cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Excitation Related Uncertainty in Ambient Vibration Testing of Bridges

Ambient vibration testing is often the most practical and cost-effective approach available for quantitatively characterizing full-scale bridges. The resulting data have been explored for many applications including structural identification, damage detection and characterization, and structural health monitoring. Although this approach has been applied to many different types of structures, there are numerous sources of uncertainty with this approach that have yet to be fully identified and quantified. These sources of uncertainty may be limiting the reliability and the utility of the characterization results for many applications. This paper presents a study that was conducted specifically to evaluate the uncertainty that may result due to the nature of the unmeasured ambient dynamic excitation of a truss bridge. The modal parameters of the bridge were identified from unmeasured ambient excitation and while the bridge was dynamically excited with controlled white noise via a spatially distributed array of dynamic exciters. The bridge’s vibration response was evaluated for the various controlled white noise excitation cases and compared with the response due to uncontrolled ambient dynamic excitation. The modal parameters of the bridge were also identified for the various excitation cases and evaluated to identify the uncertainty related to the excitation characteristics.
The effects of meal-timing on self-rated hunger and dietary inflammatory potential among a sample of college students.

College is an important time for young adults to establish healthy eating habits since students are at risk for gaining weight during the college years. An emerging area of research is examining th...
Leisure as Burden: Sudanese Refugee Women

A central question for leisure research in general and research on women and leisure in particular is the concern for the meanings of leisure. Scholars maintain that leisure's meaning is specific t...
Leaf Trait Acclimation Amplifies Simulated Climate Warming in Response to Elevated Carbon Dioxide

Vegetation modifies Earth’s climate by controlling the fluxes of energy, carbon, and water. Of critical importance is a better understanding of how vegetation responses to climate change will feedback on climate. Observations show that plant traits respond to elevated carbon dioxide concentrations. These plant trait acclimations can alter leaf area and thus productivity and surface energy fluxes. Yet, the climate impacts of plant structural trait acclimations remain to be tested and quantified. Here we show that one leaf trait acclimation in response to elevated carbon dioxide – a one third increase in leaf mass per area – significantly impacts climate and carbon cycling in Earth system model experiments. Global net primary productivity decreases (-5.8 PgC/yr, 95% confidence interval, CI95% -5.5 to -6.0), representing a decreased carbon dioxide sink of similar magnitude to current annual fossil fuel emissions (8 PgC/yr). Additional anomalous terrestrial warming (+0.3°C globally, CI95% 0.2 to 0.4), especially of the northern extratropics (+0.4°C, CI95% 0.2 to 0.5), results from reduced evapotranspiration and enhanced absorption of solar radiation at the surface. Leaf trait acclimation drives declines in productivity and evapotranspiration by reducing leaf area growth in response to elevated carbon dioxide, as a one third increase in leaf mass per area raises the cost of building leaf area and productivity fails to fully compensate. Our results suggest that plant trait acclimations, such as changing leaf mass per area, should be considered in climate projections and provide additional motivation for ecological and physiological experiments that determine plant responses to environment.
Outcomes Analysis of Gynecologic Oncologic Reconstruction.

Background Defects resulting from gynecologic oncology resections can range from small external defects to total exenterations, requiring complex pelvic reconstruction. We aim to investigate the patient and surgical factors that influence complication rates, reoperation rates, and length of stay. We hypothesize that this patient cohort will have high complication and reoperation rates that are likely most affected by their medical and extirpative surgery factors, with less direct impact from their reconstructive surgery procedures. Methods All cases of reconstruction following resection of a gynecological oncology tumor at the University of Wisconsin Hospital over the last 14 years were reviewed. Forty-three patients were identified who required 66 flaps for reconstruction. Results Mean follow-up period was 19 months. Overall complication rate was 65% and reoperation rate was 33%. Plastic surgery flap-specific complication and reoperation rates were 47% and 19%, respectively, and were not significantly associated with any patient risk factors. Flap reconstruction subtype was not associated with time to complete healing, complication rate, or reoperation. Prior chemotherapy was significantly correlated with increased rate of overall complication (P = 0.0253) and reoperation (P = 0.0448), but prior radiation was not. Mean hospital stay was 11 days (SD ± 9 d). Factors found to be significantly associated with an increase in hospitalization length were increasing number of comorbidities (P = 0.021), exenteration defects (P = 0.0122), myocutaneous flap reconstruction (P = 0.0003), radiation (P = 0.0004), and chemotherapy P = 0.0035). Conclusion This patient cohort has an overall high complication and reoperation rate; however, increasingly complex reconstruction is not associated with significant differences in complication rates or reoperation.
Classifying Ethics Codes Using Natural Language Processing

