cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the Existence of Renal Vasodilator Nerves

The renal vasoconstrictor responses to graded frequencies of direct electrical renal nerve stimulation and renal arterial norepinephrine injections were evaluated before and during renal alpha-1 adrenoceptor blockade in anesthetized dogs. Renal alpha-1 adrenoceptor blockade was achieved by infusing increasing doses (1, 10, 20, 40 micrograms/kg/min) of prazosin, a selective postsynaptic alpha-1 adrenoceptor antagonist, into the renal artery. The renal vasoconstrictor response to norepinephrine (1.5 micrograms) was completely abolished by 10 micrograms/kg/min prazosin. However, the renal vasoconstrictor response to a frequency of renal nerve stimulation which produced less renal vasoconstriction than norepinephrine (1.5 micrograms) in the absence of prazosin was not abolished by either 10, 20, or 40 micrograms/kg/min prazosin. During prazosin administration, neither renal nerve stimulation nor norepinephrine produced renal vasodilatation. Therefore, at prazosin doses two- and fourfold greater than that demonstrated to produce complete renal alpha-1 adrenoceptor blockade, no renal vasodilator responses to graded renal nerve stimulation were observed. These studies provide no evidence in support of a neural renal vasodilator mechanism in the dog.
Computer simulation study of damage and ablation of submicron particles from short-pulse laser irradiation

The dynamics of damage and ablation of individual particles of ; 100 nm in size due to short-pulse laser irradiation is studied using a breathing sphere model and molecular dynamics simulations. The fluence thresholds for damage and ablation of irradiated particles have a strong pulse duration dependence. For 15 ps laser pulses, the laser induced pressure buildup and the focusing of the pressure wave in the center of irradiated particle leads to low thresholds for mechanical damage and ablation. The pressure driven particle disruption provides an effective mechanism for transfer of the laser energy into the energy of radial expansion of the ablation products. For 300 ps laser pulses, the explosive thermal decomposition of the particle is due to overheating and occurs at significantly higher laser fluences. Implications of the results of the simulations for the mass spectrometric aerosol characterization experiments and ablation of tissue in the case of inhomogeneous absorption of laser energy are discussed. q 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.
An Adaptive Robust Scheme for Multiple Actuator Fault Accommodation

In this paper, we solve the problem of output tracking for linear systems in presence of unknown actuator failures using discontinuous projection based output feedback adaptive robust control (ARC) scheme. The faulty actuators are characterized as unknown inputs stuck within certain bounds at unknown instants of time. This problem is of prime importance for safety critical missions like flight control system. Many existing techniques to solve this problem use model reference adaptive control (MRAC), which is not well suited for handling various disturbances and modeling errors inherent to any realistic system model. In comparison, the backstepping based output feedback ARC approach used here can effectively deal with such uncertainties. Simulation studies are carried out on a linearized Boeing 747 model, which shows the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. Furthermore, we compare our simulation results with that of MRAC in presence of disturbances, which clearly illustrates the superior performance of the proposed ARC based actuator fault compensation scheme.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
REAu2In4 (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd): polyindides from liquid indium.

3- network features In tetramer units, which defines the compounds as polyindides. Magnetic measurements found no magnetic ordering down t or any of the compounds. In addition, LaAu 2In4 was found to be Pauli paramagnetic with a small susceptibility. Ab initio density functional methods were used to carry out electronic structure calculations to explore the bonding, the role of gold, and the contributions of different atoms to the density of states near the Fermi energy. We find that the density of states decreases slowly near E f and reaches a minimum at about 0.5 eV above Ef.
Aluminum Windings and Other Strategies forHigh-Frequency Magnetics Design in anEra of High Copper and Energy Costs

Recent Cu price increases motivate careful examination of approaches to minimize Cu use in high-frequency transformers and inductors. Approaches that can reduce Cu use without increasing losses include careful winding design, trading winding volume for core volume, replacing Cu with Al, and using Cu-clad Al (CCA) windings. Al wire is particularly attractive. The cost of Al is lower than it might appear from the cost per unit mass when the much lower density of Al is also considered, and the disadvantage of higher resistivity becomes less important when high-frequency effects are considered.
Polarity dependence of thin oxide wearout

The properties of less than 10-nm-thick silicon oxide films have been measured as a function of substrate type, oxide thickness, stress polarity, stress voltage, geometry, and fluence to help define the physical processes involved in wearout and breakdown. Changes that have been observed in the I-V, I-t, and C-V characteristics of 10-nm-thick oxides on p-type substrates as a function of stress and measurement polarity are reported. The differences in trap generation and charge trapping that occur during and following the high-voltage stressing of thin oxides are discussed. >
Alcohol-Related Problems Among Younger Drinkers Who Misuse Prescription Drugs: Results from the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC)

