cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the R2D2 protocol: A Novel Method for Assessing Emergency Department Disposition for Residents.

Background The emergency department (ED) disposition and discharge process is a critical period in a patient's transition from an acute care setting to self-care or a bridge to other healthcare providers. The emergency physician plays a pivotal role in this process and is ultimately responsible for ensuring that patients are safely released from their care. We developed a protocol to guide residents through the ED discharge process using the mnemonic “R2D2”: reassess the patient, recheck the workup, discuss the disposition plan with the attending, and finally discuss the discharge plan with the patient. Objectives The objective was to assess the effectiveness of the R2D2 discharge protocol, executed by resident physicians, in improving patients' understanding of their diagnosis and treatment plans. Methods This is a before-and-after study in the ED of a county hospital and included all patients discharged by a resident physician from the ED 1 week before and 1 week after implementation of the R2D2 protocol. All participating resident physicians received a brief 10-minute orientation to the R2D2 protocol at the end of the first week of the study period. Consecutive patients were identified, consented, and given a brief questionnaire about their discharge by research assistants. Certain exclusion criteria applied such as inability to speak English or Spanish or no phone for follow-up. One to 2 weeks after ED discharge, patients from both groups were contacted by phone to assess their recall of their discharge instructions. Data analyses were performed using Fisher's exact, chi-square tests, or two independent-sample proportions tests as appropriate. Results We recruited 164 patients in the control group and 148 patients in the intervention group, totaling 312 patients. A total of 73.8% of the control group patients and 77.0% of the intervention group patients completed the follow-up. On telephone follow-up, 88% of the intervention patients knew their discharge diagnosis versus only 74% of control patients (p = 0.0062). Eighty percent of intervention patients knew their discharge treatment plan versus only 67% of control patients (p = 0.0259). Conclusions The R2D2 protocol resulted in significant improvement in patients' understanding of their discharge diagnosis and treatment plan.
Frequency and Predictors of Analgesic Prescribing in U.S. Nursing Home Residents with Persistent Pain.

Objectives To quantify prescription analgesic use of elderly nursing home (NH) residents with persistent noncancer pain and to identify individual and facility traits associated with no treatment. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Linked Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments; Online Survey, Certification and Reporting (OSCAR) records; and Medicare Part D claims. Participants Individuals aged 65 and older with persistent noncancer pain were identified from a cross-section of all long-stay U.S. NH residents with an MDS assessment and Medicare Part D enrollment in 2008, excluding those who were terminally ill, those with Alzheimer's disease, and those with the most-severe cognitive impairment. Measurements Residents with moderate to severe daily pain on consecutive assessments at least 90 days apart constituted the cohort with persistent pain. Part D dispensing for an opioid or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) within 30 days of persistent pain onset was identified. Information on resident and facility characteristics was obtained from MDS and OSCAR records. Associations between resident and facility attributes and pain treatment were estimated using multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression analyses. Results Of the study sample of 18,526 residents with persistent pain, 3,094 (16.7%) did not receive prescription analgesics, 12,815 (69.2%) received a prescription opioid, 485 (2.6%) received a prescription NSAID, and 2,132 (11.5%) received a prescription opioid and NSAID. After adjusting for potentially confounding covariates, residents who were older (≥95, odds ratio (OR) = 2.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.70–2.49), more cognitively impaired (moderately severe cognitive impairment, OR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.71–2.62), or black (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.03–1.39) or Asian (OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.22–3.20) were less likely to receive a prescription analgesic. Conclusion Through 2008, pain remained undertreated in NHs, especially in certain subpopulations, including cognitively impaired and older residents. Changes in pain management practice and policies may be necessary to target these vulnerable residents.
Nochmals: Zur Interpretation Von “Wandrers Sturmlied”

(1945). Nochmals: Zur Interpretation Von “Wandrers Sturmlied”. The Germanic Review: Literature, Culture, Theory: Vol. 20, No. 3, pp. 161-165.
Regulatory and Exhausted T Cell Responses to AAV Capsid.

Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are quickly becoming the preferred viral vector for viral gene delivery for the treatment of a wide variety of genetic disorders. However, since their use in a clinical trial targeting hemophilia B patients 10 years ago, immune responses to the AAV capsid appear to have hampered some of the early clinical gene transfer efficacy. Indeed, AAV-based gene transfer has been shown to reactivate capsid-specific memory T cells, which have correlated with a decline in AAV-transduced tissue in some patients. Importantly, clinical trials have also shown that this reactivation can be quelled by administering time-course taper of glucocorticoid steroids before or after dosing. More recently, two clinical studies have shown that AAV gene transfer is not only able to induce a deleterious immune response, but also can result in the initiation of a tolerance to the AAV capsid mediated by regulatory T cells and exhausted T cells. This article reviews clinical trials describing im...
On the controllability of piecewise-linear hypersurface systems

This paper investigates the global controllability of piecewise-linear (hypersurface) systems, which are defined as control systems that are subject to affine dynamics on each of the components of a finite polyhedral partition. Various new tools are developed for the study of the problem including a classification of the facets of the polyhedra in the partition. Necessary and sufficient conditions for complete controllability are obtained via the study of a suitably defined controllability connection matrix of polyhedra.
Biochemical characterization of the retinoid isomerase system of the eye.

