cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Retrospective analysis of outcomes following inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement in a managed care population

The role of inferior vena cava filter (IVC) filters for prevention of pulmonary embolism (PE) is controversial. This study evaluated outcomes of IVC filter placement in a managed care population. This retrospective cohort study evaluated data for individuals with Humana healthcare coverage 2013–2014. The study population included 435 recipients of prophylactic IVC filters, 4376 recipients of therapeutic filters, and two control groups, each matched to filter recipients. Patients were followed for up to 2 years. Post-index anticoagulant use, mortality, filter removal, device-related complications, and all-cause utilization. Adjusted regression analyses showed a positive association between filter placement and anticoagulant use at 3 months: odds ratio (ORs) 3.403 (95% CI 1.912–6.059), prophylactic; OR, 1.356 (95% CI 1.164–1.58), therapeutic. Filters were removed in 15.67% of prophylactic and 5.69% of therapeutic filter cases. Complication rates were higher with prophylactic procedures than with therapeutic procedures and typically exceeded 2% in the prophylactic group. Each form of filter placement was associated with increases in all-cause hospitalization (regression coefficient 0.295 [95% CI 0.093–0.498], prophylactic; 0.673 [95% CI 0.547–0.798], therapeutic) and readmissions (OR 2.444 [95% CI 1.298–4.602], prophylactic; 2.074 [95% CI 1.644–2.616], therapeutic). IVC filter placement in this managed care population was associated with increased use of anticoagulants and greater healthcare utilization compared to controls, low rates of retrieval, and notable rates of device-related complications, with effects especially pronounced in assessments of prophylactic filters. These findings underscore the need for appropriate use of IVC filters.
Moderate Coffee Intake Can Be Part of a Healthy Diet.

Two large studies provide new evidence on the association of coffee intake with mortality. The editorialists discuss these findings in light of previous evidence and conclude that coffee intake can...
The role of attachment classification on disclosure of self and rater-reported adverse childhood experiences in a sample of child welfare professionals

Abstract Previous work has found that child welfare professionals have both higher self-report prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) (Howard et al., 2015) and higher rates of insecure attachment (Howard et al., 2013) than normative samples. Although adult attachment and ACEs are both prolific areas of research in the developmental literature, little is known about how attachment representations may affect an individual's report of attachment-related ACEs. The current study investigated the role of attachment classification on disclosure of adverse childhood experiences on a self-report questionnaire and a semi-structured clinical interview in a sample of 228 child welfare professionals. Participants completed the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) and ACE Questionnaire. Data revealed significant differences in self-report and rated disclosure of adverse childhood experiences by attachment classification. No significant differences were found for participants classified as secure-autonomous. Participants classified as dismissing reported fewer ACEs in their self-report questionnaire than independent scorers rated in their AAI. Participants classified as preoccupied reported more ACEs in their self-report questionnaire than independent scorers rated in their AAI. These differences raise questions and may be concerning for both the child welfare professionals and the families they serve. Specifically, future research should focus on possible consequences of having an insecure internal working model and ways to facilitate secure status for professionals if attachment classification is impacting their decisions regarding families. The current study provides a first step in investigating such relations.
Relationship between high-risk patients receiving prescription opioids and high-volume opioid prescribers.

AIMS (1) To characterize the amount of prescription opioids prescribed for high-risk patients by low-volume prescribers; (2) to quantify how high- and low-volume prescribers differ systematically in their prescribing patterns. DESIGN Cross-sectional study using 2015 longitudinal, all-payer QuintilesIMS pharmacy claims. We conducted an aggregated analysis for the first aim and an individual-level analysis for the second aim. SETTING California, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, and Washington, USA. PARTICIPANTS Among 4 046 275 patients, we identified 375 848 concomitant users (filling more than 30-days of concomitant opioids and benzodiazepines), 150 814 chronic users (using 100+ morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) per day for more than 90 days), and 3190 patients prescribed opioids by > 3 prescribers and filling opioids at > 3 pharmacies during any 90-day period. Among 192 126 prescribers, we identified 8023 high-volume prescribers, who comprised the highest fifth percentile of opioid volume during four calendar quarters. MEASUREMENTS (1) MME dose per transaction, (2) days supplied per transaction, (3) total opioid volume per patient and (4) number of prescriptions per patient. We also examined differences in opioid dispensing between high- and low-volume prescribers among patients receiving opioids from both. FINDINGS Low-volume prescribers accounted for 15-29% of opioid volume and 18-56% of opioid prescriptions for high-risk patients, compared with 28-37% and 53-58% for low-risk patients. After accounting for state of residence, comorbid burden, prescriber specialty and care sequence, patients were more likely to receive higher doses (60.9 versus 53.2 MMEs per day, P < 0.01), longer supplies (22.1 versus 15.6 days, P < 0.01), more prescriptions (4.0 versus 2.6 prescriptions, P < 0.01) and greater opioid volume (5.6 versus 1.9 g, P < 0.01) from high- than low-volume prescribers. CONCLUSIONS In the United States, high-risk patients obtain a substantial proportion of prescription opioids from low-volume prescribers. The differences in prescribing patterns between high- and low-volume prescribers suggest the importance of interventions targeting prescriber behaviors.
205 Optimization of Transfection Efficiency for CRISPR/Cas9-Induced Genomic Editing in Porcine Fibroblast Cells

