cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
First chelated chiral N-heterocyclic bis-carbene complexes

First chiral bidentate bis-carbene complex of Pd(II) prepared from a bis-imidazolium salt derived from (S)-2,2‘-bromomethyl-1,1‘-binaphthyl exists in both cis- and trans-square planar geometry. These and the corresponding trans-Ni(II) complexes are remarkably resistant to high temperature, air, water, and silica gel chromatography. The Pd complexes catalyze Heck reactions.
Cardiovascular Risk in Chronic Kidney Disease: Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System

Patients with chronic kidney disease are at significantly increased risk for cardiovascular disease and sudden cardiac death. One mechanism underlying increased cardiovascular risk in patients with renal failure includes overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). Multiple human and animal studies have shown that central sympathetic outflow is chronically elevated in patients with both end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). SNS overactivation, in turn, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and sudden death by increasing arterial blood pressure, arrythmogenicity, left ventricular hypertrophy, and coronary vasoconstriction and contributes to the progression renal disease. This paper will examine the evidence for SNS overactivation in renal failure from both human and experimental studies and discuss mechanisms of SNS overactivity in CKD and therapeutic implications.
Applications of silica supports in affinity chromatography

The combined use of silica-based chromatographic supports with immobilized affinity ligands can be used in many preparative and analytical applications. One example is the use of silica-based affinity columns in HPLC, giving rise to a method known as high-performance affinity chromatography (HPAC). This review discusses the role that silica has played in the development of affinity chromatography and HPAC and the applications of silica in these methods. This includes a discussion of the types of ligands that have been employed with silica and the methods by which these ligands have been immobilized. Various formats have also been presented for the use of silica in affinity chromatographic methods, including assays involving direct or indirect analyte detection, on-line or off-line affinity extraction, and chiral separations. The use of silica-based affinity columns in studies of biological systems based on zonal elution and frontal analysis methods will also be considered.
Research productivity and breadth of interest of computer scientists

The relationship between research productivity of computer scientists (as indicated by the number of papers published) and the breadth of research interest was investigated. A random sample of 419 authors was drawn from a four-year cumulative author index of Computer and Control Abstracts. Data on the number of papers published by these authors and the subject dispersion of these papers were also gathered from Computer and Control Abstracts. A moderately strong positive correlation was found between the number of papers published by each author and the number of subfields of computer science in which these papers were published. Research productivity and breadth of research interest of computer scientists appear to be directly related. It also appears that computer scientists have a more diversified research interest within their own field than environmental scientists who tend to work consistently in a well-defined subfield of their discipline.
Early Admission Call-Up: A Strategy and Marketing Perk for Attracting Better Students to a College in Lebanon.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether an early call-up strategy helps in attracting better students to a private university in Lebanon. Early admission call-up was administered to the top 25 percentile-ranked students of main feeder schools at a private university in Lebanon. Admission data was accrued for students who applied for admission from 2000 to 2006. The early admission call-up was made in the spring of 2006 and compared to the top 25 percentile-ranked students of previous years that were not treated with the early-admission call-up. They were also compared to those below the 25 percentile score cohort group. The results showed that students who were treated with the call-up enrolled at higher rates than those at the top 25 percentile rank in previous years. It was also shown that those at the top 25 percentile score had a higher high school averages as compared to the previous years. Early admission call-up provides a strategic marketing perk to enrolling above average students at a private university in Lebanon.
Utilization of the GAM-2 pyramid for real-time simulation

A feasibility study which demonstrates the applicability of the GAM-2 pyramid computer to the real-time simulation of dynamic systems is described. The architecture of the computer and the manner in which data are exchanged between processing elements are discussed. The author describes how the differential equations and the various computational units of the integration algorithm are partitioned among the processing elements at the different levels in the pyramid. Methods of exchanging data between the processing elements during and after a given integration cycle are explained, and the time required for computations and data exchange is also discussed. The required computation time of an integration cycle is evaluated, and conclusions are drawn concerning the efficiency of using the GAM-2 pyramid structures for digital simulation of dynamic systems. >
Population-based MRI atlases of spatial distribution are specific to patient and tumor characteristics in glioblastoma

Background and purpose In treating glioblastoma (GB), surgical and chemotherapeutic treatment guidelines are, for the most part, independent of tumor location. In this work, we compiled imaging data from a large cohort of GB patients to create statistical atlases illustrating the disease spatial frequency as a function of patient demographics as well as tumor characteristics.
What The CPA's Think About The Proposed Changes To Lease Accounting

The Financial Accounting Standards Board and the International Accounting Standards Board jointly issued a Discussion Paper soliciting comments on a proposed standard on leases. This paper presents the results from 417 CPA’s responses to selected questions asked in the Discussion Paper.
Techniques for Acquiring Computer Procedures: Some Restrictions on “Interaction”