Abstract We have previously shown that membranes from the retinal pigment epithelium can transform added all-trans-retinol into a mixture of 11-cis-retinoids, demonstrating the "missing reaction" in the visual cycle for the first time (Bernstein, P. S., Law, W. C., and Rando, R. R. (1987) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 84, 1849-1853). In this article, this isomerase activity is further characterized. Double-label experiments with [15-3H]- and [15-14C]all-trans-retinol as the substrate show that the tritium label is retained in the 11-cis-retinol and 11-cis-retinyl palmitate products. This requires that isomerization occur at the alcohol level of oxidation. All-trans-retinyl esters, such as the palmitate, acetate, butyrate, and hexanoate esters, are not directly transformed into their 11-cis counterparts by the membranes. The data are consistent with the presence of an all-trans-retinol isomerase enzyme system or enzyme complex, which produces 11-cis-retinol. Other isomeric retinols were tested for substrate activity. Neither 9-cis-retinol(al) nor 13-cis-retinol were processed by the isomerase. Since the membranes containing the isomerase possess other retinol metabolizing activities, such as retinyl ester synthetase and dehydrogenase activities, further purification was attempted. Appreciable quantities of all detergents tested led to the disappearance of isomerase activity, and high salt or EDTA did not dissociate isomerase activity from the membranes. However, extensive sonication of the membranes did produce a 100,000 x g supernatant fraction of light membranes depleted of other all-trans-retinol processing activities. The isomerase activity in these membranes was saturable with all-trans-retinol, as required for a biologically significant process, and showed a Vmax of 5 pmol/h/mg of protein, a KM of 0.8 microM, and a pH optimum of 8. The isomerase was destroyed by proteinase K, by phospholipase C, by heating, or by ethanol at concentrations greater than 1%. The addition of high energy compounds, such as MgATP, MgGTP, or palmitoyl-CoA, did not appear to stimulate isomerase activity in the 100,000 x g supernatant.
A comparison of loop-shaping based robust control synthesis techniques for hard disk drive track-following

This paper compares multiple loop-shaping combined robust control methodologies including Glover-McFarlane method, H ∞ and H 2 in the controller synthesis of track-following application for hard disk drive (HDD). According to the specified loop-shaping goal, the synthesis routines are applied on the Spinstand micro-actuator in order to achieve robust performance in terms of system uncertainties accommodation, sufficiently high bandwidth and disturbance rejection. The performance of the synthesized controllers is compared by their capability handling multiple sampling rates on the Spinstand environment while driving an acceptable level of Non-repeatable Runout (NRRO).
An open‐source sensor‐logger for recording vertical movement in free‐living organisms

Summary 1.Measuring individual-based movements in free-ranging animals is relevant to our understanding of many basic ecological principles (migration, competition, optimal foraging) but has been difficult to realize in a small size. 2.We have developed a freely available, open-source, non-invasive datalogger that can measure an animal's altitude or elevation (A) at sampling intervals greater than once per second, storing up to 10,000 total samples, depending on program size. 3.The realized design weighs 370 milligrams, opening a wealth of opportunities to study animals as small as 10 grams without exceeding the 5% rule-of-thumb for the relative mass of telemetry devices. 4.In addition, power management is provided via a modern ultra-low power microcontroller, making it possible to record altitude data over extended periods (> 100 days) by extending battery lifetimes. 5.First results from testing and field applications of this design underline its suitability for reliable and extended monitoring of how animals interact with the environment. Our empirical results show this design can provide high resolution data with altitude measurements accurate to the nearest several meters at 1 second intervals, provided a local known elevation pressure reference, elucidating fine scale differences between species/individuals in their use of the air column over 10-day intervals. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Anterior choroidal artery embolization in cerebral arteriovenous malformations

The anterior choroidal artery (AChA) is commonly recruited to supply arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the temporal lobe, basal ganglia, lateral ventricle, and internal capsule. Embolization of this artery is theoretically hazardous due to its supply to eloquent territory, lack of collaterals, and small caliber. However, this procedure can be a beneficial adjunct to surgery or radiation in the treatment of AVMs. We describe our experience in performing particulate embolization of AChA in 15 patients (16 procedures). Significant flow reduction was achieved in 14 patients. There were 4 complications, including permanent hemiparesis in 1 patient.
IPUS: an architecture for integrated signal processing and signal interpretation in complex environments