ABSTRACT The authors determined whether lifetime prescription drug misuse (PDM) associated with increased risks for alcohol-related problems among 18- to 34-year-old, NESARC respondents. Among 8222 “ever-drinkers,” 15.4% reported ever “misusing sedatives, tranquilizers, painkillers or stimulants … as prescriptions or from indirect sources.” Outcomes were within two alcohol-related problem domains, “risk-taking behaviors,” including driving while drinking, fights, injuries, and arrests, and “interpersonal troubles,” including problems with jobs, family, or friends. Among all drinkers and among alcohol-dependent and cannabis-using subsamples, those reporting PDM were significantly more likely to report alcohol-related “risk-taking behaviors” or “interpersonal troubles” than were those without PDM. In adjusted analysis, young age drinking onsets, and heavy and dependent drinking independently increased these risks. Results of this cross-sectional analysis support the need for longitudinal data to more clearl...
Filtering Closed Curves

A closed curve in the plane can be described in several ways. We show that a simple representation in terms of radius of curvature versus normal direction has certain advantages. In particular, convolutional filtering of the extended circular image leads to a closed curve. Similar filtering operations applied to some other representations of the curve do not guarantee that the result corresponds to a closed curve. In one case, where a closed curve is produced, it is smaller than the original. A description of a curve can be based on a sequence of smoothed versions of the curve. This is one reason why smoothing of closed curves is of interest.
Large deviations perspective on ordinal optimization of heavy-tailed systems

We consider the problem of selecting the best among several heavy-tailed systems using a large deviations perspective. In contrast to the light-tailed setting studied by Glynn and Juneja (2004), in the heavy-tailed setting, the probability of false selection is characterized by a rate function that does not require as detailed information about the probability distributions of the system?s performance. This motivates the question of studying static policies that could potentially provide convenient implementable in heavy-tailed settings. We concentrate in studying sharp large deviations estimates for the probability of false detection which suggest precise optimal allocation policies when the systems have comparable heavy-tails. Additional optimality insights are given for systems with non-comparable tails.
How productive are you

the overall effi ciency and fi nancial health of the hospital, and for some, this could be a cause for insomnia. Productivity is a measure of the ratio of outputs to inputs. In a healthsystem pharmacy, productivity is a much more complex metric. For many years, the metric was how many prescriptions (or orders) were processed. Today, the metric should fully capture all of the facets of the pharmacy, including distributive, clinical, administrative, and educational activities. On top of that, each one of those headings has additional facets. Productivity can be measured in a variety of ways, but it is important that the measures refl ect what actually happens within the department. For example, if pharmacists perform all of the patient and family education about anticoagulant therapy, then that activity should be counted in a pharmacy productivity measure. It is important to know the average time that is spent providing that education. Conversely, you would not want to include a productivity measure about fi lling outpatient prescriptions if that task does not occur within your facility. Productivity is most often used to make sure that staffi ng of a department is appropriate. At times some managers and directors may feel that reviewing productivity measures is punitive. In actuality, productivity can be a director’s friend because it can show the efHow productive are you?
Lung Cancer in Older Patients

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, accounting for over one million deaths annually [1]. An estimated 222,520 men and women in the USA will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2010; the resultant 157,300 deaths exceed the mortality from cancers of the breast, colon, and prostate combined [2]. The majority of patients will present with advanced disease. At present, the median age at lung cancer diagnosis in the USA is 71 years of age, with 68% of patients being 65 years of age or older and 37% of patients being 75 years of age or older [2]. Clearly, lung cancer is primarily a disease of an older population. However, older patients continue to be underrepresented in clinical trials that establish standards of care and offer access to novel therapeutic approaches. There is a general tendency to treat elderly patients less intensively with “gentler” therapies or best supportive care alone, despite clinical studies suggesting that fit older patients derive as much benefit as their younger counterparts from aggressive approaches.
US Counterpoint to Chapter 21

Chapter 19 provides a well-researched review of current practices and devices for providing secure venous access for a variety of medical therapies. In addition, the chapter includes the results of a survey the authors performed of general and vascular surgeons in Ohio. This survey provides a unique perspective on the prevailing practice patterns of the general surgeons in the community who probably insert the majority of venous access devices in that geographic area. I found this survey and its results quite interesting because they reinforce my opinions on the general pattern of venous access device usage in the United States.
ILLICO-HO: A Self-Consistent Higher Order Coarse-Mesh Nodal Method

A self-consistent nodal method has been developed that directly computes the in-node flux shapes. The method renders the use of an approximation for the transverse leakages no longer necessary. The...
Idiosyncratic Volatility and Market Reaction to Recommendation Revisions

This paper shows that firm-specific uncertainty as measured by the estimated conditional idiosyncratic volatility (Eivol) is the most significant determinant of the initial market reaction to revisions in analysts’ recommendations. The mean three-day abnormal return following recommendation downgrades among the firms in the highest Eivol decile is -7.90%, as compared to -1.26% for the firms in the lowest Eivol decile. Similarly, for upgrades, the highest and the lowest Eivol deciles of stocks earn 5.22% and 1.29% three-day abnormal returns, respectively. This result is robust to controlling for firm size, book-to-market, systematic risk, past return performance, and lagged idiosyncratic volatility. This paper further shows that the higher perceived value of information provided by all-star analysts is significant in all Eivol groups, and that it is significantly related to the level of Eivol for downgrades. Finally, we find that the herding among analysts is greater for stocks with higher conditional idiosyncratic volatility. Overall, the finding that revisions are perceived to be more valuable for firms with greater firm-specific uncertainty is consistent with the notion that analysts mostly provide firm-specific information.
Redox routes to substitution of aluminum(III): synthesis and characterization of (IP-)2AlX (IP = α-iminopyridine, X = Cl, Me, SMe, S2CNMe2, C≡CPh, N3, SPh, NHPh).

