cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Confirming a Role for α9nAChRs and SK Potassium Channels in Type II Hair Cells of the Turtle Posterior Crista.

In turtle posterior cristae, cholinergic vestibular efferent neurons (VENs) synapse on type II hair cells, bouton afferents innervating type II hair cells, and afferent calyces innervating type I hair cells. Electrical stimulation of VENs releases acetylcholine (ACh) at these synapses to exert diverse effects on afferent background discharge including rapid inhibition of bouton afferents and excitation of calyx-bearing afferents. Efferent-mediated inhibition is most pronounced in bouton afferents innervating type II hair cells near the torus, but becomes progressively smaller and briefer when moving longitudinally through the crista towards afferents innervating the planum. Sharp-electrode recordings have inferred that efferent-mediated inhibition of bouton afferents requires the sequential activation of alpha9-containing nicotinic ACh receptors (α9*nAChRs) and small-conductance, calcium-dependent potassium channels (SK) in type II hair cells. Gradations in the strength of efferent-mediated inhibition across the crista likely reflect variations in α9*nAChRs and/or SK activation in type II hair cells from those different regions. However, in turtle cristae, neither inference has been confirmed with direct recordings from type II hair cells. To address these gaps, we performed whole-cell, patch-clamp recordings from type II hair cells within a split-epithelial preparation of the turtle posterior crista. Here, we can easily visualize and record hair cells while maintaining their native location within the neuroepithelium. Consistent with α9nAChR/SK activation, ACh-sensitive currents in type II hair cells were inward at hyperpolarizing potentials but reversed near -90 mV to produce outward currents that typically peaked around -20 mV. ACh-sensitive currents were largest in torus hair cells but absent from hair cells near the planum. In current clamp recordings under zero-current conditions, ACh robustly hyperpolarized type II hair cells. ACh-sensitive responses were reversibly blocked by the α9*nAChR antagonists ICS, strychnine, and methyllycaconitine as well as the SK antagonists apamin and UCL1684. Intact efferent terminals in the split-epithelial preparation spontaneously released ACh that also activated α9*nAChRs/SK in type II hair cells. These release events were accelerated with high-potassium external solution and all events were blocked by strychnine, ICS, methyllycaconitine and apamin. These findings provide direct evidence that activation of α9nAChR/SK in turtle type II hair cells underlies efferent-mediated inhibition of bouton afferents.
Phenotypic integration in an extended phenotype: among-individual variation in nest-building traits of the alfalfa leafcutting bee (Megachile rotundata).

Structures such as nests and burrows are an essential component of many organisms' life-cycle and require a complex sequence of behaviours. Because behaviours can vary consistently among individuals and be correlated with one another, we hypothesized that these structures would (1) show evidence of among-individual variation, (2) be organized into distinct functional modules and (3) show evidence of trade-offs among functional modules due to limits on energy budgets. We tested these hypotheses using the alfalfa leafcutting bee, Megachile rotundata, a solitary bee and important crop pollinator. Megachile rotundata constructs complex nests by gathering leaf materials to form a linear series of cells in pre-existing cavities. In this study, we examined variation in the following nest construction traits: reproduction (number of cells per nest and nest length), nest protection (cap length and number of leaves per cap), cell construction (cell size and number of leaves per cell) and cell provisioning (cell mass) from 60 nests. We found a general decline in investment in cell construction and provisioning with each new cell built. In addition, we found evidence for both repeatability and plasticity in cell provisioning with little evidence for trade-offs among traits. Instead, most traits were positively, albeit weakly, correlated (r ~ 0.15), and traits were loosely organized into covarying modules. Our results show that individual differences in nest construction are detectable at a level similar to that of other behavioural traits and that these traits are only weakly integrated. This suggests that nest components are capable of independent evolutionary trajectories.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Otolaryngologic Manifestations in Children with Pseudohypoparathyroidism.

Background/aims Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) is a rare, genetic disorder. Patients with PHP may have increased prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) but this has not been prospectively studied. Methods We enrolled children aged 6-18 years with PHP and matched controls. Evaluation included physical examination, medical history, and polysomnography. Results Fifteen children with PHP type 1A (PHP1A) and 15 controls completed the study. Both groups were obese (BMI 32.2 ± 8.7 vs. 31.7± 6.5). The majority of PHP1A patients required tympanostomy tubes (86.7%) and adenotonsillectomy (73.3%). The primary outcome, i.e., the obstructive disturbance index, was significantly higher in PHP1A children versus controls (1.8 ± 2.3 vs. 0.6 ± 0.5, p = 0.045). Children with PHP1A were more likely to have OSA compared with controls (60.0 vs. 13.3%, p = 0.008). Three siblings with PHP type 1B (PHP1B) were also studied (BMI 25.9 ± 9.0). None had a history of adenotonsillectomy, one had tympanostomy tubes. The obstructive disturbance index (2.0 ± 2.3) was similar to that of children with PHP1A. Two (66.7%) PHP1B participants had OSA. Conclusion Children with PHP1A are at an increased risk for OSA compared with similarly obese peers. They also have higher rates of otitis media and adenotonsillar hypertrophy. Screening for OSA should be considered in all patients with PHP1A and possibly PHP1B though more research is needed.
Review of sintering and densification in nuclear fuels: Physical mechanisms, experimental results, and computational models