Business ethics scholars have varied opinions of corporate ethics codes. Many advocate them as a way to contribute to an organizational environment in which ethics will be a regular consideration in the decision-making process. Critics assert that codes of ethics are mere window dressings written to protect the company from litigation or to comply with regulations. The authors maintain that language is a key to distinguishing between these two properties and an aid to how employees and other stakeholders should view a code’s intent. However, language is often ambiguous to the reader and results of research on ethics codes are often in conflict. This chapter addresses the issue of intent by quantifying the content of ethics codes. Methodologies from natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning are applied in a novel way to classify ethics codes. Codes from companies selected from lists of “Ethical” companies are compared with codes from the Fortune 500 companies. The model’s findings indicate that ethics codes for some of these groups of companies can be distinguishable.
Généalogie des villes d’Algérie: Voyage au cœur des civilisations

Leila Latreche’s encyclopedic survey of cities and towns in Algeria is a useful handbook in that it extends beyond the country’s main urban centres and introduces us to many places commonly ignored...
Serum albumin levels predict which patients are at increased risk for complications following surgical management of acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

Abstract BACKGROUND Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) account for a substantial portion of the US healthcare financial burden. With a growing elderly population, the number of fractures contributing to sagittal imbalance is expected to increase. For those patients undergoing surgery, preoperative markers, such as albumin, may help to predict the occurrence of postoperative complications. PURPOSE To evaluate the association between preoperative serum albumin levels and the incidence of postoperative complications, mortality, and 30-day readmissions following surgical intervention for OVCF. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective study. PATIENT SAMPLE Patient data were obtained from the American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSIP) database between the years 2007 and 2014. OUTCOME MEASURES No outcome measures related to self-reporting, physiology, or functionality were evaluated in this study. Primary outcome measures analyzed included various postoperative complications, patient mortality, and 30-day readmission. METHODS A retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) database between 2007 and 2014 was performed, identifying 1,979 patients who met inclusion criteria. Patients were subcategorized into three groups based on preoperative nutritional status as defined by albumin levels. Outcome measures for this study included minor postoperative complication(s), major postoperative complication(s), patient mortality, 30-day readmission due to any cause, 30-day readmission related to OVCF, and total length of hospital stay. Analysis of variance was used to evaluate for associations between continuous variables and preoperative albumin levels. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, chi-square trend, and Kruskal-Wallis analyses were utilized, as appropriate, for categorical variables. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was then conducted to calculate odds ratios with corresponding p values and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS Functional status showed a statistically significant decline when correlated with preoperative albumin levels. Sepsis, septic shock, pulmonary embolism, reintubation, prolonged intubation, and major complications in general are statistically more likely to occur in patients with hypoalbuminemia. Among minor complications evaluated in this study, only surgical site complications failed to demonstrate a statistical correlation with nutritional status. No statistically significant associations were identified between postoperative outcomes and age, sex, or BMI. CONCLUSIONS Preoperative albumin levels were statistically correlated to the likelihood of minor complications, major complications, or mortality.
Variation in Rate of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Management by Primary Care Providers.

Abstract Objective To describe variation in rates of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) management by pediatrics primary care providers (PCPs) and to assess influence of clinician characteristics on variation. Methods Retrospective cohort study of electronic health records from all office visits of patients aged 4 to 17 years seen at least twice between 2015 and 2017 by 73 clinicians in 9 pediatrics practices of a community-based primary health care network in California. Outcomes per clinician: 1) percent patients seen for ADHD management; (2) percent ADHD patients with diagnosed comorbid conditions. Logistic random-effects regression models examined practice- and clinician-level variation. Results Of 40,323 patients in the cohort, 2039 (5.1%) carried an ADHD diagnosis, of which 1142 (56%) received ADHD medication. Percent of patients seen for ADHD management varied by clinician from 0.0% to 8.3% (median 3.0%). After accounting for practice-level variation and patient characteristics (ie, sex, age, insurance), clinician characteristics explained 28% of clinician variation in ADHD management. ADHD management rate was associated with high-percent full-time equivalent (odds ratio 1.17; 95% confidence interval 1.07–1.27). Percent of ADHD patients with diagnoses of comorbidities varied by clinician from 0.0% to 100% (median 35%). Association between ADHD management rate and comorbidity diagnosis was minimal (R = 0.10). Conclusions Objective electronic health records measures showed that PCPs in this network varied widely in their involvement in ADHD management. For most PCPs, percent of patients with ADHD and diagnosis of comorbidities was lower than estimated prevalence rates. Exploration of modifiable factors associated with PCP variation is needed to inform strategies for implementation of evidence-based practices.
Semen Extracellular Vesicles From HIV-1-Infected Individuals Inhibit HIV-1 Replication In Vitro, and Extracellular Vesicles Carry Antiretroviral Drugs In Vivo.