This paper presents the IPUS (Integrated Processing and Understanding of Signals) architecture to address the traditional perceptual paradigm's shortcomings in complex environments. It has two premises: (1) the search for correct interpretations of signal processing algorithms' (SPAs) outputs requires concurrent search for SPAs and control parameters appropriate for the environment, and (2) interaction between these search processes must be structured by a formal theory of how inappropriate SPA usage can distort SPA output. We describe IPUS's key components (discrepancy detection, diagnosis, reprocessing, and differential diagnosis) and their instantiation in an acoustic interpretation system. This application, along with another in the radar domain, supports our claim that the IPUS paradigm is feasible and generic.
Si-directed regiocontrol in asymmetric Pd-catalyzed allylic alkylations using C1-ammonium enolate nucleophiles

Abstract Cooperative catalysis enables the direct enantioselective α-allylation of linear prochiral esters using Si-substituted allyl electrophiles. The Si-substituent directs the regioselectivity of enantioselective bond formation and provides products containing synthetically versatile pentafluorophenyl ester and vinylsilane moieties. Critical to the efficacy of this process was the recognition that the ancillary ligand on palladium could be altered to prevent formation of a deleterious ether by-product, whilst retaining enantioselectivity through the Lewis base catalyst. Flexibility such as this is unique to cooperative catalysis events and provides efficient access to an array of enantioenriched products that are orthogonally functionalized and easily modified.
An Effective Dimension from Finite Size Scaling

Methods to obtain finite-size scaling estimates for an effective dimension and critical exponents both for numerical transfer matrix data and Monte Carlo data are presented. Results for the d=2 and d=3 Ising model are compared with critical exponents from d = 4 — ο and d = 1 + ∈ expansions.
Dynamic Uniaxial Extensional Viscosities and Their Importance in the Mechanical Stability of Water-Soluble Carbohydrate Polymer Solutions

The mechanical stabilities of a series of carbohydrate polymers are examined and correlated to aqueous solution dynamic uniaxial extensional viscosities. Both properties relate to the carbohydrate polymer’s conformation in aqueous solution. As noted in the stability of guaran solutions this property is not reflected by Mark-Houwink coefficients determined under static conditions. Helical or rigid rod carbohydrate polymers exhibit the greatest mechanical stability in solution. Solution blends of the carbohydrate polymers with high molecular weight poly(oxyethylene) also were studied. Unique rheological responses were observed in Sclerotium glucanium polysaccharide/poly(oxyethylene) blends at equal weight percents (e.g., lower, low-shear-rate viscosities and the absence of a high extensional viscosity), suggesting complexation. Such complexation appears to effectively disrupt the three dimensional structure of Sclerotium glucanium polysaccharide in aqueous solution (storage modulus studies) and decrease the flexibility of poly(oxyethylene).
I Know it But i Want to Touch it: Does Brand Familiarity Compensate Need for Touch?

In recent years, ubiquitous growth of non-stores formats (internet and television shopping) has prompted the researchers to evaluate the importance of touching a product in purchase decision. It is reported that majority of the consumers prefer to touch and feel a product even before purchasing it and this poses a big challenge to the online buying (Lawson 2006). The consumers generally touch the product to seek information, to understand and to gain knowledge, and may be to excite their senses. A general observation of the consumers’ behavior in any shopping center indicates that they evaluate the tactile input of a product by touching and arrive at a purchase decision. For example, consumers touch the fabrics of apparels and hold a mobile handset in order to feel texture and weight of the respective products. Sometimes, touching the product gives a sense of possession even if consumers do not plan to purchase it (Underhill 1999).
Race, Party, and Contested Elections to the U.S. House of Representatives

Recent studies of contested elections in the House have pointed to party electoral goals as motivating their resolution in Congress. However, little systematic research has been conducted on why such elections were contested to begin with. Using historical data and new statistical analysis of such elections from the late nineteenth century, I find that, in contrast to the claims of some scholars, political principles as well as electoral objectives mattered to parties seeking to contest elections. In addition, election conditions, particularly the means by which southern white Democrats attempted to repress the vote of southern blacks, independently influenced the probability of contestation. This finding has implications for our understanding of Republican Party strategies and electoral conditions in the South during the period, and the origins of contested elections at other times in American history.
Notas Micológicas II: Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler. aggr. forma hialina y Spicellum roseum Nicot & Roquebert