Abstract This work is a review of two density changes common in UO2 nuclear fuel: sintering and irradiation-enhanced densification. These density changes must be understood in order to predict fuel behavior, increase fuel lifetime, and design safer and more economical reactor fuels. The physical causes of each dimensional change are summarized. Then a summary is given of published experimental data as well as conclusions that can be drawn from that data. Finally, the most commonly used models for predicting these behaviors are summarized and compared based on the type of model, assumptions in the model, and the physics accounted for in each model. Models are categorized as empirical, semi-empirical, continuous, or microstructural. Commonly used models are presented, summarized, and compared based on the model category, assumptions, and physics that are included in the models. Finally, recommendations are given for future model development.
The Tea Party and Social Movements

The recent rise of the Tea Party movement has added a new dimension to our discussion of domestic politics. The main question is: what effect will the Tea Party have on the political landscape? The best way to answer this question is to place the Tea Party in historical and theoretical context, in order to discuss what type of social movement the Tea Party is and what impact it might have. To this end, I will define and discuss the two major literatures in social movement theory: Issue Evolution and Political Process theory. This theoretical framework will provide the basis for a more concrete definition of the Tea Party movement itself. I will attempt to define the Tea Party movement based on its demographics, goals and political successes and will discuss it within the context of this theoretical framework. In addition, I will discuss four landmark social movements within our country’s history through the lens of the theoretical framework. I have found that successful movements rely on a combination of internal organizations and networks and external political opportunities to achieve and maintain national relevance. In the end, I will come to the conclusion that the Tea Party will not likely have a major lasting impact on the political arena. It lacks key parts of the internal structure that makes some movements, such as the Civil Rights movement, so influential. But in the short term it will succeed in pushing the Republican Party towards a more fiscally conservative position. vii
Racing wheelchair rear wheel alignment.

This technical note describes a time-saving device for aligning the rear wheels of a racing wheelchair. The newly-developed analog alignment device is compared to the now standard discrete alignment device. The analog alignment device is found to reduce the time needed to align the rear wheels by nearly 75 percent, while increasing the accuracy of the alignment. The device does not noticeably alter the performance of the racing wheelchair and, if installed properly, the device is sufficiently resistant to fatigue. Language: en
Structure–Activity Relationships for In vitro and In vivo Toxicity

Publisher Summary Adverse safety or toxicity profiles for the compounds of therapeutic interest can be indicated by a range of in silico methods, in vitro screens, and in vivo animal studies, or through subsequent human exposure. This chapter focuses on the literature that highlights the links between adverse safety and toxicity findings, which can be directly correlated to the structure or physicochemical properties of a small molecule. Recent advances in methods for the prediction of toxicity from chemical structures are discussed. Toxicophores that have been associated with adverse outcomes can be subdivided into two classes—(1) the fragments that do not require metabolic transformation to manifest an adverse event or toxicity and (2) the fragments where the evidence points to a requirement for metabolic or photochemical activation. Toxicophores that do not require metabolic activation encompass those associated with direct effects on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), frank electrophiles, and groups associated with cytochrome P450 (CYP) inhibition through metal chelation. Further, in silico predictions of quantitative structure–toxicity relationships are reviewed. The methods used in the chapter fall into two broad categories—(1) those that are knowledge-based expert systems built upon the literature data of structural fragments linked to adverse outcomes and (2) those that are probabilistic methods based upon the statistical analysis of relationships between structure and/or property descriptors and toxicity endpoints.
Chinese Merchants and Race Relations in Astoria, Oregon, 1882--1924

A large wave of Chinese immigrants came to the United States in the second half of the nineteenth century. Employment, mainly in the salmon-canning industry, drew thousands of them to coastal Astoria, Oregon. Taking the period between the first Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882 and the Immigration Act of 1924, this thesis focuses on the Chinese merchants in Astoria and their importance for our understanding of race relations in the town during these years. Specifically, the merchants help to make sense of how the Chinese related to the local white population, as different sources suggest different trends of amiability and hostility. Newspapers testify that local Chinese gained acceptance during the period, going generally from vilified outcasts to respected members of the community. Immigration case files, however, show that officials displayed little resistance to Chinese in the early exclusion years, but worked harder to deny Chinese applications toward the end of this period. So, from one body of records it seems that white Astorians grew more tolerant of Chinese during these years, while the other document set shows a rise in conflict with the immigrants. This apparent contradiction can be reconciled by considering the demographic changes in the Chinese immigrant community during this period, along with class biases and the role of merchants in immigration and social interactions.
The novel long non-coding RNA PANCR: A p53 activator and potential breast cancer biomarkers.

e23016Background: Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) may serve as a biomarker and potential therapeutic target of cancers. Chromosome 16q22.1 is frequently deleted in breast cancer and may contribute t...
Like Prisoners in a War Camp: Adolescents and Young Adult Cancer Survivors' Perspectives of Disconnectedness From Healthcare Providers During Cancer Treatment.