Background Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived vesicles with diverse functions in intercellular communication including disease and infection, and EVs seem to influence HIV-1 pathogenesis. EVs isolated from HIV-1-uninfected semen (SE), but not blood (BE), contain factors that interfere with HIV-1 infection and replication in target cells. The reason for this dichotomy is unknown. Furthermore, the effect of HIV-1 infection and antiretroviral (ARV) drugs on the anti-HIV-1 effects of SE and BE is unknown. Here, we characterize EVs and EV-free plasma isolated from HIV-infected donor semen and blood and their effects on HIV infection. Methods EVs and EV-free plasma were purified from autologous blood and semen of HIV-negative, HIV-infected antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive, and HIV-infected ART-treated participants. HIV infection was assessed in a TZM-bl cell reporter system. ARV concentrations were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results SE isolated from both HIV-negative and HIV-infected, ART-naive donors inhibited HIV-1 infection, but BE and semen and blood EV-free plasma did not. By contrast, BE, SE, and EV-free plasma from HIV-infected, ART-treated donors inhibited HIV-1. Importantly, exosomes isolated from ART-treated donors contained concentrations of ARV drugs (ART-EVs) at biologically relevant inhibitory levels. Conclusions The HIV-1-inhibitory phenotype of SE is independent of donor HIV-1 or ART status, and ARV drugs and their metabolites are SE- and BE-associated in vivo.
Fighting against fast speckle decorrelation for light focusing inside live tissue by photon frequency shifting

Light focusing inside live tissue by digital optical phase conjugation (DOPC) has drawn increasing interest due to its potential biomedical applications in optogenetics, microsurgery, phototherapy, and deep-tissue imaging. However, fast physiological motions in a live animal, including blood flow and respiratory motions, produce undesired photon perturbation and thus inevitably deteriorate the performance of light focusing. Here, we develop a photon-frequency-shifting DOPC method to fight against fast physiological motions by switching the states of a guide star at a distinctive frequency. Therefore, the photons tagged by the guide star are well detected at the specific frequency, separating them from the photons perturbed by fast motions. Light focusing was demonstrated in both phantoms in vitro and mice in vivo with substantially improved focusing contrast. This work puts a new perspective on light focusing inside live tissue and promises wide biomedical applications.
Numerical Analysis of the Interference of Two Active Machine Foundations

This study examines the influence of the interference on the dynamic response of two active machine foundations using the finite element analysis. The finite element model has been built carefully to ensure that the finite element model extend, and the mesh size do not influence the obtained results. Furthermore, the methodology of the finite element analysis has been verified using well-known and robust analytical solutions of wave propagation and machine vibration. Loose sand, medium sand, and dense sand and a vibration frequency range of 0.5–20.0 Hz have been considered in the analyses. The results showed that the interference of two active machine foundations remarkably increases the dynamic settlement with a percentage increase range from 1 to 77%. This percentage increase declines as the frequency of vibration or the distance between the foundations increases and rises as the soil stiffness increases. It was also found that the critical distance after which the interference effect terminates depends on the frequency of vibration and the stiffness of the soil, where the critical distance increases as the frequency of vibration declines or as the stiffness of the soil increases. Finally, a methodology has been proposed based on the results of the analyses to implicate the effect of interference in the calculation of the dynamic settlement.
Small Signal Modeling and Stability Analysis of Novel Grid Connected Z-Source Virtual Synchronous Generator (ZVSG)

In this paper, a novel Z-source virtual synchronous generator (ZVSG) is presented. The small signal model of the system is derived in synchronous reference frame and the stability of the grid connected converter is analyzed by using generalized Nyquist criteria in frequency domain. A realization of the proposed controller and converter has been done to confirm the stability results using Opal RT simulator.
Model Homes: Evaluating Approaches to Patient-centered Medical Home Implementation.

Background The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model has been widely adopted, but the evidence on its effectiveness remains mixed. One potential explanation for these mixed findings is variation in how the model is implemented by practices. Objective To identify the impact of different approaches to PCMH adoption on health care utilization in a long-term, geographically diverse sample of patients. Design Difference-in-differences evaluation of PCMH impact on cost and utilization. Subjects A total of 5,314,284 patient-year observations from the HealthCore Integrated Research Database, and 5943 practices which adopted the PCMH model in 14 states between 2011 and 2015. Intervention PCMH adoption, as defined by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Measurements Six claims-based utilization measures, plus total health care expenditures. We employ hierarchical clustering to organize practices into groups based on their PCMH capabilities, then use generalized difference-in-differences models with practice or patient fixed effects to estimate the effect of PCMH recognition (overall and separately by the groups identified by the clustering algorithm) on utilization. Results PCMH adoption was associated with a >8% reduction in total expenditures. We find significant reductions in emergency department utilization and outpatient care, and both lab and imaging services. In our by-group results we find that while the reduction in outpatient care is significant across all 3 groups, the reduction in emergency department utilization is driven entirely by 1 group with enhanced electronic communications. Conclusion The PCMH model has significant impact on patterns of health care utilization, especially when heterogeneity in implementation is accounted for in program evaluation.
COVID-19 and Catatonia: A Case Series and Systematic Review of Existing Literature.