Redox active ligands are shown to facilitate a variety of group transfer reactions at redox inert aluminum(III). Disulfides can be used as a two-electron group transfer reagent, and we show that (IP–)2AlSR can be formed by reaction of [(THF)6Na][(IP2–)2Al] (1c) with disulfides RSSR (where X = C(S)NMe2, 4; SMe, 5). In a more general redox route to substitution of aluminum bis(iminopyridine) complexes, we report zinc(II) salts as a group transfer reagent. Reaction of [(RIP2–)2Al]− (R = H, 1c; Me, 1d) with ZnX2 affords (RIP–)2AlX (where IP = iminopyridine, R = H, and X = Cl, 2; CCPh, 6; N3, 7; SPh, 8; or R = Me and X = NHPh, 9). Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of the complexes reveal that each of the five coordinate complexes reported here has a trigonal bipyramidal geometry with τ = 0.668 – 0.858. We observed a correlation between the greatest deviations from ideal trigonal bipyramidal symmetry (lowest τ values), the bond lengths consistent with smallest degree of ligand reduction, and the least p...
Mass transfer effects on ZrO2 oxygen concentration cells exposed to non-equilibrium H2-O2 mixtures

We report further studies of ZrO2 oxygen concentration cells exposed to non-equilibrium gas mixtures. Substantial shifts of cell voltage-(H2/O2) composition curves are produced by changes in the gas flow rate past the cell. At high flow rates, there is an abrupt voltage step at about 2.2 times the H2/O2 stoichiometric ratio. At low flow rates this voltage step occurs at stoichiometry. These findings are understood on the basis of mass transfer to a heterogeneous catalyst/electrode surface.
The role of postdeployment social factors in linking deployment experiences and current posttraumatic stress disorder symptomatology among male and female veterans.

ABSTRACTBackground and Objectives: The postdeployment social context is likely highly salient in explaining mental health symptoms following deployment. The aim of this study was to examine the role of postdeployment social factors (social support and social reintegration difficulty) in linking deployment-related experiences (warfare exposure, sexual harassment, concerns about relationship disruptions, and deployment social support) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology in male and female veterans.Design: A survey was administered to 998 potential participants (after accounting for undeliverable mail) who had returned from deployment to Afghanistan or Iraq. Completed surveys were received from 469 veterans, yielding a response rate of 47%.Methods: Hypotheses were examined using structural equation modeling.Results: For male and female veterans, deployment factors predicted later PTSD symptoms through postdeployment social support and social reintegration, with lower support and higher so...
EMANUELE CORN: Il principio di precauzione nel Diritto penale. Studio sui limiti all’anticipazione della tutela penale. G. Giappichelli Editore, Torino, 2013. XX + 196 páginas.

EMANUELE CORN: Il principio di precauzione nel Diritto penale . Studio sui limiti all’anticipazione della tutela penale . G. Giappichelli Editore, Torino, 2013. XX + 196 paginas.
Is GINA Worth the Wait

It has been pending in Congress for twelve years, despite the support of the last Presedential Adminstrations and the National Institutes of Health. It has been the subject of extensive lobbying by acedemic medical centers, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, genetic advocacy groups, and civil rights organizations. It has overcome vehement objections by employers and insurers. Its final passage however, has been thwarted by a few Congressional leaders, who have prevented enactment despite overwhelming bi-patisian support in both houses of Congress.
Efficient, adversarial neighbor discovery using logical channels on Microsoft Azure

We introduce an effective technique that exploits logical channels for malicious co-location and target identification on Microsoft Azure cloud instances. Specifically, we employ-two co-location scenarios: targeted co-location with a specific victim or co-location with subsequent identification of victims of interest. We develop a novel, noise-resistant co-location detection method through the network channel that provides fast, reliable results with no cooperation from the victim. Also, our method does not require access to the victim instance neither as a legitimate user nor a malicious attacker. The efficacy of the proposed technique enables practical QoS degradation attacks which are easy and cheap to implement yet hard to discover. The slightest performance degradation in web interfaces or time critical applications can result in significant financial losses. To this end, we show that once co-located, a malicious instance can use memory bus locking to render the victim server unusable to the customers. This work underlines the need for cloud service providers to apply stronger isolation techniques.
Quality of care and investment in property, plant, and equipment in hospitals.