Although many current theories emphasize the interactive and exploratory nature of learning, computer-aided training systems that use these principles often appear ineffective. A series of four experiments examined two kinds of interaction that are available in a number of commercial systems: (1) interactively reading instructions and then performing the indicated steps; (2) interactively selecting the order in which to explore the instructions. The data suggest that although interaction leads to better performance initially, this advantage is lost after a short delay. Likewise, unstructured access to training materials can actually inhibit subsequent performance. The consequences for the design and use of training materials is discussed.
IMPACT OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION’S 2007 GUIDELINES ON THE PRACTICE OF DENTAL PROPHYLAXIS FOR THE PREVENTION OF INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS IN HIGH RISK PATIENTS: OLMSTED COUNTY, MINNESOTA

The American Heart Association (AHA) published updated infective endocarditis (IE) prevention guidelines in 2007 and continued to recommend antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) prior to invasive dental procedures for “high risk” (HR) IE patients. We therefore evaluated dental office records in Olmsted
Abstract C34: Senescence as a mechanism of resistance to the Aurora kinase and angiokinase inhibitor, ENMD-2076, in p53 mutated triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) models

Background: Despite advances in targeted therapies for cancer, TNBC remains an aggressive breast cancer subtype with limited treatment options. Mutations in p53 are common in TNBC, however, the exact contribution of individual p53 mutations to response to therapy and mechanisms of acquired resistance are unknown. The purpose of this study was to characterize the activity of ENMD-2076, a multi-target Aurora kinase A and angiokinase inhibitor, against p53 mutated TNBC patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDX) and to identify differences in molecular pathways determining cellular fate in sensitive and resistant models. Methods: TNBC PDX models harboring different p53 mutations were used for ENMD-2076 treatment studies. Athymic nude mice were injected with tumor tissue and tumor volumes were measured twice a week. When the mean tumor volumes reached 150 mm3, mice were randomized and treated with vehicle control or ENMD-2076 200 mg/kg by oral gavage daily. A subset of animals were sacrificed at Day 4, 30, and at the time of acquired resistance for correlative tissue testing which included: immunofluorescence (IF) for p53, p73, BCL2, BAX, p16, phospho Aurora A (pAA) and phospho histone H3 (pHH3); immunohistochemistry (IHC) for cleaved caspase 3 (CC3) and Ki67; HE TGI 66.1% p value Conclusions: ENMD-2076 has pro-apoptotic anti-cancer activity in a subset of p53 mutated TNBC PDX models. Sensitivity was associated with the induction of p73, which may mediate the response in the absence of functional p53. Intrinsic and acquired resistance to ENMD-2076 in TNBC PTX models was associated with loss of p73 expression and an increase in markers associated with senescence, including p16 expression and SA β-gal activity. These data support the role of senescence as a potential mechanism of resistance to Aurora kinase inhibitors in p53 mutated TNBC and support the continued development of combination therapies including with inhibitors of pathways that mediate senescence. Citation Format: Anastasia A. Ionkina, S. Gail Eckhardt, Todd M. Pitts, Carol Sartorius, Peter Kabos, Jiyhe Kim, Aik Choon Tan, John J. Tentler, Jennifer R. Diamond. Senescence as a mechanism of resistance to the Aurora kinase and angiokinase inhibitor, ENMD-2076, in p53 mutated triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) models. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2015 Nov 5-9; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2015;14(12 Suppl 2):Abstract nr C34.
Effects of Vitamin D in treatment of bronchial asthma patients

【Objective】 To investigate the effects of Vitamin D in Bronchial asthma patients. 【Methods】 200 cases were randomly divided into routine treatment bronchial asthma group and conventional therapy plus vitamin D therapy group, 200 cases of bronchial asthma patients tested serum vitamin D, IL-2 and TNF-a concentration, and ACT scores before and after treatment. 【Results】 Conventional therapy plus vitamin D treatment group of patients serum IL-2, TNF alpha levels decreased significantly comparing with the conventional treatment group, ACT score showed complete control and control patients was significantly higher than the conventional treatment group, there was a significant difference (P 0.05). 【Conclusion】 Vitamin D can reduce airway reactivity, enhance the treatment of bronchial asthma curative effect.
Senile entropion: modified Schimek operation.

Senile entropion is a common cause of ocular discomfort. Medical treatment is ineffective for it and a definitive operation generally is required. Many surgical procedures are available, but most of them are not effective. The operation described in this paper was devised by one of us (H.G.S.) 9 years ago, employing a modification of the Schimek procedure. It has the advantage, however, of fixation of the sutures to the periosteum of the lateral orbital rim and thus provides firm support for the lid septum. The operation is simple, safe, and takes little more. Even if entropion recurs, the operation can be repeated with no damage to the lid.
Social work practitioners in post-conflict Northern Ireland: Lessons from a critical ethnography