Abstract Background Current observational literature on the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has focused on anxiety, depression, and sleep-disturbance among the public, healthcare workers, and COVID-19 patients. Case reports suggest catatonia and psychosis may be presenting symptoms of COVID-19 disease with a mechanism postulated to involve central nervous system changes in response to inflammation. There is a lack of robust evidence examining catatonia in this context. We sought to systematically review available case data and contextualize our findings. Case Presentations We present three cases of patients with catatonia seen at a large metropolitan tertiary care hospital in which their catatonia was likely attributable to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Ms. A is a female in her 50s with no psychiatric history who presented with self-inflicted stab wounds following her COVID-19 diagnosis. Ms. B is a female in her 50s with a history of schizophrenia, but no history of catatonia, who presented with akinetic catatonia, SARS-CoV-2 infection, and Clostridium difficile infection, without respiratory manifestations of COVID-19. Ms. C is a female in her 20s with a history of bipolar disorder (type 1) without catatonic features who presented with akinetic catatonia without the physical symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Discussion We present a brief review of six case reports detailing co-occurring catatonia and SARS-CoV-2 infection and one case report of catatonia attributed to the psychological stress of the COVID-19 pandemic in a patient without SARS-CoV-2 infection. We note one additional case of co-occurring catatonia and SARS-CoV-2 infection for which details are not available. COVID-19-associated catatonia may develop secondary to psychological and physical factors. Cases often report anxiety preceding catatonic symptoms. Developing evidence also suggests SARS-CoV-2 may act directly on the central nervous system or via a systemic inflammatory response. One of our cases featured significant anxiety preceding symptoms, and two had co-occurring elevated serum inflammatory markers. We suggest that clinicians should keep a high index of suspicion for both clinically significant anxiety disorders and catatonia.
A Dual-Process Approach to Moral Panic and Public Support for Sex Offender Management Policies.

The current study explores if and how dual-process thinking styles (System I/experiential and System II/rational processing) predict and explain the degree to which members of the public express mo...
Equations of State for the Thermodynamic Properties of Three Hexane Isomers: 3-Methylpentane, 2,2-Dimethylbutane, and 2,3-Dimethylbutane

Equations of state for three hexane isomers, 3-methylpentane, 2,2-dimethylbutane, and 2,3-dimethylbutane, have been developed based on experimental thermodynamic property data from the literature. These equations are explicit in the Helmholtz energy with independent variables of temperature and density. The temperature, pressure, and density validity ranges of the equations of state were determined by the available measured data for these three fluids. The uncertainties in densities, vapor pressures, saturated liquid and vapor densities, and caloric properties were estimated by comparisons with experimental data of these properties. The behavior of various thermodynamic properties was analyzed to assess the quality of the equations of state. Physically correct behavior within the region of validity and at extremely high temperatures and pressures, and temperatures far below the triple-point temperature, was obtained through fitting multiple constraints of various properties.
Development of the “Mentorship in Clinical Training Scale” (MiCTS)

Using an online survey, the researchers examined new family therapists’ experiences of four types of professional mentoring during their most recently completed family therapy training programs. The sample of 223 was mostly white, North American, female, and trained in master’s level graduate programs within the United States. Mentorship experiences were assessed with a new scale of quantitative items aimed to represent the four most common types of mentorship: psychosocial mentorship, career mentorship, clinical mentorship, and research mentorship. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses identified and supported a four-factor model of mentorship and an assessment scale of 26 items. Characteristics of the students, their mentors, and the programs, as well as the four mentoring factors were used in structural equation modeling to predict student satisfaction with their primary mentoring relationships. Suggestions are made for future research using the “Mentorship in Clinical Training Scale” (MiCTS). In addition, the MiCTS can be useful for measuring student and faculty outcomes with respect to training programs’ mentorship goals.
Ultraviolet Photoelectron Spectroscopy

A brief overview of ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) and related techniques is given. This technique measures the occupied electronic states in solids and at surfaces. In its angle-resolved version, it provides the complete information about electrons in solids. After discussing the underlying physics, a variety of applications in materials science are illustrated. Practical questions are addressed as well. Keywords: photoemission; band structure; surfaces; ARPES
Insomnia and Hypnotic Use, Recorded in the Minimum Data Set, as Predictors of Falls and Hip Fractures in Michigan Nursing Homes

OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between in-somnia,hypnoticuse,falls,andhipfracturesinolderpeople.DESIGN: Secondary analysis of a large, longitudinal, as-sessment database.SETTING: Four hundred thirty-seven nursing homes inMichigan.PARTICIPANTS: Residents aged 65 and older in 2001withabaselineMinimumDataSetassessmentandafollow-up 150 to 210 days later.MEASUREMENTS: Logistic regression modeled any fol-low-up report of fall or hip fracture. Predictors were base-line reports of insomnia (previous month) and use ofhypnotics (previous week). Potential confounds taken intoaccount included standard measures of functional status,cognitive status, intensity of resource utilization, proximitytodeath,illnessburden,numberofmedications,emergencyroom visits, nursing home new admission, age, and sex.RESULTS: In 34,163 nursing home residents (76% wom-en, mean age standard deviation 84 8), hypnotic usedid not predict falls (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)51.13,95% conﬁdence interval (CI)50.98, 1.30). In contrast, in-somnia did predict future falls (AOR51.52, 95%CI51.38, 1.66). Untreated insomnia (AOR51.55, 95%CI51.41, 1.71) and hypnotic-treated (unresponsive) in-somnia (AOR51.32, 95% CI51.02, 1.70) predictedmore falls than did the absence of insomnia. After adjust-mentforconfoundingvariables,insomniaandhypnoticusewere not associated with subsequent hip fracture.CONCLUSION: Inelderlynursinghomeresidents,insom-nia, but not hypnotic use, is associated with a greater riskof subsequent falls. Future studies will need to conﬁrmthese ﬁndings and determine whether appropriate hypnoticuse can protect against future falls. J Am Geriatr Soc53:955–962, 2005.Key words: insomnia; accidental falls; hip fractures;aged; nursing homes; Minimum Data Set; interRAI
Primetime for Subprime: Evaluation of the Treasury's Proposal to Prevent Another Credit Crisis

The first part explains how the symbiotic relationship between subprime mortgages and the derivatives market, together with regulatory acquiescence caused the current credit crisis. The second part explains the Treasury's proposal to prevent another credit crisis by adopting an objectives-based regulatory structure. Finally, the third part offers a critique of the Treasury's proposed objectives-based regulatory structure and instead advocates in favor of a single consolidated regulator structure.
Mg II Emission Lines in the Spectra of Cool, High Luminosity Stars

We present the initial results of a survey of the Mg II emission lines in the spectra of K and M giants, bright giants, and supergiants. Profiles of the Mg II h and k lines in 12 such stars are shown in a relative spectral type/luminosity class grid. Plots based on the h-line data illustrate the existence of a Wilson-Bappu. effect in these lines and of a slight dependence of the line asymmetry on V-R color. A time series of Mg II profiles for the M3 giant Gamma Cru show that the Mg II profiles have not undergone the profile shape changes seen in the Fe II lines from this star over the same time period.
Inequality, Institutions, and the Risks to Foreign Investment

Fails, Matthew D. (2012) Inequality, Institutions, and the Risks to Foreign Investment. International Studies Quarterly, doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2478.2012.00725.x © 2012 International Studies Association Income inequality is frequently given a central role in explaining diverse political outcomes, but the specifics of how, when, and under what circumstances inequality really matters are far from clear. This paper addresses these questions by examining whether greater levels of inequality raise the risk of expropriation associated with foreign investment. The results demonstrate that inequality matters in two distinct ways. First, inequality elevates risk, although consistent with the argument developed herein, the effect is strongest when chief executives face high constraints on their decision making. Second, inequality mitigates the otherwise protective influence of political institutions on the risk of expropriation. The findings are robust across a variety of estimation strategies, including instrumental variable procedures that correct for error in the measurement of inequality. The findings provide new insights regarding the determinants of foreign investment while simultaneously resolving one part of the contested literature describing inequality’s role in the political economy of development.
Interleukin‐1β, Interleukin‐18, and the Interleukin‐1β Converting Enzymea

When injected intravenously into humans and animals, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) is perhaps the most potent of the endogenous pyrogens. However, IL-1 beta is initially synthesized as a relatively inactive precursor molecule (proIL-1 beta) which lacks a signal peptide and hence remains inside the cell. To be active as a fever-producing molecule, proIL-1 beta must first be processed to an active mature molecule and secreted. Although several enzymes associated with inflammatory tissues are capable of processing proIL-1 beta into an active molecule in the extracellular compartment, the IL-1 beta converting enzyme (ICE, also called caspase-1) cuts intracellular proIL-1 beta after the aspartic acid residue in position 116, resulting in a highly active mature IL-1 beta that is secreted into the extracellular space. IL-18 is also initially synthesized as an inactive precursor molecule (proIL-18) lacking a signal peptide. IL-18 is a member of the IL-1 family, and like IL-1 beta, proIL-18 is cleaved by ICE to yield an active molecule. However, unlike IL-1 beta, IL-18 is not an endogenous pyrogen following intraperitoneal injection into mice. Nevertheless, IL-18 may contribute to inflammation and fever because IL-18 is a potent inducer of tumor necrosis factor, chemokines, and interferon-gamma production.
ON NAVICULAR DISEASE IN THE HORSE