Se informa el hallazgo de 2 raros aislamientos fungicos: El primero consiste en una cepa de Alternaria alternata aggr. f. hialina aislada desde ramas y hojas del espino ( Acacia caven Mol.), un arbusto endemico de la zona central de Chile y el segundo, una cepa de Spicellum roseum desde granos de maiz. Se comentan y comparan algunos datos morfologicos y de crecimiento de ambas cepas, incluyendo al mismo tiempo un anterior aislamiento de Spicellum roseum desde otro ambiente, aportando nuevos datos sobre la distribucion de la especie.
A Mouse Model to Assess Innate Immune Response to Staphylococcus aureus Infection.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infections, including methicillin resistant stains, are an enormous burden on the healthcare system. With incidence rates of S. aureus infection climbing annually, there is a demand for additional research in its pathogenicity. Animal models of infectious disease advance our understanding of the host-pathogen response and lead to the development of effective therapeutics. Neutrophils play a primary role in the innate immune response that controls S. aureus infections by forming an abscess to wall off the infection and facilitate bacterial clearance; the number of neutrophils that infiltrate an S. aureus skin infection often correlates with disease outcome. LysM-EGFP mice, which possess the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) inserted in the Lysozyme M (LysM) promoter region (expressed primarily by neutrophils), when used in conjunction with in vivo whole animal fluorescence imaging (FLI) provide a means of quantifying neutrophil emigration noninvasively and longitudinally into wounded skin. When combined with a bioluminescent S. aureus strain and sequential in vivo whole animal bioluminescent imaging (BLI), it is possible to longitudinally monitor both the neutrophil recruitment dynamics and in vivo bacterial burden at the site of infection in anesthetized mice from onset of infection to resolution or death. Mice are more resistant to a number of virulence factors produced by S. aureus that facilitate effective colonization and infection in humans. Immunodeficient mice provide a more sensitive animal model to examine persistent S. aureus infections and the ability of therapeutics to boost innate immune responses. Herein, we characterize responses in LysM-EGFP mice that have been bred to MyD88-deficient mice (LysM-EGFP×MyD88-/- mice) along with wild-type LysM-EGFP mice to investigate S. aureus skin wound infection. Multispectral simultaneous detection enabled study of neutrophil recruitment dynamics by using in vivo FLI, bacterial burden by using in vivo BLI, and wound healing longitudinally and noninvasively over time.
Diagnostic cerebral angiography through a brachioradial artery approach: Case report

Abstract Background The brachioradial artery is one of the most frequently encountered anatomical variations of the vasculature in the upper extremities. The presence of such may alter the success rate of neurovascular diagnostic procedures and therapeutic strategies. Case description We present two adult patients with cerebral vascular lesions who underwent follow-up cerebral angiogram through a transradial approach. Both patients had brachioradial arteries through which a diagnostic angiogram was performed successfully. Conclusions A brachioradial artery is an important variant to consider and recognize when performing neurovascular interventions. It is crucial to get familiarized with such vasculature to avoid a problematic or unsuccessful access.
SHELTER FROM THE STORM: SUCCESSFUL PREVENTION OF IODINATED CONTRAST-INDUCED THYROID STORM WITH PROPYLTHIOURACIL FOR URGENT CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY

Acute heart failure and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) compel early coronary angiography (SCA); however, both conditions can be precipitated by hyperthyroidism, and in the setting of hyperthyroid state, iodinated contrast can precipitate life-threatening thyroid storm. No short-term strategy to
Surgical Approaches to Mesencephalic (Midbrain) Tumors

The midbrain acts as a junction between the brain, lower part of the brainstem, and spinal cord. It functions as a relay station for major white matter tracts (e.g., corticospinal tracts) as well as the origin of two cranial nerve nuclei. Tumors that originate in or involve the midbrain pose a significant challenge, and their treatment usually involves several disciplines including neurosurgery and neurooncology. Surgery for midbrain tumors demands a high surgical technique and multidisciplinary approach in the operating room (e.g., neuromonitoring) and outside of it as well. The surgical approach is tailored for each and every case, taking into account the complex anatomy, specific location of the long tracts using advanced imaging, as well as the adjacent neurovascular structures that surround the surgical location. In recent years, there has been a growing interest and understanding of the molecular and genetic parameters of tumors that invade the midbrain, which, with time, will allow us to tailor more specific treatments for these patients.
Assessing Women's Menstruation Concerns and Experiences in Rural India: Development and Validation of a Menstrual Insecurity Measure.

Qualitative research has documented menstruator’s challenges, particularly in water and sanitation poor environments, but quantitative assessment is limited. We created and validated a culturally-grounded measure of Menstrual Insecurity to assess women’s menstruation-related concerns and negative experiences. With cross-sectional data from 878 menstruating women in rural Odisha, India, we carried out Exploratory (EFA) and Confirmatory (CFA) Factor Analyses to reduce a 40-item pool and identify and confirm the scale factor structure. A 19-item, five factor model best fit the data (EFA: root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.027; comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.994; Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.989; CFA: RMSEA = 0.058; CFI = 0.937; TLI = 0.925). Sub-scales included: Management, Menstrual Cycle Concerns, Symptoms, Restrictions, and Menstruation-Related Bodily Concerns. Those without access to a functional latrine, enclosed bathing space, water source within their compound, or who used reusable cloth had significantly higher overall Menstrual Insecurity scores (greater insecurity) than those with these facilities or using disposable pads. Post-hoc exploratory analysis found that women reporting experiencing tension at menstrual onset or difficulty doing work had significantly higher Menstrual Insecurity scores. This validated tool is useful for measuring Menstrual Insecurity, assessing health inequities and correlates of Menstrual Insecurity, and informing program design.
Medicaid expansion and infant mortality: the (questionable) impact of the Affordable Care Act.