This article presents candid lessons learned by an ‘outsider’ conducting qualitative research in Northern Ireland over a 15-month period. Former combatant women (N = 14) with the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) were interviewed using a critical ethnography framework. The findings include a description of difficulties in conducting such research in the areas of accessing hard-to-reach samples, building trust and credibility over time, having a main gatekeeper, maintaining an apolitical position, modeling non-judgmental attitudes, and at all costs safeguarding confidentiality. These lessons resonated with the core tenets of social work practice which enabled and facilitated the conduct of this study.
Disjoining potential and grain boundary premelting in binary alloys

Many grain boundaries (GBs) in crystalline materials develop highly disordered, liquidlike structures at high temperatures. In alloys, this premelting effect can be fueled by solute segregation and can occur at lower temperatures than in single-component systems. A premelted GB can be modeled by a thin liquid layer located between two solid-liquid interfaces interacting by a disjoining potential. We propose a single analytical form of the disjoining potential describing repulsive, attractive, and intermediate interactions. The potential predicts a variety of premelting scenarios, including thin-to-thick phase transitions. The potential is verified by atomistic computer simulations of premelting in three different GBs in Cu-Ag alloys employing a Monte Carlo technique with an embedded atom potential. The disjoining potential has been extracted from the simulations by analyzing GB width fluctuations. The simulations confirm all shapes of the disjoining potential predicted by the analytical model. One of the GBs was found to switch back and forth between two (thin and thick) states, confirming the existence of thin-to-thick phase transformations in this system. The proposed disjoining potential also predicts the possibility of a cascade of thin-to-thick transitions caused by compositional oscillations (patterning) near solid-liquid interfaces.
The Financial Dimension

The demand for housing finance comes from purchasers of dwellings. Because of the long-term and expensive nature of housing, buyers usually are not in a position to pay cash and therefore require an annuity mortgage. Long-term finance is therefore a critical component of the price of housing, which makes it different from most other commodities in the economy. House buyers fall into two categories: owner-occupiers who purchase to live in the dwelling and landlords who purchase in order to rent the dwelling. The latter includes governments, which purchase dwellings — existing or new — in order to rent them, usually at a below-market rental.
Towards a Comparative Science of the Economy — Defining Units of Analysis

Studying economies across cultures is an increasingly challenging and urgent task. In a world in which jet-age technology and its products quite literally land upon stone-age cultures, factories are plunked down in the midst of farms and tropical paradises (Kottak, 1983), and the informal economy can become the primary source of livelihood (Halperin, n.d.), we must create new analytical tools for dealing with changing combinations of economic processes, with multiple survival strategies and with pluralism in both production and distribution processes. Economic anthropology has treated the agrarian sectors of the industrial United States (Chibnik, 1987; Halperin, 1987) as well as ‘the gardens of prehistory’ (Killion n.d.).
Optimizing GPU Register Usage: Extensions to OpenACC and Compiler Optimizations

Using compiler directives to program accelerator-based systems through APIs such as OpenACC or OpenMP has increasingly gained popularity due to the portability and productivity advantages it offers. However, when comparing the performance typically achieved to what lower-level programming interfaces such as CUDA or OpenCL provides, directive-based approaches may entail a significant performance penalty. Tosupport massively parallel computations, accelerators such as GPGPUs offer an expansive set of registers, larger than even the L1 cache, to hold the temporary state of each thread. Scalar variables are the mostly likely candidates to be assigned to these registers by the compiler. Hence, scalar replacement is a key enabling optimization for effectively improving the utilization of register files on accelerator devices and thereby substantially reducing the cost of memory operations. However, the aggressive application of scalar replacement may require a large number of registers, limiting the application of this technique unless mitigating approaches such as those described in this paper are taken. In this paper, we propose solutions to optimize the register usage within offloaded computations using OpenACC directives. We first present a compiler optimization called SAFARA thatextends the classical scalar replacement algorithm to improve register file utilization on GPUs. Moreover, we extend the OpenACC interface by providing new clauses, namely dim and small, that will reduce the number of scalars to replace. SAFARA prioritizes the most beneficial data for allocation in registers based on frequency of use and also memory access latency. It also uses a static feedback strategy to retrieve low-level register information in order to guide the compiler in carrying out the scalar replacement transformation. Then, the new clauses we propose will extremely reduce the number of scalars, eliminating the need for more registers. We evaluate SAFARA and the new clauses using SPEC and NAS OpenACC benchmarks, our results suggest that these approaches will be effective for improving overall performance of code executing on GPUs. We got up to 2.5 speedup running NAS and 2.08 speedup while running SPEC benchmarks.
Investigating Student Use of Electronic Support Tools and Mathematical Reasoning