Abstract OBJECTIVE. This study explores the relationship between quality of care and investment in property, plant, and equipment (PPE) in hospitals. DATA SOURCES. Hospitals' investment in PPE was derived from audited financial statements for the fiscal years 1984-1989. Peer Review Organization (PRO) Generic Quality Screen (GQS) reviews and confirmed failures between April 1989 and September 1990 were obtained from the Massachusetts PRO. STUDY DESIGN. Weighted least squares regression models used PRO GQS confirmed failure rates as the dependent variable, and investment in PPE as the key explanatory variable. DATA EXTRACTION. Investment in PPE was standardized, summed by the hospital over the six years, and divided by the hospital's average number of beds in that period. The number of PRO reviewed cases with one or more GQS confirmed failures was divided by the total number of cases reviewed to create confirmed failure rates. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS. Investment in PPE in Massachusetts hospitals is correlated with GQS confirmed failure rates. CONCLUSIONS. A financial variable, investment in PPE, predicts certain dimensions of quality of care in hospitals.
Culling Black Sheep to Better the Flock: The Positive CSR Outcomes Of Negative Screening

This paper explores whether and how negative screening of firms by a prominent institutional investor could lead to broader social welfare benefits. Extending research on negative spillover effects...
Marine Geodesy — Precise Ocean Surveys

Various current and future problem areas of the ocean related to precise positioning are identified and described. These problem areas are highly diversified and include mapping the ocean floor, ocean depth determination, positioning and navigation of a submersible even under iced seas, boundary demarcation in deep ocean, tsunamis, ecology, etc. An estimate of desired positional accuracies, based upon the writer's consultations with the users and published literature, is given. A conceptual solution to achieve the desired positional accuracies has been given, which requires a hybrid system comprising of space, EDM, and acoustic instrumentation.
WP1066, a potent inhibitor of Jak2/STAT3 pathway inhibits pancreatic tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo

2393 Background: Pancreatic cancer is now the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality in United States. Its intransigence to current chemotherapy regimens stimulated our interest to explore novel targets for therapeutic development. Constitutive activation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-3 (STAT3) in pancreatic cancer cells is associated with VEGF expression, and when suppressed, leads to inhibition of VEGF expression, angiogenesis, tumor growth, and subsequent metastasis in vivo. In addition to VEGF expression, STAT3 activation also promotes tumor cell proliferation and survival pathways in vivo. EGF and IL-6 mediated mitogenic signaling pathways can also induce Jak2/STAT3 phosphorylation in pancreatic cancer. Thus, JAK2/STAT3 proteins are potential novel therapeutic targets in pancreatic cancer. Currently available Jak2/STAT3 pathway inhibitors including AG490 can block STAT3 phosphorylation at concentrations of 50-100 µM but are not active in vivo. The striking similarity of AG490 to the natural products of the caffeic acid family, and our comparison of caffeic acid benzyl ester to AG490, showing no additional benefit for AG490 in vitro led us to the design of novel potent inhibitors. We have discovered a new class of compounds that inhibits IL-6 induced Jak2 and STAT3 phosphorylation and suppression of related downstream signaling pathways. Next, we selected compound WP1066 for more detailed evaluation in pancreatic cancer. Aim: Determine the effects of novel Jak2/STAT3 inhibitor WP1066 on pancreatic cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Methods and Results: WP1066 significantly inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells including Colo357FG and MIA PaCa-2 with IC50 of 2.5 μM. WP1066 potently blocked constitutive and IL-6 induced STAT3 phosphorylation in Colo357FG cells in a dose-dependent manner with maximal effects noted at 5 μM. WP1066 (5 μM) also suppressed expression of STAT3 dependent antiapoptotic proteins including Bcl-xL and survivin. Next, we evaluated in vivo effects of WP1066 in athymic nu/nu murine subcutaneous xenograft model for pancreatic cancer. WP1066 was injected intraperitoneally thrice weekly for 4 weeks at 40 mg/kg per mouse. WP1066 was well tolerated and no adverse events were noted. WP1066 significantly inhibited Colo357FG tumor growth by 4 fold after 4 weeks of treatment (p Conclusion: Our studies show that targeting Jak2/STAT3 pathway with novel drugs including WP1066 significantly blocked pancreatic cancer cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Thus drugs including WP1066 should be potentially considered as one of the future strategies for treatment of pancreatic cancer.
"Marital Therapy Caught between Person and Public: Christian Traditions on Marriage"

This article addresses a crisis in marital therapy caught between concern for individual well-being and marriage as a social institution. Marital therapy would be enriched by conversation with three models of marriage: Roman Catholic subsidiarity theory, Protestant covenant view, and liberation theology and corresponding languages of social goods, covenant, and mutual responsibility. The authors urge therapists to see marriage as private and social at the same time and to help couples explore the meaning of marital commitment, the connection between personal well-being and marriage's wider social goods, and the dynamics of shared power and radical mutuality in marriage.
Childhood Trauma, Combat Trauma, and Substance Use in National Guard and Reserve Soldiers

Background: The goal of this work was to examine associations among childhood trauma, combat trauma, and substance use (alcohol problems, frequent heavy drinking [FHD], current cigarette smoking, a...
Miscellaneous Types of Alkaloids

A number of miscellaneous types of alkaloids not easily assignable to other alkaloid classes, but that are of interest because of their medical, drug, systematic, biosynthetic, or other properties, are surveyed in this chapter. Many of these are of limited distribution, whereas others, such as caffeine (a xanthine base), are widely and sporadically distributed.
Questionable Conservation Easement Donations

This short article discusses two aspects of conservation easement donation transactions that are susceptible to abuse and, thus, most likely to be scrutinized by the IRS: (1) the 'conservation purposes test' under Internal Revenue Code § 170(h) and (2) easement valuation.
Preoperative medical and surgical planning for early onset scoliosis.

