cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adoption of a biometric screening service in community pharmacies: A qualitative study

Abstract Objective To explore differences in perceived attributes of biometric screening services and organization characteristics among community pharmacies that adopt, outsource, or do not adopt biometric screening services that assess patients’ blood pressure, blood glucose, serum cholesterol, and body mass index. Design Qualitative, comparative analysis. Setting Independently owned community pharmacies in Alabama. Participants 25 key informants from community pharmacies were classified as adopters, outsourced adopters, and nonadopters of biometric screening services. Pharmacies using in-house staff to conduct screenings are referred to as adopters; those using external staff are referred to as outsourced adopters. Main outcome measures Perceived attributes of the screening service and organizational characteristics identified through emergent theme analysis based on the Diffusion of Innovations Model and Model of Innovation Assimilation. Results The screening service was perceived differently by adopters, outsourced adopters, and nonadopters. Adopters saw the opportunity to increase revenue and expand the role of the pharmacist in health care by offering the service. Adopters also perceived the service to be compatible with their pharmacy layout and organizational identity; simple to implement; modifiable in terms of experimentation with models of service delivery; and visible by external constituencies (which positively affects pharmacy image). In contrast, nonadopters felt the amount of time, investment, and lack of potential patients associated with the service influenced their decision not to adopt it. Adopters and nonadopters differed in regard to their innovativeness in patient care services, their connectedness in professional networks, and how they make sense of and deal with the uncertainty of new programs. Outsourced adopters were similar to adopters but were more cautious in their decision making. Conclusion Perceived attributes of the screening service and organizational characteristics differed among adopters, outsourced adopters, and nonadopters.
Theology, ethics, and transcendence in sports

Theology, Ethics, and Transcendence in Sports is a collection of essays that seeks ‘to provide a multi- and interdisciplinary examination of the relationship between sport, spirituality, and religi...
Increase in outpatient knee arthroscopy in the United States: a comparison of National Surveys of Ambulatory Surgery, 1996 and 2006.

Background: This study was proposed to investigate the changes in the utilization of knee arthroscopy in an ambulatory setting over the past decade in the United States as well as its implications. Methods: The National Survey of Ambulatory Surgery, last carried out in 1996, was conducted again in 2006 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We analyzed the cases with procedure coding indicative of knee arthroscopy or anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. To produce estimates for all arthroscopic procedures on the knee in an ambulatory setting in the United States for each year, we performed a design-based statistical analysis. Results: The number of arthroscopic procedures on the knee increased 49% between 1996 and 2006. While the number of arthroscopic procedures for knee injury had dramatically increased, arthroscopic procedures for knee osteoarthritis had decreased. In 1996, knee arthroscopies performed in freestanding ambulatory surgery centers comprised only 15% of all orthopaedic procedures, but the proportion increased to 51% in 2006. There was a large increase in knee arthroscopy among middle-aged patients regardless of sex. In 2006, >99% of arthroscopic procedures on the knee were in an outpatient setting. Approximately 984,607 arthroscopic procedures on the knee (95% confidence interval, 895,999 to 1,073,215) were performed in an outpatient setting in 2006. Among those, 127,446 procedures (95% confidence interval, 95,124 to 159,768) were for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Nearly 500,000 arthroscopic procedures were performed for medial or lateral meniscal tears. Conclusions: This study revealed that the knee arthroscopy rate in the United States was more than twofold higher than in England or Ontario, Canada, in 2006. Our study found that nearly half of the knee arthroscopic procedures were performed for meniscal tears. Meniscal damage, detected by magnetic resonance imaging, is commonly assumed to be the source of pain and symptoms. Further study is imperative to better define the symptoms, physical findings, and radiographic findings that are predictive of successful arthroscopic treatment. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Increasing impact of drug‐induced liver injury

DILI incidence will continue to grow as more medications are prescribed to an aging population, and more HDS products are used. It will remain a clinical challenge, but advancements are poised to accelerate as registries grow. LiverTox represents the newest tool for the clinician and is being used extensively. Pharmaco‐epidemiologic and registry studies will enable elucidation of DILI pathophysiology and genetic risk factors. Such understanding will lead to better diagnostic tools, and eventually, prevention and therapeutics.
Regulation of lipid synthesis by liver X receptor α and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 in mammary epithelial cells

The objectives of this experiment were to characterize the roles of the transcription factors liver X receptor α (LXRα) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1) in the transcriptional regulation of lipid synthesis in a bovine mammary epithelial cell line. Whereas many lipid synthesis genes contain a response element in their promoters for SREBP1, a few also contain a response element for LXR, suggesting that both transcription factors could directly regulate transcription of these genes. However, the promoter of SREBP1 contains a response element for LXR, indicating the additional potential for indirect transcriptional regulation by LXR, through SREBP1, on lipogenic genes. To characterize these effects, small interfering RNA (siRNA) directed against LXRα and SREBP1 were used to knockdown gene expression, and then, in the presence of SREBP1 siRNA, T 4506585 (T09) was used to specifically activate LXRα. Reducing LXRα mRNA abundance in mammary alveolar T cells did not alter mRNA abundance of genes involved in de novo lipogenesis or the rate of de novo lipogenesis, suggesting that LXRα is not required for basal transcription of genes required for fatty acid synthesis. Knockdown of SREBP1 reduced the mRNA abundance of acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) carboxylase, fatty acid synthase, diacylglycerol acyltransferase, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1, indicating that these genes are regulated in part by SREBP1. When SREBP1 was reduced, T09 increased the mRNA abundance of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase, and diacylglycerol acyltransferase, potentially indicating that these genes are directly regulated by LXR. The results of the present study provide insight into the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms involved in lipid synthesis by mammary epithelial cells, and suggest that several transcription factors may be required for full lipogenic activation.
Reliability and validity of triage systems in paediatric emergency care