Mathematical reasoning involves comprehending mathematical information and concepts in a logical way and forming conclusions and generalizations based on this comprehension. Computer-based learning has been incorporated into classrooms across the country, and specific aspects of technology need to be studied to determine how programs are influencing student reasoning and learning. This article explores how one aspect of computer-based learning, electronic support tools (ESTs), influences students’ mathematical reasoning over the course of an online supplemental mathematics program, the Math Learning Companion (MLC). Students in Grades 3, 4, and 5 (N = 31) from two private schools participated in MLC, and their reasoning was assessed before and after participating in the program. EST use was measured by using frequency counts for each tool. Results describe students’ tool use and reflect an overall change in their reasoning over the course of the intervention, indicating that students use ESTs as needed to individualize the learning program. Students specifically used ESTs as needed to improve their mathematical reasoning, their correctness of response, and their mathematical explanations of their answers over the course of the intervention.
Surface Expression of TGFβ Docking Receptor GARP Promotes Oncogenesis and Immune Tolerance in Breast Cancer

GARP encoded by the Lrrc32 gene is the cell surface docking receptor for latent TGFβ, which is expressed naturally by platelets and regulatory T cells (Treg). Although Lrrc32 is amplified frequently in breast cancer, the expression and relevant functions of GARP in cancer have not been explored. Here, we report that GARP exerts oncogenic effects, promoting immune tolerance by enriching and activating latent TGFβ in the tumor microenvironment. We found that human breast, lung, and colon cancers expressed GARP aberrantly. In genetic studies in normal mammary gland epithelial and carcinoma cells, GARP expression increased TGFβ bioactivity and promoted malignant transformation in immunodeficient mice. In breast carcinoma-bearing mice that were immunocompetent, GARP overexpression promoted Foxp3+ Treg activity, which in turn contributed to enhancing cancer progression and metastasis. Notably, administration of a GARP-specific mAb limited metastasis in an orthotopic model of human breast cancer. Overall, these results define the oncogenic effects of the GARP-TGFβ axis in the tumor microenvironment and suggest mechanisms that might be exploited for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Cancer Res; 76(24); 7106-17. ©2016 AACR.
Utility of endoscopic therapy in the management of Boerhaave syndrome.

Background/aims: The optimal intervention for Boerhaave perforation has not been determined. Options include surgical repair with/without a pedicled muscle flap, T tube placement, esophageal resection or diversion, or an endoscopic approach. All management strategies require adequate drainage and nutritional support. Our aim was to evaluate outcomes following Boerhaave perforation treated with surgery, endoscopic therapy, or both. Patients and methods: We performed a 10-year review of our prospectively maintained databases of adult patients with Boerhaave perforations. We documented clinical presentation, extent of injury, primary intervention, “salvage” treatment (any treatment for persistent leak), and outcome. Results were analyzed using the Fisher’s exact and Kruskal – Wallis tests. Results: Between October 2004 and October 2014, 235 patients presented with esophageal leak/fistula with 17 Boerhaave perforations. Median age was 68 years. Median length of perforation was 1.25 cm (range 0.8 – 5 cm). Four patients presented with systemic sepsis (two treated with palliative stent and two surgically). Primary endotherapy was performed for eight (50 %) and primary surgery for eight (50 %) patients. Two endotherapy patients required multiple stents. Median stent duration was 61 days (range 56 – 76). “Salvage” intervention was required in 2/8 (25 %) endotherapy patients and 1/8 (13 %) surgery patient (stent). All patients healed without resection/reconstruction. There were no deaths in the surgically treated group and two in the endotherapy group (stented with palliative intent due to poor systemic condition). Readmission within 30 days occurred in 3/6 of alive endotherapy patients (50 %) and 0/8 surgery patients. Re-intervention within 30 days was required for one endotherapy patient. Conclusion: Endoscopic repair of Boerhaave perforations can be useful in carefully selected patients without evidence of systemic sepsis. Endoscopic therapy such as stenting is particularly valuable as a “salvage” intervention. The benefits of endoscopic therapy and esophageal preservation are offset against an increased risk of readmission in patients primarily treated endoscopically.
Balloon Pulmonary Valvuloplasty, Pulmonary Regurgitation, and Exercise Capacity: The Good, the Bad, and the Not Yet Clear

The modern technique for balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (BPV) was described in 1982 ([1][1]). Numerous reports over the past 25+ years have shown that BPV uniformly relieves pulmonary stenosis in patients with the typical isolated pulmonary valve abnormality. The remarkable safety and efficacy of
Rolling out Xpert MTB/RIF® for tuberculosis detection in HIV-positive populations: An opportunity for systems strengthening