Study design A review of current medical and surgical preoperative planning knowledge and protocols for children with early-onset scoliosis (EOS; onset less than 5 years of age). Objective To describe the preoperative planning process to undertake safe and effective treatment for the EOS patient. Summary of background data Children with EOS present with a myriad of medical and orthopedic conditions associated with their specific diagnosis, and frequently require intensive preoperative evaluation and nutritional, pulmonary, and other support to prepare them for safe and effective treatment of the spinal/chest wall deformity. Such patients are among the most difficult and complex to treat effectively. Methods A literature review of known conditions associated with EOS, and a summary of current surgical techniques to maintain deformity control while promoting spine and thoracic growth, was undertaken. Current recommendations for preoperative support and postoperative management of these complex patients are summarized, drawn from the experiences of the author and members of study groups focusing on EOS. Results Preoperative assessment of respiratory function, potential for respiratory failure, and determination of objective criteria to indicate surgical management (deformity progression, lack of growth of spine and/or thoracic volume, lack of weight gain) are weighed against the potential for development of thoracic insufficiency syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation for neuraxis abnormalities is considered on the basis of diagnosis. Nutritional status, osteopenia, and airway management are evaluated to minimize postoperative complications. Current general recommendations for implants and constructs for specific deformities are reviewed. Conclusion Thorough preoperative evaluation of EOS patients provides the surgeon with the knowledge to produce a sound surgical plan for this difficult and complex to treat patient population.
Structuring and Implementing an Operational Excellence Program from Scratch in the Biotech Industry

Amgen discovers, develops, manufactures, and delivers innovative human therapeutics. A leader in biotechnology since 1980, Amgen was one of the first companies to realize the new science’s promise by bringing safe, effective medicines from lab, to manufacturing plant, to patient. Amgen therapeutics have changed the practice of medicine, helping millions of people around the world in the fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, bone disease, and other serious illnesses.
NPY analgesia: moving from acute to chronic pain

Previous reviews have described the behavioral effects of NPY in models of acute pain [1], as well as changes in NPY and NPY receptor gene expression in pain pathways following tissue or nerve injury [2]. Particularly striking is the massive upregulation of NPY in the cell bodies and central terminals of sensory neurons. This chapter focuses on the functional relevance of the NPY system to the development and modulation of chronic pain. Emphasis is given to recent studies demonstrating that agonists and antagonists at NPY receptors modulate the behavioral, biochemical, and molecular markers of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. The results indicate that the development of novel NPY agonists should yield a powerful new pharmacotherapy for the treatment of chronic pain.
Biology and regulation of IL-2: from molecular mechanisms to human therapy

IL-2 was first identified as a growth factor capable of driving the expansion of activated human T cell populations. In the more than 40 years since its discovery, a tremendous amount has been learned regarding the mechanisms that regulate the expression of both IL-2 and its cell surface receptor, its mechanisms of signalling and its range of biological actions. More recently, the mechanisms by which IL-2 regulates CD4+ T cell differentiation and function have been elucidated. IL-2 also regulates the effector and memory responses of CD8+ T cells, and the loss of IL-2 or responsiveness to IL-2 at least in part explains the exhausted phenotype that occurs during chronic viral infections and in tumour responses. These basic mechanistic studies have led to the therapeutic ability to manipulate the action of IL-2 on regulatory T (Treg) cells for the treatment of autoimmune disease and on CD8+ T cells for immunotherapy of cancer. IL-2 can have either positive or deleterious effects, and we discuss here recent ideas and approaches for manipulating the actions and overall net effects of IL-2 in disease settings, including cancer.
Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy and Associated Mortality Among Diabetic Adults With and Without Chronic Kidney Disease.