Background Many states expanded Medicaid eligibility under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Medicaid expansion might impact infant mortality through improved maternal health prior to pregnancy and reduced insurance churn. Some studies suggest the PPACA had no significant impact on low birth weight or preterm birth, while others suggest that the PPACA led to a significant decrease in infant mortality. Methods Using a difference-in-differences estimator with fixed effects to control for differences in state characteristics and time trends we analyse three samples of births from the CDC’s linked birth/death files from 2011 to 2017 to estimate the impact of Medicaid expansion on infant mortality. Results We find mixed results. In our full sample, we find no statistically significant change in infant mortality associated with PPACA Medicaid expansion. However, when we restrict the sample to states who had adopted the 2003 birth certificate form and when we further exclude states with a Medicaid waiver, in both samples we see reductions in infant mortality for babies born to mothers of all races. When we stratify by race, we find infant mortality decreased for babies born to white mothers. However, this decrease is not seen for babies born to black mothers. Conclusions Medicaid expansion under the PPACA has an impact on infant mortality, but the results are sensitive to the sample of states included in the study. There is suggestive evidence that Medicaid expansion is not closing the infant mortality gap between black and white babies.
Effects of Water Stress on in Vivo Photosynthetic Biochemistry (Maximum Photosynthesis, Quantum Yield and 77 K Fluorescence)

The effects of water stress on photosynthetic biochemistry (non-stomatal effects) remain controversial. There is no doubt that mild water stress reduces CO2 and light saturated photosynthetic activity and extreme water stress in mesophytic plants impairs quantum yield (1, 2). In natural habitats, peak water stress at mid-day coincides with peak light intensity so the possibility of light dependent damage to the photosynthetic apparatus needs to be considered (3). In rapidly stressed He lianthus annuus (a mesophyte), the depression of quantum yield is not dependent on light intensity (4) and hence presumably does not involve photoinhibition. In a slowly stressed xerophyte Nerium oleander, the loss of photosynthetic activity and quantum yield is accompanied by light dependent changes in electron transport activity and 77K fluorescence, indicative of damage to primary photochemistry and photoinhibition (5). We have used new techniques for photosynthetic and quantum yield measurement based on the leaf disc O2 electrode (6) and 77K fluorescence analysis (7) to examine these relationships under chronic, mild water stress and acute water stress in Xanthium strumarium and Helianthus.
Can You Hear Me Now? The Communication Challenge:

Undergraduate students, particularly those with limited experience in business, struggle to appreciate the complexity of organizational communication dynamics. Communication complexities such as ro...
Short- and long-term effects of perinatal phthalate exposures on metabolic pathways in the mouse liver.

Phthalates have been demonstrated to interfere with metabolism, presumably by interacting with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). However, mechanisms linking developmental phthalate exposures to long-term metabolic effects have not yet been elucidated. We investigated the hypothesis that developmental phthalate exposure has long-lasting impacts on PPAR target gene expression and DNA methylation to influence hepatic metabolic profiles across the life course. We utilized an established longitudinal mouse model of perinatal exposures to diethylhexyl phthalate and diisononyl phthalate, and a mixture of diethylhexyl phthalate+diisononyl phthalate. Exposure was through the diet and spanned from 2 weeks before mating until weaning at postnatal day 21 (PND21). Liver tissue was analyzed from the offspring of exposed and control mice at PND21 and in another cohort of exposed and control mice at 10 months of age. RNA-seq and pathway enrichment analyses indicated that acetyl-CoA metabolic processes were altered in diisononyl phthalate-exposed female livers at both PND21 and 10 months (FDR = 0.0018). Within the pathway, all 13 significant genes were potential PPAR target genes. Promoter DNA methylation was altered at three candidate genes, but persistent effects were only observed for Fasn. Targeted metabolomics indicated that phthalate-exposed females had decreased acetyl-CoA at PND21 and increased acetyl-CoA and acylcarnitines at 10 months. Together, our data suggested that perinatal phthalate exposures were associated with short- and long-term activation of PPAR target genes, which manifested as increased fatty acid production in early postnatal life and increased fatty acid oxidation in adulthood. This presents a novel molecular pathway linking developmental phthalate exposures and metabolic health outcomes.
Continuum Modeling of Ultrasonic Behavior in Fluid-Loaded Fibrous Composite Media with Applications to Ceramic and Metal Matrix Composites

Elastic wave propagation in fibrous composite materials has been the subject of numerous investigations in recent years. However, the morphology of fiber-reinforced composites can seriously complicate the calculation of their wave propagation properties. Since it is clearly not practical to attempt a solution of the completely general elastic-wave problem, most prior work [1–4] has employed various approximations to render the calculations tractable. Our own approach [5,6] to interacting continua offers an alternative procedure for modeling the response of composites, where in particular, a rational construction of the mixture momentum and constitutive-relation interaction terms is given. This theory leads to simple wave propagation equations which potentially contain the full influence of the microstructure, that is, the distribution of displacements and stresses within individual constituents of the composite.
Conceptual Design and Protocol for the Acute to Chronic Pain Signatures Program (A2CPS)