Background: To eliminate preventable deaths, disease and suffering due to tuberculosis ,improved diagnostic capacity is critical. The Cepheid Xpert MTB/RIF® assay is recommended by the World Health Organization as the initial diagnostic test for people with suspected HIV associatedtuberculosis. However, despite high expectations, its scale-up in real-world settings has faced challenges, often due to the systems that support it. Opportunities for System Strengthening: In this commentary, we discuss needs and opportunities for systems strengthening to support widespread scale-up of Xpert MTB/RIF as they relate to each step within the tuberculosis diagnostic cascade, from finding presumptive patients, to collecting, transporting and testing sputum specimens, to reporting and receiving results, to initiating and monitoring treatment and, ultimately, to ensuring successful and timely treatment and cure. Investments in evidence-based interventions at each step along the cascade and within the system as a whole will augment not only the utility of Xpert MTB/RIF, but also the successful implementation of future diagnostic tests. Conclusion: Xpert MTB/RIF will only improve patient outcomes if optimally implemented within the context of strong tuberculosis programmes and systems. Roll-out of this technology to people living with HIV and others in resource-limited settings offers the opportunity to leverage current tuberculosis and HIV laboratory, diagnostic and programmatic investments, while also addressing challenges and strengthening coordination between laboratory systems, laboratory-programme interfaces, and tuberculosis-HIV programme interfaces. If successful, the benefits of this tool could extend beyond progress toward global End TB Strategy goals, to improve system-wide capacity for global disease detection and control.
Evaluation of laser ablation double-focusing SC-ICPMS for “common” lead isotopic measurements in silicate glasses and minerals

An analytical method for the in situ measurement of “common” Pb isotope ratios in silicate glasses and minerals using a 193 nm excimer laser ablation (LA) system with a double-focusing single-collector (SC)-ICPMS is presented and evaluated as a possible alternative to multiple-collector (MC)-ICPMS. This LA-SC-ICPMS technique employs fast-scanning ion deflectors to sequentially place a series of flat-topped isotope peaks into a single ion-counting detector at a fixed accelerating voltage and magnetic field strength. Reference materials (including NIST, MPI-DING, and USGS glasses) are used to identify two analytical artifacts on the Pb isotope ratios (expressed here as heavier/lighter isotopes) when corrected for mass bias relative to NIST SRM610. The first artifact is characterized by anomalously low Pb isotope ratios (∼0.1% per AMU) when SRM610 is analyzed in raster mode as an unknown at small spot sizes ( 5 ppm) by LA-SC-ICPMS is unlikely, and in this case, LA-MC-ICPMS remains the preferable analytical technique.
Age‐stratified thresholds of anti‐Müllerian hormone improve prediction of polycystic ovary syndrome over a population‐based threshold

SummaryObjective Due to its consistent elevation in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and correlation with polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM), anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) has been proposed as a marker of the syndrome. However, prior studies reporting thresholds of AMH for a PCOS diagnosis have been limited by small sample size, inappropriate controls, and heterogeneous AMH assays. We sought to evaluate the suitability of a standardized AMH assay as a biomarker of PCOS. Design Cross-sectional study at academic medical centres across the United States. Patients Women with PCOS were diagnosed by Rotterdam criteria and included 282 subjects from the multisite PPCOS II trial and 109 patients from a tertiary academic centre's multidisciplinary PCOS clinic. Controls included 245 participants in the ovarian ageing (OVA) study, a community-based cohort of ovulatory women not seeking treatment for fertility. Measurements Determination of AMH by a central laboratory. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were used to investigate the accuracy of AMH thresholds for prediction of PCOS diagnosis with stratification by age. Results The optimal threshold of AMH to distinguish PCOS from controls was 55.36 pmol/L (sensitivity: 0.82, specificity: 0.78, J: 0.60). When examining the population by age groups, the optimal AMH threshold decreased with increasing age. Conclusions AMH is an effective biomarker of PCOS. Age-stratified thresholds more accurately predicted PCOS than an overall population-based threshold.
How well do clinic-based blood pressure measurements agree with the mercury standard?

Background: Obtaining accurate blood pressure (BP) readings is a challenge faced by health professionals. Clinical trials implement strict protocols, whereas clinical practices and studies that assess quality of care utilize a less rigorous protocol for BP measurement. Objective: To examine agreement between real-time clinic-based assessment of BP and the standard mercury assessment of BP. Design: Prospective reliability study. Patients: One hundred patients with an International Classification of Diseases—9th edition code for hypertension were enrolled. Measures: Two BP measurements were obtained with the Hawksley random-zero mercury sphygmomanometer and averaged. The clinic-based BP was extracted from the computerized medical records. Results: Agreement between the mercury and clinic-based systolic blood pressure (SBP) was good, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)=0.91 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.83 to 0.94); the agreement for the mercury and clinic-based diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was satisfactory, ICC=0.77 (95% CI: 0.62 to 0.86). Overall, clinic-based readings overestimated the mercury readings, with a mean overestimation of 8.3 mmHg for SBP and 7.1 mmHg for DBP. Based on the clinic-based measure, 21% of patients were misdiagnosed with uncontrolled hypertension. Conclusions: Health professionals should be aware of this potential difference when utilizing clinic-based BP values for making treatment decisions and/or assessing quality of care.
A spring-loaded compliant neck brace with adjustable supports