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas9) system creates DNA double-stranded breaks (DSB) at specific sequences and allows efficient genomic modification, even in species previously resistant to gene editing. The DSB can be repaired using non-homologous end joining (creating insertions/deletions) or by homology directed repair (HDR) using a donor DNA with small changes at the cut site, giving rise to precise targeted modifications. Despite growing interest in genome editing using RNA-guided endonucleases, the efficiency of HDR is only 0.5 to 20%. The objective of this study was to optimize transfection conditions in order to increase efficiency of HDR for CRISPR/Cas9 targeted genomic editing of porcine cells. We utilised the Swedish mutation of the porcine APP gene causing early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. We first tested co-transfection of 2 plasmids, one containing our guide RNA (gRNA) and another containing the Cas9 nuclease, using square-wave electroporation. Upon analysis via T7 endonuclease assay I, this method failed to produce a DNA DSB at the target site. Next, we tested transfection of a single vector containing both the gRNA and Cas9 nuclease. Three gRNAs targeting exon 17 of the porcine APP gene were constructed and inserted into CRISPR/Cas9 pGuide-it plasmids expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP). Plasmid DNA was transfected into cultured porcine fibroblast cells by 3 methods: Lipofectamine 2000, square-wave electroporation, and exponential-wave electroporation. To determine which method yielded the highest transfection rates, cells were analysed using flow cytometry to detect GFP expression. The transfection efficiency, percentage of cells expressing GFP, was analysed by one-way ANOVA and individual pair wise comparisons. Twelve microliters of Lipofectamine 2000 per well of a 6-well plate with 200 ng of plasmid DNA per μL of Lipofectamine was used to optimize transfection rates, as suggested by the manufacturer. Removal of transfection media after 48 h yielded higher transfection rates than removal after 24 h (6.9% ± 0.7 v. 2.2% ± 0.1; P = 0.02). For electroporation, 12.5 and 25 μg of plasmid DNA per mL was added to 0.2- and 0.4-mm gap cuvettes, respectively, each containing cell suspensions of 1 × 106 cells mL−1. Square-wave electroporation was performed at 300 V for three 1-ms pulses in 0.2-mm cuvettes. Exponential-wave electroporation was performed at 350 V and 500 μFD in both 0.2-mm and 0.4-mm cuvettes. Exponential-wave electroporation containing 25 μg of plasmid DNA/mL of cell suspension yielded the highest average transfection efficiency, 22.8% (P < 0.00001), compared with square-wave electroporation and transfection using optimized Lipofectamine 2000 conditions (9.1 and 1%, respectively). All 3 gRNAs resulted in similar transfection rates. In conclusion, efficiency of transfection of the CRISPR/Cas9 system into porcine cells is optimized using exponential-wave electroporation of a single plasmid CRISPR system.
Postmodern Worldmaking and the Unanimous Academy

In seeking insight into the intellectual underpinnings of the current “second culture war” and the emphasis on the campus left on speech repression, this chapter turns back to the first culture war of the late 1980s and early 1990s. In particular, it considers the linguistic constructivism put forward by figures such as Richard Rorty, Hans-Georg Gadamer, and Nelson Goodman at the height of postmodernism. This philosophy attributes great power to words, even regarding language as the material out of which reality is built, and it has become almost common coin, especially in various humanities departments. It motivates the control of expression, but that control is only as legitimate as the metaphysics underlying it—the views about truth, reality, and representation—is plausible. Perhaps the turn in philosophy toward realist metaphysics, among other developments, provides a ray of hope in the politically unanimous academy.
Ca ++ Gating of Proton Fluxes in Thylakoid Membranes: Regulation of Localised and Delocalised Energy Coupled Proton Gradients

This report gives an overview of recent developments in the study of how proton gradients are generated and utilised for energising ATP formation in spinach or pea chloroplasts. The evidence is reviewed that supports the hypothesis for there being energisation either by membrane domain-localised proton gradients or delocalised proton gradients. Delocalised H+ gradients competent to drive ATP formation form under several different conditions—all of which appear to displace Ca++ ions from binding sites in the thylakoid or on the lumen side of the membrane. A localised proton gradient coupling mode is observed when Ca++ ions are not displaced in the first place (such as by pretreatments which maintain low K+ concentrations or by not over-acidifying the thylakoids) or if Ca++ ions are added to thylakoids which were treated so as to displace Ca++ ions from thylakoid binding sites. Treatments such as 100 mM KCl incubation, over-acidifying the thylakoid by basal electron flow-dependent H+ accumulation, or those in which a lipid-soluble Ca++ chelator is added, lead to delocalised H+ gradients. Ca++ ions added to the first and third treatments listed above reverse the delocalising tendency, and maintain the localised gradient coupling mode.
Selection of Materials for Artificial Organs