The United States faces a crisis due to the high prevalence of chronic pain and associated opioid use disorder and overdose deaths. While the majority of acute pain resolves within weeks, 20-50% of people with acute pain persists well beyond the initial insult. The mechanisms driving the transition from acute to chronic pain states are poorly understood. Through a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded initiative, the A2CPS Program was formed to identify putative biomarkers (individual or biosignature combinations) that predict susceptibility or resilience for the transition from acute to chronic pain after surgery (total knee replacement and thoracotomy). The A2CPS consortium includes two multisite clinical centers (MCCs), one Clinical Coordinating Center (CCC), one Data Integrations and Research Center (DIRC), and 3 OMICS centers along with representation from the NIH Pain Consortium, Common Fund, and National Institute of Drug Abuse. During an initial planning year, the A2CPS developed study aims, biomarker selection, and a study protocol. Candidate biomarkers were selected across multiple domains (clinical, biospecimen, psychosocial, and brain structure/function). Data will be collected from two MCCs (n=3600 individuals) before, during and after surgery to determine factors that predict the transition from acute to chronic pain 6 months later. Subjects will be comprehensively phenotyped across measures of pain, behavioral and psychological, quantitative sensory testing, brain imaging, proteomics, genomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics. Determining biomarkers prior to and in the acute phase after surgery could provide the basis for interventions to prevent the onset of chronic pain and contribute to our understanding of the dynamic processes underlying the transition from acute to chronic pain. Furthermore, if any of the predictive biomarkers play a mechanistic role in development of chronic pain, then the molecules, pathways, constructs, and/or brain circuits identified could serve as new potential therapeutic targets for reversing chronic pain or increasing patients’ resilience. National Institutes of Health Grants: NS112873, NS118922, DA049110, NS112874, DA049115, DA049116, DA049113.
Pediatric Palliative Care.

Objective/methods Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC) is a multidisciplinary medical subspecialty focused on the care of children with serious illnesses and terminal diagnoses. Providers impact the care of children from the perinatal stage through adolescence/young adulthood and help patients and families face diagnoses such as complex chronic disease and malignancy. This article describes these unique populations and distinct areas of current PPC research. Results Unique aspects of PPC include a high level of prognostic uncertainty, symptom burden, pediatric, and surrogate advance care planning, hope in the face of prognostic challenges, care of children at end of life, concurrent care, staff support, sibling support, and bereavement. Conclusion PPC's evolution from an extension of hospice into a continuum of support for families and staff caring for children with serious illnesses is exemplified in both qualitative and quantitative research. The literature proves the value that PPC can provide to families, hospitals, and communities. PPC is evolving from a supportive service into a uniquely beneficial, collaborative, educational, and interdisciplinary specialty that improves outcomes for all involved.Plain Language Summary (PLS)Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC) is a service provided to all children with serious illness as a way of addressing suffering. Populations served by PPC range from those not yet born to patients preparing for adulthood. The serious illnesses they face range from chronic disease to cancer. Over the last 20 years research has explored the unique aspects of the pediatric experience of serious illness, including prognostic uncertainty, concurrent care, symptom management, advance care planning, hope, family experience of illness, care at the end of life, staff support, and bereavement.As the number of patients who would benefit from PPC services rapidly expands nationally and worldwide, PPC teams provide education and skills training for their colleagues in primary and subspecialty fields. Hospitals benefit from PPC through improved patient experience, family-centered care, and staff support. Communities are served by PPC that occurs in and out of the hospital.Research in PPC provides guidance for challenging questions in care and has resulted in an increasingly robust body of work. PPC providers have skills of advanced communication training, hope in the face of uncertainty, targeted and personalized symptom management, and a diverse understanding of quality of life. These skills help support decision-making and establish strong connections between providers and families.The field of PPC has a distinct skillset to support families who face serious illness. This article helps medical and psychosocial providers visualize how PPC is evolving from what has often been explained to families as an added layer of support into a uniquely beneficial, collaborative, and interdisciplinary service.
Developing a Research Design

In planning your journey, a fundamental decision is always the means by which you will travel. While you may often travel by car, there will be times that taking a train or a plane is a more appropriate way to travel.
A Method to Assess the Geometric Purity of Shadow Lines: A Case Study of Daylighting Conditions

Some naturally occurring proportional relationships and geometries have been associated with harmony and the perception of beauty. The Golden Ratio, for example has been a source of inspiration and composition for many art specialties, including architecture. Although there is a relatively large body of literature demonstrating that certain geometries, those with mathematically pure expressions, are visually pleasing, little scholarship exists concerning how these relationships might be integrated into architectural design. This paper aims to describe a method that allows architects to test the geometric purity of lines formed by the edge of light and shadow that result from proposed daylight conditions. The method was applied to different daylighting conditions where the geometric relationships between the aperture, the room walls, and the sun position create the resulting shadow lines. The test for purity includes a statisticalcomparison, using R2 as an indicator of correlation between the resulting shadow lines and similar lines with a pure mathematical expression. This methodology is an initial step for developing a design decision-making representation tool that considers integrating geometric purity of daylight within the architectural design process.
Methamphetamine Dysregulation of the Central Nervous System and Peripheral Immunity.