Triage in paediatric emergency care is an important tool to prioritize seriously ill children. Triage can also be used to identify patients who do not need urgent care and who can safely wait. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of the literature on reliability and validity of current triage systems in paediatric emergency care We performed a search in Pubmed and Cochrane on studies on reliability and validity of triage systems in children The Manchester Triage System (MTS), the Emergency Severity Index (ESI), the Paediatric Canadian Triage and Acuity Score (paedCTAS) and the Australasian Triage Scale (ATS) are common used triage systems and contain specific parts for children. The reliability of the MTS is good and reliability of the ESI is moderate to good. Reliability of the paedCTAS is moderate and is poor to moderate for the ATS. The internal validity is moderate for the MTS and confirmed for the CTAS, but not studied for the most recent version of the ESI, which contains specific fever criteria for children. The MTS and paedCTAS both seem valid to triage children in paediatric emergency care. Reliability of the MTS is good, moderate to good for the ESI and moderate for the paedCTAS. More studies are necessary to evaluate if one triage system is superior over other systems when applied in emergency care.
The Group BS(1,2) and a Construction of Magnus

We generalize a construction due to Magnus and use it to investigate orders on the monoid and group given by the presentation
GENETIC CONTROL OF GLYCOLYSIS IN HUMAN ERYTHROCYTES

We have studied heritability of the concentration of each glycolytic intermediate and adenine nucleotide in the cytosol of human erythrocytes obtained from a random sample of apparently healthy young individuals. Preliminary to analysis of heritability, each trait was statistically described and the effects attributable to variation in measured concomitants were removed by regression. Heritability was estimated using the family-set method. This method removes covariances between the index case, sibling and first cousin, due to those environmental determinants of the phenotypic values that are shared with a matched, unrelated control member of the family set. It also removes covariances due to environments that are shared by siblings and first cousins. Heritability was estimated by employing the fact that the variance of differences between first cousins minus the variance of differences between full siblings estimates three-fourths of the additive genetic variance. The heritability estimates for G6Pdagger, F6P, ATP and some other metabolite concentrations are high and significantly greater than zero. The heritabilities of G6P and F6P are likely attributable to genetic variation in the in vivo activity of HK and/or PFK, because the concentrations of these metabolites are tightly controlled by the two regulatory enzymes. Statistically significant heritability estimates for HK and PFK mass action ratios strongly suggest genes are responsible for a portion of the quantitative variation in these enzyme activities. Since HK and PFK regulate glycolysis and the production of ATP, genetic variation in their activities might be causally related to the heritability of ATP concentration.
Real-Time Monitoring by Spectroscopic Ellipsometry and Desorption Mass Spectroscopy During Molecular Beam Epitaxy of AlGaAs/GaAs at High Substrate Temperatures

A series of AlGaAs/GaAs depositions were monitored in-situ by spectroscopic ellipsometry and desorption mass spectroscopy, under various substrate temperatures (890 K - 990 K) where non-unity sticking conditions occur. An upper bound on the temperature where AlGaAs/GaAs heterostructures may be grown was determined. Ex-situ cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy verified that the AlGaAs/GaAs layer thicknesses grown by molecular beam epitaxy were accurately determined by spectroscopic ellipsometry at these elevated temperatures. The substrate temperature dependence on Ga desorption rates was consistent with Monte Carlo simulation where desorption from both physisorbed and chemisorbed states were included.
Integration of New Neurons into the Adult Hippocampus

The hippocampus is one of the regions where continuous addition of new neurons occurs in adult mammalian brains. In this review, we describe the process of integration of newborn neurons into the neural circuitry of the hippocampus in adult rodents and discuss how hippocampal neurogenesis is regulated by the neural network activity. We further address the functional implications of adult hippocampal neurogenesis in learning and memory.
Assessing seismic uncertainty via geostatistical velocity-model perturbation and image registration: An application to subsalt imaging