Osseous bodies associated with the impar ligament have been reported to be chip fractures of the distal margin of the navicular bone and a radiographic finding in navicular disease. This study demonstrates that chip fractures do exist along the distal margin of the navicular bone and that there are, in addition, three other processes by which bone tissue may develop in the impar ligament: (i) ossification secondary to ligamentous damage, (ii) separate centers of ossification within the impar ligament, and (iii) ossification of cartilage particles in adjacent synovial tissue.
Development of a Controlled Rate Cooling System for Cryopreservation

Cooling rate is one of the most critical factors affecting the survival of cells during cryopreservation. A novel box-in-box device has been developed for use in the cryopreservation of human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). This work presents the comparison of experimentally observed thermal profiles for two different setups and, in the near future, cryopreservation survival rates of live cells accordingly. In experiments, using a simple protocol with a −80°C freezer, the box-in-box device is used to: (1) achieve an average cooling rate of −1°C/min with polyethylene insulation layers on both sides, and (2) achieve an average cooling rate of −2°C/min with a polyethylene insulation layer on one side and by having the other side directly contacted to the outermost aluminum case, both from room temperature to −40°C. The concept that utilizes thermal inertia of materials may be readily adapted to other cooling rates to support cryopreservation of a wide array of tissues and cells. It is concluded that the box-in-box system can be developed into a cost-effective, durable and reliable device for the cryopreservation of HCSs.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
The effect of metformin on breast cancer outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Observational data suggest that metformin use decreases breast cancer (BC) incidence in women with diabetes; the impact of metformin on BC outcomes in this population is less clear. The purpose of this analysis was to explore whether metformin use influences BC outcomes in women with type 2 diabetes. Prospective institutional databases were reviewed to identify patients with diabetes who received chemotherapy for stages I–III BC from 2000 to 2005. Patients diagnosed with diabetes before or within 6 months of BC diagnosis were included. Males and those with type I, gestational, or steroid-induced diabetes were excluded. Patients were stratified based on metformin use, at baseline, defined as use at time of BC diagnosis or at diabetes diagnosis if within 6 months of BC diagnosis. Kaplan–Meier methods were used to estimate rates of recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), and contralateral breast cancer (CBC). We identified 313 patients with diabetes who received chemotherapy for BC, 141 (45%) fulfilled inclusion criteria and 76 (54%) used metformin at baseline. There were no differences in clinical presentation or tumor characteristics between metformin users and nonusers. At a median follow-up of 87 months (range, 6.9–140.4 months), there was no difference in RFS (P = 0.61), OS (P = 0.462), or CBC (P = 0.156) based on metformin use. Five-year RFS was 90.4% (95% CI, 84–97) in metformin users and 85.4% (95% CI, 78–94) in nonusers. In this cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes receiving systemic chemotherapy for invasive BC, the use of metformin was not associated with improved outcomes.
Domino tilings of rectangles with fixed width

Let t(k,n) denote the number of ways to tile a 1 x n rectangle with 1 x 2 rectangles (called dominoes). We show that for each fixed k the sequence t"k=(t(k,0), t(k,1),...) satisfies a difference equation (linear, homogeneous, and with constant coefficients). Furthermore, a computational method is given for finding this difference equation together with the initial terms of the sequence. This gives rise to a new way to compute t(k,n) which differs completely with the known Pfaffian method. The generating function of t"k is a rational function F"k, and F"k is given explicitly for k=1,...,8. We end with some conjectures concerning the form of F"k based on our computations.
Effectiveness of a Radiofrequency Detection System as an Adjunct to Manual Counting Protocols for Tracking Surgical Sponges: A Prospective Trial of 2,285 Patients

Background Despite rigorous manual counting protocols and the classification of retained surgical items (RSIs) as potential "never events," RSIs continue to occur in approximately 1 per 1,000 to 18,000 operations. This study's goals were to evaluate the incorporation of a radiofrequency detection system (RFDS) into existing laparotomy sponge- and Raytec-counting protocols for the detection of RSIs and define associated risk factors. Study Design All patients undergoing surgery at the University of North Carolina Hospitals from September 2009 to August 2010 were enrolled consecutively. The performance of an RFDS-incorporated accounting protocol for detecting RSIs was prospectively evaluated. Several operative metrics were recorded to identify risk factors for miscounts. Results A total of 2,285 patients were enrolled. One near miss was detected by the RFDS. Thirty-five miscounts occurred, for a rate of 1.53%. The ultimate locations of miscounted items were surgical site (n = 11), within operative suite (n = 10), surgical drapes (n = 2), and emergency protocol deviations (n = 12). Perioperative variables associated with miscounts were higher estimated volume of blood lost, longer operations, higher number of laparotomy sponges used, open surgical approach, "after hours" operations, change of surgical team during operation, weekend or holiday operations, unanticipated changes in operative plan during surgery, and emergency operations. Body mass index was not associated with miscounts. Surveys completed by participating surgical staff suggested high confidence in the RFDS for prevention of RSIs. Conclusions The incorporation of the RFDS assisted in the resolution of a near-miss event (1 of 2,285) not detected by manual counting protocols and assisted in the resolution of 35 surgical-sponge miscounts. No known RSIs occurred during the study period. Risk factors for miscounts were identified and can help identify at-risk surgical populations.
Synaptonemal complex karyotyping in spermatocytes of the Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus). I. Morphology of the autosomal complement in spread preparations.