The first artificial organs were conceived for short-term application, often under emergency conditions, and in diseases which otherwise would lead to death within hours or days. Thus the creativity of the pioneers was directed primarily toward device design. In the fabrication of artificial organs, engineers simply took advantage of materials which had been developed for non-medical purposes, and with them were able to build the first artificial kidneys or vascular grafts, cardiac valves, hip prostheses, etc. This heroic image of artificial organ technology persists in the mind of the public because the media tends to focus on the “life saving” aspects of new forms of treatment. The current reality, however, is quite different: pooling together external prostheses and implants, the largest volume of application of artificial organs is not encountered in life-threatening situations. It relates to devices designed to improve functional ability fitness, comfort, convenience, or esthetics (Table 1).
Children's ratings of vocal emotion intensity depend on the emotion spoken and speaker familiarity but not acoustic parameters

Scherer (1986) documented the acoustic parameters associated with adults’ perceptions of discrete vocal emotions. We investigated physical and psychological factors that influence children’s ratings of discrete vocal emotions using stimuli that approximated naturally occurring speech, including familiarity with the speaker. Specifically, we presented 52 7- and 8-year-olds with one side of a brief phone conversation spoken in happy, angry, sad, and non-emotional prosodies by both the child’s mother and another child’s mother, unfamiliar to the target child. As a group, the familiar and unfamiliar mothers’ prosodies did not differ in fundamental frequency (F0), F0 standard deviation, or speech rate—acoustic parameters that are most identified with angry, happy, and sad prosodies. Children accurately recognized the emotion spoken: They rated angry stimuli as more angry than happy or sad. Regression analyses indicated that speaker familiarity predicted children’s intensity ratings even after the target acoustic parameters were taken into account, but this effect was moderated by speaker emotion, such that children rated their mothers as more intensely angry than unfamiliar mothers. The findings suggest that their mother’s angry voice holds psychological significance for children that is not explained by variations in its most salient acoustical properties.
Topological Quantum Materials for Realizing Majorana Quasiparticles

In the past decade, basic physics, chemistry, and materials science research on topological quantum materials—and their potential use to implement reliable quantum computers—has rapidly expanded to become a major endeavor. A pivotal goal of this research has been to realize materials hosting Majorana quasiparticles, thereby making topological quantum computing a technological reality. While this goal remains elusive, recent data-mining studies, performed using topological quantum chemistry methodologies, have identified thousands of potential topological materials—some, and perhaps many, with potential for hosting Majoranas. We write this Review for advanced materials researchers who are interested in joining this expanding search, but who are not currently specialists in topology. The first half of the Review addresses, in readily understood terms, three main areas associated with topological sciences: (1) a description of topological quantum materials and how they enable quantum computing; (2) an explan...
On Thomas Aquinas's Rejection of an 'Incarnation Anyway'

In the recent literature on whether there would have been an incarnation if there had been no fall, Thomas Aquinas is often cited as arguing for a negative answer on the grounds that it is more fitting. Little attention, however, has been given to what fittingness amounts to for Thomas, or what relation this has to the primarily biblical reasons he gives for denying an incarnation without the fall. In this paper, I argue that the fittingness derives primarily from what kinds of conclusions can be drawn from the biblical text – fitting conclusions are those that, though short of necessary truths, nevertheless ought to be preferred over all of the possible alternatives because they best cohere with the nature of the scriptural canon. The answer to whether an incarnation would have occurred, for Thomas, is an example of one such biblical conclusion. I then place Thomas’ arguments in conversation with contemporary advocates in favor of an ‘Incarnation Anyway’ and show that their strategy of argumentation is actually accommodated by Thomas’ position, leaving it safe from criticism.
Evaluation of interventions to make top tether hardware more visible during child restraint system (CRS) installations

AbstractObjectives: The objective of the study is to determine whether specific child restraint system (CRS) or vehicle conditions improve top tether attachment rates during volunteer installations.Methods: A factorial randomized controlled trial was designed to evaluate 4 different experimental categories: (1) Color of tether adjuster casing (black or red), (2) labeling on tether adjuster casing (labeled with “Tether: Use for forward-facing” or unlabeled), (3) storage location of tether (bundled in a rubber band on the back of CRS or Velcroed over the forward-facing belt path), and (4) labeling in vehicle (labeled under head restraint and below anchor or unlabeled). Ninety-six volunteers were randomly assigned to one combination of conditions. One installation per volunteer was completed. The primary outcome measure was acceptable attachment of the top tether to the tether anchor. The secondary outcome measure was overall secureness of the installation. Pearson’s chi-square tests were used to identify si...
Wave Propagation and Wave Pattern Formation in Nonuniform Reaction-Diffusion Systems