Abstract Patients with head drop need external support to keep the head up and move it around. Their neck muscles are not strong enough to bring the head back to the neutral configuration from a flexed position. They often use static neck braces to keep the head in the upright configuration. These braces do not allow movement of the head-neck and cause further atrophy to the muscles. In this paper, we present a spring-loaded dynamic neck brace to support the head in a desired equilibrium configuration. The brace is fitted with torsional springs that can provide restoring forces to the head as it is displaced from the equilibrium configuration. The equilibrium configuration is adjustable by preloading the springs. In this paper, we present a mathematical model and validate through experiments with a prototype. The dynamic brace was found to provide sufficient support to the neck in a configuration while also allowing the users to move their head.
Magnetic orders in the hole-doped three-band Hubbard model: Spin spirals, nematicity, and ferromagnetic domain walls

The copper-oxygen planes in cuprates have been at the center of the search for a theory of high-temperature superconductivity. We conduct an extensive study of the ground state of the three-band Hubbard (Emery) model in the underdoped regime. We focus on the magnetic and charge orders, and present results from generalized Hartree-Fock (GHF) calculations. The ground-state properties at the thermodynamic limit are challenging to pin down because of sensitivity to computational details, including the shapes and sizes of the supercells. We employ large-scale computations with various technical improvements to determine the orders within GHF. The ground state exhibits a rich phase diagram with hole doping as the charge transfer energy is varied, including ferromagnetic domain walls embedded in an antiferromagnetic background, spin spirals, and nematic order.
Genetics Factors and Tumor Markers in Upper Urinary Tract-Urothelial Carcinoma

The diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract (UUT) may be more elusive than for UC of the bladder especially for low-stage, low-volume disease. Genetic markers may allow the diagnosis and possible prognosis of UUT-UC based on the very small tissue samples obtained through endoscopic biopsy. Families with UUT-UC are rare but point to distinct genetic features that may underlie sporadic cases such as mutations in the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes. MMR mutations are thought to lead to inability to repair DNA copy errors during replication causing microsatellite instability (MSI) and mutations in p53 or FGFR3. Cytology has low sensitivity in the diagnosis of low-stage UUT-UC, especially after post-cystectomy urinary diversion to bowel. Diagnostic yield may be improved by chromosomal enumeration tests (e.g., FISH), DNA assays (e.g., p53 status, methylation status, FXYD3 gene), and/or protein markers (e.g., ImmunoCyt, BTA Stat, Nuclear Matrix Protein 22 (NMP22), survivin, telomerase). Markers may also be used to identify patients who may be at risk of bladder recurrence after nephroureterectomy (e.g., expression of TP53 and E-cadherin). No single tumor marker appears to have enough specificity and sensitivity to obviate the need for careful endoscopic and imaging evaluation of the patient who may have UUT-UC. However, genetic markers continue to improve the ability to lateralize, diagnose, and predict failure after conservative or definitive management of a commonly aggressive neoplasm subtype.
Frequency and Location of Extracapsular Extensionand Positive Surgical Margins in Radical Prostatectomy Specimens

AbstractPositive surgical margins have been reported with disturbing frequency in radical prostatectomy specimens and may portend an increased risk of eventual treatment failure. We determined the location of any cancer, extracapsular extension and positive surgical margins in 144 consecutive step-sectioned radical prostatectomy specimens. Of the 46 stage A cancer patients 98% had residual cancer in the prostate after transurethral resection and in 76% cancer was found posteriorly in the gland. Extracapsular extension was identified in 10 patients (22%): anteriorly in 5, posterolaterally in 5 and on the most apical transverse section in 4. Positive margins were found in 10 patients (22%) and half of these occurred posterolaterally. Of the 98 stage B cancer patients tumor was located posteriorly in 97%. Extracapsular extension was found in 62 patients (63%) and in 87% of these it was located posterolaterally. Positive margins were found in 23%, most commonly in the posterolateral and rectal areas (57% and ...
Neutron scattering studies on chromatin higher-order structure.

We have been engaged in studies of the structure and condensation of chromatin into the 30nm filament using small-angle neutron scattering. We have also used deuterated histone H1 to determine its location in the chromatin 30nm filament. Our studies indicate that chromatin condenses with increasing ionic strength to a limiting structure that has a mass per unit length of 6–7 nucleosomes/11nm. They also show that the linker histone H1/H5 is located in the interior of the chromatin filament, in a position compatible with its binding to the inner face of the nucleosome. Analysis of the mass per unit length as a function of H5 stoichiometry suggests that 5–7 contiguous nucleosomes need to have H5 bound before a stable higher order structure can exist.
LITHICS | Analysis, Use Wear

Lithic analysis deals with human produced tools and debitage made from stone. Lithic analysts study stone tools and debitage to help infer past human behaviors associated with such artifacts. This paper calls for replicable techniques and methods of stone tool and debitage analysis. A number of analytical techniques are demonstrated but the emphasis of the paper is more upon the logic behind the choice of various analytical methods and less upon detailing specific analytical techniques. It is suggested that lithic analysis begin with a gross description of the assemblage based upon types that are defined in a mutually exclusive manner, so that they can be recognized by other researchers. Further, the analysis of lithic artifacts should be guided by questions posed by the researcher. By way of reviewing analytical techniques it is shown that debitage is intimately linked to both tool production and tool use, and that the analysis of tools and debitage should produce complementary and corroborating results. The review provides a logical foundation for lithic analysis and describes basic concepts and techniques of lithic analysis, within a context of problem oriented research questions.
Salicylates in the treatment of arthritic disease. How safe and effective