Seismic data play a critical role in reservoir forecasting and decision making. However, large uncertainties are associated with seismic data, many of which arise from depth migration and the absence of accurate velocity models. Moreover, because of the computational and labor costs associated with velocity-model building, generally only a single seismic image and interpretation are performed. In that sense, seismic uncertainty largely is neglected in the reservoir-modeling workflow. A novel framework for assessing this uncertainty combines geostatistics with image-registration techniques. A novel geostatistical perturbation algorithm is used to generate multiple velocity models which are verified to be consistent with observed geophysical data. To alleviate the computational bottlenecks associated with migration, a distance-based model-selection step is performed to select a representative subset of the velocity models for depth migration. Image registration in combination with manual interpretation is used to generate a set of interpretations. This allows for direct linking of seismic-velocity uncertainty to the positional uncertainty of imaged structures. The workflow is demonstrated for a subsalt imaging case using the SEG Advanced Modeling (SEAM) model.
Abstract TMP116: AAV-sFLT: A Potential Therapeutic Agent for the Treatment of Brain Angiogenic Diseases

Background and Purpose: The soluble vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor 1 (sFLT) has been tested in both animals and humans for anti-angiogenic therapy, e.g., age-related macular degeneration. We hypothesized that adeno-associated viral vector (AAV)-mediated sFLT expression could be used to treat brain angiogenic diseases, such as brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM). We tested the anti-angiogenic effect of sFLT and the feasibility of using AAV serotype 9 to deliver AAV-sFLT by intravenous injection (IV) to brain angiogenic lesions. Methods: AAV vectors were packaged in AAV serotypes 1 and 2 (stereotactic injection) and 9 (IV-injection). Angiogenic model was induced in adult wildtype (WT) mice through stereotactic injection of AAV1-VEGF (2×10 9 genome copies (gcs)). Brain AVM model was induced in adult mice with floxed Alk1 (a causative gene for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia that causes AVMs in multiple organs) through co-injection of AAV1-VEGF and Ad-Cre. AAV2-sFLT (2×10 9 gcs) was co-injected with AAV1-VEGF to inhibit brain angiogenesis. Gene expression in the brain by IV-delivered AAV9 was tested using intra-jugular vein injection of AAV9-LacZ or AAV9-GFP (1×10 11 gcs). We then compared gene expression mediated by stereotactic injection of AAV1 and by 2 packaged AAV-LacZ vectors. Results: Co-injection of AAV2-sFLT with AAV1-VEGF completely abolished VEGF-angiogenic effect (320±30/mm 2 vs 434±86 p=0.01). The vessel density around the injection sites was similar to AAV1-LacZ-injected control mice (p=0.84). AAV2-EV (empty virus) had no effect. Intravenous injection of AAV9-LacZ or AAV9-GFP resulted in a higher level of gene expression in the angiogenic foci or bAVM than in normal brain tissues. Gene expression mediated by AAV1 was about 5 times higher than AAV2. Conclusion: AAV mediated sFLT expression inhibited VEGF-induced brain angiogenesis. The sFLT anti-angiogenic effect can be achieved at about 1 to 5 molar ratio of sFLT vs. VEGF. Intravenously injected AAV9 can mediate effective transgene expression in brain angiogenic lesions.
Correcting Some Misrepresentations About Gender and Sexual Economics Theory: Comment on Rudman and Fetterolf (2014)

We were disappointed to read Rudman and Fetterolf’s (2014) misrepresentation of sexual economics theory (SET). We were also puzzled: Their empirical findings seem to support the theory, contrary to their claims to have refuted it. Rudman and Fetterolf relied on quasiparaphrase to attribute tenets to our theory. We encourage readers to read our own presentation of our theory (Baumeister & Vohs, 2004) and then read Rudman and Fetterolf’s interpretation to see for themselves. Rudman and Fetterolf’s investigation was based on a fundamental mistake: “SET’s central tenet is that women are more invested in sexual exchange than men are” (p. 1438). This interpretation is wrong: Whether men or women have a greater desire to make the exchange can be predicted by the principle of least interest. As the basis for SET, this principle holds that whoever wants the outcome more will be correspondingly more willing to sacrifice in the hopes of getting the exchange to take place (Waller & Hill, 1938/1951). Moreover, crucially, a basic lesson of economics is that exchanges take place mainly when both parties benefit (Smith, 1776/1937). According to our theory and much evidence, men want sex and women want men’s resources, and that creates the basis for a mutually beneficial exchange.... Language: en
Determination of methemoglobin and hemoglobin levels in small volume samples

AbstractBackground/aims Hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) have been previously studied as resuscitation fluids. Due to HBOCs specific molecular conformation, hemoglobin (Hb) and methemoglobin (MetHb) determination is not always possible with automated apparatus. A practical technique was designed that allows simultaneous reading of MetHb and Hb in small volume samples. Methods A spectrophotometric method for measuring low levels of MetHb and Hb from limited volume samples was developed using a 96-well-plate by downsizing the Evelyn-Malloy and Drabkin methods. Either blood or buffer samples were spiked with one of five HBOCs (HBOC-201, M101, MP4CO-NP, Sanguinate and Oxyvita C). After treatment with cyanides, the samples were read at 540, 630, and 680 nm, and Hb and MetHb results were compared to certificate-of-analysis. Results Hb levels ranging from 0.2 to 2.8 g/dl were detected accurately with the 96-well-plate method with HBOC-201. Similarly, this method accurately measured Hb from either plasma ...
Studies on the Control of the Hog Louse, Haematopinus suis