Methamphetamine (METH) is a potent psychostimulant that increases extracellular monoamines, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, and affects multiple tissue and cell types in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral immune cells. The reinforcing properties of METH underlie its significant abuse potential and dysregulation of peripheral immunity and central nervous system functions. Together, the constellation of METH’s effects on cellular targets and regulatory processes has led to immune suppression and neurodegeneration in METH addicts and animal models of METH exposure. Here we extensively review many of the cell types and mechanisms of METH-induced dysregulation of the central nervous and peripheral immune systems. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Emerging research has begun to show that methamphetamine regulates dopaminergic neuronal activity. In addition, METH affects non-neuronal brain cells, such as microglia and astrocytes, and immunological cells of the periphery. Concurrent disruption of bidirectional communication between dopaminergic neurons and glia in the CNS and peripheral immune cell dysregulation gives rise to a constellation of dysfunctional neuronal, cell, and tissue types. Therefore, understanding the pathophysiology of METH requires consideration of the multiple targets at the interface between basic and clinical neuroscience.
Registration of the Spine Using a Physically-Based Image Model for Ultrasound

Despite significant efforts towards various applications of ultrasound-based tissue registration, ultrasound still plays a minor role in clinical computer-assisted intervention. Interpretation of the images is one major obstacle. Towards a robust and accurate approach to automated interpretation, we have developed a probabilistic model representing ultrasonic images in terms of surface shape. The model is derived from a physical description of image formation that incorporates the shape and microstructure of tissue and characteristics of the imaging system. A framework for inference of surface shape is formed by constructing a data likelihood from the probabilistic model. We have used this likelihood with a quasi-Newton optimization algorithm to estimate the pose of a vertebra from a set of three simulated images. In 20 trials, the estimate error was less than 0.2 mm and 0.4 degrees in 15 trials and over 1.0 degrees in only 1 trial. While much work remains to develop clinical utility in any application, these results indicate significant potential for the approach.
Factors Controlling Storm Impacts on Coastal Barriers and Beaches-A Preliminary Basis for Near Real-Time Forecasting

Analysis of ground conditions and meteorological and oceanographic parameters for some of the most severe Atlantic and Gulf Coast storms in the U.S. reveals the primary factors affecting morphological storm responses of beaches and barrier islands. The principal controlling factors are storm characteristics, geographic position relative to storm path, timing of storm events, duration of wave exposure, wind stress, degree of flow confinement, antecedent topography and geologic framework, sediment textures, vegetative cover, and type and density of coastal development. A classification of commonly observed storm responses demonstrates the sequential interrelations among (1) land elevations, (2) water elevations in the ocean and adjacent lagoon (if present), and (3) stages of rising water during the storm. The predictable coastal responses, in relative order from high frequency beach erosion to low frequency barrier inundation, include: beach erosion, berm migration, dune erosion, washover terrace construction, perched fan deposition, sheetwash, washover channel incision, washout formation, and forced and unforced ebb flow. Near real-time forecasting of expected storm impacts is possible if the following information is available for the coast: a detailed morphological and topographic characterization, accurate storm-surge and wave-runup models, the real-time reporting of storm parameters, accurate forecasts of the storm position relative to a particular coastal segment, and a conceptual model of geological processes that encompasses observed morphological changes caused by extreme storms.
Dominant‐negative effect of truncated mannose 6‐phosphate/insulin‐like growth factor II receptor species in cancer

Oligomerization of the mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor II receptor (M6P/IGF2R) is important for optimal ligand binding and internalization. M6P/IGF2R is a tumor suppressor gene that exhibits loss of heterozygosity and is mutated in several cancers. We tested the potential dominant-negative effects of two cancer-associated mutations that truncate M6P/IGF2R in ectodomain repeats 9 and 14. Our hypothesis was that co-expression of the truncated receptors with the wild-type/endogenous full-length M6P/IGF2R would interfere with M6P/IGF2R function by heterodimer interference. Immunoprecipitation confirmed formation of heterodimeric complexes between full-length M6P/IGF2Rs and the truncated receptors, termed Rep9F and Rep14F. Remarkably, increasing expression of either Rep9F or Rep14F provoked decreased levels of full-length M6P/IGF2Rs in both cell lysates and plasma membranes, indicating a dominant-negative effect on receptor availability. Loss of full-length M6P/IGF2R was not due to increased proteasomal or lysosomal degradation, but instead arose from increased proteolytic cleavage of cell-surface M6P/IGF2Rs, resulting in ectodomain release, by a mechanism that was inhibited by metal ion chelators. These data suggest that M6P/IGF2R truncation mutants may contribute to the cancer phenotype by decreasing the availability of full-length M6P/IGF2Rs to perform tumor-suppressive functions such as binding/internalization of receptor ligands such as insulin-like growth factor II. Structured digital abstract • Rep9Fphysically interacts with WT-M by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View Interaction: 1, 2) • Rep14Fphysically interacts with WT-M by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View Interaction: 3, 4)
Using Psychological Theories to Shape Partner Relationships Through Contracting