Background Adolescent/young adult (AYA) cancer survivors experience greater psychosocial distress than younger or older adults. To address their psychosocial distress, it is important that healthcare providers (HCPs) foster connectedness with AYAs; however, some HCPs' words and behaviors may actually create a sense of disconnectedness with AYAs. Objective The aim of this study was to describe AYA cancer survivors' experiences of disconnectedness from HCPs during cancer treatment. Methods This empirical phenomenological study sample included 9 AYA cancer survivors (aged 20-23 years) diagnosed during adolescence. In-person interviews were conducted using a broad data-generating question and analyzed using an adapted Colaizzi's method. Results Healthcare providers' behaviors that create disconnectedness include (1) exhibiting a lack of appreciation for AYAs' personhood, (2) inflicting unnecessary harm or discomfort, (3) being apathetic of needs and preferences, (4) treating AYAs like they have minimal rights, (5) speaking in a patronizing manner, (6) ignoring their requests, and (7) failing to be vigilant for basic needs. When AYAs experience disconnectedness, they feel dehumanized, powerless, and a lack of self-determination. Conclusion Findings highlight disturbing HCP behaviors that create AYA disconnectedness. Despite generally feeling connected to HCPs, AYA cancer survivors' experiences of disconnectedness leave lingering feelings of anger and resentment, even after treatment ends. Preventing disconnectedness behaviors must be a priority. Implications for practice AYA cancer survivors' can benefit from having the opportunity to share their experiences of disconnectedness and having the chance to be autonomous in their care. Bringing awareness to HCPs about what behaviors cause disconnectedness is essential in preventing the behaviors.
Pharmacological management of cachexia in adult cancer patients: a systematic review of clinical trials

Cachexia is a multisystem syndrome characterized by weight loss, anorexia, loss of muscle mass, systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, and functional decline. Management of cachexia involves addressing multiple underlying biological mechanisms. Previous review on pharmacological management of cancer cachexia identified progestins and corticosteroids as effective agents for treatment of cachexia. However, to date no consensus exists on a single effective or standard treatment for management of cachexia. The aim of this systematic review is to determine the effectiveness of pharmacological treatments used to manage cachexia among adult cancer patients. We performed literature searches of PubMed (NLM), Embase (Ovid), and Medline(Ovid) to identify clinical trials focused on pharmacological management of cancer cachexia among adult cancer patients from 2004 to 2018. Three reviewers screened a random selection of abstracts to measure for interrater reliability. After this step, each screener screened two-thirds of all abstracts and 177 studies were identified for full text review. The primary outcome was impact of pharmacological management on change in either weight or lean body mass in cancer patients. We identified 19 articles (representing 20 RCTs) that focused on pharmacological management of cancer cachexia. Agents showing promising results included Anamorelin and Enobosarm. Anamorelin at 50 or 100 mg per day for 12 weeks showed a consistent benefit across all studies and resulted in significant improvement in weight as compared to baseline among cancer patients. Enobosarm at 1 and 3 mg per day was also effective in improving lean body mass and QOL symptoms among advancer stage cancer patients. Finally, use of combination agents provide evidence for targeting multiple pathways underlying cachexia mechanism to achieve maximum benefit. No agents showed functional improvement in cancer patients. Anamorelin as a single agent shows promising results in improving cachexia related weight loss among cancer patients. Further research on combination therapies may be helpful to address critical gaps in cachexia management.
Thermal Decomposition and Crystallization of Aqueous Sol-Gel Derived Zirconium Acetate Gels: Effects of the Precursor Solution pH

Crystalline zirconia has previously been formed by desiccation and pyrolysis of a pH 3.4 zirconium acetate precursor solution. In this study, amorphous gels were formed by desiccation of zirconium acetate precursor solutions at pH 0.9 to 3.4 obtained by adding hydrochloric acid and at pH 8.0 by adding ammonium hydroxide to the available pH 3.4 precursor solution. The concentrations of the uncomplexed zirconium ion and the 1 : 1 and 1 : 2 zirconium acetate complexes varied with pH. Decomposition of the amorphous gel and its structure evolution to form crystalline zirconia by pyrolysis were studied. Several decomposition and structure transition temperatures occurring in the pyrolysis and the polymorph distribution in the pyrolysis products were dependent on the pH of the precursor solution. These variations of structure evolution with pH were also related to the relative concentrations of specific zirconium complexes in the precursor solutions. Removal of carbon by pyrolysis was improved by adding hydrochloric acid or ammonium hydroxide to the pH 3.4 precursor solution.
Demographic, Clinical, and Immunologic Correlates among a Cohort of 50 Cocaine Users Demonstrating Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies.