Agricultural Handbook 120 (Entomology Research Division, Agr. Res. Serv. 1963) lists several insecticides as effective in control of the hog louse, Haematopinus suis (L.). However, when we reach the stage at which additional compounds are about to be recommended as safe for animal application in our experimentation with insecticides, it is desirable to test their efficacy on as many ectoparasites as possible. Data obtained with 4 insecticides which are not included in Agricultural Handbook 120 are presented here.
Cost-effectiveness of adalimumab, infliximab or vedolizumab as first-line biological therapy in moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis

Background There are no head-to-head randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effectiveness of biologics in ulcerative colitis (UC). We aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of adalimumab, infliximab and vedolizumab as first-line agents to induce clinical remission and mucosal healing (MH) in UC. Methods We constructed a decision tree based on a payer9s perspective in the USA to estimate the first year costs of adalimumab, infliximab or vedolizumab to achieve clinical remission and MH in patients with moderate-to-severe UC. Transition probabilities were derived from ACT, ULTRA and GEMINI RCT data. Costs were derived from Medicare reimbursement rates and wholesale drug prices. Results Assuming a biological-naive cohort, infliximab 5 mg/kg every 8 weeks was more cost-effective ($99 171 per MH achieved) than adalimumab 40 mg every other week ($316 378 per MH achieved) and vedolizumab every 8 weeks ($301 969 per MH achieved) at 1 year. Non-drug administration cost of infliximab exceeding $1974 per infusion would make adalimumab more cost-effective. First-line UC therapy with vedolizumab would be cost-effective if the drug acquisition price was Conclusions If non-drug costs of infliximab administration are not excessive (
Is Sprawl Affordable for Americans? Exploring the Association Between Housing and Transportation Affordability and Urban Sprawl

Housing affordability has been one of the most persistent national concerns in the United States, mainly because housing costs are the biggest item in most household budgets. Urban sprawl has been proved by previous studies to be a driver of housing affordability. Previous studies, however, were structurally flawed because they considered only costs directly related to housing and ignored the transportation costs associated with a remote location. This study sought to determine whether, after transportation costs were taken into account, urban sprawl was still affordable for Americans. Multilevel modeling and the recently released location affordability indexes (LAIs) and metropolitan compactness indexes tested the relationship between sprawl and housing affordability. By controlling for covariates, this study found that in compact areas, the portion of household income spent on housing was greater but the portion of income spent on transportation was lower. Each 10% increase in a compactness score was as...
Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRCD) Protein Requires N-Terminal S-Acylation and Rhodopsin Binding for Photoreceptor Outer Segment Localization and Maintaining Intracellular Stability.

The light-sensing outer segments of photoreceptor cells harbor hundreds of flattened membranous discs containing the visual pigment, rhodopsin, and all the proteins necessary for visual signal transduction. PRCD (progressive rod–cone degeneration) protein is one of a few proteins residing specifically in photoreceptor discs, and the only one with completely unknown function. The importance of PRCD is highlighted by its mutations that cause photoreceptor degeneration and blindness in canine and human patients. Here we report that PRCD is S-acylated at its N-terminal cysteine and anchored to the cytosolic surface of disc membranes. We also showed that mutating the S-acylated cysteine to tyrosine, a common cause of blindness in dogs and a mutation found in affected human families, causes PRCD to be completely mislocalized from the photoreceptor outer segment. We next undertook a proteomic search for PRCD-interacting partners in disc membranes and found that it binds rhodopsin. This interaction was confirmed ...
Construction of Lambda, Mu, Sigma Values for Determining Mid-Upper Arm Circumference z Scores in U.S. Children Aged 2 Months Through 18 Years.

Background: Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) has proven highly predictive of morbidity and mortality associated with malnutrition better, in some cases, than other growth indicators, including body mass index (BMI) z scores and weight-for-height z scores. A recent consensus statement recommended the inclusion of MUAC and MUAC z scores in the nutrition assessment of children in the United States; however, the requisite data to permit z score calculations for children aged >5 years have not been published. Objective: This investigation was designed to generate lambda mu sigma (LMS) values to permit the calculation of MUAC z scores in U.S. children 2 months through 18 years of age. Design: Anthropometric data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2012) were used for model development (n = 28,995). Smoothed centiles were constructed and compared with previously described CDC percentiles. Independently collected MUAC data from 2 diffe...
DRIFT VOLUME IN THE SOUTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN—A PRODIGIOUS PLEISTOCENE ENDOWMENT

Michigan's Southern Peninsula is by far the largest drift repository in the Great Lakes Area. Thickness of the glacial sediments averages 85 m and volume, previously unknown, exceeds 9300 km3. The distribution, however, is very uneven, as is the underlying bedrock surface. These variations and known surface characteristics provide a basis for the first qualitative and quantitative identification of distinct drift realms. Even the smallest of the eight realms contains about 35% more drift than the better known Kettle Moraine tract of Wisconsin, which encompasses 50% more area. Comparative analysis within the peninsula shows that Pleistocene glaciation completely transformed the topography to the north, whereas the southern half has palimpsest relationships with subcropping formations. [Key words: drift, drift volume, Michigan, Great Lakes, Pleistocene.]
Determining the Optimal Quantitative Threshold for Preoperative Albumin Level Before Elective Colorectal Surgery