Purpose To estimate prevalence and severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR) among U.S. adults with diabetes and with or without chronic kidney disease (CKD), and assess associated risk of mortality. Design Cross-sectional study with national survey data. Methods The cohort included adults ≥40 years old with diabetes in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2005–2008. Vital status was determined through December 31, 2011. We defined diabetes as hemoglobin A1c ≥6.5% or self-report and CKD by urinary albumin/creatinine ≥30 mg/g or glomerular filtration rate Results Prevalence of DR was 27.8% (95% CI 24.3–31.7), 36.2% (95%CI 30.1–42.7), and 23.4% (95% CI 19.2–28.1), overall, with and without CKD. Prevalence of vision-threatening DR was 4.2% (95% CI 3.2–5.5), 8.2% (95% CI 5.4–12.2), and 2.0% (95% CI 1.2–3.5), respectively. In a multivariable adjusted model, DR was positively but nonsignificantly associated with CKD (OR = 1.1, 95% CI 0.7–1.7), was 40% higher per 1% increase in hemoglobin A1c (OR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.1–1.6), was 30% higher per 5 years additional diabetes duration (OR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.5), was 30% higher per 10 mm Hg increase in systolic blood pressure (OR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.5), and was 6-fold higher with insulin treatment (OR = 6.2, 95% CI 2.6–14.8). Compared with diabetic participants with neither DR nor CKD, those with DR and CKD had a 3.6-fold (95% CI 1.5–9.1) increased adjusted risk for all-cause mortality. Conclusions Over one third of persons with diabetes and CKD had DR. The risk of death was higher with than without CKD and DR. Many of the studied risk factors associated with DR are modifiable.
In Vitro Inhibition of Carboxylesterase 1 by Major Cannabinoids and Selected Metabolites.

The escalating use of medical cannabis and significant recreational use of cannabis in recent years has led to a higher potential for metabolic interactions between cannabis or one or more of its components and concurrently used medications. Although there have been a significant number of in vitro and in vivo assessments of the effects of cannabis on cytochrome P450 and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase enzyme systems, there is limited information regarding the effects of cannabis on the major hepatic esterase, carboxylesterase 1 (CES1). In this study, we investigated the in vitro inhibitory effects of the individual major cannabinoids and metabolites ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), 11-nor-THC-carboxylic acid, and 11-hydroxy-THC on CES1 activity. S9 fractions from human embryonic kidney 293 cells stably expressing CES1 were used in the assessment of cannabinoid inhibitory effects. THC, CBD, and CBN each exhibited substantial inhibitory potency, and were further studied to determine their mechanism of inhibition and kinetic parameters. The inhibition of CES1 by THC, CBD, and CBN was reversible and appears to proceed through a mixed competitive-noncompetitive mechanism. The inhibition constant (Ki) values for THC, CBD, and CBN inhibition were 0.541, 0.974, and 0.263 µM (0.170, 0.306, and 0.0817 µg/ml), respectively. Inhibition potency was increased when THC, CBD, and CBN were combined. Compared with the potential unbound plasma concentrations attainable clinically, the Ki values suggest a potential for clinically significant inhibition of CES1 by THC and CBD. CBN, however, is expected to have a limited impact on CES1. Carefully designed clinical studies are warranted to establish the clinical significance of these in vitro findings.
Rethinking T cells in pancreas cancer

Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma do not benefit from checkpoint blockade. However, human tumors harbor evidence of adaptive immunity in clonally expanded T-cell populations. Immune intact modeling of human tumors identifies stromal sequestration as a mechanism of immune escape. Targeting the stroma combined with checkpoint blockade unleashes antitumor immunity.See related article by Seo et al., p. 3934.
Post-stroke rehabilitation: Factors predicting discharge to acute versus subacute rehabilitation facilities.

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine predictors of discharge of hospitalized stroke patients to either an acute inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) or subacute skilled nursing facility (SNF).A retrospective cohort study was done in a large multicampus urban academic medical center of ind
Diagnosis of a case with oculocutaneous albinism type III with next generation exome capture sequencing

Objective To explore the clinical and genetic features of a Chinese boy with oculocutaneous albinism. Methods The clinical features of the patient were analyzed. The DNA of the patient and his parents was extracted and sequenced by next generation exome capture sequencing. The nature and impact of detected mutation were predicted and validated. Results The child has displayed strabismus, poor vision, nystagmus and brown hair. DNA sequencing showed that the patient has carried compound heterozygous mutations of the TYRP1 gene, namely c. 1214C>A (p.T405N) and c. 1333dupG, which were inherited from his mother and father, respectively. Neither mutation was reported previously. Conclusion The child has suffered from oculocutaneous albinism type Ⅲ caused by mutations of the TYRP1 gene. Key words: Oculocutaneous albinism type Ⅲ; TYRP1 gene; Next generation sequencing; Exome capture
Burn-Induced Coagulopathies: A Comprehensive Review.

Burn-induced coagulopathy is not well understood, and consensus on diagnosis, prevention, and treatments are lacking. In this review, literature on burn-induced (and associated) coagulopathy is presented along with the current understanding of the effects of burn injury on the interactions among coagulation, fibrinolysis, and inflammation in the acute resuscitative phase and reconstructive phase of care. The role of conventional tests of coagulopathy and functional assays like thromboelastography or thromboelastometry will also be discussed. Finally, reported methods for the prevention and treatment of complications related to burn-induced coagulopathy will be reviewed.
Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics

Most patients with schizophrenia benefit from maintenance treatment with antipsychotics which are highly effective in preventing relapse. Long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) reduce the risk of nonadherence compared to oral antipsychotics and are the preferred default choice, particularly since they also impart a survival benefit. First-episode patients and patients with forensic histories should be prioritized given the high cost of relapse. Included in this chapter is a discussion of the choice of LAI and their limitations. After reading this chapter, clinicians will be prepared to make LAIs a routine part of treatment.
Enrichment of CD34+ Hematopoietic Progenitor STEM CELLS and Depletion of CD3 CELLS Utilizing the Clinimacs®: Comparison of Immediate Versus Next Day Processing