The study of wave propagation and pattern formation in two- and three- dimensional reaction-diffusion systems (RDS) has progressed significantly during the past 25 years since the introduction of homogeneous, isothermal, excitable chemical media [1–6]. While the most basic properties of chemical waves have been studied in spatially uniform systems, the wave propagation in nonuniform ones is also of considerable interest, because natural reaction-diffusion media such as biological excitable tissues and ecological systems are strongly nonuniform. In uniform systems only symmetry-breaking initial conditions give rise to new patterns [7]; nonuniformities and gradients of concentrations and other local parameters of media bring with them an initial asymmetry, which generates new routes for pattern formation and permits the emergence of new types of wave patterns.
Transfusing fresh red blood cells might be dangerous

Trivella and colleagues present some caveats around the subject of duration of red cell storage and clinical outcomes.1 Studies have been widely interpreted as showing that transfusion is not associated with adverse clinical outcomes. I think this is a serious misinterpretation of the data. In addition to the concerns raised by the …
Learning Disorder Confers Setting-Specific Treatment Resistance for Children with ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Presentation

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder-predominantly inattentive presentation (ADHD-I) and specific learning disorder (SLD) are commonly co-occurring conditions. Despite the considerable diagnostic overlap, the effect of SLD comorbidity on outcomes of behavioral interventions for ADHD-I remains critically understudied. The current study examines the effect of reading or math SLD comorbidity in 35 children with comorbid ADHD-I+SLD and 39 children with ADHD-I only following a behavioral treatment integrated across home and school (Child Life and Attention Skills [CLAS]). Pre- and posttreatment outcome measures included teacher-rated inattention, organizational deficits, and study skills and parent-rated inattention, organizational deficits, and homework problems. A similar pattern emerged across all teacher-rated measures: Children with ADHD-I and comorbid ADHD-I+SLD did not differ significantly at baseline, but between-group differences were evident following the CLAS intervention. Specifically, children with ADHD-I and comorbid ADHD-I+SLD improved on teacher-rated measures following the CLAS intervention, but children with ADHD-I only experienced greater improvement relative to those with a comorbid SLD. No significant interactions were observed on parent-rated measures-all children improved following the CLAS intervention on parent-rated measures, regardless of SLD status. The current results reveal that children with ADHD-I+SLD comorbidity benefit significantly from multimodal behavioral interventions, although improvements in the school setting are attenuated significantly. A treatment-resistant fraction of inattention was identified only in the SLD group, implying that this fraction is related to SLD and becomes apparent only when behavioral intervention for ADHD is administered.
LIN28B-PDZ Binding Kinase Signaling Promotes Neuroblastoma Metastasis

ABSTRACT Neuroblastoma is an aggressive pediatric malignancy of the neural crest with suboptimal cure rates and a striking predilection for widespread metastases, underscoring the need to identify novel therapeutic vulnerabilities. We recently identified the RNA binding protein LIN28B as a driver in high-risk neuroblastoma and demonstrated it promotes oncogenic cell proliferation by coordinating a RAN-Aurora kinase A network. Here, we demonstrate that LIN28B influences another key hallmark of cancer, metastatic dissemination. Using a murine xenograft model of neuroblastoma dissemination, we show that LIN28B promotes metastasis. We demonstrate that this is in part due to the effects of LIN28B on self-renewal and migration, providing an understanding of how LIN28B shapes the metastatic phenotype. Our studies reveal that the let-7 family, which LIN28B inhibits, opposes the effects of LIN28B. Next, we identify PDZ Binding Kinase (PBK) as a novel LIN28B target. PBK is a serine/threonine kinase that promotes the proliferation and self-renewal of neural stem cells and serves as an oncogenic driver in multiple aggressive malignancies. We demonstrate that PBK is both a novel direct target of let-7 and that MYCN regulates PBK expression, thus elucidating two oncogenic drivers that converge on PBK. Functionally, PBK promotes self-renewal and migration, phenocopying LIN28B. Taken together, our findings define a role for LIN28B in neuroblastoma metastasis and define the targetable kinase PBK as a potential novel vulnerability in metastatic neuroblastoma.
Do Good Causes Leave Bad Impressions? Exploring the Impact of Photo Frames and Newsfeed Updates on Social Impressions of Facebook Users

Showing support for social causes on social network sites using photo frames or newsfeed posts could make users seem benevolent, but paradoxically, these displays could also make users seem inauthe...
Six Characters in Search of Their Lost Playwrights

Coinciding with the real terrors of the French Revolution and the riotous aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars, an era of Gothic melodrama brought to the stage a host of theatrical monsters still familiar in present-day cinema. We recognise the perennial characters—the Mummy, the Wolfman, the phantom Highwayman, the Dead Bride, the Monster animated from dead body parts, and the Pirate of the ghost ship. We may remember one or two of the literary sources—Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1818) and John Polidori’s The Vampyre (1819)—but we have largely forgotten the playwrights and players who first brought these characters onto the stage. My present purpose is to trace these characters back in time to the playwrights who gave them their dramatic, or melodramatic, time, place, and action, and their essential theatrical being. To reclaim what we have lost, we will need more than their names: we will need to know as well their place in the literary culture of their era.
Epidemiology of pediatric functional abdominal pain disorders: a meta-analysis.