Hypoalbuminemia is associated with adverse surgical outcomes. A minimum threshold and the impact of incrementally decreasing albumin remain undefined for colorectal surgery patients. The 2011–2013 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) dataset was queried for patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. Multivariable regression analyses with restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to examine the adjusted association between preoperative serum albumin level and the incidence of complications and to establish an optimal threshold. RCS allows for flexible evaluation in multivariable models without having to assume a specific relationship a priori. Sixteen thousand one hundred forty-five patients met study criteria. RCS analysis demonstrated an inflection point at serum albumin level of 3.9 mg/dL. Patients with preoperative albumin <3.9 mg/dL vs. albumin ≥3.9 mg/dL had a higher likelihood of experiencing a major complication (odds ratio (OR) = 1.18, confidence interval (CI) 1.07–1.30, p = 0.0007) or any complications (OR 1.18, CI 1.08–1.29, p = 0.0002,) and had a lengthened hospital stay (p < 0.001). This study objectively determines that a threshold preoperative serum albumin of ≥3.9 mg/dL is associated with improved outcomes in elective colorectal surgery patients. Each 0.5 mg/dL decrease in albumin was progressively associated with increased risk for complications. Identifying a minimum albumin threshold has implications in perioperative optimization of patients undergoing colorectal surgery.
Strategic marketing, sustainability, the triple bottom line, and resource-advantage (R-A) theory: Securing the foundations of strategic marketing theory and research

Addressing strategic marketing's identity problem, several highly complementary works have clarified the field's theoretical foundations, nature, and scope by (1) specifying its domain, (2) defining its central concept, "marketing strategy," (3) proposing the field's foundational premises, and (4) positing its fundamental explananda. Furthermore, the works have shown how resource-advantage (R-A) theory (5) grounds major theories of marketing strategy, (6) illuminates, informs, extends, and grounds the field's foundational premises, (7) identifies three fundamental strategies ("superior value," "lower cost," and "synchronal"), and (8) explains how the three fundamental strategies promote societal welfare. However, a major unresolved issue concerns the second fundamental explanandum of strategic marketing. Specifically, Varadarajan (AMS Review, 5, 78-90, 2015) expands his second fundamental explanandum from "marketplace and financial performance" to explaining triple bottom line (TBL) performance. That is, strategic marketing theory and research should answer: "What explains differences in [social, environmental, and financial] performance of competing brands/product lines/businesses?" This article provides a background discussion on how "sustainability" and the TBL relate to marketing in general and strategic marketing, in particular. Next, it (1) examines the nature of the TBL, (2) shows how the TBL concept and certain issues regarding its measurement parallel those in the "corporate social responsibility" literature, (3) re-examines the value of the TBL framework, (4) makes clear how R-A theory accommodates the TBL, and (5) shows how R-A theory provides seven potential explanations of differences in firms' TBL performance.
A chromatin extension model for insulator function based on comparison of high-resolution chromatin conformation capture and polytene banding maps

Insulator proteins bind to specific genomic loci and have been shown to play a role in partitioning genomes into independent domains of gene expression and chromatin structure. Despite decades of study, the mechanism by which insulators establish these domains remains elusive. Here, we use genome-wide chromatin conformation capture (Hi-C) to generate a high- resolution map of spatial interactions of chromatin from Drosophila melanogaster embryos. We show that from the earliest stages of development the genome is divided into distinct topologically associated domains (TADs), that we can map the boundaries between TADs to sub- kilobase resolution, and that these boundaries correspond to 500-2000 bp insulator elements. Comparing this map with a detailed assessment of the banding pattern of a region of a polytene chromosome, we show that these insulator elements correspond to low density polytene interbands that divide compacted bands, which correspond to TADs. It has been previously shown that polytene interbands have low packing ratios allowing the conversion of small genomic distances (in base pairs) into a large physical distances. We therefore suggest a simple mechanism for insulator function whereby insulators increase the physical space between adjacent domains via the unpacking and extension of intervening chromatin. This model provides an intuitive explanation for known features of insulators, including the ability to block enhancer- promoter interactions, limit the spread of heterochromatin, and organize the structural features of interphase chromosomes.
Morphology Extension Kit: A Modular Robotic Platform for Customizable and Physically Capable Wearables

Robotic and shape-changing interfaces hint at a way to incorporate physical materials as extensions for human users, however, rapidly changing environments pose a diverse set of problems that are difficult to solve with a single interface. To address this, we propose a modular hardware platform that allows users or designers to build and customize physical augmentations. The process of building an augmentation is simply to connect actuator and sensor blocks and attach the resulting wearable to the body. The current design can be easily modified to incorporate additional electronics for desired sensing capabilities. Our universal connector designs can be extended to utilize any motors within afforded power, size, and weight constraints.
Perioperative psoas to lumbar vertebral index does not successfully predict amputation-free survival after lower extremity revascularization.