Despite the adverse effects of aspirin, many physicians still consider it to be the drug of choice for initial treatment of arthritic disorders. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are better tolerated than aspirin but have similar, although milder, side effects. The nonacetylated salicylates appear to have fewer adverse effects than either aspirin or the NSAIDs and therefore may warrant greater consideration as first-line therapy for arthritis.
Acoustic Behavior of Mysticete Whales

There are eleven species of mysticetes (baleen whales), and sounds have been recorded from all but the pygmy right whale (Caperea marginata). The greatest amount of acoustic information has been gathered for the bowhead (Balaena mysticetus), gray (Eschrichtius robustus), humpback (Megaptera novaeancrliae), and right (Eubalaena australis and E.glacialis) whales, because they are coastal, relatively vocal, and more social among the mysticetes. The more pelagic species, which include the blue (Balaenoptera musculus), fin (Balaenoptera physalus), Bryde’s (Balaenoptera edeni), sei (Balaenoptera borealis), and minke (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) whales, are more difficult to observe and are less vocal than the coastal species. The most recent review of mysticete sounds was presented by Thompson et al. (1979; but see Winn and Perkins, 1976). Herman and Tavolga (1980) discuss mysticete sounds from the perspective of communication. Ridgway and Harrison (1985) provide some further descriptions of sound production for some of the mysticetes, while Payne (1983) presents a number of chapters on specific aspects of acoustic behavior in southern right whales and humpback whales.
Component Estimation under Uncertainty

A procedure is outlined for estimating unknown proportions of mixtures of mineralogic components in porous sedimentary rocks in situations where the number of components exceeds the number of measured rock properties on which estimates are to be based. A probabilistic approach is proposed in which a prior probability distribution is imposed on values taken on by the set of components and optimal estimates are obtained by maximizing the conditional probability defined for those values which are consistant with the given information. The introduction of prior probability distributions to the problem of component estimation under uncertainty offers a new direction in formation evaluation.
Homing of human cells in the fetal sheep model: modulation by antibodies activating or inhibiting very late activation antigen-4-dependent function.

The mechanisms by which intravenously (IV)-administered hematopoietic cells home to the bone marrow (BM) are poorly defined. Although insightful information has been obtained in mice, our knowledge about homing of human cells is very limited. In the present study, we investigated the importance of very late activation antigen (VLA)-4 in the early phases of lodgment of human CD34+progenitors into the sheep hematopoietic compartment after in utero transplantation. We have found that preincubation of donor cells with anti–VLA-4 blocking antibodies resulted in a profound reduction of human cell lodgment in the fetal BM at 24 and 48 hours after transplantation, with a corresponding increase of human cells in the peripheral circulation. Furthermore, IV infusion of the anti–VLA-4 antibody at later times (posttransplantation days 21 to 24) resulted in redistribution or mobilization of human progenitors from the BM to the peripheral blood. In an attempt to positively modulate homing, we also pretreated human donor cells with an activating antibody to β1 integrins. This treatment resulted in increased lodgment of donor cells in the fetal liver, presumably for hemodynamic reasons, at the expense of the BM. Given previous involvement of the VLA-4/vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 adhesion pathway in homing and mobilization in the murine system, our present data suggest that cross-reacting ligands (likely VCAM-1) for human VLA-4 exist in sheep BM, thereby implicating conservation of molecular mechanisms of homing and mobilization across disparate species barriers. Thus, information from xenogeneic models of human hematopoiesis and specifically, the human/sheep model of in utero transplantation, may provide valuable insights into human hematopoietic transplantation biology.
Population Genetics and Molecular Epidemiology of Eukaryotes

Molecular epidemiology uses the distribution and organization of a pathogen's DNA to understand the distribution and determinants of disease. Since the biology of DNA for eukaryotic pathogens differs substantially from that of bacteria, the analytic approach to their molecular epidemiology can also differ. While many of the genotyping techniques presented earlier in this series, "Advances in Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases," can be applied to eukaryotes, the output must be interpreted in the light of how DNA is distributed from one generation to the next. In some cases, parasite populations can be evaluated in ways reminiscent of bacteria. They differ, however, when analyzed as sexually reproducing organisms, where all individuals are unique but the genetic composition of the population does not change unless a limited set of events occurs. It is these events (migration, mutation, nonrandom mating, selection, and genetic drift) that are of interest. At a given time, not all of them are likely to be equally important, so the list can easily be narrowed down to understand the driving forces behind the population as it is now and even what it will look like in the future. The main population characteristics measured to assess these events are differentiation and diversity, interpreted in the light of what is known about the population from observation. The population genetics of eukaryotes is important for planning and evaluation of control measures, surveillance, outbreak investigation, and monitoring of the development and spread of drug resistance. *This article is part of a curated collection.
Rules can be Good. Really.