Objective We aimed to review the literature regarding epidemiology of functional abdominal pain disorders in children and to assess its geographic, gender and age distribution including associated risk factors of developing functional abdominal pain. Methods The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsychInfo databases were systematically searched up to February 2014. Study selection criteria included: (1) studies of birth cohort, school based or general population samples (2) containing data concerning epidemiology, prevalence or incidence (3) of children aged 4-18 years (4) suffering from functional abdominal pain. Quality of studies was rated by a self-made assessment tool. A random-effect meta-analysis model was used to estimate the prevalence of functional abdominal pain in childhood. Results A total of 58 articles, including 196,472 children were included. Worldwide pooled prevalence for functional abdominal pain disorders was 13.5% (95% CI 11.8-15.3), of which irritable bowel syndrome was reported most frequently (8.8%, 95% CI 6.2-11.9). The prevalence across studies ranged widely from 1.6% to 41.2%. Higher pooled prevalence rates were reported in South America (16.8%) and Asia (16.5%) compared to Europe (10.5%). And a higher pooled prevalence was reported when using the Rome III criteria (16.4%, 95% CI 13.5-19.4). Functional abdominal pain disorders are shown to occur significantly more in girls (15.9% vs. 11.5%, pooled OR 1.5) and is associated with the presence of anxiety and depressive disorders, stress and traumatic life events. Conclusion Functional abdominal pain disorders are a common problem worldwide with irritable bowel syndrome as most encountered abdominal pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorder. Female gender, psychological disorders, stress and traumatic life events affect prevalence.
Locating Transgender Within the Language of Queer in Teacher Education

Queer is difficult to pin down conceptually; it is willfully disruptive, intentionally destabilizing everything from identity to knowledge to politics to power. The intent of this article is to ill...
Modeling and Validation of Medium Voltage SiC Power Modules

Ongoing advancements in medium-voltage (MV) SiC technology are setting the stage for the development of power dense and efficient MV converters. However, computationally-efficient models to support application development with MV SiC MOSFETs are not yet widely available. This paper presents an efficient and robust behavioral model for MV SiC MOSFETs that is implemented in LTspice. In this paper, the parameters of this model are tuned to the static characteristics of a 6.5 kV SiC MOSFET. Reasonable agreement is obtained for the forward, transfer, third quadrant, and CV characteristics of this device. This single-die model is used to implement a full-scale LTspice model for a 6.5 kV SiC MOSFET half-bridge module (XHV-7) currently under development by Cree|Wolfspeed. The developed model is empirically validated using Double-Pulse Test (DPT) experiments at a range of operating conditions up to 5 kV and 800 A. The XHV-7 LTspice model predictions are shown to be in good agreement with the empirical DPT waveforms at multiple operating conditions. Finally, a comparison is performed with the measured switching losses, in which the XHV-7 module is found to demonstrate approximately 12⨯ lower switching losses than similarly rated IGBT modules.
Suffering Children and Handcuffed Doctors: US Immigration Policy and a Call for Advocacy.

* Abbreviations: CBP — : Customs and Border Protection COVID-19 — : coronavirus disease In December 2019, 6 protestors advocating for the implementation of an influenza vaccination program in Customs and Border Protection (CBP) detention facilities were arrested by the US Department of Homeland Security Federal Protective Services at the CBP San Diego sector headquarters. Four of the 6 were licensed practicing physicians who had arrived flu shots in hand, ready to volunteer their time and services. Whereas the arrested physicians wore white coats and stethoscopes, the officers making those arrests were clothed in army fatigues, riot gear, and automatic weapons, a stark contrast for the dozens of additional health care professionals and handful of news media crews present to witness the event. As the physicians began having their hands zip-tied behind their backs, one was seen removing the pediatric stethoscope from around his neck and placing it on the ground before being led away in handcuffs. That afternoon’s events represented the culmination of months of unsuccessful attempts by the medical community to persuade CBP to reconsider its stance on denying asylum seekers to the United States access to influenza vaccines. During the 2018 to 2019 influenza season, 3 migrant children died of flu while being detained by CBP: 2-year-old Wilmer Josue Ramirez Vasquez, 8-year-old Felipe Alonzo Gomez, and 16-year-old Carlos Hernandez Vasquez. Carlos’ death was publicized on later-released surveillance footage, which showed him stumbling around his cell, vomiting, and writhing before finally dying face down and alone on the cement floor. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,1 professional medical organizations,2 members of the US Senate,3 and concerned physicians … Address correspondence to Bonnie Arzuaga, MD, FAAP, Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Hunnewell 437, Boston, MA 02115. E-mail: bonnie.arzuaga{at}childrens.harvard.edu
Testimony of Joshua D. Sarnoff Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Intellectual Property Hearing: The State of Patent Eligibility in America: Part I