Objective Cocaine/levamisole-associated autoimmunity syndrome (CLAAS) is a poorly understood form of drug-induced autoimmunity. Our goals were to better characterize the spectrum of clinical and immunologic features of CLAAS, to identify demographic risk factors, and to generate new hypotheses regarding pathogenesis. Methods CLAAS subjects were identified between 2001 and 2015 at the University of Washington Medical Center, Harborview Medical Center, and affiliated clinics in Seattle, Washington, USA. Demographic, clinical, and immunologic variables were collected and correlated using contingency and logistic regression analyses. We used similar analyses to compare CLAAS subjects with all individuals exhibiting antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA+) or cocaine use (Cocaine+) in an associated deidentified clinical data repository. Results We identified 50 CLAAS subjects. Compared to all Cocaine+ individuals (n = 2740), CLAAS subjects were more likely to be female and less likely to self-identify as black/African American. CLAAS subjects showed several ANCA patterns, including anti-MPO (myeloperoxidase)/anti-PR3 (proteinase 3) dual reactivity, a finding that appears to be specific to CLAAS. Hematologic, renal, and skin abnormalities were most frequently reported, including neutropenia and skin purpura. Finally, we observed strong, independent associations between the cytoplasmic ANCA (C-ANCA) pattern and mortality. Conclusion We identify sex and race as important risk modifiers in the developing CLAAS among cocaine users. The development of C-ANCA was associated with increased mortality. Moreover, we confirm the enriched presence of anti-MPO/anti-PR3 dual reactivity in CLAAS, further supporting the diagnostic utility of this feature.
Time-resolved coherent phonon study of the insulator-metal phase transition in Ti2O3

It is well known that between 400 and 550 K, dramatic changes take place in the physical properties of Ti2O3. Specifically, the resistivity drops by an order of magnitude and the unit cell deforms while keeping the same lattice symmetry: The purpose of these time-resolved reflectivity measurements is to complement previous Raman1 and transport2 measurements to increase the understanding of this intriguing insulator-metal phase transition.
Hospital surge capacity for an influenza pandemic in the triangle region of North Carolina

Abstract This research investigates the geographic aspects of health care delivery in the event of a sudden increase in the need for care. We constructed an integrated disease outbreak and surge capacity model to evaluate the ability of a region's healthcare system to provide care in the event of a pandemic. In a case study, we implement the model to investigate how an influenza pandemic similar to the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic would affect the population of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill metropolitan statistical area and the ability of the region's hospital system to respond to such an event. Under varying scenarios for hospital capacity, we found that the population needing care would overwhelm the system's ability to provide care in the case study. Our model is presented as a framework that can be augmented and expanded to suit the needs of the particular event and healthcare system or services required. By integrating concepts and models from epidemiology, geography, and health care services research, we provide a valuable tool for potential use in disaster planning, hospital system evaluation, and pandemic preparedness.
A case study of drivers, barriers, and company size associated with C-TPAT program

Drawing on previous Customs-Trade Partnership against Terrorism (C-TPAT) studies, institutional theory and resource-based view theory, the purpose of this case study is to empirically examine the c...
Oral fosfomycin use for pyelonephritis and complicated urinary tract infections: a 1 year review of outcomes and prescribing habits in a large municipal healthcare system.

Background The rising incidence of MDR uropathogens has driven increased use of oral fosfomycin for treatment of complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs). However, there are limited data to support its use for cUTI, especially pyelonephritis. Methods We performed a retrospective review of all oral fosfomycin prescriptions between 1 January and 31 December 2017 in the Los Angeles County Department of Health Service system, the second largest US municipal health system. We examined demographics, clinical characteristics, adverse events and 30 day treatment success for patients with cUTI. Follow-up urine cultures till 31 December 2018 were examined for emergence of fosfomycin resistance. Results Of 154 patients prescribed fosfomycin, 99 (64%) had cUTI. Of these, 39 (39%) had lower tract, 37 (37%) pyelonephritis and 23 (23%) non-pyelonephritis upper tract cUTI. Escherichia coli ESBL producers were the predominant pathogens (73%). Of the 63 patients with 30 day follow-up, 49 (78%) had clinical success, including 16/20 (80%) treated for pyelonephritis. Treatment failure was associated with male sex (P 30 days after initial treatment. Conclusions Despite the lack of data supporting its use, we found that most patients receiving oral fosfomycin off-label for cUTI, including pyelonephritis, had clinical success. However, emergence of subsequent resistance warrants caution. Prospective comparative studies should be done to better evaluate oral fosfomycin use for cUTI.
Body Image, Sexuality, and Sexual Functioning in Cervical and Endometrial Cancer: Interrelationships and Women’s Experiences