What do people think of when they hear “rules”? The public employee may think about rules imposed upon them that they do not like; the manager may think of the ways in which rules are utilized to e...
Evaluation and application of a method for estimating nasal end-tidal O2 fraction while administering supplemental O2.

This paper describes a method for estimating the oxygen enhanced end-tidal fraction of oxygen (FetOe), the end-tidal fraction of oxygen (FetO2) that is raised by administering supplemental oxygen. The paper has two purposes: the first is to evaluate the method’s accuracy on the bench and in volunteers; the second purpose is to demonstrate how to apply the method to compare two techniques of oxygen administration. The method estimates FetOe by analyzing expired oxygen as oxygen washes out of the lung. The method for estimating FetOe was first validated using a bench simulation in which tracheal oxygen was measured directly. Then it was evaluated in 30 healthy volunteers and compared to the bench simulation. Bland–Altman analysis compared calculated and observed FetOe/FetO2 measurements. After the method was evaluated, it was implemented to compare the FetOe obtained when administering oxygen using two different techniques (pulsed and continuous flow). A total of eighteen breath washout conditions were evaluated on the bench. FetOe estimates and tracheal FetO2 had a mean difference of − 0.016 FO2 with 95% limits of agreement from − 0.048 to 0.016 FO2. Thirteen breath washouts per volunteer were analyzed. Extrapolated and observed FetO2 had a mean difference of − 0.001 FO2 with 95% limits of agreement from − 0.006 to 0.004 FO2. Pulsed flow oxygen (PFO) achieved the same FetOe values as continuous flow oxygen (CFO) using 32.1% ± 2.27% (mean ± SD) of the CFO rate. This paper has demonstrated that the method estimates FetO2 enhanced by administering supplemental oxygen with clinically insignificant differences. This paper has also shown that PFO can obtain FetO2 similar to CFO using approximately one-third of the oxygen volume. After evaluating this method, we conclude that the method provides useful estimates of nasal FetO2 enhanced by supplemental oxygen administration.
A Cross-cultural exploration on the psychological aspects of skin color aesthetics: Implications for sun-related behavior

Sociocultural values toward skin color manifest in daily behaviors, such as sun-seeking behaviors in Euro-American culture and sun-protective behaviors in Chinese culture. However, little research has investigated how attitudes toward skin color affect sun-related behaviors in the face of conflicting cultural values. This study explores how sociocultural contexts shape attitudes toward skin color and sun-related behaviors in three groups of genetically Chinese women, located on a spectrum from predominantly Chinese culture to predominantly Euro-American culture. Using ethnographic and qualitative comparative approaches, interviews were conducted with (a) 15 Chinese women (Mage = 25; SD = 2.73) who grew up in mainland China until at least age 18 years and then moved to the United States, (b) 15 second-generation Chinese Americans (Mage = 20; SD = 1.16) raised in the United States by Chinese parents, and (c) 18 Chinese adoptees (Mage = 21; SD = 1.13) raised in the United States by Euro-American parents. Overall, Chinese women leaned toward Chinese culture, preferred lighter skin, and engaged in more sun-protection practices. Chinese adoptees leaned toward Euro-American culture, preferred tanned skin and sun-seeking behaviors, and experienced more sunburns. Chinese Americans had mixed results, exemplifying a double-bind in adherence to either Euro-American or Chinese cultural values. Findings elucidate the connections between sun-related behaviors and sociocultural backgrounds, especially how embracing Euro-American culture might increase sun exposure and sunburn tendency. Since sun exposure contributes to health outcomes (e.g., skin cancer, vitamin D status, and bone density), these findings have significant implications for public health prevention efforts.
Neural Models of Normal and Abnormal Behavior: What Do Schizophrenia, Parkinsonism, Attention Deficit Disorder, and Depression Have in Common?

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses how some key symptoms of schizophrenia, Parlunson's disease, attention deficit disorder, and depression can be caused as emergent properties of neural models of behavior when their cellular parameters are perturbed out of the normal range. These examples do not purport to be the complete explanations of the symptoms in question, but they do show how such a model can help to close the gap between the brain and behavior. In particular, several behavioral properties of these models simultaneously co-vary in a manner that reflects clinical data when one of its cellular parameters is varied. Other behavioral properties serve as model predictions to further test the proposed explanation. Finally, the normal functioning of the model clarifies the transition between the normal and abnormal behavioral states. Each of these model circuits will be presented in its simplest possible form. For example, some properties are more easily demonstrated using excitatory transmitter substances, whereas they may be realized in vivo, using a cascade of inhibitory transmitters that exert a disinhibitory action.