In this paper, we combine insights from economics and psychology to understand how managers can use contract framing to shape interfirm relationships. Although the two differentially framed contracts may be economically similar, this framing can have very different psychological effects on how the parties view the relationship. To understand these effects, we draw on Regulatory Focus theory and Expectancy Violation theory to understand how choosing to confirm or violate the expectations set by the contract framing can shape the relationship, leading to the development of a contracting capability.
Spectra and structure of gallium compounds: Part III. vibrational studies of trimethylgallane-phosphine and trimethylgallane-phosphine-d3

Abstract The IR (80–4000 cm −1 ) and Raman (50–3500 cm −1 ) spectra of (CH 3 ) 3 GaPH 3 and (CH 3 ) 3 GaPD 3 have been recorded for the solid state at low temperature. The spectra are interpreted on the basis of C 3v molecular symmetry. A modified valence force field model is utilized in calculating the frequencies and the potential energy distribution. The calculated potential constants for the adducts are compared to those previously reported for the Lewis base moiety, and the differences are shown to be consistent with structural changes upon adduct formation. Only very minor coupling is found between the Ga-C 3 stretches and the CH 3 deformations and the remaining normal modes are nearly pure. The relative values of the force constants are compared to the corresponding quantities in other Group IIIA-Group VA coordinated complexes.
Mercury β-Diketonato complexes

Abstract The structure of 3,3-bis(chloromercury)-2,4-pentanedione is reported. The space group indicated is C2/c with unit cell dimensions: a = 15.048(2), b = 10.921(6), c = 16.080(4) A, and β = 134.74(1)°. Three-dimensional absorption-corrected diffractometer data were used in the refinement of the structure to a conventional R(F) value of 0.079. Anisotropic temperature factors were used for Hg and Cl atoms while C and O atoms were refined isotropically. Both Hg atoms are bound to the γ-carbon of acetylacetone. Solid state Raman and infrared spectra are reported. Lowering of the C=O stretching frequency is discussed in terms of the crystal structure.
Studies in Histochemistry LXXIX. PROPERTIES OF TRYPTOPHAN HYDROXYLASE FROM NEOPLASTIC MURINE MAST CELLS

Abstract It was found that 2-amino-4-hydroxy-6,7-dimethyltetrahydropteridine could act as a cofactor required by tryptophan hydroxylase partially purified from a microsome-free, final supernatant fraction of neoplastic murine mast cells. The enzyme preparation obtained was free from 5-hydroxytryptophan decarboxylase and phenylalanine hydroxylase. Kinetic studies and pH optima established differences between the mast cell enzyme and that from rat liver.
Captured by Evil: The Idea of Corruption in Law

One of the most powerful words in the English language, "corruption" is also one of the most troubled concepts in law. According to Laura Underkuffler, it is a concept based on religiously revealed ideas of good and evil. But the notion of corruption defies the ordinary categories by which law defines crimes-categories that punish acts, not character, and that eschew punishment on the basis of religion and emotion. Drawing on contemporary examples-including former assemblywoman Diane Gordon and former governor Rod Blagojevich-Underkuffler explores the implications and dangers of maintaining such an archaic concept at the heart of criminal law. "Underkuffler challenges the traditional rational and logical characterizations of corruption and defends a highly original and insightul proposal. In her view corruption is an emotional concept grounded in religious ideas defying traditional criminal law doctrines. This book is a fantastic contribution to the study of corruption as well as more generally to the study of law and culture."-Alon Harel, Hebrew University Law School
Comparative thermal analysis of the Space Station Freedom photovoltaic deployable boom structure using TRASYS, NEVADA, and SINDA programs

The proposed Space Station Photovoltaic Deployable Boom was analyzed for operating temperatures. The boom glass/epoxy structure design needs protective shielding from environmental degradation. The protective shielding optical properties (solar absorptivity and emissivity) dictate the operating temperatures of the boom components. The Space Station Boom protective shielding must also withstand the effects of the extendible/retractable coiling action within the mast canister. A thermal analysis method was developed for the Space Station Deployable Boom to predict transient temperatures for a variety of surface properties. The modeling procedures used to evaluate temperatures within the boom structure incorporated the TRASYS, NEVADA, and SINDA thermal analysis programs. Use of these programs led to a comparison between TRASYS and NEVADA analysis methods. Comparing TRASYS and NEVADA results exposed differences in the environmental solar flux predictions.