Over 74,000 women in the United States are diagnosed annually with endometrial or cervical cancers and experience significant treatment-related difficulties with body image, sexuality, and sexual functioning. The aims of the research were to examine relationships among body image, sexuality, and sexual functioning, and to understand women’s views of these concepts. A novel theoretical framework encompassing these three concepts and contextual variables guided the research. A non-experimental cross-sectional pilot study was conducted with pre-menopausal women in an academic medical center who had stages I–III cervical or endometrial cancer, were 3–36 months post-treatment, and had no mental health comorbidities. Participants completed the Body Image Scale, Female Sexual Function Index, Female Sexuality Questionnaire, a demographic questionnaire, and open-ended questions; the researchers collected clinical data from the medical record. Twenty women participated, and most reported issues with body image, sexuality, and sexual functioning. Significant relationships were found between body image and sexuality (p = 0.0244) and sexuality and sexual functioning (p < 0.0003). Stages II–III disease were significantly (p = 0.0371) associated with worse body image. Women reported issues with body image, sexuality, sexual functioning, psychosocial areas, reproduction, and communication with healthcare providers and personal caregivers. This study is one of the first to simultaneously examine relationships among body image, sexuality, and sexual functioning. Despite design and sample limitations, findings demonstrate a need for longitudinal studies using larger samples to further examine relationships among these concepts and selected contextual variables, explore communication issues, and refine the theoretical framework.
Seasonal Occurrence of Adult Carabid Beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in West-Central Illinois

The Carabidae is a diverse family of beetles with many species of interest in conservation and biological control. Carabid beetle adult seasonal activity patterns were studied in a west-central Illinois forest/reconstructed tallgrass prairie matrix over a 2-yr period using pitfall traps. We found a threefold or greater difference in carabid abundance between years. Despite lower abundance, a second year of sampling yielded seven previously undetected species. Abundance and species richness were greatest in May–July and lower in August–October. Relative abundance and species richness were consistent among months between years. Shannon diversity and effective number of species were lowest in June and July. Cyclotrachelus sodalis (LeConte) and Chlaenius platyderus Chaudoir were the two most abundant species, comprising 54.3% of total captures. These species were most abundant in July and June, respectively. Most species showed greatest abundance in spring or early summer, and declined thereafter. Collections of several species were suggestive of bimodal seasonal patterns. Carabid species composition differed significantly among months, but not between years. Our results document seasonal variation in carabid abundance and species composition, and show that sampling throughout the growing season, and multiple sampling years, provide substantial benefits for assessments of carabid diversity in this region.
Strategies for increasing impact, engagement, and accessibility in HIV prevention programs: suggestions from women in urban high HIV burden counties in the Eastern United States (HPTN 064)

Merely having the tools to end HIV is insufficient. Effectively ending the epidemic necessitates addressing barriers that impede engagement in biomedical and behavioral prevention and wide scale implementation and utilization of existing interventions. This qualitative study identifies suggestions for increasing access to, engagement in, and impact of HIV prevention among women living in cities in high HIV burden counties in the eastern US. Data analyzed for the current study were collected via a qualitative sub-study within the HIV Prevention Trials Network Study 064 (HPTN 064), a multisite observational cohort study designed to estimate HIV incidence among women residing in communities with elevated HIV prevalence who also reported personal or partner characteristics associated with increased risk of HIV acquisition. Focus group and interview participants in the qualitative sub-study (N = 288) were from four cities in the eastern US. Thematic analyses revealed four themes describing women’s most frequently stated ideas for improving prevention efforts: 1) Promote Multilevel Empowerment, 2) Create Engaging Program Content, 3) Build “Market Demand”, and 4) Ensure Accessibility. We conducted additional analyses to identify contradictory patterns in the data, which revealed an additional three themes: 1) Address Structural Risk Factors, 2) Increase Engagement via Pleasure Promotion, 3) Expand Awareness of and Access to Prevention Resources. Findings may be useful for enhancing women’s engagement in and uptake of behavioral and biomedical HIV prevention resources, improving policy, and addressing multilevel risk factors. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00995176 , prospectively registered.
Asymptotic flocking for the three-zone model

We prove the asymptotic flocking behavior of a general model of swarming dynamics. The model describing interacting particles encompasses three types of behavior: repulsion, alignment and attraction. We refer to this dynamics as the three-zone model. Our result expands the analysis of the so-called Cucker-Smale model where only alignment rule is taken into account. Whereas in the Cucker-Smale model, the alignment should be strong enough at long distance to ensure flocking behavior, here we only require that the attraction is described by a confinement potential. The key for the proof is to use that the dynamics is dissipative thanks to the alignment term which plays the role of a friction term. Several numerical examples illustrate the result and we also extend the proof for the kinetic equation associated with the three-zone dynamics.
Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Strategies with Undergraduate and Graduate Nursing Students