Using the Counce-Meyer spreading technique, in over 70 spermatocytes it was possible consistently to obtain whole, flattened nuclei containing complete sets of pachytene SCs. The SCs are visible in both the phase and electron microscopes. Each SC is morphologically intact, preferentially stained, and attached to the nuclear envelope by a dense, terminal plaque. It is thus possible to trace each SC for its entire length. Also, a structure representing the kinetochore is clearly visible in each autosomal SC. Karyotypes comparable to the somatic karyotype can be constructed by arranging SCs according to length and kinetochore position. The observed regularity of SC morphology implies structural stability sufficient to withstand the stresses imposed by the procedure.— A coarse network of closely packed nuclear annuli connecting SC attachment plaques often provides end-to-end associations and may tend to immobilize SCs during processing.— Three kinds of perturbation of SC structure are encountered. Twists in the SC frequently occur, but no regular pattern or correspondence with chiasma distribution is observed. SCs occasionally hook around each other without disruption, but in two instances the unpaired axis of the X apparently was interlocked within an autosomal SC. Stretching of the SC is infrequent; it is conspicuous when it occurs and is usually associated with other obvious distortions of the nucleus.— Distinctive morphologies of the X and Y chromosomes facilitate their identification in all preparations. — During zygotene, autosomal synapsis, i.e., the formation of SCs from the pairing of single axial elements, initiates at distal ends and terminates at the kinetochore region; neither initiation nor termination is synchronous among all autosomes.
Diverse eukaryotic transcripts suggest short tandem repeats have cellular functions

Previously thought "junk" DNA, short tandem repeats consisting of (GATA)n, or its compliment, were found in varied metazoan eukaryotic genomes but were rare in yeast and bacterial genomes. The (GATA)n sequence was found in cDNAs encoding mRNAs with known functions. At least 16 of 18 such transcripts encode membrane-associated proteins including: plasma membranes, synapses, mitochondrial membranes, nuclear envelopes, and brush border membranes. Flanking sequences were diverse but (GATA)n sequences clustered around 500 bases from stop codons. The (GATA)n sequences occurred in both orientations and showed constrained polymorphism. In sets of splice variants with and without (GAUA)n, the STR containing transcripts were the most abundant. These observations suggest that (GATA)n sequences probably function. In many cases, the function may be to encode post-transcriptional signals for mRNAs encoding membrane-associated proteins.
Genetic susceptibility to renal ischemia reperfusion injury revealed in a murine model.

BACKGROUND The development of genetically engineered mice has led to increased use of mouse models to study renal ischemic reperfusion injury (IRI). We hypothesized that susceptibility to IRI could result from strain differences due to genetic factors. METHODS Our study compared recovery subsequent to renal IRI in NIH Swiss, C57BL/6, and BALB/c mice. Serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were evaluated postischemia. We also conducted reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analyses of renal cytokines and adhesion molecules postischemia. RESULTS At 48 hr postischemia, renal dysfunction in NIH Swiss mice was significantly reduced, compared with other groups (P<0.01). BUN measurements confirmed renal protection at 48 hr in the NIH Swiss group. RT-PCR analysis of mRNA postischemia demonstrated that, between strains, there was little difference in mRNA expression for renal cytokines and adhesion molecules. CONCLUSIONS NIH Swiss mice appear to be resistant in susceptibility to renal IRI. Early expression of pro-inflammatory genes was not associated with resistance to IRI, thus genetic factors could be important in outcome after renal IRI.
Cancer as a dysregulated epigenome allowing cellular growth advantage at the expense of the host

Although at the genetic level cancer is caused by diverse mutations, epigenetic modifications are characteristic of all cancers, from apparently normal precursor tissue to advanced metastatic disease, and these epigenetic modifications drive tumour cell heterogeneity. We propose a unifying model of cancer in which epigenetic dysregulation allows rapid selection for tumour cell survival at the expense of the host. Mechanisms involve both genetic mutations and epigenetic modifications that disrupt the function of genes that regulate the epigenome itself. Several exciting recent discoveries also point to a genome-scale disruption of the epigenome that involves large blocks of DNA hypomethylation, mutations of epigenetic modifier genes and alterations of heterochromatin in cancer (including large organized chromatin lysine modifications (LOCKs) and lamin-associated domains (LADs)), all of which increase epigenetic and gene expression plasticity. Our model suggests a new approach to cancer diagnosis and therapy that focuses on epigenetic dysregulation and has great potential for risk detection and chemoprevention.
Mutation in fas ligand impairs maturation of thymocytes bearing moderate affinity T cell receptors.