Abstract Background Accurate and convenient methods for assessing a patient's risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality comprise important tools in clinical decision-making. Whereas some aspects of the patient's fitness for surgery can be easily quantified, measurement of the patient's frailty is often difficult or time-consuming. Previous research in the context of multiple types of major surgical procedures has reported psoas-L4 vertebral index (PLVI) to be a useful predictor of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Methods This retrospective cohort study assessed the hypothesis that PLVI can predict amputation-free survival (AFS) in patients undergoing open or endovascular lower extremity revascularization. The records of all lower extremity revascularization patients with preoperative computed tomography arteriography before revascularization during a recent 6-year period were reviewed for demographic information and outcomes. With use of embedded computed tomography software, the cross-sectional area of the bilateral psoas muscles and vertebral body at the L4 level were measured and used to calculate the PLVI. Univariate, multivariate logistic regression, and Cox proportional hazards analyses were performed for the primary outcome of AFS. Results During a 6-year period, 188 patents had preoperative scanning, qualifying for inclusion in the study; 52% received open surgical bypass and 48% received a percutaneous endovascular procedure, with a median duration of follow-up of 12 months (interquartile range [IQR], 3-24 months). Median bilateral psoas cross-sectional area was 24.9 cm 2 (IQR, 20.5-29.7 cm 2 ), and mean PLVI was 1.74 (IQR, 1.39-2.05). Cox proportional hazards analysis identified age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.14; P = .026), congestive heart failure (HR, 4.7; 95% CI, 1.29-16.9; P = .019), and dyslipidemia (HR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.12-0.99; P = .049) as independent predictors of AFS loss, whereas PLVI was not (HR, 2.6; 95% CI, 0.83-8.39; P = .099). Kaplan-Meier life-table analysis demonstrated no significant differences in survival between the highest and lowest PLVI cohorts of patients. Hazard analysis showed concomitant congestive heart failure (HR, 15; 95% CI, 1.1-210; P = .042) and serum albumin concentration (HR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.05-0.52; P = .0026) to be independent predictors of limb loss, whereas advanced age (HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.07-1.35; P = .0026), bypass procedure (HR, 4.6; 95% CI, 1.04-21; P = .045), non-African American race (HR, 9.09; 95% CI, 1.02-100; P = .048), and higher PLVI (HR, 10.9; 95% CI, 1.7-72; P = .013) predicted increased risk of mortality. Conclusions PLVI did not predict AFS after intervention for peripheral arterial occlusive disease. This is contrary to the ability of PLVI to predict perioperative and midterm survival after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and other major abdominal surgery.
The Harm We Do: The Environmental Impact of Medicine.

While often unseen and infrequently discussed, the environmental impact of hospital systems and healthcare providers is substantial. However, some US hospitals and healthcare systems have developed innovative approaches to reduce their environmental impact while reducing costs. In this perspective, we discuss how hospitalists may support ongoing environmental efforts through education and awareness, measurement and amelioration, public reporting, and individual actions. Given the extent of healthcare’s impact on the environment, the benefits of interventions, and the link between hospitalists and hospitals, We must minimize the harm we do.
Enhancement of ArF immersion scanner system for advanced device node manufacturing

In order to meet the industry’s increasingly demanding requirements, especially in the area of improving pattern edge placement error for multiple patterning processes, we have developed the leading edge NSR-S635E ArF immersion scanner. The NSR-S635E delivers marked enhancements in scanner performance compared to the previous generation system, and provides expanded alignment capacity with a groundbreaking system called the inline Alignment Station (iAS) [1]. In this paper, we introduce the details of the NSR-S635E, including iAS, and demonstrate their capabilities for solving production challenges now and in the future.
Bankers and Empire: How Wall Street Colonized the Caribbean, by Peter James Hudson

The story of how the United States flexed her imperial muscles in the Caribbean and Latin America and thus, ensured her role as a hegemonic power in the region is one that countless authors have to...
Heart Transplantation in Situs Inversus Maintaining Dextrocardia

We are currently utilizing a technique of heart transplantation in situs inversus/dextrocardia that maintains dextrocardia after implantation. Concerns may be technical difficulty and long-term complications. We have therefore obtained follow-up in our cohort up to 10 years. Between July 2007 and February 2017, we performed heart transplantation in five patients with situs inversus and dextrocardia. All had bilateral superior venae cavae (SVC). In all, the recipient left SVC was anastomosed to the donor SVC, and the recipient right SVC was anastomosed to the donor right atrial appendage. The normal donor heart was rotated 120° to the right to maintain a position of dextrocardia in the recipient. Three patients are alive and well to this date. One patient, who also had a pneumonectomy for recurrent infections at the time of transplant, died early postoperatively from a disseminated fungal infection. Another patient did well initially, however died from post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease 4 years posttransplantation. A third patient required stent implantation 4 years postoperatively to treat stenosis of the right SVC to right atrial anastomosis. There were no other complications related to the surgical technique and no other reinterventions. This technique maintains excellent long-term outcomes. It uses the existing pericardial cavity most effectively. It avoids pericardial resection, lung compression, or right ventricular compromise. Anastomotic obstruction of the SVC connection to the right atrium may occur, which is amenable to transcutaneous stenting.
Distinguishing features of focal cemento-osseous dysplasias and cemento-ossifying fibromas: I. A pathologic spectrum of 316 cases