This chapter will explore the factors related to perceived stress and related health outcomes for nursing students. We will explore mindfulness and stress reduction strategies on perceived stress experienced by undergraduate and graduate nursing students at a small, private university in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Nursing students face higher and different levels of stress with adverse health outcomes compared to other students. Literature has linked perceived stress to reduced physical/psychological health, increased sickness/absence, increased staff turnover, and poor job and academic performance. Nursing educators must provide coping strategies to nursing students at all levels, to enable them to attain a unique skill set to build resiliency and reduce perceived stress while managing physical and mental stressors of challenging nursing curricula.
La prueba pericial en los Estados Unidos (Expert Evidence in the United States)

Spanish Abstract: En los Estados Unidos, como en otras partes del mundo, los dictamenes periciales tienen un papel cada vez mas importante en los procesos judiciales. Sin embargo, los tribunales en los Estados Unidos, mas que en otros paises, dejan en manos de las partes y sus abogados la tarea de reunir las pruebas que se utilizaran para decidir los casos asi como de controlar su presentacion. Se da esta situacion tanto en los procesos civiles como en los procesos penales, y se aplica a todas las pruebas, no solo a la prueba pericial. La habitualmente fuerte dependencia, por parte de los tribunales estadounidenses, de los abogados intervinientes en el proceso en la obtencion de pruebas y el grado poco usual de control que les conceden sobre el desarrollo del proceso judicial, han tenido una influencia importante en la configuracion de las normas que rigen la prueba pericial en los Tribunales de los Estados Unidos. Los Tribunales y los legisladores han intentado establecer filtros para excluir las pruebas periciales excesivamente partisanas y con insuficiente fundamento cientifico u otra base de autentica pericia. Pero han dejado la mayor parte del control sobre la prueba pericial en manos de los abogados, y no de los jueces. Los abogados no quieren ceder dicho control, y los jueces, en terminos generales, se muestran conformes con el funcionamiento actual, ya que es lo que conocen. English Abstract: This short chapter, written for an international audience, addresses the handling of expert testimony in United States, highlighting the influence of America’s strong commitment to a party-driven system of adjudication. Trial lawyers in the United States make eager use of experts as sources of evidence, but American lawyers as well as American judges remain deeply uneasy with the idea that the adjudication system itself should be placed under the control of experts — either judicial experts, conducting the kind of examinations common in the inquisitorial legal tradition, or bureaucratic experts, exercising professional oversight over laboratories providing assistance to criminal investigators. In this respect, the handling of expert evidence in the United States reflects a core component of American legal culture: rejection of the inquisitorial model of adjudication. The English version of the paper is available at https://ssrn.com/abstract=3651451.
Severe Subacute Motor Neuronopathy Associated with Non-Hodgkin B Cell Lymphoma (P2.4-020)

Objective: NA Background: Paraneoplastic neurological syndromes associated with Hodgkin (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) are uncommon and have been mainly reported as case reports. Paraneoplastic motor neuronopathies were first reported in 1963, with a disease course independent of the underlying malignancy. Patients with this syndrome typically develop leg greater than arm proximal motor weakness, with a diagnosis of lymphoma usually following the neurological presentation. Design/Methods: We describe a patient case of a non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma-related paraneoplastic severe motor neuronopathy. Results: A 70-year-old man developed progressive diffuse atrophy and weakness several months after the diagnosis of NHL. On initial neurologic examination in our clinic, he had severe diffuse symmetric limb weakness and atrophy with general hypotonicity. No fasciculations were observed in cranial or other muscles. Deep tendon reflexes were absent, except for reduced biceps responses. Sensation to large and small fiber modalities was intact except for slight reduction in timed vibration distally. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) demonstrated a primary axonal disorder with motor far exceeding sensory involvement. Needle electromyography (EMG) demonstrated evidence of diffuse severe ongoing denervation and mild reinnervation. Symmetric enhancement of cervical spinal nerve roots was notable on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A final diagnosis of paraneoplastic motor neuronopathy was made after investigations for alternative causes of motor neuropathy and neuronopathy returned unrevealing. After a brief initial improvement, the patient ultimately failed to demonstrate a sustainable response to immunotherapy which included attempts to treat his underlying B-cell lymphoma. Conclusions: Paraneoplastic motor neuronopathy, although rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with NHL presenting with a motor-predominant peripheral nerve disorder. Although severe and diffuse weakness usually precedes the diagnosis of malignancy, this case provides an example of motor neuronopathy following the diagnosis of NHL. Early identification of paraneoplastic neuronopathy is important as it may prevent unnecessary interventions and may guide therapeutic strategies. Disclosure: Dr. Khezri has nothing to disclose. Dr. Eckert has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wolfe has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Grifols, Shire, and Alexion. Dr. Wolfe has received research support from ArgenX, Ra, and Immunovant. Dr. Silvestri has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Alexion Pharmaceuticals and OptionCare.
The impact of days off between cases on perioperative outcomes for robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy

To examine the effect of days off between cases on perioperative outcomes for robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). We analyzed a single-surgeon series of 2036 RALP cases between 2003 and 2014. Days between cases (DBC) was calculated as the number of days elapsed since the surgeon’s previous RALP with the second start cases assigned 0 DBC. Surgeon experience was assessed by dividing sequential case experience into cases 0–99, cases 100–249, cases 250–999, and cases 1000+ based on previously reported learning curve data for RALP. Outcomes included estimated blood loss (EBL), operative time (OT), and positive surgical margins (PSMs). Multiple linear regression was used to assess the impact of the DBC and surgeon experience on EBL, OT, and PSM, while controlling for patient characteristics, surgical technique, and pathologic variables. Overall median DBC was 1 day (0–3) and declined with increasing surgeon case experience. Multiple linear regression demonstrated that each additional DBC was independently associated with increased EBL [β = 3.7, 95 % CI (1.3–6.2), p < 0.01] and OT [β = 2.3 (1.4–3.2), p < 0.01], but was not associated with rate of PSM [β = 0.004 (−0.003–0.010), p = 0.2]. Increased experience was also associated with reductions in EBL and OT (p < 0.01). Surgeon experience of 1000+ cases was associated with a 10 % reduction in PSM rate (p = 0.03) compared to cases 0–99. In a large single-surgeon RALP series, DBC was associated with increased blood loss and operative time, but not associated with positive surgical margins, when controlling for surgeon experience.
Distinct Chronology of Neuronal Cell Cycle Re-Entry and Tau Pathology in the 3xTg-AD Mouse Model and Alzheimer's Disease Patients

Cell cycle re-entry in Alzheimer's disease (AD) has emerged as an important pathological mechanism in the progression of the disease. This appearance of cell cycle related proteins has been linked to tau pathology in AD, but the causal and temporal relationship between the two is not completely clear. In this study, we found that hyperphosphorylated retinoblastoma protein (ppRb), a key regulator for G1/S transition, is correlated with a late marker for hyperphosphorylation of tau but not with other early markers for tau alteration in the 3xTg-AD mouse model. However, in AD brains, ppRb can colocalize with both early and later markers for tau alterations, and can often be found singly in many degenerating neurons, indicating the distinct development of pathology between the 3xTg-AD mouse model and human AD patients. The conclusions of this study are two-fold. First, our findings clearly demonstrate the pathological link between the aberrant cell cycle re-entry and tau pathology. Second, the chronological pattern of cell cycle re-entry with tau pathology in the 3xTg-AD mouse is different compared to AD patients suggesting the distinct pathogenic mechanism between the animal AD model and human AD patients.
Antecedents of Online Customers Reviews’ Helpfulness: A Support Vector Machine Approach

Online customer reviews (OCRs) have become an important part of online customers’ decision making and People use online reviews to make decision to buy or not to buy products and services. This study aims to answer two research questions: (1) what are the antecedents of helpfulness of online reviews based on their contents? (2) How do content-based cues on OCRs influence their helpfulness? We posit a research model to study the effect of peripheral and central cues in OCRs on online review helpfulness. Online review web pages will be collected from Amazon website using a web crawler. This article will be one of the first studies that investigate OCRs helpfulness based on the central cues in the text of the review. In addition, this research will be the first study that applied the support vector machine as a machine learning method to analyze the text of OCRs.
GPU-Assisted Surface Reconstruction on Locally-Uniform Samples

In point-based graphics, surfaces are represented by point clouds without explicit connectivity. If the distribution of the points can be carefully controlled, surface reconstruction becomes a much easier problem. We present a simple, completely local surface reconstruction algorithm for input point distributions that are locally uniform. The locality of the computation lets us handle large point sets using parallel and out-of-core methods. The algorithm can be implemented robustly with floating-point arithmetic. We demonstrate the simplicity, efficiency, and numerical stability of our algorithm with an out-of-core and parallel implementation using graphics hardware.
Surface/Interfacial Free Energies and the Surface Tension of Uranium Dioxide

The purpose of this study is to review literature on surface/interfacial free energies and surface tension of UO2±x . The data available in the literature are reviewed and critical evaluation and analyses of the available data are made by comparing them not only with each other, but also with the estimated values based on the available theoretical models.
Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) and Spin‐labelling

In EPR the magnetic dipole of an electron interacts with an external magnetic field and can be excited by an oscillating magnetic field. Spin labelling involves use of extrinsic probes, nitroxides, attached to the molecule under study. The spectra of nitroxide probes are used to infer orientation, dynamics and distances between labelled sites. Keywords: magnetic resonance; protein structure; protein dynamics
An analysis of factors responsible for resorption of embryos in cisplatin-treated rats