There is an increase in utilizing matched unrelated donors (MUD) & haploidentical donors over the past 20 years (Cairo et al, Biol Blood and Marrow Transplant, 2008). However both of these allogeneic donor sources are associated with severe acute graft -versus -host diseases. We have previously reported the success of CD34 enrichment utilizing the Isolex® device (Geyer/Cairo et al, British Journal of Hematology, 2012). Positive selection of CD34+ cells with the CliniMACS® system has been shown as a highly effective technique for obtaining a T-lymphocyte-depleted product. We report our results with 55 procedures performed in the last two years at our Cell and Tissue Engineering Laboratory. To evaluate the impact of overnight storage on cell recovery, viability and sterility before processing, as well as to evaluate the CD34 +cells recovery in the final product. From October 2017 to August 2019, after consent, 37 donors were mobilized with G-CSF. Fifty-five leukapheresis harvests were performed using the Spectra Optia® Apheresis System. Twenty-six were stored overnight at 4°C before processing using the CliniMACS® device. WBC counts were performed using the Sysmex XE hematology analyzer. Phenotypic analysis was performed with a FACSCalibur BD flow cytometer on samples from leukapheresis products at the day of collection (Day 0), before processing (Day 1) and after the selection. The WMC Microbiology Laboratory performed the sterility testing using BACTEC FX System. Twenty-six products were stored overnight before processing with a mean ±sem nucleated cells (NC) of 19 × 108/kg (± 2.66) and CD34+ cells of 13.8 x106/kg (± 2.93) at Day 0 and NC of 16.2 × 108/kg (± 2.62) and CD34+ cells of 13.9 x106/kg (± 3.03) at Day 1. NC and CD34+ cells content were not significantly different at Day 0 and Day 1 (respectively p=0.95 and p=0.98). The median CD34 viability at Day 1 was 99% (range 93-99%). The sterility testing were all negative. Fifty-five products showed a median starting cellularity of 8.45 × 106 CD34+ cells (range 1.4-60.3 × 106). The median post selection CD34+ cells was 6.62 × 106 (range 1.2-46.2 × 106). The mean ±sem CD34 recovery was 9.64 × 106/kg (± 1.2) (Figure 1A) with a purity of 98.5%. The final T cell reduction was a mean ±sem of 0.38 × 105/kg (± 0.08) (Figure 1B). A mean ±sem of 9.75 × 106/kg (± 0.84) of CD34+ cells was infused. To enhance engraftment, 2 × 105/kg CD3+cells were added back to the selected product. All patients engrafted at a median time of 11 days. No patient developed an infusion reaction. Overnight storage of peripheral blood stem cells does not affect CD34+ cells enrichment, viability nor safety of the leukapheresis product. Our median of 80% of CD34 recovery is higher than the recovery of previous studies (Cairo et al, JAMA Pediatrics, 2019). These data demonstrate that CD34 enrichment on the following day using CliniMACS® device is reproducible and safe in pediatric and adult allogeneic recipients.
Chapter Eleven – PERFECT COMPETITION

Publisher Summary Firms produce goods and services and sell them to buyers that demand them, under various conditions. Normally, sales occur in markets and the basic environment surrounding buyers and sellers is called the market structure or market organization. A market exists whenever and wherever buyers and sellers assemble to satisfy their mutual needs. All industries possess certain characteristics that imply the presence of different types and degrees of competition. The relationship of buyers and sellers and the environment in which exchanges take place is usually evaluated in terms of the number of sellers in the industry and the relative strength of each seller; the type of product produced by each seller; the ease or difficulty with which new firms can enter the industry; and the amount of information and mobility possessed by the buyers and sellers. In general, the market structure is divided into two broad categories: (1) perfect competition and (2) imperfect competition.
Evidence against Single-Electron Transfer in the Additions of Most Organomagnesium Reagents to Carbonyl Compounds.

A radical clock system was developed to investigate single-electron transfer (SET) in the reactions of organomagnesium reagents with carbonyl compounds. The fluorenylcyclopropyl radical clock was s...
Analysis on epidemiological characteristics of adult measles during 1991 to 2006 in songjiang district of shanghai