“This written testimony of Joshua D. Sarnoff, Professor of Law, DePaul University was submitted to the Intellectual Property Subcommittee of the Senate Judiciary Committee for its hearing on June 4, 2019, and addresses the Legislative Draft of May 22, 2019 to revise patent eligible subject matter. The testimony makes nine basic points: (1) the current uncertainty in eligibility doctrine does not justify the pending legislative efforts to eliminate existing protection for the public domain of scientific, natural, and fundamental discoveries ("science, nature, and ideas"); (2) the pending legislative revision proposals do not address the root causes of the doctrinal uncertainty; (3) the pending proposals, by restricting the public domain and displacing line-drawing creativity judgments, would not harmonize U.S. patent law with that of other countries; (4) the current, judicially interpreted requirement of Section 101 to treat ineligible novel discoveries of science, nature, and ideas as prior art against applicants claiming practical applications thereof is good innovation and moral policy; (5) by minimizing reliance on eligibility doctrine to determine patent validity, the pending proposals would increase uncertainty in and costs of the patent system; (6) the pending proposals would expand the utility patent system to aesthetic and other forms of non-technological creativity, by removing consideration of the kind of novel creativity from eligibility determinations; (7) expanding the patent system to eliminate the exclusions for science, nature, and ideas and to authorize as eligible claims to most or all practical, technological applications of nontechnological creativity likely will be held unconstitutional, generating further legal uncertainty; (8) trying to avoid those results by more clearly defining "specific," "practical" and "technological" utility will prove at least as difficult as addressing directly the requisite kind of eligible creativity through Section 101's eligible novelty doctrine; and (9) if Congress proceeds to revise eligibility doctrine, it should adopt specific measures to minimize uncertainty, litigation, and the need for further legislative revisions.”
How Do Unethical Salespeople Sleep at Night? The Role of Neutralizations in the Justification of Unethical Sales Intentions

The purpose of this paper is to propose and test a model illustrating the direct effects of five techniques of neutralizations (denial of responsibility, denial of injury, denial of victim, appeal to higher loyalties, and condemning the condemner) on the ethical intentions of sales people. A sample consisting of 157 sales people responded to an ethical case scenario survey to reveal that two neutralizations were predominant in impacting ethical intentions – these were denial of injury and appeal to higher loyalties. These relationships were tested in three sales behavioral settings: sales promoting, customer relationship building and maintenance, and sales organization. A post-hoc test of moderation effects were included to shed additional light on how some of the neutralizations interact with ethical judgment to impact sales person ethical intentions. Implications for research and practice are discussed as well as directions for further research.
Parallel comparison of functional and physicochemical properties of common pulse proteins

Abstract The demand for more functional plant-based proteins has greatly increased. The objective of this study was to provide a systematic understanding of the functional properties and physicochemical features of protein isolates extracted from common pulses. Chickpea protein (ChPI) was much less soluble compared to other extracted proteins. Pigeon pea protein (PiPI) and lab extracted soybean protein (SPI) possessed excellent emulsification capacity and stability of 0.71–0.73 and 0.70–0.71 cm/cm, respectively. Most proteins had foaming capacities greater than 1.20 mL/mL, except for ChPI. Lentil protein (LPI-W), pea protein, and PiPI showed greater water absorption capacity of 4.9, 3.5, and 3.6 g/g than other proteins and good oil absorption capacity. Pigeon pea protein had the greatest gelation capacity, with a least gelation concentration of 80 g/L. ChPI had a higher thermal denaturation peak temperature (169 °C) than the other proteins (145–154 °C). Commercial SPI was much less functional compared to the lab extracted SPI, which was due to intensive protein denaturation during commercial processing. The amino acid profiles, SDS-PAGE patterns, secondary structure composition, and relative surface hydrophobicity were analyzed to help elucidate the functional features. This study provides useful information in selecting appropriate protein sources to achieve more desirable functional applications.
Design of line seeds for glancing angle deposition

This paper presents an enhanced seeding rule for the design and fabrication of line seeds for glancing angle deposition (GLAD). GLAD is capable of creating nanometer-level three-dimensional (3D) features by ballistic shadowing from natural/artificial nuclei at oblique incident angles in physical vapor deposition processes. The GLAD features, including columns, springs, zigzags, and ribbons, are building blocks of a wide range of optical, mechanical, and sensing applications. Nanoribbons can be obtained from sub-100 nm-wide line seeds from GLAD; however, volume production of the ultralong fine lines is difficult by conventional fabrication techniques. Additionally, a general process for designing line seeds for creating nanoribbons, especially line seeds with two-dimensional cross sections, is lacking. This paper fills the gaps by integrating the design, fabrication, and optimization of line seeds for obtaining nanoribbons by GLAD. In this paper, a new seeding theory for line seeds for GLAD is proposed by first introducing an empirical model for accurately determining the percent coverage of the deposition for an incident angle over 70°. We discuss the optimum shape and size of the lines for obtaining continuous solid ribbons by matching the percent coverage under predetermined incident angles in a GLAD process. The thickness of the GLAD ribbons is controllable by the geometric parameters of the seeds; ∼100 nm-thick ribbons are obtained from micrometer-width lines created using conventional photolithography. The design process of parabolic cross-sectional line seeds is demonstrated as an example of applying the upgraded seeding rule. Finally, the fabrication of centimeter-long nanoribbons and the use of the ribbons as templates for nanochannels are demonstrated.
Alcohol Effects on Transitions in Liquid Crystalline Dispersions

