth Simmons. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2010. 451 pp., $28.99 paperback (ISBN-13: 978-0-521-71232-3). Understanding why legally sovereign governments would ever choose to ratify human rights treaties has vexed scholars for some time. To prohibit torture, a government need not ratify the Convention Against Torture. Unilateral policy changes would directly alter the domestic protection of human rights and yet governments frequently choose to make global public commitments to their citizens’ human rights by ratifying human rights treaties. So why do they ever commit? Do governments learn to value liberal, Western norms (Wotipka and Ramirez 2008)? Are governments coerced to sign on the dotted line by more powerful countries (Goldsmith and Posner 2005)? Does their anticipated ability to comply shape the initial decision to commit (Hathaway 2002; Goodliffe and Hawkins 2006)? Beth Simmons’ book, Mobilizing for Human Rights , makes an important contribution to this lively debate about factors motivating government ratification of human rights treaties. She argues that treaty ratification is rationally expressive—ratification may reflect a government's genuine desire to implement the terms of a treaty, but this decision is shaped by the expected costs and consequences that ratification might involve. …
CB1 receptor–G protein association

The CB1 cannabinoid receptor in N18TG2 neuroblastoma cells inhibits adenylate cyclase, and this response can be mimicked by a peptide corresponding to the juxtamembrane C-terminal domain (CB(1)401-417). Guanosine 5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate binding to G proteins can be stimulated by both peptide CB(1)401-417 and peptides corresponding to the third intracellular loop [Howlett, A.C., Song, C., Berglund, B.A., Wilken, G.H. & Pigg, J.J. (1998) Mol. Pharmacol. 53, 504-510; Mukhopadhyay, S., Cowsik, S.M., Welsh, W.J. & Howlett, A.C. (1999) Biochemistry 38, 3447-3455]. In Chaps-solubilized N18TG2 membranes, the CB1 receptor coimmunoprecipitated with all three Gi subtypes. Pertussis toxin significantly reduced the CB(1) receptor-G alpha(i) association and attenuated the CB(1)401-417-induced inhibition of adenylate cyclase. CB(1)401-417 significantly reduced the CB(1) receptor association with G alpha(i3), but not with G alpha(i1) or G alpha(i2). In contrast, third intracellular loop peptides significantly reduced the CB(1) receptor association with G alpha(i1) and G alpha(i2), but not G alpha(i3). These interactions are specific for the CB(1) receptor because a peptide corresponding to the juxtamembrane C-terminal domain of the CB(2) receptor failed to compete for the association of the CB1 receptor with any of the Gi alpha subtypes, and was not able to activate Gi proteins to inhibit adenylate cyclase. These studies indicate that different domains of the CB(1) receptor direct the interaction with specific G protein subtypes.
Incidentally Discovered Intraperitoneal Masses

A 20-year-old otherwise healthy woman presented to the emergency department after a motor vehicle crash in which computed tomographic imagesof theabdomenwereobtainedaspartof the trauma evaluation. Small free fluid within the pelvis and 2 large mesenteric masses were discovered adjacent to the liver, pancreas, and stomach (Figure 1). An endoscopic ultrasound-guided fineneedle aspiration of the abdominal mass was obtained and the diagnosis was made. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy and en-bloc resection of the intraperitoneal tumors. Quiz at jamasurgery.com A B