Focally expressed cemento-osseous dysplasia (periapical cemento-osseous dysplasia and focal cemento-osseous dysplasia) and cemento-ossifying fibroma (ossifying fibroma and cementifying fibroma) are two clinically recognized entities that are not easily differentiated histopathologically because of the lack of recognition of specific microscopic features. We have assessed 20 pathologic parameters for their ability to distinguish reliably between the two. Included in this study were 241 cases of focally expressed cemento-osseous dysplasia and 75 cases of cemento-osseous fibroma diagnosed from a combination of clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic information. Results revealed that 92.5% of focally expressed cemento-osseous dysplasia were composed of multiple small fragments of tissue whereas 88.0% of cemento-osseous fibromas showed a large intact specimen. Thick curvilinear trabeculae ("ginger root" pattern) or irregularly shaped cementum-like masses were typically seen in focally expressed cemento-osseous dysplasia, whereas thin isolated trabeculae with prominent osteoblastic rimming were more commonly observed in cemento-osseous fibroma. The stroma of focally expressed cemento-osseous dysplasia often displayed characteristic cavernous-like vascularity that was almost always associated with bony trabeculae. Free hemorrhage was frequently interspersed in the artifactual spaces throughout focally expressed cemento-osseous dysplasia. In contrast, the cases of cemento-osseous fibroma showed more cellularity in the stroma in which a storiform pattern was present in more than half the lesions studied. Giant cells, when present in cemento-osseous fibroma, were clustered in the center of the cellular stroma. The features described here allowed distinction histopathologically in 94% of cases studied. Three progressive stages of focally expressed cemento-osseous dysplasia and subtypes of cemento-osseous fibroma may be recognizable microscopically.
Chloride ATPase Pumps in Epithelia

Five widely documented mechanisms for chloride transport across biological membranes are known: anion-coupled antiport, Na+ and H(+)-coupled symport, Cl− channels and an electrochemical coupling process. These transport processes for chloride are either secondarily active or are driven by the electrochemical gradient for chloride. Until recently, the evidence in favour of a primary active transport mechanism for chloride has been inconclusive despite numerous reports of cellular Cl(−)-stimulated ATPases coexisting, in the same tissue, with uphill ATP-dependent chloride transport. Cl(−)-stimulated ATPase activity is a ubiquitous property of practically all cells with the major location being of mitochondrial origin. It also appears that plasma membranes are sites of Cl(−)-stimulated ATPase pump activity. Recent studies of Cl(−)-stimulated ATPase activity and ATP-dependent chloride transport in the same plasma membrane system, including liposomes, strongly suggest a mediation by the ATPase in the net movement of chloride up its electrochemical gradient across the plasma membrane structure. Contemporary evidence points to the existence of Cl(−)-ATPase pumps; however, these primary active transporters exist as either P-, F-, or V-type ATPase pumps depending upon the tissue under study.
The Inverse Kinematics of 3-D Towing

This work addresses the kinematics of 3-D towing where multiple aerial robots are used to cooperatively transport a payload using cables. In 3-D towing, it is important to determine the relative positions of the robots for the desired position and orientation of the payload. This is actually the inverse kinematics problem of the 3-D towing. In the case with three robots, when the tensions are given, the inverse kinematics problem has finite number of solutions. In order to obtain all possible solutions, an efficient analytic algorithm based on dialytic elimination is presented. An example is used for illustration.
Some Advances in Data-Mining Techniques

Research in the MIDAS project at Stanford explores new ideas in data-mining. One early result was a new algorithm for Web search, that resulted in a recently turned commercial search engine, called Google.
Effect of a pulmonary nodule fact sheet on patient anxiety and knowledge: a quality improvement initiative

Introduction The utilisation of chest CT for the evaluation of pulmonary disorders, including low-dose CT for lung cancer screening, is increasing in the USA. As a result, the discovery of both screening-detected and incidental pulmonary nodules has become more frequent. Despite an overall low risk of malignancy, pulmonary nodules are a common cause of emotional distress among adult patients. Methods We conducted a multi-institutional quality improvement (QI) initiative involving 101 participants to determine the effect of a pulmonary nodule fact sheet on patient knowledge and anxiety. Males and females aged 35 years or older, who had a history of either screening-detected or incidental solid pulmonary nodule(s) sized 3–8 mm, were included. Prior to an internal medicine or pulmonary medicine clinic visit, participants were given a packet containing a pre-fact sheet survey, a pulmonary nodule fact sheet and a post-fact sheet survey. Results Of 101 patients, 61 (60.4%) worried about their pulmonary nodule at least once per month with 18 (17.8%) worrying daily. The majority 67/101 (66.3%) selected chemotherapy, chemotherapy and radiation, or radiation as the best method to cure early-stage lung cancer. Despite ongoing radiographic surveillance, 16/101 (15.8%) stated they would not be interested in an intervention if lung cancer was diagnosed. Following review of the pulmonary nodule fact sheet, 84/101 (83.2%) reported improved anxiety and 96/101 (95.0%) reported an improved understanding of their health situation. Patient understanding significantly improved from 4.2/10.0 to 8.1/10.0 (p Conclusion The incorporation of a standardised fact sheet for subcentimeter solid pulmonary nodules improves patient understanding and alleviates anxiety. We plan to implement pulmonary nodule fact sheets into the care of our patients with low-risk subcentimeter pulmonary nodules.
Community-level effects of spatial management in the California drift gillnet Fishery