A surfactant can be defined as an amphiphilic compound that forms fluid microstructures with both polar and non-polar solvents. A single-tail surfactant with a straight-chain hydrophobic moiety of sufficient length forms micelles in water above a characteristic range of concentrations called the critical micelle concentration. Doubletail surfactants form micelles only when their hydrophobic chains are sufficiently short(l). Naturally occurring double-tail surfactants such as lecithins separate in a lamellar liquid crystalline phase in aqueous solution as concentration is increased. Synthetic double-tail surfactants have also been found to form lamellar liquid crystals at low concentrations in water. Both double- and single-tail surfactants form microemulsions when combined in certain proportions with water, hydrocarbons, and, often, salts and alcohols or other cosolvents. By microemulsion we mean a thermodynamically stable, microstructured fluid phase of variable composition that incorporates substantial amounts of oil, water and surfactants(2). With some nonionic surfactant systems, neither alcohols nor added electrolytes are necessary in the formulation of a microemulsion(3,4). However, most ionic surfactant-oil-water systems form stable nonequilibrium macroemulsions in the absence of alcohols or added salts. In all likelihood, these emulsions are stabilized by viscous liquid crystalline or mesomorphic films of low interfacial tension encapsulating the emulsion droplets(5). Salts moderate the long-range forces produced by the electrical double layers of the ionic surfactant head groups. The role of alcohols is not clear, although they probably serve as viscosity depressants by solvating the surfactant molecules and thus reducing regions of high local surfactant concentration such as are present in mesomorphic phases. Further work is clearly needed to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for stabilizing and destabilizing macroemulsions in microemulsion-forming systems.
Vacuum Searches in Narcotics Cases

The drug abuse problem is the most significant problem facing contemporary law enforcement agencies. Apprehending drug traffickers at the source or highest level of trafficking is the most efficient approach to the problem [1]. Successful prosecution of narcotics conspiracy cases deserves the best possible support from the forensic scientist.
Is customization in antidepressant prescribing associated with acute-phase treatment adherence?

Objectives The objective was to explore whether prescribing variation is associated with duration of antidepressant use during the acute phase of treatment. Improving quality of care and increasing the extent to which treatment is patient-centered and customized are interrelated goals. Prescribing variation may be considered a marker of customization, and could be associated with better antidepressant treatment adherence.
High frequency expression of S107 VH genes by peritoneal B cells of B10.H-2aH-4bP/WTS mice.

Our previous analyses of peritoneal Ly-1 B cells indicate that a high percentage express VH genes of the VH11 and VH12 families, and that this bias is due to clonal selection. The antibodies encoded by these genes bind the same hapten, phosphatidyl choline (PtC). Twenty-one of 73 hybridomas generated from fusions with peritoneal Ly-1 and Ly-1 sister population B cells of B10.H-2aH-4bp/Wts mice produce anti-PtC specific antibodies. We show here that 19 of these express VH11 and VH12 family genes and two express VH36-60 family genes. To assess whether there is a bias in VH gene use among non-PtC-specific hybridomas we analyzed the remaining 52 hybridomas for VH family expression by using VH family-specific probes in an RNA dot blot assay and by Ig mRNA sequencing. We find a seven-fold increase in the expression of the VHS107 family genes, and only slight differences in the expression of VH genes of other families relative to splenic B cells. We attribute the increase in VHS107 gene expression to clonal selection inasmuch as five of the seven VHS107+ hybridomas express the same VH gene (V11) and VL association is nonrandom. The bias in VH gene use among the entire panel of 73 peritoneal hybridomas is to the extent that approximately one-third express one of three genes: the V11 gene of the S107 family, the CH34 gene of the VH11 family, and the VH12 family gene.
Optimal recovery approach to image interpolation

We consider the problem of image interpolation from an adaptive optimal recovery point of view. Many different standard interpolation approaches may be viewed through the prism of optimal recovery. We review some standard image interpolation methods and how they relate to optimal recovery as well as introduce a broader, more general and systematic approach to image interpolation using adaptive optimal recovery.
Design Science Research on Systems Analysis and Design: The Case of UML

Design science in the IS discipline seeks to create artifacts that embody the ideas, practices, technical capabilities, and products required to efficiently accomplish the analysis, design, implementation, and use of information systems (Hevner et al 2006). SA&D research, being close to the design science paradigm, has suffered from a lack of appreciation from the behavioral science paradigm. To provide a paradigmatic foundation, we propose a conceptual framework for SA&D research. The framework was developed based on several essays that systematically articulate the design science paradigm in the IS field. Using this framework, we reviewed some UML papers that appeared in the proceedings of AMCIS. This preliminary literature analysis indicates that our framework for SA&D research is viable and does manifest itself in the IS literature.
Neutronic Analysis of Critical Configurations in Geologic Repositories—II: Highly Enriched Uranium