Fas ligand, best known as a death-inducer, is also a costimulatory molecule required for maximal proliferation of mature antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. We now extend the role of Fas ligand by showing that it can also influence thymocyte development. T cell maturation in some, but not all, strains of TCR transgenic mice is severely impaired in thymocytes expressing mutant Fas ligand incapable of interacting with Fas. Mutant Fas ligand inhibits neither negative selection nor death by neglect. Instead, it appears to modulate positive selection of thymocytes expressing both class I– and class II–restricted T cell receptors of moderate affinity for their positively selecting ligands. Fas ligand is therefore an inducer of death, a costimulator of peripheral T cell activation, and an accessory molecule in positive selection.
Acoustic Emission Monitoring of Damage Progression in Graphite/Epoxy Laminates

The use of an acoustic emission system to conduct a test program involving five dif ferent graphite/epoxy laminates is presented. The system includes count-rate and amplitude distribution capabilit...
Neuropsychological and behavioral functioning in children with and without obstructive sleep apnea referred for tonsillectomy.

Adenotonsillectomy (AT) is among the most common pediatric surgical procedures and is performed as often for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as for recurrent tonsillitis. This study compared behavioral, cognitive, and sleep measures in 27 healthy control children recruited from a university hospital-based pediatric general surgery clinic with 40 children who had OSA (AT/OSA+) and 27 children who did not have OSA (AT/OSA−) scheduled for AT. Parental ratings of behavior, sleep problems, and snoring, along with specific cognitive measures (i.e., short term attention, visuospatial problem solving, memory, arithmetic) reflected greater difficulties for AT children compared with controls. Differences between the AT/OSA− and control groups were larger and more consistent across test measures than were those between the AT/OSA+ and control groups. The fact that worse outcomes were not clearly demonstrated for the AT/OSA+ group compared with the other groups was not expected based on existing literature. This counterintuitive finding may reflect a combination of factors, including age, daytime sleepiness, features of sleep-disordered breathing too subtle to show on standard polysomnography, and academic or environmental factors not collected in this study. These results underscore the importance of applying more sophisticated methodologies to better understand the salient pathophysiology of childhood sleep-disordered breathing.
REPRESENTATIVE IDEOLOGY AND THE VOTE FOR WELFARE REFORM

This article examines the congressional vote for HR3734, The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. The primary concern is to identify the factors that had a significant influence over the voting decision, paying special attention to representative ideology measured by Americans for Democratic Action and American Conservative Union voting scores. An empirical model is developed and estimated using logistic regression. The model incorporates proxies for representative ideology, constituent ideology, constituent economic interests, and the potential for legislative shirking. The results indicate that representative ideology was an important factor in the vote, but that constituent ideology and interests were also influential. Knowledge of the pattern of voting on the original legislation should prove useful to policymakers as the need for further refinement of the welfare system becomes evident, as it almost surely will.
Nanocrystalline bismuth synthesized via an in situ polymerization–microemulsion process

Nanometer-sized bismuth particles were prepared using an inverse microemulsion method. To prevent air-oxidation, an in situ polymerization technique using methyl methacrylate (monomer) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (co-monomer) with cross-link agent was employed, and polymeric network was formed around the water droplets. Our characterizations reveal that very highly crystalline bismuth particles on the order of 20 nm can be obtained within this polymeric network. Comparison with a similar microemulsion procedure without polymer indicates that the polymeric network protected the bismuth particles against oxidation, especially during post-synthesis annealing. The current investigation demonstrates a feasible route to produce single phase, air-sensitive metal nanocrystallites using this modified microemulsion technique.
Suppression of sialylated by sulfated oligosaccharides in negative MALDI‐FTMS

Sialylated oligosaccharides are suppressed by sulfated oligosaccharides during matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry. The sialylated oligosaccharide may be suppressed by as much as a factor of ten to twenty. This suppression factor is constant over a large concentration range. As both sialylated and sulfated (or anionic) oligosaccharides are found together in many biological systems, the suppression has important consequences in the analysis of these compounds. Methods for overcoming the effect of suppression without laborious separation are provided.
Model independent bounds on magnetic moments of Majorana neutrinos

Abstract We analyze the implications of neutrino masses for the magnitude of neutrino magnetic moments. By considering electroweak radiative corrections to the neutrino mass, we derive model-independent naturalness upper bounds on neutrino magnetic moments, μ ν , generated by physics above the electroweak scale. For Dirac neutrinos, the bound is several orders of magnitude more stringent than present experimental limits. However, for Majorana neutrinos the magnetic moment contribution to the mass is Yukawa suppressed. The bounds we derive for magnetic moments of Majorana neutrinos are weaker than present experimental limits if μ ν is generated by new physics at ∼ 1 TeV , and surpass current experimental sensitivity only for new physics scales > 10 – 100 TeV . The discovery of a neutrino magnetic moment near present limits would thus signify that neutrinos are Majorana particles.