Objective To discuss the risk for adult measles in Songjiang District of Shanghai, and to provide preventive strategy to control and eliminate measles. Methods The data of adult measles incidence dur-ing 1991 to 2006 were analyzed using descriptive epidemiology method. Results 461 adult measles cases were reported and the average annual incidence rate was 4.92 cases per 100,000 persons (0～39. 37/100 000) dur-ing 1991 to 2006 in Songjiang. The adult measles occurred dispersedly before 1996, cases increased obviously since 1997 ,and the average annual incidence rate was 6. 87 cases per 100 000 persons which increased 19.82 times more than the incidence 0.33/100 000 during 1991 to 1996. The high prevalence months of adult meals are between March and May. 74. 84% cases are between 20 and 39 years old. Immigrant cases accounted for 53.15% of the total cases. Overseas-funded enterprises and Private enterprises workers (account for 55.53%),the farmer (account for 15.62%) are the focal people of the adult measles. Large enterprises with many immi-grants are tend to outbreak adult measles. Conclusion Enhancing vaccination rate of MV is the foundation for controlling measles. Taking the pointed immunity measure and strengthens surveillance on measles is the main strategy of decreasing the incidence rate of measles. Key words: Adult measles; Epidemio]ogical characteristics; Accelerate control measles
Feasibility of reducing iodine concentration in edible iodized salt in Chongqing

Objective To analyze the characteristics of urinary iodine and edible iodized salt,and to provide suitable iodine concentration in iodized salt.Methods Sample testing was carried out to detect iodine concentration in marketed salt and child urine before salt iodization (1994).After salt iodization (2001-2010),sample testing was carried out to detect salt iodine level in manufacture,market(2001-2010) and resident household(1997-2010).Urine of children aged 8 to 10 were sampled by PPS method from 1997 to 2005.In 2009,urinary iodine of 20 children was determined in each of 5 schools,which were sampled from 5 counties located at North,South,East,West and center of Chongqing.Based on the urinary iodine and salt iodine levels before salt iodization,the relationship of urinary iodine and consumption of iodized salt was calculated.Suitable iodine concentration in iodized salt was put forward.x2 test and trend analyze approach(F-test) were used for statistical analysis.Results Before salt iodization,salt iodine level was not tested in 204 edible salt samples; the median of urinary iodine was 53.14 μg/L in 1374 children.After salt iodization,form 2001 to 2010,the average iodine levels in manufacture and wholesale salt were between 29.72-36.25 mg/kg and 30.65-36.13 mg/kg,respectively,both of them decreased significantly(F =35.35,140.59,all P ＜ 0.01),and show a downward trend.Batch quality passing rate of industry iodized salt was 100％ except in 2001,which was 92.86％.Batch quality passing rate of market iodized salt were between 88.68％-99.77％,specifically in 2001 (88.68％),in 2002(92.57％) and in 2003 (96.22％).There was no significant difference in other years (all P ＞ 0.05).The median of urinary iodine were between 238.80-328.00 μg/L,more than 35％ fall into ＞ 300 μg/L; while salt iodine increased 1 mg/kg,urinary iodine increased 5.51 μg/L-7.40 μg/L; The medium of urinary iodine of children were between 140.05-383.00 μg/L in 40 counties or districts in 2009.Reducing the iodine concentration in edible iodized salt to 20 mg/kg,the median of urinary iodine can be kept at 163.34 μg/L to 201.14 μg/L.Conclusions Iodine in iodized salt is above sufficient in Chongqing.Salt iodine should be reduced to 20 mg/kg,which will meet various population's need. Key words: Iodine; Salts; Urine
Step Tutor: Supporting Students through Step-by-Step Example-Based Feedback

Students often get stuck when programming independently, and need help to progress. Existing, automated feedback can help students progress, but it is unclear whether it ultimately leads to learning. We present Step Tutor, which helps struggling students during programming by presenting them with relevant, step-by-step examples. The goal of Step Tutor is to help students progress, and engage them in comparison, reflection, and learning. When a student requests help, Step Tutor adaptively selects an example to demonstrate the next meaningful step in the solution. It engages the student in comparing "before" and "after" code snapshots, and their corresponding visual output, and guides them to reflect on the changes. Step Tutor is a novel form of help that combines effective aspects of existing support features, such as hints and Worked Examples, to help students both progress and learn. To understand how students use Step Tutor, we asked nine undergraduate students to complete two programming tasks, with its help, and interviewed them about their experience. We present our qualitative analysis of students' experience, which shows us why and how they seek help from Step Tutor, and Step Tutor's affordances. These initial results suggest that students perceived that Step Tutor accomplished its goals of helping them to progress and learn.
Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes: from an Epidemiological Standpoint

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a common pregnancy complication, continues to be a significant public health and clinical problem, as it carries significant short-term and long-term adverse health outcomes for both mothers and offspring. Moreover, accumulating evidence from in vivo and animal studies demonstrate that maternal hyperglycemia impairs embryogenesis as early as the pre-implantation stages of development. Collectively, these data highlight the significance of understanding risk factors for GDM and preventing GDM among high-risk populations. This chapter summarizes well-characterized risk factors for GDM and reviews major methodological concerns on available epidemiological studies of GDM risk factors. Moreover, this chapter provides a comprehensive review of emerging novel modifiable risk factors that may contribute to the early prevention of GDM. The majority of women with GDM have β-cell dysfunction against a background of chronic insulin resistance to which the insulin resistance of pregnancy is partially additive. Factors that contribute to insulin resistance before pregnancy may also have a deleterious effect during pregnancy, and may constitute risk factors for GDM. Therefore, this chapter reviews risk factors of GDM important in the time window both before and during pregnancy.