Abstract Fisheries management interventions that protect certain species by redistributing fishing effort may generate unintended consequences for other species. In the California drift gillnet fishery for swordfish and sharks, a large spatial closure was implemented in 2001 to protect endangered leatherback turtles, which limited fishing effort to the Southern California Bight. Leatherback bycatch has since decreased, but the effects on other species have not been comprehensively examined. Here, we explore the effects of this closure on the community catch composition in the fishery and find that other protected species may have benefited, while catch per unit effort of major target species increased or was not significantly affected over the long term. However, a time-series analysis reveals that changes in catch trends across twenty species began at least five years before the closure was implemented, suggesting that previous regulatory measures or other drivers may also contribute to these trends. These results highlight the importance of comprehensive approaches that include the historical context when evaluating management outcomes.
Eleştirel kozmopolit bir düşünür olarak İbn Haldun

Cosmopolitism is neither a personal life style, nor a universal understanding on ethics, nor a global political institution. It is rather a "cosmo-polis" world-view. What we mean by "cosmo- polis" is a universal “gemainschaft” of citizens. Up to now, Ibn Khaldun’s real value as a doctrinaire of ciritical cosmopolitics hasnot been put forward. The distinctive feature of Ibn Khaldun’s cosmopolitan view is his effort to determine the interference points between the urbanized elits of Egypt, Maghreb, and Andalusia, which were competing with each other. More precisely, the most essential difference of Ibn Khaldun and his generation’s cosmopotical elits was their harmony with literature. Ibn Khaldun invented terms such as “asabiyyah” “umran” and “badawiya” on various layers of meaning. Additionally, he assigns a central role to religion and religious norms, values, and institutions in the cosmopolitan vision of humankind.
Abstract 263: MYH14 Protects Against of Isoproterenol-induced Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Fibrosis

Objectives: We had previously identified Myh14 as a genetic modifier of isoproterenol-induced left ventricular hypertrophy through a genome-wide association study performed among Hybrid Mouse Diver...
Ω3 Fatty Acids Activate Ciliary FFAR4 to Trigger Adipogenesis in Perivascular Preadipocytes

Recent studies find that mesenchymal progenitor cells including preadipocytes are ciliated and primary cilia are required for adipogenesis. The signaling function and location of ciliated cells in fat are unknown. We discover that ciliated preadipocytes abundantly populate a perivascular compartment in fat and are activated by high fat diet. We show Tulp3-dependent ciliary receptor trafficking is required for adipogenesis and identify the ω3 fatty acid receptor Ffar4/Gpr120 as the Tulp3-dependent ciliary GPCR. Ffar4 agonists and ω3 fatty acid DHA trigger mitogenesis and adipogenesis. DHA or FFAR4 agonists, but not saturated fatty acids, rapidly activate cAMP production inside cilia to activate EPAC signaling, induce CTCF-dependent chromatin remodeling, promote transcriptional activation of Pparγ/Cebpα, and initiate adipogenesis. DHA can replace cAMP activators to trigger adipogenesis. We propose dietary ω3 fatty acids selectively drive expansion of adipocyte numbers ensuring production of new fat cells to balance storage of saturated fatty acids, allowing homeostasis of heathy fat tissue.
By Way of Background: A Biographical Sketch of William M. Denevan Introducer: Kent Mathewson

This biographical sketch of the life and career of William M. Denevan traces his family history and his formative years and schooling in Southern California, his move to the University of California, Berkeley to complete his undergraduate training in geography, and his time spent in graduate school, punctuated by several exits for travel to South America and to Washington, D.C. for employment, only to return to complete and produce a highly regarded doctoral dissertation on ancient raised field complexes in eastern Bolivia. It follows him after graduate school to his first and only academic appointment – in the Geography Department at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he taught for 30 years before retiring in 1994. During these three decades, Denevan became recognized as a major figure in a several of research arenas, including New World historical demography, the landscape archaeology of pre-European forms of intensive agriculture, and New World tropical cultural and historical ecology. He also oversaw several dozen dissertations and master’s theses, all but a few on related Latin American topics. His publication record was equally robust, authoring a number of books and edited collections, as well as dozens of articles and book chapters. Highlights of his retirement years witness a continued commitment to research and publication, proceeding at a pace equal to, if not surpassing his university years.