Abstract Pregnant rats were injected ip with 4 or 7 mg cisplatin/kg on gestation day (gd) to study its effect on embryonal resorption. Serum concentrations of prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH), and progesterone were determined by radioimmunoassay in pregnant rats, and related to the effects of cisplatin on the maintenance of pregnancy. The nocturnal prolactin surge on gd 9 was abolished in cisplatin-treated rats. Within 3 days after drug injection, LH concentrations decreased 39%, while serum progesterone decreased 63% by Day 10. A histochemical study of 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity revealed no enzyme activity by gd 10. It is proposed that the cause of cisplatin-related embryonal resorption in rats may be due to decreases in hormone concentrations observed after drug treatment.
The rate of bactericidal action of penicillin in vitro as a function of its concentration, and its paradoxically reduced activity at high concentrations against certain organisms.

1. The concentrations of penicillin G which ( a ) reduced the net rate of multiplication, ( b ) exerted a net bactericidal effect, and ( c ) killed the organisms at a maximal rate, have been defined for a total of 41 strains of α- and s-hemolytic streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus albus, Diplococcus pneumoniae , and the Reiter treponoma. 2. The concentration which killed the organisms at a maximal rate was 2 to 20 times the minimal effective level ("sensitivity" as ordinarily defined). With some organisms, even a 32,000-fold increase beyond this maximally effective level did not further increase the rate of its bactericidal effect. However, with approximately half the strains here studied (all 4 strains of group B s-hemolytic streptococci, 4 of 5 group C strains, 5 of 7 strains of Streptococcus fecalis , 2 of 4 other α-hemolytic streptococci, and 4 of 9 strains of staphylococci), when the concentration of penicillin was increased beyond that optimal level, the rate at which the organisms died was paradoxically reduced rather than increased, so that the maximal effect was obtained only within a relatively narrow optimal zone. 3. There were marked differences between bacterial species, and occasionally between different strains of the same species, not only with respect to the effective concentrations of penicillin, but also with respect to the maximal rate at which they could be killed by the drug in any concentration. Although there was a rough correlation between these two factors, there were many exceptions; individual strains affected only by high concentrations of penicillin might nevertheless be killed rapidly, while strains sensitive to minute concentrations might be killed only slowly. 4. Within the same bacterial suspension, individual organisms varied only to a minor degree with respect to the effective concentrations of penicillin. They varied strikingly, however, in their resistance to penicillin as measured by the times required to kill varying proportions of the cells.
Mechanisms of interactive crazing in PC/SAN microlayer composites

Mechanisms are proposed for the two types of interactive crazing that have been observed in PC/SAN microlayer composites when the PC layer thickness is on the micron-size scale. It is demonstrated that when the PC layer is thin enough the deformation zone that forms at a craze tip can interact with the next-neighboring SAN layer. By measuring the dimensions of the craze tip in scanning electron micrographs, it was found that the craze-tip opening does not depend on the SAN layer thickness, i.e., the length of the SAN craze. Consequently, the size and shape of the resulting plastic zone in the PC layer are also independent of layer thickness. The zone that forms in the PC layer consists of a colinear plastic zone together with a pair of micro-shearbands that grow at an angle of about 45°. When the PC layer is less than 6 μm, the elastic stress concentration from the colinear plastic zone increases the probability of crazing in the neighboring SAN layer with the formation of craze doublets that consist of two aligned crazes in neighboring SAN layers. By taking into consideration the Weibull distribution of crazing, a craze doublet fraction comparable to the 30% observed experimentally was predicted with a stress intensification factor in the range of 1.03–1.05. When the PC layer thickness is less than 1.3 μm, the length of the colinear plastic zone is comparable to the PC layer thickness. Formation of a craze at the point of impingement of the plastic zone on the neighboring SAN layer leads to craze arrays with many aligned crazes in neighboring SAN layers. At higher strains, the micro-shearbands grow through the PC layers and extend into several adjacent SAN and PC layers. This produces a change in deformation mechanism in the SAN layers at the yield instability, from craze opening to shear yielding. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Selection for altered pheromone-component ratios in the pink bollworm moth,Pectinophora gossypiella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

Female pink bollworm moths, Pectinophora gossypiella(Saunders), were selected for altered component ratios of the long-distance sex pheromone, (Z, E)-and (Z, Z)-7,11- hexadecadienyl acetate. Selection for 12 generations increased the mean (± SD) percentage of the (Z, E)isomer from 42.9 ± 1.0 in the parental generation to 48.2 ± 1.2. Although statistically significant, a change of this magnitude may be transparent to males because of their relatively broad response spectrum. Selection for a lower percentage of the (Z, E)isomer yielded no change in the mean pheromone ratio. The total amount of pheromone produced declined in both selected lines. In the line selected for females producing a high percentage of the (Z, E)isomer, the duration of wing fanning by males to high (Z, E)blends was elevated.