Neutronic characteristics are investigated of critical configurations consisting of U and moist rock, which may be formed if large enough quantities of highly enriched U (HEU) are released, transpo...
The pathogenesis of atheroma and the rationale for its treatment

Several theories have been proposed to explain the mechanism causing atheroma; these include endothelial cell injury, smooth muscle cell proliferation, lipid deposition and an abnormality of the vasa vasorum. Based on these hypotheses, new therapies aimed at causing regression or preventing the development of atheroma include heparin, calcium antagonists, beta-receptor antagonists, lipid lowering agents and drugs that manipulate platelets.
A simplified technique of inferior border wiring in the sagittal split osteotomy

The inferior border wire, as originally described by Booth, is a well-accepted means of fixation of the proximal and distal segments in the sagittal split osteotomy. However, it appears that there is some criticism of the technique because of the difficulty in placing drill holes at the appropriate position and angulation and subsequent difficulty with passage of a fixation wire. The technique presented here eliminates the technical difficulties and provides for a rapid, safe, and stable fixation.
Outcomes after liver transplantation in patients achieving a model for end-stage liver disease score of 40 or higher.

BACKGROUND Patients with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores of 40 or higher are at high risk for liver transplantation. In some regions, the organ donor shortage has resulted in a substantial increase in the number of patients who underwent transplantation with MELD scores of 40 or higher. The objective of this study was to characterize the outcomes of liver transplantation in these patients. METHODS A single-center retrospective study evaluating the outcome of liver transplantation in 38 consecutive patients achieving a MELD score of 40 or higher from January 1, 2006, to November 30, 2010, was conducted. Patient and graft survivals and independent risk factors for postoperative death or graft loss were determined. RESULTS Kaplan-Meier-based 1-, 2-, and 3-year patient survival rates were 89%, 82%, and 77% with 1-, 2-, and 3-year graft survival rates of 84%, 75%, and 70.3%, respectively. One of three recipients was on a vasopressor before transplantation, and 13% were mechanically ventilated. Renal replacement therapy was used before operation in 90% of the recipients. Postoperative length of stay averaged 38 days. There was a 42% incidence of postoperative bacteremia and an 18% incidence of bile duct stricture within 6 months. Univariate analysis identified admission-to-transplantation time and recipient diabetes as risk factors for graft failure and patient death. Multivariate analysis confirmed recipient diabetes as a risk factor for patient survival and admission-to-transplantation time of more than 15 days as a risk factor for graft survival. CONCLUSIONS Acceptable outcomes are achievable after liver transplantation in patients with MELD scores of 40 or higher but come at high pretransplantation and posttransplantation resource utilization.
A Novel Method of Characterizing Slider Dynamic Motion During Intermittent Head-Disk Contact

Characterization of slider motion induced by contact is becoming a critical aspect of developing advanced head-disc interfaces. While vertical motion induced by contact has been studied, very little is known about down-track motion. We have introduced a new technique where the down-track motion is captured and the dynamics in three dimensions are analyzed. We have applied this technique to measure the position of a slider as it transitions from flying to making full contact with the media surface. We find that slider motion varies considerably with varying levels of interference and that motion in all three directions is considerable. Spectral decomposition is used to identify the vibration modes that are excited in each direction, and we find that for most of the test velocities, vertical modes give rise to motion in the two orthogonal directions. In addition, we present a depiction of the vertical, down-track, and off-track position changes by plotting the position of the slider in real space coordinates to help visualize more completely the slider trajectory. Analysis of motion identifies that at some levels of interference, a majority of motion is repeatable, but that non-repeatable components increase with the amount of interference. Additionally, down-track motion is the only component whose magnitude increases monotonically with increasing interference.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Efficient and Accurate Characterization of the Bergman Cyclization for Several Enediynes Including an Expanded Substructure of Esperamicin A1

Incorporation of enediynes into anticancer drugs remains an intriguing yet elusive strategy for the design of therapeutically active agents. Density functional theory was used to locate reactants, products, and transition states along the Bergman cyclization pathways connecting enediynes to reactive para-biradicals. Sum method correction to low-level calculations confirmed B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) as the method of choice in investigating enediynes. Herein described as MI:Sum, calculated reaction enthalpies differed from experiment by an average of 2.1 kcal·mol−1 (mean unsigned error). A combination of strain energy released across the reaction coordinate and the critical intramolecular distance between reacting diynes explains reactivity differences. Where experimental and calculated barrier heights are in disagreement, higher level multireference treatment of the enediynes confirms lower level estimates. Previous work concerning the chemically reactive fragment of esperamcin, MTC, is expanded to our model system...